Is Penn going downhill?

[Meat Hunter]

Bought a new Penn Fathom10 ENLD, reel has play in handle and in the spool also when in freespool. Never had a problem with a Fathom. The old Fathom star drags are not available, I have some and they are bullet proof! Does anyone have any issues with the Fathom II's? Not impressed with this reel. Sending it back and buying U.S. when a get a little more money. Maybe Seigler.


Meat Hunter......

[hammer4reel]

Bought a new Penn Fathom10 ENLD, reel has play in handle and in the spool also when in freespool. Never had a problem with a Fathom. The old Fathom star drags are not available, I have some and they are bullet proof! Does anyone have any issues with the Fathom II's? Not impressed with this reel. Sending it back and buying U.S. when a get a little more money. Maybe Seigler.


Meat Hunter......

Penn fathom 2 star drag reels are still available .

If handle has play possibly the cap nut needs to be adjusted .
I have a bunch of both styles and they are issue free

[Meat Hunter]

I know the Fathom II is still available. The original Fathom star drags are not, unless they're leftovers.

Meat Hunter

[hammer4reel]

I know the Fathom II is still available. The original Fathom star drags are not, unless they're leftovers.

Meat Hunter

Fathom II is the improved Fathom .

.Fathom II is also a star drag

[Capt. Lou]

I have a pair of the original Fathommodels 25 N ‘s !
I use them primarily for wreck and deep jigging !
I don’t use them more then 6/7 times per year for the past several years ! Plus some block Island striper fishing . So far about 6-8 seasons on them with not one issue , drags decent .
I keep them cleaned and grease never rinse them in water , so if the 2’s are improved then it’s one helluva reel and not that expensive .
I’m comparing them to various Saltigas I use on occasion .