Kicking off the Season with the 2008 International Sportsmen's Expo San Mateo (continued)
 

Penn: Back at ICAST Penn introduced the Torque Reel to much acclaim. They follow up on this reel with a new lever drag version. The goal was to incorporate the benefits of a star drag reel with the fish-ability of a lever drag. The new reel features a patented drag system that actually has five drag surfaces. The reel incorporates a large diameter stacked drag cartridge that enables the reel to achieve incredible drag ranges while minimizing the force exerted across the reel.

Penn had a number of new reels to show us at the event

The new stacked system eliminates the "binding" felt in smaller lever drag reels when they are set up to achieve higher drag settings. The design accomplishes this by multiplying the number of drag surfaces and decreasing the amount of force exerted across the reel by the lever.

Meet the latest addition to the Torque family, the new Lever Drag

Why are Penn reels sometimes heavier? Check out the Penn gear on the left versus the competition

Penn adds a counter to the retro styled Levelwind series

Going retro with the 209LC: New for 2008 is the 209LC, a levelwind counter reel designed to eliminate time consuming line pulls when trying to put your bait right into the bait balls below. Penn levelwind reels are classic, and the design and look dates back all the way to the 1940's. Recent product enhancements have fueled a resurgence in the popularity of this retro styled series, while also leading to improved performance capabilities of these reels. Local salmon fishermen that are both trolling and mooching will appreciate this charter boat friendly model.