PENN 320gt2 vs. GT0

kewlwhip · Jan-31-2007, 04:12 PM

Any information regarding the two...whether good/bad 1 better than the other...other than price-
one seems destined just for trolling...the other both?
Really wondering how smooth the drags are on both...in comparison..is one
"on-off" more than the other?

(various pics from the net)

thanks fellas

coryellk · Jan-31-2007, 06:25 PM

It depends on your application and how long you expect the reel to perform. Both are medium-light saltwater bait reels. The GTO is probably a bit stronger. I think you get what you pay for...

AKSalmon · Jan-31-2007, 08:21 PM

They have the same drags so I doubt you will be able to tell the difference in that area. However, I do think most of the individual components (worm, clicker, etc.) are more cheaply made on the GTO and the GT2 although the frame on the GTO might be stronger. I haven't seen enough GTOs in the shop yet to say whether it is a better deal than the GT2 or not.

kewlwhip · Feb-01-2007, 12:43 AM

AKSalmon - so the drags are the same? I thought the GTO was more "on-off" than the smoothness of the 320GT2...is this true?

cory - GTO stronger, but weaker inner components? ... hmmm..

thanks for your input, much appreciated! anymore...

tunanorth · Feb-01-2007, 09:48 AM

The 320GT2 is substantially better all the way around, even the frame is stronger despite being graphite.
If you are looking for a "straight up and down" loaner-type reel that is bullet-proof and beginner-proof for sand bass and such, there are few choices better than a 320GT2.
Loaded with 20 or 25-pound mono and recievieng the bare minumum of care, it will last indefinitely under those conditions.
It's not supposed to be a jig-casting reel, tuna reel or anything like that.
If you are harder on the reel and fill it with 50-pound spectra for rock-codding at 350 feet with 1-pound sinkers it will shorten the useful life, but it is still amazingly tough for an inexpensive reel.
The San Francisco salmon trollers who use 2 and 3-pound ball sinkers even get a couple of seasons out of GT2's, and the sinkers are much tougher than the fish.
I use mine as "loaners" twice a year in Alaska filled with 50-pound spectra, and they have each caught several lingcod over 50 and halibut over 125 without a single hiccup.
The GTO was designed to hit a specific price point, and is a good reel for the low price, the slightly more expensive GT2 is one of the best values in the the entire fishing business.

Denz · Feb-02-2007, 02:15 AM

I work in a fishing tackle store in New Zealand, quite a large one. I have to say the GTO's/ 220's are the Joke of the Penn range
The 320's are an ok reel but the level wind Pawl and Worm are notorious for stripping and breaking for.... well no reason at all....