Penn Versus Diawa Surf Fishing Reels

Penn And Diawa Reels Are Similar In Parts As Well As Performance Which Makes Them Both A Durable And Popular Reel For Surf Fishing

Today on Reel Talk … Bill McGee shows us the similarities of two popular surf fishing reels. The Penn 750 SS first generation compared to the Diawa GS90. I have been using both of these brands, and coincidentally the same reels all of my life. I prefer them to most, if not all reels on the market today. I grew up using Penn and Diawa and they have never let me down. I have tried other brands, some with success others not so much. For the price and durability none have compared to Penn or Diawa. I still use many of my Greenies.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Here is my biggest Penn Reel 750ss 1st generation. Next to it is a GS90 Diawa surf reel. Both are 3 ball bearing.

Take the handle off and pull the side plate. Can you see the similarities.

Pull the main gear and except for the type of material used they are basically the same. Another reason these are two of the most popular brands of surf reel. They are very durable.

Check out the main shafts and crosswind gears. Similar in function obviously, but size as well. Not interchangeable which would make them identical.

Pull the rotor and look at the anti reverse dogs and gears (above). The Penn 12 point is an add from the standard 6 point from Penn. You can also see that the dog is broken on the Diawa (right). May take me a lifetime to find that part.
(Don’t tell Bill but I have a few old ones laying around for parts)

All back together, Diawa was a little less expensive alternative for surf fishing. They are still producing a great reel for less than most new reels on the market. Then and now, a sturdy reel.

Bill McGee



Servicing A Penn 7500 SS Series Reel

Cleaning A Penn 722 Greenie Fishing Reel

Yard Sailing For Old Penn Reels

The history of PENN