I was looking at different Penn Senators throughout the years and I realize that they have changed, for instance, the older chrome plated brass spools have been replaced by the black aluminum spools, and I'm not sure of the other changes. But what years are the best performing and most durable of all the years? 60s,70s,80s,90s,2000s?
The earliest senators had various problems with spools parting, burnt out drag, broken gears, and total reel warping as well as bent parts. This is typical of a new product that needs improvement. As for the bigger reels, I believe some of the earliest had 3 piece spools, then an improvement was made for 2 piece, then i'm pretty sure one piece spools were made. Material for bridge bars and other metal parts have been upgraded as well as aftermarket frame kits for the smaller reels. Also with the spools it went from chrome plated brass spools with no rim/edge, then for a very short time the spool shape was changed to the one with a protruding rim but with no black coating. Soon after the black coating was added to prevent corrosion. People eventually preferred kicking out more drag in there senators with aftermarket non-asbestos washers. And now recently Penn has started stocking all of their reels with HT-100 carbon washers for improved performance and additional drag. The reels do have limits and can be blown out, especially if not maintained. So about the decades of good senators... I wouldn't go with one of their 1950-1960's reels, they're for a shelf not on a rod lol. Your choice from then on is preference of spool and frame mainly.
Just an average fisherman.
thanks for the info, what is your preference of spool and frame?
80s. 80s were the best. Big owle chrome spool. Black handle one piece spool. Absolutely no continuous problems. They rocked
Unfortunately, the new ones are made in China.
yeah that does suck that the new ones are made in china, does anyone know if the black spools are better than the older chrome ones? or is that more of a matter of preference?
Is there anything anymore that's made in America? That was THE attraction of PENN ;Made In America, Glad I got some when I did,
When I get any more,I'll look for older ones.
Unfortunately, the new ones are made in China.
not an expert on where penn produces everything but if you go on the penn facebook page they have a link of the new 14/0s with pictures that show they are being made here in the states!
im pretty sure just the internationals and i guess the new 14/0s are now being made in the U.S.
They aren't made here they are assembled here. Avets and accurites are machined and built here tho
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Read what's on the home page of the link below for the Penn Senator. It says the last Senators made in the U.S.A. It may be that it only applies to certain models; however, my recently purchased115L2 9/0 was made in China.