Comments about Penn Penn 70VS Reel--Outer Banks Outfitters T50130WA60 Stand-Up Combo:

Penn 70's are great reels; you can't go wrong for heavy stand up 80-130 lb line applications with these reels - the perfect alternative to heavy 80 class reels without compromising drag, capacity, and durability by using a 50 class. I own 4 and have caught many fish > 300 lbs on them without issue. I set my drags around 32# strike and spool with 130# (spectra backing for capacity) and they work well for the application season after season without issue.

Rods work well, however I think they are better matched for a 50 class and wish they'd offer a heavier 5 or 5.5 ft model with wind on guides (so I settled for the 6 foot model as I need wind-ons and it's a fairly good deal $$-wise).. There is a 5.5 ft. model but they are non-wind on guides which makes no sense as the heavier guides should be on shorter heavier rods... For whatever reason anything at boaters world with wind on guides is a long chair rod (which are not as popular anymore as most of us fish stand up).. it makes no sense to me.. anyway end of rant on that..

In regard to my negatives on the rod I spun the gimbal on the butt twice; it isn't once piece as it looks and isn't well secured to the rest of the butt. It was replaced without question both times, however the butt quality is inferior and does not appear to be pac bay as advertised (pac bay butts carry a logo and mine have no logo).. now that they are no longer covered by the plan I bought when they break again I'll have them spot-welded, no big deal..

Not a big fan of the black guides and butt.. simple stainless and aluminum won't chip and I think is even cheaper, however it's just cosmetic and it's a small compromise.

Rod is a bit light for true 130 lb line use but held up to 60+ lbs of drag with a 425# tuna this season so I can't complain.

Wraps and quality is very good. After some heavy use I do not see a single crack around the guides, which is uncommon even for top-$$ custom rods. The grips are very comfortable.

I'd like to see them build a similar but heavier class stand up rod (ie a "short stroker") with standard silver aftco bigfoot wind-on guides & pac bay butt that is 5 or 5.5 ft and made for 80-130 lb. The cost of manufacturing wouldn't be any different really but it'd be a better stand up rod for most of us when matched to a Penn 70 (or 80 or an overspooled smaller big game leverdrag).

Overall a great combo at a great price but there's room for improvement on the rod itself.