Penn 950SSm

[Just Pluggin Along]

Hey guys,

I'm relatively new to the forum but have become addicted to it already and unfortunately we still have snow up here in northern New England.
I'm in need of some technical support. I just bought a new Penn 950SSm spinning reel and when I took it out of the box and gave it a couple spins I started hearing a clunking noise. After closer inspection and observation I notice that as the reel is spinning the spool would rise normally but then when it would start to come down the spool would just drop all the way down instead of a smooth decent. Am I missing something here or could there really be a technical issue that may need to be fixed or replaced.

Thanks for any help you can provide,

Just Pluggin Along

[junior26]

If you just purchased it and have not spooled it yet, just go return it. My friend has a 850ssm with no issues and several decent blue sharks to the boat.

[flyerphan13]

all that needs to happen is UPS or Fedex or any shipping company drop the box and the reel may break. Just return it for a new one, and check it before you leave the store.

[Just Pluggin Along]

Unfortunately, I bought it online and didn't want to pay to ship it back, if the seller will even take it back. I do have a Penn service center near me and can see if they can evaluate it and at least give me an idea of what the issue might be. It was still sealed in the factory box so I know that it was new. What have others experienced with this reel in terms of durability. I don't want a reel that breaks when dropped.

[flyerphan13]

Unfortunately, I bought it online and didn't want to pay to ship it back, if the seller will even take it back. I do have a Penn service center near me and can see if they can evaluate it and at least give me an idea of what the issue might be. It was still sealed in the factory box so I know that it was new. What have others experienced with this reel in terms of durability. I don't want a reel that breaks when dropped.

I don't own a 950ssm, but I own 2-850ssm, 2-750ssm, and 1 650ssm. All have been beaten, dunked, and dragged through the sand and still working like new.

[flyerphan13]

did you buy it from ebay or a tackleshop online?

[Just Pluggin Along]

Ebay.
I am going to contact the seller and see what he says but his policy is no returns with very few exceptions. I guess you live and learn. Just trying to save a buck these days.

[tightlines58]

Good morning......If you have any problem either with dealing with the on-line sales or taking it to your service center,which may not have that reel or parts in stock,have the reel sent into the Penn factory in Philadelphia.Address it..... "Service Dept. Attn. Tom Blecker" .It's defiantly a warranty issue that would be covered at no cost to you.Sounds like the oscillating gear that sits in the end of the reel housing may have snapped. Easy enough repair.If you have any questions at all,please feel free to contact me. You can email me here or there are contact numbers below.

Take care......Tom

Thomas Blecker/Service Dept.
Penn Reel Mfg.
(215) 229-9415 ext-181
Cell (215) 500-2026

[Just Pluggin Along]

Tom,

Thanks you for your help. I will try the local route so this sort of thing doesn't happen again via shipping but if I do run into any issue I will be sure to send it in. How should I anticipate it being handle from a service center? Will they replace it or try to repair it?

Thanks again!

[tightlines58]

Hello.....just a guess,but sometimes service centers could be limited on parts availability,so they just may do a exchange on the reel. Just depends on the service center.

Take care.....Tom