Reel Question

[ardinn]

So I just bought 2 Penn surfblaster 7000's as part of a deal I couldnt pass up on adverts. Nice shiny brand new reely goodness.

Question

I notice there is no gear protection in the spool - as in I can stick my finger up under the spool at the top of the wind and feel the gears, this obviously is a bit worrying for sand, water, etc.

Maybe this is common, I dont know, I have never had reels that do this. Is it normal and whats the best way to care for them, bar the usually rinse out after use.