Penn 515 mag 2 or Abu 6500 high speed

[bigandy]

Hi lads, looking at these 2 reels to add to my river rod. I want a small reel to help with the balance of my rod. I have the old 525 mag extra and love it, jury still out regarding new mag 2 reels. I keep looking at the Penn thinking build quality does not look as good as old models, made in china is also a worry. I know some people love them but have heard a few stories about faults.
I have read up on the 6500 high speed and like the look, I used to use ABu's years ago but tend to use Penn and Daiwa now. The 6500 looks really good for the money, how do people find the 6500, do any lads have both the 515 and 6500. Any opinions would be appreciated.

[guy]

the abu drag would put me off as not as good as the penns got the new 525 mag and like it but the mag dial on mine takes some turning as its stiff been using it straight from the box so no idea if its a better caster than my old supermags as its full of the factory grease

[hawthorn]

What isn't made in china nowadays........even the abus'. Have a look at the akios shuttles too.

I can't fault the build of the new penn, I have both old and new 525 models.

[codseeker]

carnt understand some folk whats the best reel etc if ya get a decent fish on reel like mad if ya stop that fish will hang you up in an instant i know some reels have different ratio,s but i do use a basic penn 525 mag and carnt fault any of the penn models get the fish in close as ya can once ya shockleader as rolled onto ya spool then worry getting it out happy days

[stevenswales]

ive always bought and loved abu's (6500 CT Mag Pro - is mega ) But earlier this year i lapsed to peer pressure and bought a new 525 mag2 - a few months later i sold it to a guy on this forum! without ranting on, my two biggest issues with it where; the reel 'foot' is way to small thus: it moves all over if you have anything over 4lb on the end of ya line! and, the handle is really flimsy.

apparently, the old models are much better according to a few of my friends, so i may try one of those before i totally right penn off!

[seabeast]

you wont go wrong with abu, 6500hi speed have one, drag powerful enough smooth as silk, like anything look after it keep clean no problem. in the land of the blind the one eyed man is king gelasius 13th century.

[bigandy]

reel

The comments recieved are exactly what I was looking for, thanks lads. I asked the question purely for this type of reply, not sarcastic ones!
thanks