Penn 4/0 113h internal differences

[SlantEyEdTuna]

I have 2 penn 113h senator 4/0s. One is the older burgundy one and the other is the newer red one. Are there any differences between the two internally? Im thinking of getting rid of one and was wondering which is the better one to keep.

[Steve K]

Not much difference internally. Older series has an access to drags from outside the reel. By removing the handle and star you can get to the drags, but many times the washers are all stuck together and you have to go at it from the inside anyway. The one to keep is the one that turns the best, has best freespool and least slop/backlash of the handle shaft. Depending on what else you have, you might keep both and take a look a putting on one of the aftermarket frames, topless Tib frame was my choice. You could also speed it up with 4:1 gears and have a better reel for yoyo fishing.

Or, you could do what I did and get rid of both of them. I'm now 4/0 free. One got replaced with a Newell 533-5.5 for surface iron and the YTS finally gave way to a Baja Special.

[alantani]

most of the guys that i know that would have a preference would probably prefer the old burgundy side plates. i wish they would bring those back. i like the classic look. a few of them had plain steel main gears and thick funky drag washers. the drag washers would need to be replaced anyway. otherwise, the reels would be the same. alan

[SlantEyEdTuna]

I just took apart both my reels to see any differences inside. The red one I purchased recently used and havent had a chance to fish with yet. I think the newer red one has 4:1 gears in it. I counted more teeth visually on the main gear so I marked the spool and gave it a turn and it made 4 turns for one crank, whereas my old reel only made a little over 3 turns. Does anyone know who makes the 4 to 1 gears? The reel is smooth, drags look new, and the gears look clean (no chips or wear marks). I also noticed the gears are made of steel or some silver colorish metal whereas the older reel has darker brass/bronze gears. The only concern that I am having is that the 4:1 does not feel as smooth cranking. Could it be because of the material the gears are made of or possibly the way the gears are cut compared to the stock penn ones? It just feels a little rougher to me and I dont know if that is normal on these 4:1 gears.

Originally Posted by Steve K

Not much difference internally. Older series has an access to drags from outside the reel. By removing the handle and star you can get to the drags, but many times the washers are all stuck together and you have to go at it from the inside anyway. The one to keep is the one that turns the best, has best freespool and least slop/backlash of the handle shaft. Depending on what else you have, you might keep both and take a look a putting on one of the aftermarket frames, topless Tib frame was my choice. You could also speed it up with 4:1 gears and have a better reel for yoyo fishing.

Or, you could do what I did and get rid of both of them. I'm now 4/0 free. One got replaced with a Newell 533-5.5 for surface iron and the YTS finally gave way to a Baja Special.

[AKSalmon]

If you have 4 to 1 gears, the reel has been upgraded with either Newell or Accurate gears. These are not as smooth as the stock 3.2 to 1 gears but are stronger (steel rather than brass) and the faster the retrieve rate makes them a good deal. While I'm here: Another difference you may find between your two 113Hs is the clicker -- the tongue and spring are attached with screws on new models but may be riveted on older models. Also, the left side end bearing on the newer model is larger and fitted with a rubber 0-ring. The older bearings had a tendency to become loose over time.