Is it worth it? Penn Torque vs Fathom Reel 60ld2 bluefin tuna 2speed leverdrag reel review

[@herbiesnerd]

I bought the Torgue II 60 2 years ago. I landed a 192 lbs BFT in 45 minutes. I needed low gear about 80% of the time. I almost got spooled and the Indy crew had their setup ready to go with floats to attach to my rig so they could toss it overboard. With about 100’ left I got him turned around for good. I love this reel.

[@Seastheday88]

Holy smokes that’s awesome. Amazing trophy catch there with a story to go with it. Congrats on the land 🙌

[@tunanorth]

Nice job; a short summary is that the Fathom series is designed to be the absolute best possible reel "for the price", and the Torque series is designed to be the best possible reel.

[@Seastheday88]

100% agreed. Amazing craftsmanship and love these series of reels. Having fun with my star drags and visx line as well.

[@Joe-bh4vz]

They’re the same reel except for the cast frame, top bar and harness lugs on the fathom.

[@tunanorth]

@@Joe-bh4vz "Except for the cast frame" [vs. machined frame] is a major difference.

[@njbassin7729]

@@Joe-bh4vz not true. internals are not the same

[@tunanorth]

Regarding country of manufacture; California law requires that every single part be made domestically in order to be labeled "Made in USA". With Penn's US- made models [like Torques], all parts that are "reel parts" [gears, frames, handles, etc.] are made here. Parts that are "standardized machine parts" [screws, springs, ball-bearings] are purchased from industrial suppliers, and may come from a variety of places.

[@Seastheday88]

Hi Steve! Recognize the username from BD. Much respect as I value your input and suggestions you provide on the forum. Will caption note these details to the video. Thanks so much, just doing it for my own personal insights and view. Love my Penns and own the VISX16, thus finding a place for this 60ld2. Have the 40n and just noticed the lever are indeed matched length as torques. Look forward to the new Penn rods coming out this year. Thanks again!

[@TheJagaa92]

Just as others have mentioned, it does need a dab of oil before you use it kzbin.infoUgkxSlytCJqozTF7EbdP4LWP-HUXf9WRDJ0e - put a few drops in through the convenient screw cap and you are good to go! I have fished several weeks with a couple of these, and I will be getting more in the future. I put these against my Abu Garcia Pro Max reel, and they actually perform a bit better than the Abu with some of my lighter cranks, and definitely just as good with the rest of my lures. My Abu is a bit more low profile and fits my hand better, but these are definitely not bad at all. You can almost get 3 of these for the price of my Pro Max. My only complaint is the thumb bar sits pretty high compared to my traditional profile Abu. Bring that thumb bar down a little and I’m sold on these all day long.

[@Seastheday88]

100% agreed. It’s a nice reel. I’ve added a 30ld2 in torque to the line up since

[@flash521]

Thank you for the comparison. I own 2 of the Fathom 60 LR and use them on two bent rods. They have never failed. I have caught marlin here on the Sea of Cortez. So I have been contemplating adding a new Torque for my shotgun. Looks good. Yes, there is a premium price, but less than the International. Mmmmm. After seeing this, I may very well purchase another Fathom 60. I run 80 lb braid with a 100 yd. Top Shot. Thanks again.

[@Seastheday88]

Just saw the reply now. That’s awesome to hear boss! Marlin !!🙌 they do the job and internals match. Was always curious if too much stress on it would be it’s downfall but having a marlin on other end does prove it’s capabilities. Thanks for sharing 🙌

[@tunanorth]

Drag lever is shorter in the FTH60LD2 due to the trolling/harness lugs; the full length lever can interfere with their operation. As noted, the TRQ60 does not have harness lugs. The Fathom 40N has the same length drag lever as the Torques.

[@pakde8002]

I heard a rep selling it as not snagging on line or whatever could get snagged I guess but your reason makes sense.

[@fadelover123]

@@pakde8002 tuna north is a rep.

[@pakde8002]

A $300 bucks upgrade doesn't buy as much as you'd think. I like the way they did the dog frame on the CNC which I'm guessing is probably why the gear side plate is a bit thicker than the fathom. But I don't see why they couldn't have done something similar with the fathom. I can really see that's a weak point that might fail with age. But I'd still buy the fathom unless a long lost rich uncle dies and names me in his will. Edit: actually I'd buy the squall two speed because the internals are exactly the same as the International.

[@Seastheday88]

Hi Pak, agreed on it. I didn't keep the Torque, although it is much nicer overall. I kept my fathom 40n, 25n, and 15xn. The 60 was really nice, just a repeat size for me. Love the price and the quality they put into both. Thanks for watching!

[@pakde8002]

@@Seastheday88 thank for the reply. I enjoy the detailed reel comparisons. I'm a big fan of Penn products and I hope they move more of their manufacturing out of China. Not that I think there's anything wrong with the quality side I just don't like the system of government there. My most recent purchase is a Penn Squall BC and I was pleasantly surprised to see it was made in South Korea. I really love it.

[@Seastheday88]

@@pakde8002 I’ll have to check out that Squall bc, still have one Lexa and it’s been a workhorse. Agree if Penn can move their manufacturing. Overall, the Fathom has been great and recent west coast tuna reports this past week, an angler landed a 150lb tuna with Fathom 40nld2 on 60lb test line. Love hearing about new records being made with these reels.

[@fishduckdog]

FTH15XNLD2LH picked one up after watching! Thanks again.

[@Seastheday88]

I picked one up before the New Years. I’m stoked for it too. Freespool flies and all the same drags and stainless gear in a little power house package. It’s going to be killer 🙌

[@cobiakiller7575]

Thanks for the review penn has the torque on sale for 50% off $284 rn

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for the heads up. Were you able to buy any?

[@MutucgenerationZ]

ill choose the Fathom. Thanks a bunch.

[@Seastheday88]

You’ll like em. I still have the 25n and 40n in Fathom series. Added a Torque 30 this summer for casting snipers although the Fathom would do the same thing, just happened to come across a nice deal.

[@Pitoling186]

Have the fathom 60ld2 ...and planning on getting a 2nd 1 for this season.. appreciate the video

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for watching boss🙌 I love my fathoms too. They’re bang for buck!

[@MRosewood259]

I really do love that "Sunset" tho 😂 Just brilliant 😂😂

[@tunanorth]

Its a cool word, taken from what they used for that max setting back on Zane Grey's custom made big game reels 100 years ago. Interestingly, Shimano also uses "Sunset" on their big game reels sold in the Southern Hemisphere [SA/Aus/NZ].

[@tunanorth]

Laughing emoji???

[@jasonk305]

Great review. Thanks for sharing!

[@Seastheday88]

Thank you Jason. Appreciate it bro 🙌🙌

[@Tony67032]

great review, as always enjoy your videos, what made you sell the torque and keep the fathom, and are you going to do a video on how you rig those big jigs for bf?

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for watching Tony! Much appreciated. I have the jigs on editing and lost footage along with the Penn 113h, been trying to restore it. Might just redo it again.

[@tunanorth]

A 241-pound bluefin was caught aboard the Intrepid this week, on a Torque TRQ40NLD2.

[@Seastheday88]

Saw your post on BD Steve, amazing and here I always have doubts of line cap! My Visx 16 and Fathom 40n are ready this season. Can't believe how wild this past month has been, truly amazing!🙌🙌🙌

[@alejandrocota5949]

Well I got 1 Avet Raptor 1 30w and the Penn Fathom 60 and I think the fathom is smoother and I get more line on the spool the Avet was twice the price!!!

[@Seastheday88]

It’s an amazing reel for the price. The internals are just about identical with stainless main and pinion gears on both. Uses the same HT100 carbon drags. Only difference is machined vs die cast frame. I think under load, the die cast may exhibit body shift/tweaking Otherwise it’s an amazing reel.

[@tunanorth]

@@Seastheday88 To clarify, both the Torque and Fathom "Lever Drag" models use the expensive "Dura-Drag" material [same as Internationals]. The HT-100 material is good, but not as good as the Dura-Drag.

[@tannercortes6110]

Nice review. Have u done comparison between the Torque and the new Fathom IIs?

[@Seastheday88]

Hey Tanner. Thanks for watching. I did do a stand-alone video for the Fathom II, late this past year. The handle itself could see problems as my 60n was already slightly bent from a bottom fishing trip. Also has freespool issue, keep your Gen1s for now if you still own them🤙

[@kingofslotsmillion3263]

Great video

[@Seastheday88]

Thank you !

[@Dave30867]

I would choose the fathom every day , paying extra aint gonna catch you more fish lets face it .

[@Seastheday88]

Hi Dave, whole heartedly agree. The only Torque I have is a 30ld2. The freespool is insane on the Torques. I use that reel specifically for casting snipers. Weighs the same as a 20 size Trinidad, but has the low gear when I need the extra lift. I still have my 25n and 40n Fathoms that are just work horses.

[@ezekielmoseley3849]

Tuna here I come.

[@Seastheday88]

I’m anxious to get out already too 😆 April is my earliest booking and it can’t come fast enough. Hope you get em🙌

[@fishduckdog]

Thanks for sharking!

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for watching Charles 🤙

[@tynottelling6584]

Well done!!!

[@Seastheday88]

Thank you🙌 appreciate the feedback 🤙

[@Pincheemoska]

Good Video thank you

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for watching 🤙

[@fvaldez714]

Think the newer 2nd gen fathom looks a lot more like the torques now

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for watching bro. Don’t let the silver paint job on the new Fathoms sell you. Torques are milled from a block of aluminum with a protective anodized layer, while the new Fathom is silver painted on cast. For the costs, Gen 2 Fathoms will give a good run for the money🤙 I’m hoping to see a Gen 2 Torque version down the line.

[@pan8a]

It's definitely worth it, the Torque is made in the USA.

[@Seastheday88]

I like the torque too. Lightweight still for all day. Also look into Penn International line for their heavy frames.

[@pakde8002]

@@Seastheday88 the Squall is interesting because it's exactly a Penn International but with graphite side plates. It might not be as tough but then neither is my budget.

[@pakde8002]

Have you visited a factory in the USA lately? Not too different from an American factory in a developing country. One white guy who spends half the day on the golf course and lots of brown people doing the work. Not saying that's bad but with the realities of global supply chain and labor costs I don't buy the made in the USA label just because it's "made" in the USA.

[@Seastheday88]

@@pakde8002 Agreed, it’s the unseen truth. I still take pride in keeping employment local regardless wherever I can. Still have a trusty International. Squall def is interesting and has a nice power handle on the larger size. Also read reports from owners landing large sized BFT with it. The graphite is the killer for me and reason I went for the Fathom with die-cast aluminum. Thanks for watching. Really appreciate the insight 🙌🙌

[@pan8a]

@@pakde8002 buying made in the USA is supporting the American worker, you can trivialize it anyway you want but the fact is when you buy something made in USA regardless of globally sourced materials you are supporting the United States, another worker, and the economy and most importantly you're not giving all your money to China.

[@ericsael6115]

One day,i hope i have also this one for my dreams😇😥

[@Seastheday88]

The Torque is a gorgeous reel. The Fathom is still a great alternative for the price. Thanks for watching 🙌

[@ericsael6115]

@@Seastheday88 ✌️thank you for replying. Someday i want to buy. But now no money to buy😟

[@johnhollis7290]

Nice job !!!

[@Seastheday88]

Thank you John🙏

[@thomasr6134]

Can you do a comparison on the freespool with a high drag setting. Ex: fishing 100lb for jigs I set my fathom at 25-30 lbs of drag because I was fishing 100lb for jigging. 30 lb of being at “full” on the fathom. The issue I was having was when you set the drag that high you lose the “free” spin of the freespool and the freespool slows down. Can you try and do a comparison on the freespool of both of the reels? I’m wondering what each reel’s max drag is before you notice the freespool starting to slow down.

[@Seastheday88]

Hey Thomas. Thanks for watching. I sold the torque. I do notice that on the fathoms and my conclusion was to say it’s factory grease, but I’ll confirm. When putting back both reels, I only noticed random drag issue on the fathom. The torque easily went right back to how it was factory.

[@tunanorth]

It should be noted that neither of these reels is suitable for fishing bluefin as "100-pound reels". Both are "Medium Frame", and are designed to be 60/80 reels; with 60 as the sweet-spot, and 80 as the upper limit. Full drag setting of 30 pounds exceeds both reels' capability, and will in fact affect freespool. When choosing a 100-pound reel, a "Heavy Frame" model such as a 16VISX is the way to go.

[@thomasr6134]

@@tunanorth update: I bought a saltiga 55 lol

[@thomasr6134]

@@Seastheday88 in regards to the freespool issue this is a statement I found from penn We have been receiving and seeing complaints in service regarding Fathom LD max drag before losing free spool. We identified a concern a couple years back with too much grease in the reel causing sluggish free spool regardless of drag setting, we corrected this issue with our factory. Recently we began hearing a similar complaint but free spool was fine with low drag amounts but slowing down prior to the reel achieving the published max drag. We identified this problem as a missing 154B distant washer, we have notified our factory and they corrected the mistake. If anyone has a Fathom LD reel with this issue, I would recommend sending the reel in with a copy of this message to our Service Center in Philadelphia. Since this is considered warranty it will be bumped to the top of our backlog. Alternatively, if anyone is confident and can pull the spool apart to check and see if one of the washers is missing, we can send the washer out to be installed. We will just need the info on the sticker, it reads something like (example) 01D19AO and is located on the stand/foot of the reel. If the reel is not fairly new and free spool issues arise, other reasons could affect free spool as well, we had someone tightening the preset while the lever was in full and buggered up the cam and cam follower. Spool bearings need to be cleaned and oiled occasionally and could slow the speed, etc. These user errors or normal wear and tear would not be covered under warranty. PENN FISHING ATTN FATHOM LD WARRANTY 3028 WEST HUNTING PARK AVE PHILA PA 19132 Include a copy of this Post along with the reel and return address. tony

[@Seastheday88]

@@thomasr6134 Saltiga 2spds are seriously beautiful artwork. The last november trip was a buddy fighting his with a saltiga

[@2derekjeter2]

Your basically paying for something better made if you go with the torque however in my opinion the basically work the same, if you appreciate craftsmanship go with the torque if not the go with the fathom

[@Seastheday88]

I couldn’t agree more. I personally have 5 Fathoms (3 LD and 2 SD) and 1 Torque. Got the 30ld2 Torque mainly for price on used value and that it’s still lighter than the Talica, so it’s used as jig slinging for foamer action.

[@davidashton5887]

Add line capacity can be key deciding what reel to get. IAM they are the same.

[@Seastheday88]

Hi David. Capacity is same. I actually spooled the Fathom with 100lb braid and later moved it to a Penn Visx16 which was perfect to the brim.

[@davidashton5887]

@@Seastheday88 thanks for the great presentation.Thats one thing about fishing; you never stop learning. Just a new way for sinker rigs for bluefin. Do a drop shot style instead of a rubber band. Tie your hook to the end of your floruCarbo leader. The take 12 lb test, 15-20 inches of line tie the one end to the hook, easy knot nothing special. At the end put swivel attach weight. Gives you flexibility on changing weight size. Now when the Captain tells you drop 300 ft the chances for tangle are less and can drop it faster. Good fishing.

[@Seastheday88]

@@davidashton5887 David, that’s a random coincidence you’re saying that. Just went out on weds and two guys were chatting that setup, with lighter line to sinker. None of that helicopter wrap around now with the chovies. I couldn’t land any of my day bites, chewed off on 2. Connected my night bites tho on the visx16 🙌 they’re out there right now.

[@Bigfish1day]

Have you compared the torque 40 vs international visx 12?

[@Seastheday88]

Hi Dark Matter. I actually have a 12 in possession but no Torque 40. I think it’s depends what you’re after. Ideally, the lightweight Torque would make fishing easier, but the VISX will be the one I want as soon as it’s hooked lol. Had the VISX 12 for just over a year and never took it out yet. Have you had a chance to try either yet? Thoughts?

[@Bigfish1day]

@@Seastheday88 Sold my Fathom 60, Got the VISX 12, price of the Torque 40 and VISX 12 was about the same. The 12 was more solid feeling. Also had better low gear ratio. Taking a trip in April. I have to say the Fathoms are excellent, had a 30 and a 60 for about 6 years, never a problem.

[@Seastheday88]

@@Bigfish1day that low gear is exactly why I got it too lol. Which boat you heading out of in April? Those Fathoms are workhorses, we take em for granted for the price.

[@Bigfish1day]

@@Seastheday88 The Release out of Hatteras NC. Had a great trip with on that boat last April. They had Torque 30s for trolling, I was surprised how well they worked on blackfin and small yellowfin tunas.

[@Seastheday88]

@@Bigfish1day that’s awesome! Glad to hear you guys got to put it to use too

[@mrlilbasco1]

Do they come in left handed?

[@Seastheday88]

I believe they made the Fathom gen1 in the medium size 15xn, 25n and 30 in left handed. Don’t think it’s available in Torque though.

[@andrewvillanueva3722]

I have heard penn fathom get damaged fighting bluefin tuna. I just saw a penn fathom 60 2 speed blow up on probably a 200lb plus bluefin guy was fish 130lb spectra and 100lb fluorocarbon. I wouldn't be buying any penn fathom. I have been a Shimano buyer for a long time l have 2 talica 16 2 speed and will probably get a talica 25 2 speed for my 100lb fluorocarbon and 130lb spectra outfit.

[@Seastheday88]

Woah 200lb+ is pushing it. I fish my 40n on 60lb leader. Anything else heavier, I have the International models. Love the Talica 16, they are an amazing piece of machinery. I haven’t had a chance to try a Okuma Makaira, but hear great things about them. Thanks for sharing your report. We mostly hear about them about the landing of tuna, but rarely the blowups. It helps us understand it’s limitations. As tunanorth said, they’re the best possible reel for the price.

[@tunanorth]

As has been discussed numerous times, the "Medium Frame" Fathom 60's are 60/80 pound reels, with a "sweet spot" at 60-pound, but are overbuilt enough to handle 80 pound work, and tuna up to about 175 pounds. Putting 130 braid and 100 topshot on it in pursuit of 200-plus pound tuna is beyond the design specification of the reel. Once you get into the 80/100-pound line category, you definitely want a "Heavy Frame" reel such as an International 16VISX. Also bear in mind that the Fathom series are around $300 retail, while Talicas, Internationals, and other 100-pound capable reels are $600 or more.

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

Once you try Okuma Makaira….then you will never look back…you may make a review comparing it with the VISX..

[@matthill5066]

My fathom 60 2 speed held up great on multiple triple digit bluefin this season. Maybe the one that blow up was defective or not fished properly?

[@vaporwareproducts]

Hey fellas, been out of game for a while, what are most common specs of best offshore reels: best housing, number and type of bearings, drag systems? Thx

[@Seastheday88]

Most manufacturers have amazing reels and most have a preference by brand. In medium CNC machined frames, Shimano Talica, Daiwa Saltiga, Penn Torque, Accurate Valiant, and new Okuma Alijos. The first 4 are what I commonly see on boats and all land fish. Haven’t seen Alijos in action but it’s successor, Andros, yes. Heavy frame, you’ll commonly find the Penn Visx, Okuma Makaira and Shimano Talica will still be in this radar as those owners bring out the 25/50 models for night jigging. All of the above has more drag than we’ll preset it to. Not sure about bearing counts on each, but freespool and smoothness in action are more than plentiful in these models. I’ve only found so far non bearing in star drag model reels. Usually made from a plastic. If you’re not ready to splurge, rent them. See how they feel in your hands. Makaira has lower low gear but also less IPT. VISX was the sweet spot for me, but I haven’t caught anything larger than 120lb yet either. The Torque and Valiant are designed really light, makes for easy day time fishing. Hope this helps.