*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
i know that the penn 975 internationals with star drag have been problematic (internal corrosion) but i was wondering if the lever drag model has the same issues?
I have both, I have not had any corrosion problems. My 975 CS is the one I use the most. I fish daily and cast allot. I really like them, they cast well, drags are OK. I personally think the Sealine 20 or 30 is a way better part, drags are superior etc. But the 975's I have have been flawless on Albacore up to 40 lbs, and Tuna up to 60-70 lbs.
__________________ "a doughnut is only one step above a rent rod"
I'm with den1- have used a 975 LD for three years without problem (replaced drag this year), but also own AVET reels (several sizes) and think they are the best value on the market. If I was buying new, I would go all AVET if possible.
I've got the Avet SX too, an early*version that had it's share of problems.* I understand that the newer style is suppose to be better.** I wish that*the Avet*had the levelwind feature on it as I fish Power Pro line on it.* It's a pain in the finger using braided line without levelwind!* I used the 975 LD mostly for inshore Striper fishing, jigging and clam bellying,*fish up to 30 Lbs.,*I haven't found a fish that can't be stopped with the Calcutta 400 yet, and IMO it's the smoothest and most trouble free of the three.*
Penn had some problems with bearings in some runs but otherwise the 975's have been durable. The 975LD though is way over priced for what you get. I'd rather have an Avet SX or MX
wayne, my view is skewed because i only see the failures. i've gotten pretty good at fixing the 9 series internationals. please note that this is not necessarily a good thing. my recommendation for star drag reel maintenance is as follows....
after every fishing trip, strip off all the line and throw it away. now use the thumb screws on the right side plate and separate the frame, the spool and the right side plate. spray thoroughly with a water hose. use compressed air to blow out all the excess moisture. use reel x to lube the left side plate bearing, the levelwind assembly, the right side plate bearing and the handle. reassemble the reel and respool with fresh mono.
prior to this all of this, you should remove the drag washers, apply a liberal amount of shimano drag grease to the penn drag washer and reassemble the reel. set the drags to 25-33% of line strength and leave the drag clamped down forever and ever and ever. this will prevent water intrusion and drag failure forever.
the above recommendations apply to star drag reels, not lever drag. for the lever drag 9 series international, any amount of water intrusion will make the dry penn drag washer stick and cause the cheap bearings to seize. the design is so incredibly poor that it borders on criminal. the only way to prevent a total meltdown of the penn international 975 lever drag is to NEVER GET IT WET. i'm sorry. i know lots of guys fish with this reel and have success with it. i've also had many guys come to me saying they used it once before it seized up. i have a strict zero tolerance policy towards this type of failure.
curious to know what the reel repair guy fishes with? the progear classic series 500 and 550, straight out of the box, no modifications. check it out. alan
wow this post saved me from buying a 975 ld. Thanks for the info. I really like the shimano calcutta 's but they don't have a lever drag and a level wind. I need both or really would like to have both. any recommendations with these qualities?
brian, this is a whole different can of worms. here's the list of lever drag levelwinds. the ambassaduer is garbage. it has cork drags and it's a nightmare to work on. penn has a 320 GTI lever drag and the level wind assembly is not so bad. pull the drag out, grease it and it should hold up fairly well. daiwa, okuma, pfleuger, accurate, avet and progear are out of the game. only shimano is left.
the shimano charter special is a very popular lever drag levelwind salmon reel out on the west coast. the levelwind assembly is very flimsy. the drag washer is canvas and not very reliable. there is a penn ht-100 drag washer from the slammer (part #6-5600) that fits nicely. you just have to bore out the inner diameter to match the stock canvas drag washer. currently, my machinist friend is working on a topless frame for the charter special. add a greased carbon fiber drag and a belleville upgrade and you've got a real pocket rocket.
that's it! i still prefer the progear classic series 500 and 550. btw, i am on no one's prostaff, i accept no money or tackle from any reel companies, and i slam all reels equally.
I have a few 975LD's.... I try to keep atleast 3 of the main crank bearings on hand. Never had drag or lube problems just the one damn bearing that always rusts and then is worthless... Im pretty sure if you were to take the crank off, and spray the bearing after every trip with WD40 let it dry then add liberal amounts of grease youll be fine. I seem to have the same bearing problem in Calcuttas so its not a penn specific problem. The 1 way locking bearings seem to have a stainless outer case, but mild steel rollers that are garbage
I have 3 - 975s and 1-965......The only problem I have had was with the clickers breaking.* Regarding maintenance - like all my reels, I soak them in fresh water for an hour at the end of a weekend - in that water I pour a few ounces of a saltbuster product.* Everything is working fine on my reels.*
wd-40 is another problem. it will penetrate into the drags and make them stick. it's not uncommon to find drag washers that are soaked with wd-40. we also generally avoid it on bearings because of it's tendency to turn to varnish after sitting during the off season. reel x, corrosion x and quantum hot sauce seem to be less of a problem in that regard.
my preference is to use shimano drag grease on the carbon fiber drags, corrosion x on the bearings, and yamaha engine grease on all the other non-exposed metal surfaces and screw holes. to protect exposed metal surfaces, you can spray wd-40, reel magic or corrosion x onto a towel and wipe it down thoroughly. just don't hose it down with wd-40.
Just an afterthought. I use the Breakfree CLP*lube on my bearings and lubed parts. (all that dont call for grease). I also use it to wipe the reels down. It is a great baitcaster bearing lube. It has a cleaning component in it that keeps the bearing clean and free spinning. It is kind of light, so it offers no spool slow down for those who need that type of lube.
__________________ "a doughnut is only one step above a rent rod"
i know that the penn 975 internationals with star drag have been problematic (internal corrosion) but i was wondering if the lever drag model has the same issues?
I have a 975 and a 965 and both have not had any corrosion and are two of the best reels I have ever owned in their class. I have had my share of troubles with all brands icluding Shimanos and Diawas but the 975and 965 have been flawless. I have the star drag models.
wow this post saved me from buying a 975 ld. Thanks for the info. I really like the shimano calcutta 's but they don't have a lever drag and a level wind. I need both or really would like to have both. any recommendations with these qualities?
Brian
Don't let one post put you off. The 975LD is an awsome real that will give you, your chidren and your grandchildren good service for years to come. And when something breaks down the line you will still be able to get parts for it.
Excuse me, Alantani? Just wondering about something you mentioned earlier:
"...the ambassaduer is garbage. it has cork drags and it's a nightmare to work on..."
Really? I mean, call it garbage if you like; I don't care. But I happen to have one in my shop. The drags are not cork, it is not a nightmare to work on and mechanically speaking it is virtually the same reel as the TLDs, Okumas, some Penns... You know the one. Even easier to work on than the rest thanks to the knurled thumbscrews and proper threads as opposed to GRP (graphite) frame. I hate the uglyass drag lever though.
So are we on the same page or what? This is an Ambassadeur 7000 LD from last year.
penn 975 lever drag opinions 
THT sponsor
