Wednesday 3 September 2014

Penn Spinfisher Fixed Spool Reel: SSV3500 Spin

So, another season and another new reel! What I hear you cry? Are you mad? What happened to all the others you've had?

Truth be told, is that the supposedly waterproof Alcedo lasted longer than most, but ultimately failed (twice). First time the spool jammed (and what else I don't know). Secondly the handle broke (rivet actually wore out, therefore unfixable). Italia fishing charmingly charged me £4 to send me my old handle back. Thirdly, the spool head lifting mechanism, that basically is a piece of metal with a groove in it for a pin on the main cog, shattered into pieces. This last one can only be down to poor quality alloy casting.  Quite a mess, as you can see:
The wrecked gears of a two year old Alcedo Aluminum MTC Match Reel
Now I could send good money after bad, thinking along the lines that having one wrecked reel will do for spares for the new one. But what if this is a design fault? Can't buy spares for them. To be fair to Alcedo, their Marine Spin reel (also reviewed on this site) has fared much better and is still going OK. But I felt it was time for a change.

Never really got on much with Penn fixed spools in the past. Always seemed a bit like dinosaurs from another (all metal) age; strong but too heavy, with a somewhat agricultural line lay and gearing.  But last year Penn released a new watertight version of their Spinfisher series.  The new spec has one or two nifty features, and I feel the time has come to have another look at their latest reel.

Penn SSV3500 Spin
The baby of the series is still a pretty hefty beast. Penn seem to think their sizing should be a size larger than everybody else's for some reason, so for most of us a 3000/3500 size reel might be around the 300g mark or less. Not the SSV3500, on my scales this reel comes in around 412g mark (without line), so around an extra 4oz will be in your hand all day when casting. But does this matter, if we get five years out of it?  Is the extra weight a sign of robustness? Only time can tell, and I must admit that I don't really notice the extra weight so far.
SSV3500 between the Abu Cardinal Saltwater 174i (left) and the Alcedo Marine Spin 5000 (right).  The Penn reel is heavier than both and just marginally smaller than the 5000 sized reel.
The Penn SSV3500 feels smoother than previous Spinfishers that I've owned. Annoyingly, there is still a bit of play on the reel handle, something that you don't tend to find with brand new reels around the £100 mark (admittedly the SSV3500 is just short of that) but overall the reel is smooth and feels hefty and strong. The reel has the usual number of bearings, though Penn do stress that these are sealed and corrosion resistant.  However, I've never had the bearings on a reel fail.  For me, it's always the internal gears that go first, and saltwater ingress is the problem there. Hopefully the 'watertight' construction of the Penn SSV3500 will stop that being the first point of failure.

The reel's drag is also sealed and seems smooth.  This is important, as the reel has no reverse, it's in permanent anti-reverse mode.  If you like to play fish using the reverse rather than the drag, this might not be the reel for you.  For me, I grew up trout fishing and have always played fish using the reverse gear of the reel. This was partly down to the poor quality of fixed spool drags 30 years ago. They were unreliable, sticking things that were best screwed down tight and forgotten. But modern sealed drags are different. They are reliable and smooth, and the arguments for maintaining a reverse gear on the reel are not as strong. Finally, it must be said that playing trout out on a mountain river using your reel's reverse is one thing. Trying to control the heart stopping plunge of a big pollack at sea using a reel's reverse gear is not going to happen.  What is certain to happen is a breakage of something!

There is one killer feature I love on this new reel (other than it being watertight): a friction stop on the spool head when the bail is open. This is such a simple idea, but it effectively stops any chance of the reel handle swinging round and triggering the bail arm to close during a cast.  For the vigorous casters out there, we've all had to suffer snap offs with expensive braid and watched our expensive Japanese plugs disappear into the distance. I reckon this should cure it. Yes, it's a friction stop. So you can force the handle to turn and it will trigger the bail arm to close as normal, but it encourages you to flick the bail arm over yourself after casting which I have always considered a good habit to get into.

The reel itself comes with a nice parts plan and helpful instructions on filling the spool / line lay (more below):
Ah yes, the line lay. This is probably the only weak point of the reel. Never been a strong point of Penn's in my opinion compared to the Japanese competition, and frankly it is a bit "rustic" if you get my drift. To be fair, Penn do supply some washers with instructions on how to fix the line lay if it tapers in either direction. But I'm mystified why they can't build it so that the line lay is straight? Most decent reels just work straight off, with no adjustment needed. I'm not sure what's going on here, and sure enough, I filled up my reel with 13lb Grauvell Teklon Gold Mono that has a diameter similar to most 8lb mono and the line lay ended up tapered with a slight gap under the top lip of the spool and narrow at the top than the bottom:
The less than stellar line lay of the Penn SSV3500.
I did as suggested and fitted a narrower washer to the base of the spool and we'll have to see if it rectifies the line lay over the course of the next trip. It might not be an issue, but it does seem a bit odd to have to do this on a brand new reel.

So do I recommend the Penn SSV3500 for sea kayak fishing? Not yet, it needs to last a couple of seasons first! But from the spec, the reel ticks most of my boxes for sea kayak fishing.  It needs to be watertight and saltwater proof. These are the absolute minimum requirements for sea kayak fishing, as our reels get splashed every minute or so when trolling, either by paddles or waves. There's no way to avoid this, so any reel has withstand this treatment. Then there's the price. True, the Penn isn't the cheapest reel out there. But it is the cheapest watertight (not waterproof) reel out there.  Penn do have a good reputation for making reliable, robust reels, albeit at a weight cost!  But if you're considering a new reel for sea kayak fishing, there are very few around that can do the job if you want one that you can use for more than just a season and I'd definitely check it out.

As always, I'll update the review at the end of the season (which is pretty soon now) to let you know how the reel has performed on the sea.


30 comments:

  1. Nice post!

    That Alcedo now is quite useless...It really seems like a bad design fault or maybe cheap metal with defect...

    Best of luck and let's see how tight the Penn really is!
    Looking forward for the "part 2" :)

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The complete blogs are really inconceivable and definitely everyone will share this information. Nicole Haws

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a mechanigm to catch fish.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for this Great sharing i like this post.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a truly enlightening and motivational piece you've got here. I'll be sure to take note of all your pointers.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This Spinning Reels are very helpfull for fishing Here i just find some 10 Best Spinning Reels

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would like to share more about fishing reels suitable for fishing. I have been using fishing rods for sea fishing and i have very good experience with this rod. thanks for sharing the information.
    Regards,
    Kevin - Seadoo Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  8. its good to reading this... nice

     Fetal Monitor

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good to read. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Our Agency CALL GIRLS IN DUBAI Have Fully Up to Date Escorts In Dubai With New Faces Belongs From Fashion Industry And Modeling.

    call and whatsapp number +971561616995
    http://dubai-peaches.com/callgirlsindubai.html
    https://www.scoop.it/t/dubai-escorts-by-anjalimodel9
    https://vk.com/dubaiescorts.verified

    ReplyDelete
  11. All Our Indian Pakistani CALL GIRLS IN DUBAI Are Available For In Call And Out-call We Are Waiting For Your Call Anytime you need.

    call and whatsapp number +971561616995
    http://dubaiescort-verified.com/callgirlsindubai.html
    https://www.scoop.it/t/dubai-escorts-by-anjalimodel9
    https://vk.com/dubaiescorts.verified

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Friends welcome here in Dubai hot young CALL GIRLS IN DUBAI office. we are an amazing and a standout amongst the most well known organization here in Dubai for gorgeous escorts.

    call and whatsapp number +971561616995
    http://dubaiescorts110.com/callgirlsindubai.html
    https://www.scoop.it/t/dubai-escorts-by-anjalimodel9
    https://vk.com/dubaiescorts.verified

    ReplyDelete
  13. I give Entertainment and Peak sex to my companions who calls me in the night. I am accessible all the ideal opportunity for your administrations. In the event that you need to meet me you can call CALL GIRLS IN DUBAI. I am accessible day in and day out for you.

    call and whatsapp number +971561616995
    http://www.escortsdubai110.com/callgirlsindubai.html
    https://www.scoop.it/t/dubai-escorts-by-anjalimodel9
    https://vk.com/dubaiescorts.verified

    ReplyDelete
  14. My past encounters with various man of honor was extremely decent and in future I need refined man with a noteworthy identity and positive outlook CALL GIRLS IN DUBAI. I like individuals who regard others since I am somewhat passionate.

    call and whatsapp number +971561616995
    http://independent-escorts-girls.com/
    https://www.scoop.it/t/dubai-escorts-by-anjalimodel9
    https://vk.com/dubaiescorts.verified

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello there. My name is Alia and I am from India. I am a traveler in Dubai and my energy is to wind up noticeably a Modeling Star. I am accessible to traverse CALL GIRLS IN DUBAI and will come to you.

    call and whatsapp number +971561616995
    http://www.dubaihighescorts.com/
    https://www.scoop.it/t/dubai-escorts-by-anjalimodel9
    https://vk.com/dubaiescorts.verified

    ReplyDelete
  16. hi gentlman my name is Mahnoor Baloch I am 21 years of age. I am school going girl..I am exceptionally alluring, beguiling, delightful and provocative CALL GIRLS IN DUBAI.

    call and whatsapp number +971561616995
    http://escort19.com/
    https://www.scoop.it/t/dubai-escorts-by-anjalimodel9
    https://vk.com/dubaiescorts.verified

    ReplyDelete
  17. Do you know that You can find any various of thing that you are looking for or any help you may need on one technology site.. What you need to do is to visit best technology site. They published, How To, Latest News, Phone Reviews, Crack Software, Custom ROM, Stock ROM, Custom Recovery, e.t.c
    Stay Connect With Sherotech An Gain More On sherotech blog

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am really impress with you for the selection of new and unique topic and also well written article on it. Thanks for sharing with us. Wafi Apps

    ReplyDelete
  19. Really Helpful. Thanks For Sharing this Great Idea.
    Managed Backup Solutions

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Dear,

    I Like Your Blog Very Much. I see Daily Your Blog, is A Very Useful For me.

    You can also Find Japanese spinning reels Shop a unique range of Japanese Spinning Reels and Daiwa Fishing Reels Made in Japan at Fishingshop.kiwi. We offer you premium quality japan made accessories with affordable prices.

    Visit Now:- https://fishingshop.kiwi/category/Reels/

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hurry Up Book Delhi Escorts For Fulfill Your Sexual Desire
    Are You looking for open minded Delhi Escorts who give craving for some bed action.we are providing babes as lowest prices rates to our customer any time because they are working here a part time and i will pay her salary per customer. so don't worry just call us getting Call girls In delhi service for fcuk now.
    Delhi Escorts
    Escort in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hey, I'm Shweta who is looking for a pleasure time to spend with new guys.
    They know how to book call girls; they know how to enjoy with these call girls and at last, they know how to maintain privacy as well.
    Mumbai Escorts
    Escorts in Mumbai
    Mumbai Call Girls

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello Guys, My name is Ankita but people call me Miss Delhi. I am an Independent Girl, I love music and love to spend some time with hot boys. Mumbai Escorts is the best Escorts Girls service in Mumbai free and paid sex incall and outcall independent agency.

    ReplyDelete
  24. You can Book Female Escorts From Your Lovely Hotel Rooms. You will Be Happy and Satisfied with Our High-Class Dwarka Escorts Girls. We Have Different Type OF categories You Will Select them By Viewing Their Erotic Pictures.
    Dwarka Escorts
    Dwarka Call Girls
    Call Girls in Dwarka

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am the most gorgeous woman in Green park escorts. you can call Green park escorts and fix a time to meet me. I will make you have the best orgasms of your life and you would be really grateful that you called me. I know many different ways to please you, so give me a chance and come spend a hot night with me. You will get great service with lots of added benefits for me. Want to get a good sexual massage? Call me right now! We can spend hours making love to each other. So, don’t hesitate and book private time with me now. Kalkaji escorts


    ReplyDelete
  26. I am Ishika, the most glamorous hot and sexy young girl you will ever see. If you want to enjoy sexual pleasures without any mental stress and are interested in meeting me, then you can become a wonderful partner through Jaipur escorts without any hesitation. You can play with my big Boobs.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I was searching for a proper explanation about fishing spinning reel Thanks, admin, for sharing such wonderful content on this topic. Now I have got everything I need about it. Here’s another informative content on Fishing Spinning Reel You will get well researched information about it.

    ReplyDelete
  28. iTube Studio is more than just a downloader; It enables you to convert videos to any format including MP4, MPEG, 3GP, AVI, MP3, MA4, and WMV, and you can download videos to any device including iPad, iPod, iPhone, Android, Apple, and other popular devices. Installing iTube Studio is as simple as downloading the installation file into the app and is done in a snap. This program also supports batch downloads.
    iTube Studios Registration Code
    Express VPN Activation Code
    Solidworks Keygen
    PSFescape Activation Key

    ReplyDelete
  29. A fishing line for carp · Gardner GT HD Low Vis Line · ESP Syncro XT Line · Korda Touchdown Mainline · Daiwa Sensor Mainline

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...