Penn Torque 5 vs Van Staal 200

[KingCrab004]

I figured this topic might need its own thread . Dose anyone own a Penn Torque. Its made in the USA and can be found $200 less than Vs 200 BUT can it be compared to Vs 200. Like others have stated the Van Staal's have stood the test of time.   

[SurfJockey]

I don't know much about the Penn, but if you're in the market for a sealed reel, I'd stick with the tried & true VS.  Just my $0.02......

[Noworries2009]

Sealed means that salt water does not get into the gears and moving parts not just the drag. There aren't any reels out there except VS and Zeebass that offer this to my knowledge no matter what the price. Does anyone know anything about the new VS models "VM" they are a couple hundred less. Just wondering

[SurfJockey]

The Torque from Penn is claimed to be sealed just like the VS & ZB reels.  As for the VanStaal VM, it is not sealed.

[KingCrab004]

Some people said they don't like the way the Penn looks I think the Penn Torque Bailess in Black &  Gold look nice.

[Noworries2009]

The Torque from Penn is claimed to be sealed just like the VS & ZB reels.  As for the VanStaal VM, it is not sealed.

My bad  I haven't really looked at this reel yet. I can tell ya one season on the Penn Battles in the surf was enough. they won't cut it for me. Even just standing on the shore and casting messed mine up. With daily cleaning it's just not enough.Both 4000 & 5000 will need to be put on the boat only. Too much salt water gets into the reel and too easily breaking down the lube.

[FishOn]

There are two reasons why I would at this moment prefer a Z over a VS.  I have fished with both...the drag is much smoother on the Z. Second reason is that the Zs are self serviceable and do not require a annual maintenance fee along with sending the reel in to maintain the warranty. Is the difference in price worth these features...that is up to the buyer.  Why Penn can't make a plain Jane reel that does everything these reels can and save some money on fancy intriquete housings is beyond me. Imagine a sealed 706 or 704 in the $200-$300 price point with old-Penn quality internals. No special features, just well made and durable. It would be an instant hit with the surf crowd. Theres my $0.02.

[Bucktail]

Check out AlanHawk.com.  He has a thorough review of the Penn Torque as well as many other spinning reels.  Personally, I can't see paying over $600 on a reel to catch stripers.  But, to each his own.  

Good luck!  

[ChrisL]

  regarding Alan Hawk.
My personal preference is the tried and true VS. 

 Personally, I can't see paying over $600 on a reel to catch stripers.  But, to each his own.  

I felt the same way for a long time.  When you're wading to the outer bar and taking waves, the reel is going to get dunked and get sand in it.  The VS and ZB can take it and last many years of those conditions.  I can spend $700 once and have confidence in the reel.  Or replace a $200 reel every 3-4 years. 

[Noworries2009]

Check out AlanHawk.com.  He has a thorough review of the Penn Torque as well as many other spinning reels.  Personally, I can't see paying over $600 on a reel to catch stripers.  But, to each his own.  

Good luck!  

I've been saying this but this season made me change my mind. Any reel that isn't sealed will not hold up to daily surf trips. My new Battles needed too much attention to be my go to reels.  I NEED to move up 

[SurfJockey]

Nice heads up on the Alan Hawk site.  Pretty detailed reviews.

[Tacklebox Joe]

the fact is the Penn Torque just has not been on the market long enough for any factual statistics....stick with a tried and true reel like the VS or ZB....spend the money....

[blynch]

Since someone mentioned sealed reels... the newer daiwa saltigas are sealed... but at over $1000 I'd stick with the VS