So far so good

Like many of the other reviews will tell you, this thing is not shipped to arrive intact, it was shipped in a clear plastic bag that was mostly coming off. Mine arrived with one bent guide, which I fixed, I call that lucky compared to some.

As the combo itself goes, it is very nice. I always liked Penn as a kid, and I'm getting back into fishing with my daughter and I needed something with a little more power than my old, ragged saltwater spinning setup. You can cast with it, to a point. This one may not be the best for it, you can at least get it out a little ways. I have it spooled with 50lb braid and end with 50lb mono leader.

Compared to all other ulua poles I’ve used, the medium action is very stiff. I’d say it’s stiffer than a MH nitro pole.

The lure weight says 5-8 but I wouldn’t throw anything less than a 6 oz on it. Great pole with comfortable grips.

I was very disappointed when I opened the box. Came what I would call more than used the pole was all scratched and one of the eyes was bent. As for the reel it looked like it was thrown in the dirt and gravel. I will not buy a reel and rod combination from here again.

Super

I'm just learning to cast reel. I went from a 9 foot pole to an 11 foot. THAT, made all the difference. My neighbor suggested that I put braided line on it. Incredible....
Now, with a 3oz sinker, I can reliably cast over 130 yards. This reel is awesome.