I bought a couple of these reels for my kids and they were always haveing trouble with the level wind. They told me that the level wind was just something else to breakdown, so I redone the reels and took off the level wind parts off after they broke one day when we were out fishing and they could not use their reels any more. this created problems that day and they will not even consider a reel with level wwind any more.

Mrsailfish

 

I think they are good reels. I use the 320's quite often and have caught all manner of fish on them. To answer your questions, if you are going to use them bottom fishing, I would remove the level wind - it will wear out pretty quick bottom dropping. I don't know the exact numbers on the drag, but I can tell you that I have caught plenty of kingfish, wahoo, amberjack etc.. on my 320's up to about 60 lbs. without tearing up the reels. I have said it before, the penns are not the flashiest or fanciest reels around, but they are well built and get the job done.

 

iIfought a huge unknown fish on a 330 a couple of years ago for over 3 hours. The reel performed very well, the fish eventually came unbottoned . We never saw color and followed the fish some 8 miles around North Baker. Have several 310s that have caught a buttload of fish (and some big ones at that) with no real maintanence on them. All are at least 5 years old.

 

I have used 2 330 for several years ...the drag will handle medium sized fish ,
snapper,kings , most aj's . changed out the handle with one off of a 114H
(much more comfortable). I use 65 lb spectra on mine for bottom rigs.
Never have to touch the line with the levelwind .They have held up well.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

 

The removal of the level wind will create a situation in which the line can slip between the spool edge and the frame. Use the typical Penn 500 trick to narrow that gap and/or run heavy line to minimize that problem.

Also plug the empty holes created by the removal of the level wind to reduce water entry.

 

Don't remove the levelwind. It will last unless you fish offshore a couple of times a week every week, in which case you need to go and get a Senator for a cheap reel. The 320 and 330 levelwinds are not a problem with normal use. They are built for 30 pound line so if you want to load it with 80 power pro and hammer down the drag then expect it to last about as long as one big AJ. On the hand, it will catch most fish in the gulf with a 10 pound drag setting.

 

I have a 330 and I like it a lot. We had a problem with the level wind but we fixed it and it's been fine ever since. It has handled fish to 80lbs.

Brad

 

Mine's gone through many fish... balckfin, kings, cuda's etc. Drag still holding up great. Levelwind sucks.... they're always breaking.

 

have no problems with mine, and have now passed it down to my son. 30# mono, it is excellent within its acceptable range.

 

Agree with everyone...I have two currently and am fixing to buy 3 more...Perfect for 20-60 pound fish, may take a while to bring in the 60 pounder but definately peasable...As far as bottom fishing and what not I have not used my reel enough(as a guide would) to specify its longevity or dependability...But so far I am happy with what I have used it for.....RYAN

 

I have 4 for sale. I dont like mine. 200 takes all 4 without the level wind.

 

Whats the reservation about 330 COASTAL

 

I have 3 320's and only 1 has had level wind problems. They have caught loads of kings, mahi up to 30#, snapper up to 19#, lots of BFT, and I landed a 50-60# YFT on one with a working levelwind on the TBB charter. All on 30# Momoi Premium line (not the Diamond line).

The drags are supposed to be the same as the senators but Penn's versa drag should provide a better option if using spectra.

 

I maintain my 320s' and have never had a level wind issue. Clean, dry and lube is all it takes.

Mine have 50# big game and the drags hold up really well, especially on large, open water, amberjack. On structure we break out the Avet artillery and still lose fish....

If you don't take care of your tackle, go with the senators. They will last much longer without any TLC.

steve

 

Level wind

I bought a Penn 345 GTI from Deep drop fishing. The level wind makes line management on those deep drops a no brainer. The guy at Deep Drop says the level wind performs well but you will have to replace the level wind pawl gear once every approximately every 10 trips - the gears are cheap and you should keep several on hand. He loads the reels with 65 lb. spectra and says it can handle any fish you want. You can tighten the drag on this reel as well as the Senators with a pair of pliers to even lock the drag if you wish. Any questions he will answer if you look up his number on his website.