Penn mag 4 reel

clarky1492 · Mar 27, 2025

Hi all bought a penn mag 4 515 off Ebay, private seller reel was new and never used, set up on the beach no problem loosened drag to pull line through rod eyes had my session then noticed drag no longer loosens star moves freely.. free spool works fine opened it up and can't find anything wrong can't believe this from a penn product anyone have any ideas ?

Reevsey · Mar 28, 2025

Sorry to be the one to give you the bad news but these reels have a reputation of being crap . Unfortunately this model of reel has slowly got worse each time they bring out a new model . The penn fathom range are far better and alot more reliable.

Angrybear · Mar 28, 2025

I thought it was the 525 that had gone crap & the 515 was supposed to still be OK ?
I'm sure I read that on here.

Trampster · Mar 28, 2025

Welcome to the Madhouse Clarky!

Sorry to hear about the problems with your Penn reel.

Reevsey · Mar 28, 2025

They share the same internals so I would imagine there both not great . But I may be wrong .

Mr Fish · Mar 28, 2025

Reevsey said:
They share the same internals so I would imagine there both not great . But I may be wrong .

I know my mate got a 525 4 and was all pleased as he showed me his new reel.

I said ‘err… you haven’t heard about the issues then?’

I think it lasted a few months

Beach · Mar 29, 2025

It's a welcome from me as well Clarky

Grimleyfiendish · Mar 29, 2025

It's quite likely that stem on which the star wheel sits has either cross threaded or stripped. That would be my first port of call. Don't think it would be drag washers.

Penn mag 4 reel

clarky1492

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Reevsey

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Angrybear

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Trampster

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Reevsey

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Mr Fish

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Beach

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Grimleyfiendish

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