Each reel in the series comes with its
drag progression optimised for the specific
line class it has been designed for. With
the drag preset adjusted to yield one-third
of the line-class strength at the ‘Strike’
position, the drag progression will range
from minimal pressure just above ‘Free’ to
one-half of the line-class strength at ‘Full’.
Drag progression can be adjusted even
more, if necessary for special situations
or substantially different line classes, by
substituting the drag cams and drag clutch
springs from different VI-series models.
TOPLESS MODELS
The five ‘X’ model reels in the VI series
- 12VISX, 16VISX, 20VISX, 30VISX and
50VISX – have an open-top frame, enabling
them to be more easily controlled with
thumb pressure for livebait casting and
switch-baiting operations. These models
have drag systems optimised to suit 10, 15,
18, 24 and 37kg lines respectively.
BUILT TO LAST
Most of the materials used to build the
VI-series reels have remained unchanged
from previous generations of Internationals,
as their selection has already been refined
over more than 50 years.
The raw material for the spool and
sideplates is still forged 6061-T6 aluminium. Also
unchanged is the material for the frames, which are
made from extruded 6061-T6 aluminium.
The spool shaft, gears, gear shaft and handle shaft
are still made of stainless-steel, although a heat-
treating operation has been added for the pinion gears
of all models from 12VI to 70VIS to increase their
durability.
BETTER BEARINGS
Ball bearings are high-quality stainless-steel, with
protected areas featuring shielded bearings for less
friction. As the right sideplate bearings are in an area
exposed to water, they now have contacting rubber
seals to keep saltwater out.
While most models have greased spool bearings
for durability, the 12 and 16-size reels – as well as
all ‘X’ open-top reels – have oiled spool bearings to
give them super-free-spooling, making them better
for lobbing baits and free-spooling to wary predators.
Bearing diameter in all models from 12VI to 70VIS
has been reduced, which also results in greatly
improved free-spool.
ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS
Several other innovations have been incorporated into
Penn’s new VI-series Internationals.
These refinements include:
- Improved corrosion resistance by adding isolating
washers and by plating key components. - The shifting system for two-speed reels has been
updated. The button to move into low speed is now
oversize and easier to shift. It can be depressed with
the palm of your hand, which enables you to shift gear
without removing your hand from the handle knob.
Shifting back into high is also easier with a new button
that is more intuitive to operate. Servicing of this new
shift system has also been made easier.- The length of the handle blank has been increased
considerably in all models except the size 12. This
increases the torque that you can apply to the gearing. - The new soft-grip handle knob is contoured to fit
the grip of your hand. - The open-top X-model reels can allow slack line to
get looped around the harness lugs, so the 16VI to
50VI size reels have line-shedding harness lugs. The
inward taper of the new design encourages line to slip
off the lug and back onto the spool. - Drag levers are now machined from extruded
aluminium to make them lighter. - The ratchet click design has been improved by
allowing the click tongue to move independently of
the click button, which now creates a more consistent
click sound. - The ratchet on the 12VI model has been optimised
for presenting livebait to sensitive and wary species,
now featuring an adjustment knob to vary the
resistance.
These improvements all combine to make Penn’s
new VI-series International reels lighter, last longer
and perform better, while also being more comfortable
to use.
Besides lasting a lifetime and having a substantially
higher resale value should you ever want to part with
them, top-quality reels like this make each hook-up
far more pleasurable. They also give you greater
confidence and will significantly improve your fishing
success.
“Top-quality
equipment
like this
makes each
hook-up
far more
pleasurable.”
bluewatermag.com.au 73Improving a gold standard