penn fathom 15 v's penn mag 525 mk2

[g-force]

The fathoms have a much better drag system and a free floating spool when not in gear

Main difference I noticed was that the Fathoms have an all metal cage (like the Saltists) as opposed to the plastic ones of the 525s. I had many issues with the old 525s & a 535 (cage broke first time I used it!) which put me off the Penns and tbh neither of the new models really appeal either.

Gary

[jonesey]

Just ordered 4 fathoms so better not be crap Probably mag them if any problems develop but certainly wasn't going to get 525mag2 as virtually everyone i know with them have had problems with them from the mounting plate coming loose to binding issues etc. Found the 525 mag1 spot on but did have one end plate crack.

[stephie1]

Main difference I noticed was that the Fathoms have an all metal cage (like the Saltists) as opposed to the plastic ones of the 525s. I had many issues with the old 525s & a 535 (cage broke first time I used it!) which put me off the Penns and tbh neither of the new models really appeal either.

Gary

525s have aluminium spools m8 not plastic. Ive got a mag2 and so far no problems with it. And i do put it under pressure when casting but do generally look after me gear. Wish the spool held a bit more 18lb line though lol. Guess ya either get a goodun or a pig.!!

[deanwar]

Just ordered 4 fathoms so better not be crap Probably mag them if any problems develop but certainly wasn't going to get 525mag2 as virtually everyone i know with them have had problems with them from the mounting plate coming loose to binding issues etc. Found the 525 mag1 spot on but did have one end plate crack.

You wont be disappointed with them, i replaced my silver saltists with them and never looked back
a friend of mine had 2 of the mounting plates come loose on 2 525mag 2s in the space of 7 weeks. I Wouldnt go near them after i had seen that
i have kept hold of 2 usa built 525 slidey mags though, wouldnt part with them, great little reels

[deanwar]

525s have aluminium spools m8 not plastic. Ive got a mag2 and so far no problems with it. And i do put it under pressure when casting but do generally look after me gear. Wish the spool held a bit more 18lb line though lol. Guess ya either get a goodun or a pig.!!

he didnt say the spool was plastic mate! really dont think it would last long if it was, the reel cage is plastic the same as the original 525mag the fathom is full metal body

[david.northeast]

Main difference I noticed was that the Fathoms have an all metal cage (like the Saltists) as opposed to the plastic ones of the 525s. I had many issues with the old 525s & a 535 (cage broke first time I used it!) which put me off the Penns and tbh neither of the new models really appeal either.

Gary

Yeah forgot to mention about the full metal body

[g-force]

he didnt say the spool was plastic mate! really dont think it would last long if it was, the reel cage is plastic the same as the original 525mag the fathom is full metal body

Yeah, that's what I was saying, cages not the spools - I think the new 525s & Fathoms have the same spools, but the 525 mag one obviously doesn't have the 6-pin brake system fitted like the Fathom.

Gary

[stephie1]

Sorry lads i read it wrong must be disliksick lol.
Yes cages are like a composite /plasticy material. Are fathoms not the same stuff like.????

[Cod,cod,cod!]

I'm rough as with my gear...but my 525 originals are still working!

Might have to invest in one of these magged Fathoms. Mate had one but it was useless with the breaks in..

[david.northeast]

Sorry lads i read it wrong must be disliksick lol.
Yes cages are like a composite /plasticy material. Are fathoms not the same stuff like.????

No mate full metal jacket

[Bob C]

No contest, the Fathom is way superior to the 525s. As has been said, Penn made a major blunder bringing it out in competition with them.

[Boro5707]

penn fathom 15 v's penn mag 525 mk2

Love my 525 mag originals but are a bit battered now and will need replacing soon. Got bought a 525 mag 2 as a preseant, so 4x mags and 525 mag 2. Mag 2 is no where near as robust as the originals but have had no problems with it. Now use it as a clean ground reel and casts well. Also have had no problems with line going between spool and cage which a lot of people have had, even with below .35mm line but wouldn't use it in the rough. Thinking of replacing my 525's, how does the saltists 20 compare casting wise? The fathoms breaks have put me off them a bit, but magged maybe would be another story.