Receive one with no line counter !

I like the reels but one that I ordered is missing the screw cap that holds on the handle. Completely makes this new reel unusable. Disappointing.

I’ve been using this combo for bottom fishing for striped bass on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. Perfect for trolling. It’s rugged and performs well; the reel is easy to use and seems superior to my older Penn reels. The retrieve is smooth and will handle large stripers. The combination of the rod and reel is perfect. I’m reaching for this combo at every opportunity. Stellar quality!

This is the perfect inshore reel for going after redfish or any other inshore species. Reel is smooth and works like fine tuned machine. For some odd reason Penn only includes the foam handle with the 2500 version of this reel (all others come with foam and gold metal handles) which is hard to understand, but I asked and they told me the 3500 gold metal handle will fit on it. I ordered that handle from a Penn dealer online and now this reel is perfect. If you like the foam handle to each their own, but I’m just letting you know how it will arrive. Thank you Penn this reel will be my go to for many years, but please give us the metal handle standard on 2500.

These are a little expensive for essentially beer koozies... but whatever. The XXS fits my Penn 500s and Squal 20 perfectly.

Edit- I got a replacement and the process was easy. My new rod seems to work great with no issues and no breaks yet. I look forward to testing this rod on some big fish and updating here to elaborate further in the future. Below is original post with what was at the time a One Star review. Will add video soon. Never got to use this rod. Was adjusting drag, pulling line with my bare hand, screw was still in wobbly-loose stage of adjustment. SNAP broke off between 3rd and 4th eyelet. Really disappointed, my friends have recommended Penn for years. I am terribly disappointed in my first Penn product.