Technical wizard Neil Mackellow explains how to tune the Penn 525 Super Mag reel.
Based on the original 525 Mag the Super Mag has been tweaked to offer more reliable and smoother performance. With additional magnets on the mag carrier it offers a greater range of braking levels while ABEC 5 spool bearings smooth things on their way. Tuning is very similar to the standard Mag, so only the two inboard spool bearings need attention more than a twice yearly service in normal use. The mags come off in equal increments, so each step will increase/decrease braking by the same amount. While the additional magnets offer increased braking, like all reels, start slow and work up to a level of braking that suits you.
Gear ratio: 6:1
Brakes: Six rare earth magnets with sliding adjustment
Spool end tension: Set spool end float so there is just discernable lateral movement
Fishing tune: Red RF or 80/90 weight gear oil. For maximum control, use Liquid Grease. Start with the mags on max and move off one notch at a time
Pro’s: Powerful retrieve, precision spool, reinforced drive train
Con’s: Works straight out of the box, just start with the mags on max
Bearing access
Only the two inboard bearings in the spool affect spool rotational speed. While the shaft itself rotates in a pair of bearings, these bearings do NOT effect spool speed, only coming into play when the spool is under load, ie retrieving a fish.
Click the tutorial pictures below to see step-by-step instructions.
To gain access to the spool bearings loosen the three screws in the left hand endplate and remove
Now remove the spool and spindle
Lift off the white clicker cog to reveal the LH bearing
Remove the bearing
The drive end
Remove the circlip then lift out the clutch plate (stop sign) to access the RH bearing
