Penn spinfisher ss / shimano baitrunner

[skiper]

i never use penn spinfisher ss but i impressed with the capability of this reel.
for me this reel is vintage and strong....but some say better buy baitrunner
than spinfisher.both i never use but both impressed me a lot.anybody have
opinion about this?

one more thing,which is better reels with bushing or with bearing?

[Green Machine]

I would second the baitrunner over the spinfisher.

That said... a cheaper alternative you should check out - Okuma's new line of spinning reels. I bought the new Salina series and love it. Dual disk drag which is very smooth and is capable of huge drag numbers, 5 bearings, built to last in saltwater environment, instant anti-reverse, very light weight. Very nice for the price.

I have used Daiwa BG series reels from size 15 to 60 forever, b/c they are extremely durable and reliable with very good drags and you can get parts easily. I am giving these Okuma's a chance to replace them completely if they hold up.

[BTH284]

Hands down the baitrunners

[Avenger]

A cut and paste of my previous post on this subject:

A friend and I bought outfits with 6500B's and we both HATE them. These things behave like they're designed to braid line (note: I said to braid line, not for braid line). I've owned a lot of spinning reels and never had one that could twist up line like this thing. We've tried just about everything and every brand of mono available, some better, some worse but all a problem. The drags seem to go from 0 to 60 in about a quarter turn, the real problem is you can't tell which 1/4 of the 10 or so turns it takes to adjust it is going to be the one. And lastly, and I know this is minor but it speaks to the engineering, the operation of the baitrunner lever is bass-ackwards. When engaged it's up against the reel body, which means it's sticking out all the rest of the time. I'm going to respool it with braid and see if it does any better but so far I'm not impressed.

[kingchaser]

Some may laugh but I have an Okuma Alumina and have used it king mackeral and giant red drum fishing and it has worked great at both with a smooth drag. Very affordable also.

[captcl]

I have used the Spinfishers for a long time on many of my surf rods and have always had good luck. I'm talking the 6500 and up. they get used regularly get rinsed off dried put away and have cauight all kinds of fish.
That said i have never owned a Shimano spinning reel but the stadard flap around here is baitrunner. Personally I don't think alot of offshore boat owners or Captains pay that much attetion to spinning reels unless it's a stella or a bait runner.(us inshore small boat guys use spinners alot more !) Sure to have stirred the pot here! My last spinners have been Quantum Cabo 60 for boat and my first ever daiwa an emcast pro that i have on a 10' 8" star surf rod. I have used the Quantum for 3 seasons got it to see about having a mid expensive high end reel ( to please charter customers who look for gold hi-end tackle and trick electronics) and am very satified with it's performance for a variety of work. The daiwa is a rocket launcher! It casts a mile with that tappered spool and is also impressive to look at. I also have 2 okuma EF 50s for inshore work with 4 seasons of regular use and have had agood service from them.Shop around! Don't follow the crowd! The Shimmanos must be good there are so many in use and they have a parts and service system in place. If I had the budget you can bet my boat would be carrying Stellas and or Van Stalls!

[Randy Stinchcomb]

Hands down the baitrunners

X's 2

I have 4 Baitrunners and have had 0 problems outta' any of them
now I didn't sea where NE1 addressed the issue that Shakerspeare bought-out Penn a few months back, so not sure how that will affect quality or warranty or.....

[trowpa]

Gotta pile on and cast another vote for the baitrunners.

I have a BTR 4500B and BTR 6500B - love them both. I used to own a 3500B until a car accident destroyed it (RIP).

I also own a Penn 8500 SS which i keep only due to the line capacity and as a backup. I don't use it unless i have to.

no competition - baitrunners all the way!

[YMMV]

I have used both before and either reel will work for you. IMHO, the BR seems to be smoother of the two. Never had problems with either of them.

[BrothaBob]

I have the BR4500B and BR6500 models as well as the Penn 7500SS. I love them all but I have to give the edge to the Shimano's. The back drag on that model rocks