Sea Fishing and Sea Angling Online: Penn International 16/s

Penn International 16/s
================================================================================
Mike Thrussell on 01 January, 2006 12:30:00
 
The 16S is the baby of the twin-speed reels. By simply pressing a button at  the
base of the handle and pushing the handle inwards and outwards, you can  shift
from high to low gear at will. Low gear ratio is 2-1 and the high ratio  4.5-1.
The low gear option gives you an edge when a fish needs lifting from deep  down.
The reel is built around a one-piece aluminium cage, forged aluminium spool 
and aluminium side-plates, all anodized in gold for maximum corrosion 
resistance. The gears are tempered stainless steel and the reel runs on 
stainless steel ball-bearings giving smooth retrieve under heavy pressure from
a  deep fish.
The lever drag is also ultra smooth with a wide lever arc increasing pressure 
by small increments. You can pre-set the drag by turning the drag set button 
housed on the right side-plate clockwise to increase, and anti-clockwise to 
decrease pressure.
The  handle is big, roughly barrel shaped and very comfy. You can fist grip it
for  maximum cranking power when needed. The handle also has a lubrication port
for  easy access of oil to keep things turning freely.
The reel seat is cast stainless steel and screwed directly to the reel frame 
for strength. The reel is also supplied with a reel clamp for extra security, 
and you get harness lugs for harness connection.
Spool capacity gives you 1000-yds of 16lb line. Some anglers though, choose  to
load the reel with 25lb or even 30lb line. The reel weighs 42ozs without the 
line loaded.
VERDICT
I use this reel mainly for  20lb class line fishing for porbeagle sharks,
occasionally for fishing areas  where there's a chance of bigger than average
blue sharks. It's proved tough,  reliable and a joy to use. The drag is totally
predictable and suffers no  problems when thoroughly soaked in water through
stern splash.
One thing that is disappointing is that the line alarm lever has a black 
button pressed over the retaining nut. This keeps falling off and will 
inevitably get lost. I've had to put a small piece of PVC tape over it to keep 
it in place.
That niggling alarm button problem aside, overall the reel gives excellent 
value and will last a lifetime with regular maintenance and sensible  care.