Penn 50W
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Reel Questions!
Forum Description: Reel answers from a reel expert - Steve at Swordfish Marine
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=101746
Printed Date: 04 Jun 2026 at 6:35am
Topic: Penn 50W
Posted By: krow
Subject: Penn 50W
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2014 at 8:47pm
|
Hi Steve. I'm looking at running 80lb braid on a 50w over winter for Puka and live baiting deep water kings. I have both the TW AND STW models. Firstly are the reels up to the task without unduly shortening its life? I Think the "50" implies they are designed for 50lb line? Secondly should I change the thrust (or are they called break) washers to the 80lb ones? just looking at them it's hard to tell the difference. I assume they are firmer? And lastly what reel of the two would be best. Thanks
|
Replies:
Posted By: swordfishsteve
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2014 at 7:53am
|
Hi Krow Thanks for your enquiry regarding Penn 50W reels, firstly the Penn 50TW is a single speed model with One drag fibre washer and the Penn 50 SW is a Two speed model with Twin drag fibre washers, so normally I would recommend using the two speed Penn 50 Sw reel with twin drag washers which is more than capable of using 80lb braid on without shortening its life. yes the 50 size was originally designed as a 50lb line weight reel, however more than capable of working well with 80lb line ( braid or mono). The thrust washers you have mentioned are called Belville washers, these are a constant pressure spring washer which applies pressure to the drag washers, they come in a variety of thickness to suit required drag working range, firstly I would recommend having your reel Blueprinted to start with then we can set up the required drag range and pressure to suit your application, it is imperitive to start with flat smooth drag metal plates and then drag fibre washers in good condition before you do any tuning work changing Belville washers. FYI : My solo Swordfish recently was caught on a Blueprinted Penn 50 VSW using 80lb JB hollow braid & 37kg mono top shot delivering up to 20KG (44lb) of smooth consistent drag pressure for nearly hours with no issues, the Penn 50W reels are highly underated, IMHO.  cheers swordfishsteve ------------- REEL REPAIR GUY - Swordfishsteve, That Is Who I Am and That is What I Do : See More At :www.reelrepairguy.co.nz |
Posted By: krow
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2014 at 9:24pm
|
Thanks Top reply
 . Great to know they'll handle it. I don't want to be setting a reel up for 37kg permanently as I want to use it for 24kg come the summer. |
Posted By: krow
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2014 at 9:49pm
|
Ps Well done on the Broadbill. I might have to go chase a Broady too then.
|
Posted By: swordfishsteve
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2014 at 8:33am
|
Krow How did you get on with Tuning your Penn 50W reel, do you need any assistance with it? cheers Swordfishsteve ------------- REEL REPAIR GUY - Swordfishsteve, That Is Who I Am and That is What I Do : See More At :www.reelrepairguy.co.nz |
Posted By: krow
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2014 at 1:41pm
Well I tried the stronger Belville washers and didn't really notice too much difference so left them in for using on both 24 and 37 lines. So far no issues, but then the reel hasn't been tested on braid as I didn't manage to get a good weather window over the winter.  Now spooled with 24 again ready for the new season.Thanks for your interest Steve and good luck with this season no doubt you'll be out chasing those B.B. again.
|