Penn Spinfisher V = CRAP

[Poseidon10/31]

I purchased aPenn Spinfisher V less than 3 weeks ago and used it 6 or 7 times since then. My buddy was looking at it yesterday and goes "what's going on here?" He couldn't turn the handle and thought the line was wrapped around the rod tip or something. I took the reel and had to manually twist the bail while forcing the handle to turn. Once it broke loose it turned freely after a few turns. For some reason it was seized up?

Really? After only 6 uses?!?!? I did dunk it once, but this reel is supposed to have these amazing waterproof gaskets for the drag and internals. I could see this happening overtime on a regular reel that was being beat up but this one, already?

Looks like this reel is crap, figured it couldn't be worse than the baitrunner I had. Not sure if I get defective gear or just catch fish too big for my gear? I give em a gentle freshwater wash down every use and reel up the slack on the fish... I dunno.

I've gone through 3 spinning reels since I bought my avet, and that thing still works beautifully. Knock on wood.

Anyways, I'd say stay clear or the Spinfisher V, never had a reel seize up after 6 uses...

[pinoyboykev]

You should check out this article. http://www.alanhawk.com/reviews/spf.html

[gruntking]

its really hard to buy a good spinner i use to go through stradics left n right

[Poseidon10/31]

You should check out this article. http://www.alanhawk.com/reviews/spf.html

Wish I read that 3 weeks ago. It really is hard to get a decent spinner without breaking the bank Gruntking. Rare, if I had the money I would have bought a Van Staal a long time ago. Just don't have $700 to spend on a reel. I was hoping the Penn would be worth the $170 or whatever but looks like that's not the case. I can return it for sure, just don't know what to do cause I'd like to have a decent spinner in the arsenal.

[BEOWULF]

What size is your Penn V?

Btw, Alan Hawk really pushes his test reels to the max. But there's no excusing the water intrusion his test reel experienced.

[swordfish]

Yeah... Unless is a Staal, anytime you dunk it break it down, WD40 it (as in dunk it in there) then grease thoroughly! You fish from the Yak all the time, I would save up for a used Staal brother, there just simply ain't anything that will stand up to the punishment without dying. You will laugh at this... I SWEAR by my Cabo 40, was bought brand new the month they came out with them, that was over 6 years ago if I am not mistaken... I have dunked it several times, done the above and it is STILL kicking... I am getting a new one simply because its old and I want the new look and lighter weight... It is a TANK.

-swordfish

[migs24]

Have you given a penn 4/0 any thought? I figure since you use it from your yak and you won't be making long casts anyway. I've dunked mine in the wash (sand and water) multiple times and after a decent clean and grease (im no reel expert but I get by) and I've never had it fail 4 years later. A ton of blacktips and sharks up to 9 ft, its seen its use. Relatively inexpensive compared to a van staal and its never acted up on me.

[diggin4grouper]

Penn Spinfisher V are great reels but are maintenance hogs , the water tight thing is for the gear box and drag system but not for the one way bearing , since it sits just under the rotor where the shaft comes threw is not sealed and that is where water will get in to the one way bearing , the thing is that you have you have to take the rotor off and oil the bearings in there like after its dunked or sprayed real heavy with the water hose or they will rust and will seize up , and dont use WD40 on reels, wd40 stands for water displacement number 40 not salt displacement , with wd 40 if you dont clean your reels often you will see a white build up of salt and will flake the paint off the reel

[swordfish]

Hmm interesting, I always have, never had a problem, however I learn from other peoples mistakes or try to anyway. The reason I use it is cuz it usually gets all the gunk out including the old grease till parts are shiny clean, then I lube it all back up. Is there a better way?

-swordfish

[diggin4grouper]

Hmm interesting, I always have, never had a problem, however I learn from other peoples mistakes or try to anyway. The reason I use it is cuz it usually gets all the gunk out including the old grease till parts are shiny clean, then I lube it all back up. Is there a better way?

-swordfish

more effective than wd40 its called Corrosion x its more effective on not leaving a salt residue on the reel i also use it on the guides for the rods . http://www.amazon.com/Corrosion-X-90104 ... orrosion+x

[tears143]

So, how do I use this stuff?

Take the reel apart... clean it and then spray it in?

[Poseidon10/31]

Just traded that reel in for an avet mxl 5.8 mc. Decided to just get another conventional since I know the avets hold up to the abuse and I can't afford a Van Staal or comparable spinning reel. Only cost me an additional $10 over the return price of the SSV!!!

I only use the manufacturer approved reel lubes, I was told long ago to NEVER use WD 40. Even tho I couldn't remember why exactly that is, I still haven't used it.

Oh well, guess now I might have a couple spinning rods to sell...

[Username28]

Just traded that reel in for an avet mxl 5.8 mc. Decided to just get another conventional since I know the avets hold up to the abuse and I can't afford a Van Staal or comparable spinning reel. Only cost me an additional $10 over the return price of the SSV!!!

I only use the manufacturer approved reel lubes, I was told long ago to NEVER use WD 40. Even tho I couldn't remember why exactly that is, I still haven't used it.

Oh well, guess now I might have a couple spinning rods to sell...

You're probably better off