penn 515 mag reel

[BAZACODBASHA]

Hi,
Just been looking on the internet, and I notice Penn have introduced a slimmer version of their 525 mag reel. (Penn515 mag). As an owner of a 525 mag reel, personaly I think theyr'e quality. So I am thinking of buying a 515, but I would be intereseted if any one on this site owns one (I know they haven't been out for very long ) and if so wht are their oppinions of them.
Cheers.

[Bluesboy12345]

Penn 515 Mag 2

I bought one about 1 week ago. I have only been fishing for about 1 month so my opinion is probably worthless but here goes. The first 3 casts were marvellous much further than my Penn 535 (a rough ground reel) then I had a massive birds nest due to me not knowing about setting the magnets (it was set on the lowest), after I mastered the magnets setting I had 30 casts without a birds nest the magnet control was excellent and I can now easily cast without "thumbing the spool" (is that the expression?) until the weight hits the water. I have not caught any fish yet so can not comment on its ability to deal with heavy loads (lol). The main points I would say are:

Pros
Casts easily
Cast far (for me anyhow)
Quiet in operation
Excellent retrieve speed
Effortless retrieval
Very light and compact (it looks tiny)
Superb functionality of all the gadgets, drag, ratchet, etc
Very classy looks (I like black & gold)

Cons
Seems a bit pricey possibly?
Made in China (this does not bother me as every household item and electrical/electronic gadget I own is also)
A gadgie with big muckle fingers on a cold wet winter's night would struggle with its small size maybe?
The handle is disproportionatly large compared to the reel? (no big deal!)
It does not hold large amounts of line (so you would buy the 525!)

As you can see I am biased in favour of the reel and in my vast fishing experience of 4 weeks I feel myself wanting to go out casting/fishing with it (the truest test of a boy's toy gadget) much more than any other reel I have owned.

I have posted some pictures in a previous post.

Overall a cracking little reel!!

[BAZACODBASHA]

Thanks for that Bluesboy. Probabaly all the info I need to convince me to at least have a look at one.
Can I ask you where you bought yours from ? Seen them on the internet from £134.00 (+ p/p), but I would rather get one from a tackle shop if possible.
Thanks again for the info.

[g-force]

Was in Lewis Tackle in Whitley Bay yesterday as a batch of 515's were being delivered - £139.99 is the going rate. Might as well buy from the shops as if you have a problem you can take it straight back rather than incurring further postage costs sending it back to some internet dealer.

Gary

[Bluesboy12345]

I bought mine in Reelsport in South Shields for £139, as g-force says if there is a problem it is easier to take back to a local shop, it helps keep local shops in business.

[BAZACODBASHA]

Hi,
Cheers mate. Bought one today from Lewis Tackle in Whitley Bay for £139.99. If it's as good as it's bigger brother (525), I'll be delighted. Looks like an excellent reel. Tried it on my newly purchaced Century Tip Tornado Ultralite, and it looks made for the rod. However the acid test will come when I try them out, hopefuly at the weekend.
Fingers crossed.