Penn Fathom braking blocks or mag?

[m.b3]

has anyone tried the following?

https://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/ ... .18626777/

[beachbuddy]

Hi Mark,eventhough im not fishing as much as id like these days I cant sing the praises of the fathoms high enough.Ive both 12's and 15's fitted with Chris Macey mag kits and Blackdog mag kits.Really sturdy and very controllable .The Chris Macey reels were bought magged from new but other reels were fitted after a few months of usage.
If you dont want hassle of worrying about blocks then Chris Macey magged reels would be a solid investment.The 12s are 515 size,capacity and 15s are 525 dimensions.I mainly use the 12s and they hold more than enough .35mm mono.
You won't go wrong with them.

[m.b3]

cheers for the feedback. i have heard nothing but good things about them. the post in the link suggests that fitting new brake blocks is a cheap alternative to the mags. how good it is though i dont know? hopefully more fishing this year!

[gearoid mc s.]

Recently got one, seems very well built I am a big fan.

Will keep an eye on the block setup for sure, the above seems a very logical solution and the comments in the thread back it up.

Adjustable mag conversions are costly and overrated for fishing unless hyper distance is essential.

[m.b3]

it would be nice if it was a quick fix-let us know how you get on with it!

[ste c]

Iv a pair prob the last 4year still going strong on 2 brake blocks bullet proof reel not far off a saltist

[m.b3]

cheers Ste just wanted to know if the mag offers much in the way of casting over fitting new blocks. the mag conversion has a nobby thing on it and i am enough of a nob on the beach as it is!

[gearoid mc s.]

Have 2 15's now.

Opened up the casting on them the last few trips and the block setup has (unsurprisingly) disintegrated. Loose springs inside the left plate and despite engaging only two blocks after a few hard casts all 6 are on. They were designed for uptiding perhaps not able the full pendulum treatment.

Will be converting to the above in the coming weeks.

Have to say though, that aside they are a top reel and my current favourite.

[m.b3]

good man keep me posted! has to be worth a shot.

[beachbuddy]

I know this might sound barbaric,but when I got my first fathom I did have a few times where the blocks had engaged by themselves.Took the decision to remove 3 completely with the aid of a pliers.My trail of thought was fish with 2 engaged and if the other re engaged no biggie.Fished this way for a year or two and then got greedy and purchased a separate [fishing mag kit]and a reel already shop magged reel.
Brilliant reels even with the alterations.

[gearoid mc s.]

I know this might sound barbaric,but when I got my first fathom I did have a few times where the blocks had engaged by themselves.Took the decision to remove 3 completely with the aid of a pliers.My trail of thought was fish with 2 engaged and if the other re engaged no biggie.Fished this way for a year or two and then got greedy and purchased a separate [fishing mag kit]and a reel already shop magged reel.
Brilliant reels even with the alterations.

I would be concerned with spool balance if two non-opposing brakes were on, it could be very loud on casting.

Symmetry is key with multi spools.

[ste c]

Iv only 2 running in mine no problems and not noisy

[beachbuddy]

Iv only 2 running in mine no problems and not noisy

Same as that Steve,2 engaged worked best.Certainly no noise or unbalanced spool issues.

[gearoid mc s.]

As have I two running on mine with no noise issues. My concern as above would be running 2 brake that are not opposite each other thus unbalancing the spool

[beachbuddy]

Too complicated for me Gearoid im afraid to answer,but I understand your concerns.Mine are working fine and hopefully they continue to do so.

[gearoid mc s.]

Converted this over the weekend to two small brake blocks. Was out the next day fishing and both reels are going noticeably further although they are running on the edge, would probably go with 1 large and 1 small block with yellow rocket for a safe running speed.

Having engaged 2 blocks on the penn setup last time I had them opened, one now had 4 engaged two of which were missing springs which I still have not located in the reel.

So happy now with the setup of reels and it's pretty much essential to either convert brakes or mag these but it is a bit of a joke to have to DIY a new reel before you ever use it.

[m.b3]

great stuff fair play for the feedback.