Penn Slammer vs Shimano Spheros?

[bassnblues]

I'm in the market for a new spinning reel to replace an aging Penn Spinfisher on an old 7' St Croix Premier rated for 12-20 lb.

The Spinfisher is getting re-purposed to a heavy Penn Slammer rod that used to be my party boat blufish rod and now will see duty for snagging/livelining bunker and maybe a Drum trip this spring.

I'm considering either a Slammer 460 or a Shimano Spheros. I have a Slammer 360 and I like it a lot but the Spheros looks nice and I like Shimanos too. Does anyone ahve any experience with the Spheros?

[Bucktail]

New model or old? 

I have a couple of the older model Spheros (4000s) and they are great little reels!

The newer models have an improved spool design that is closer to the Stradic FI (which I also own) and is a terrific reel!

[bassnblues]

Not sure. Did they change it for this year? Last time I looked at one was maybe a couple of months ago.

There a lot of them on ebay at good prices so I asuume those would be the older models.

[Bucktail]

Yes.  The newer model ("b" series) actually came out two years ago.  If you're looking for a deal, you may be able to find an older model cheap somewhere.

[bassnblues]

I'vev seen both A and B. I was wondering what the difference was. Thanks.

[IrishAyes]

With the new model I don't think there is a switch to allow you to back reel. Don't know if there are any other differences.

[Salty Dog]

Cabela's has a sale going on now,with the Fin-Nor ahab.No matter what size you want it's $109.These reels start at $250 and go to $279 @  Cabela's.Good name,good price.

[bassnblues]

Nice deal!

[Tacklebox Joe]

being that i'm looking for a new inshore set up  this spring ...gonna check this deal out at cabelas site!!! any size fin-nor ahab reel for $109 sounds good doesn't it?

[Tacklebox Joe]

fin-nor ahab

[Bucktail]

Here's the deal on Fin Nor.  They were an extinct company a few years ago until WC Bradley (Zebco, Quantum, etc.) resurrected the brand name.

These reels are discontinued and parts will be scarce soon.  If you search around, you will find many unflattering comments on these reels.  The biggest problem is that they are old technology.  They are not braid friendly.  Probably because they were designed in the days of mono.  Most modern reels are made with braid in mind, i.e. the spool design and winding patterns of the reels.  Another knock on them is that they are very heavy for their size.

One other thing I'd like to mention.  We have several board sponsors that sell reels.  Many of them have supported this board in many ways - including generous contributions to our tournaments and banquets.  So far, Cabelas has donated nada, zippo, bumpkus, zilch!

In other words, if you enjoy being a member of NJ Saltwater Fisherman, please consider supporting those businesses who support us!

Thanks.  Rant over.

[Pfishingruven]

I will 2nd what BT said.  If you want a reel for braid, DON'T buy a Fin Nor!!  Lots and lots of bad reviews of use with braid.  They don't lay the braid properly and during casting and retrieving you will end up with big birds nests.  Basically, guys sold them off if they were using braid, they were completely unusable with braid.

[brijones1]

I have a spheros 3000fb and a 4000fb and they have both worked great last year.  They have a really strong drag system and paired with a shimano trevala rod you can't go wrong.  My setup is perfect for fluking and strong enough to tackle the big stripers.  They work really well with braid and mono....

[Tacklebox Joe]

thanks bucktail for the stats on fin-nor. since i strictly use braid with a fluro or mono leader the reel would not be logical. leaning towards a daiwa or a shimano.

[Jeffish]

I'm going for a Shimano Stradic for my surf setup. I did however drool over the ZeeBass Z-Preme for about 10 minutes though. It comes with a fancy wooden case!

But after doing some extensive research reading customer reviews, along with many ideas/opinions from lots of members, I came up with the spheros is great for the money. Monthly oil/lube, and weekly/daily rinses will do you good with this reel. Make sure to get the whole spool while cleaning it, as the spool is anodized, and the saltwater corrodes it quickly. Aside from the obvious cleaning stuff, they are easy to self maintain, replace parts, etc.

This is all information that I've gathered from various reviews from customers.

[bassnblues]

Thanks everyone.

[bassnblues]

I was ready to pull the trigger on the Spheros but then I saw the Shimano Sorroco...Shimano quality and half the price. I'm sure the internals are not as good as the Spheros but I think it'll do ok hauling in the bass & blues...

Just ordered it from BPS since I had a $50.00 gift card. I'll let you all know how it holds up.

[Bucktail]

We sell that reel.  I haven't fished it, but it seems like a pretty decent reel for its price point. 

Good luck with it!

[Tacklebox Joe]

Bucktail,

where do you sell that reel or any other tackle for that matter? Thanks,

[Bucktail]