The Fishermans Net

After taking quite a bit of advice on board from the lads over the last week I've took the bull by her horns ( her indoors ) and raided the bank to fund new gear. So I had the option of a new 525 mag or a 535 Mag2.

I took the second option of the 535 Mag 2 and won a second hand model for £45 on ebay early hours this morning I took this option so I had more funds available for the new tripod and rod

Have I made a mistake or grabbed a bargain

Be gentle if your going to tell me I've poo pood lol

I dont know anything about the mag 2 mate but if its anythin like the original plenty of people swear by them, sounds like you got a bargain bud.

The Mag2s IMO (and many others) are much inferior to the origionals but if you've never used one you wont know... they are still decent reels.

I don't know what you intend on using it for either but if its just for shore use.... the 525 would have seen you right through almost every imaginable application.

For £45 though its worth a go.

You got yourself a bargain mate! The 535 is a tad on the large side, similar in size to an Abu 7000, so it won't be quite as well balanced as a 525 but it won't be problematic. I've been an Abu man all my life but I bought a Penn 525 Mag2 last year and I'm EXTREMELY impressed with it. Far more cranking power than an Abu 6500, very smooth in the cast and an excellent ratchet...you'll have heard the ratchet last weekend a few times! In fact I like it so much I've just bought another...and an Akios 656 CTM! The only downside is that it has a small reel seat. I usually pair it with my zippy that has Japanese cross shrink tubing, but at the weekend I had it on my century which has plain shrink tubing, less hard wearing, and the tussle with the Huss caused the reel to move a little and it's chewed up the shrink tube. I'd recommend applying a layer of tape on your rod where the reel sits if you're using coasters rather than a reel seat. Be untested in your views on it once you've given it a run out.

Yes, agree you got a bargain.. I have the 515 Mag2, and the 525 Mag2, and both are fantastic reels, had the 515 roughly 2 years now, and the 525 bought last year. Also got the 535 GS, a good heavy ground/boat reel..Had that years, thinking about it....

Cheers for the feedbackLads,

Graham, I've ordered a iridium 4200 14 ft rod it feels great and has some cracking reviews online, but i have also spied a zippy secong hand elswhere as a second rod for 75 quid but need to get a new tripod so it may well have to be left this month

I'm out all next weekend ( bank holiday ) after another free pass so I think a trip over to the Llyn might ne on the cards for a change

It'll balance up better with a big 14fter, and since you're 6ft+ and built like a brick sh*thouse you'll have no problem in handling a set up like that. I'm over in Pwllheli next week for a sales conference so hoping to get time for a quick evening session. Hoping to get a pass out for bank holiday too.

since you're 6ft+ and built like a brick sh*thouse

Thats very good of you to say so Mate

I've got the original 525mag never had a service going to soon out of guilt, and it still runs like a dream, had the 515 now for about 3 years and very happy with it, I think you've chosen well

You did very well to get one for that price as they retail about £120 and have not been available that long so the reel should be like new.

mixed views on this one. everyone I no would rather stick to the original American 525's which ive got and can safely say have served me proud.
but i have now moved on to the penn fathom 15's.which are metal bodies the same size and hold the same amount of line. and at £92.50 new are spot on.

Nice to see you have taken the advice onboard Sean and done something about it. Top man. I feel happy that I've learnt you a little you will be up there soon mate catching everything

After experiencing the problems and mishaps when we were out It had to be done Ian, Thanks to yourself, Godders and Gazzer I went home with plenty to think about and a lot more knowledge . Knowing it had to be done I raided my shooting funds and took the advice onboard. Thanks lads for your help and advice.

I've got a few 515mag2 and a 525mag extra, never had any issues with them over the years. I much prefer the mag control on the newer mag2 reels. A bit of regular TLC and there as good as the day I bought them. The Fathom is also a top reel which I've used a few times but I don't own one yet. I bought an Avet reel a while back and I can use it for anything it's just class, well worth a look.