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Tackle Tuesday… Penn Affinity Ltd 8000
The Penn Affinity Ltd 8000 is an affordable reel that performs as well as those with a much higher price tag. Penn has it covered.
Penn has been designing and producing reels for the sea fishing market since the 1930's and it's attention to detail and quality of manufacture is clearly seen in the Affinity.
Having started life as a surfcasting reel, like many on the Carp fishing market, the Affinity is a great long-range tool. All Penn had to do was dress the reel appropriately for the UK Carp market. The shiny handles and golden spool linings have been taken away and replaced with a sleek matt-black body, soft touch handle and two spring-loaded line clips, making it as functional a carp reel as you can get.
The internal gearing offers slower oscillation, improving line lay on the spool, and the titanium main shaft is super-strong, giving a really strong feel to the reel. Couple this with a long spool and you have the ingredients for a great casting tool that feels like it will last a long time.
The ever-important fish-playing capabilities are apparent; the clutch feels smooth and one quick turn of the drag knob loosens the clutch to allow each line pay-off, allowing you to make finite adjustments to the drag settings when playing a lively Carp.
There are two handle options available with each reel, a neat wooden and rubberised easy-grip version. The new collar arrangement allows you to fold them when packing away in the blink of an eye. You can also fold your handles on the rest while fishing if you are that way inclined.
A matching spare spool completes the package. The Affinity 8000 is well worth a look if you want the performance of a high-end Carp reel for a lot less money.
The Verdict If you are looking for a set of new reels, then check these out, they are bound to be a hit with todays Carp anglers.
Buy The Penn Affinity Ltd 8000
