New Spinning Reel

[chumbucket]

I'm a little bit of a gear junkie. I see something new that intrigues me, I have to get one (so long as it's affordable) and try it out.
Now quite a few years ago I swore off Penn reels with the exception of their Senators for trolling or bottom fishing. Penn just failed to keep up with technology. I know some of the old stuff was tried and true. You could get parts anywhere for them and most were easy to work on. But Shimano and Daiwa kept pumping out some great reels with so much better technology, it was becoming increasingly difficult to remain loyal. Lately Penn has been making great strides with new technology and improved customer service. Even though many reels below a certain price point are being manufactured in China, they were beginning to get my attention. Last year they launched the Penn Torque Spinning Reel. To me, it's uglier than a bar of homemade soap. But it's getting rave reviews from a lot of hardcore fisherman. Both Surf and Boat. But at 6 and a half Benjamin's, a little too pricey for me.
Now they just recently launched the new Penn Spinfisher V reels. The fifth generation of Sinfishers starting with the old greenies through the 710, 704, and 706 variations. This new reel is closer in looks to the old SS series (ie; 550, 650, 750SS, etc) in that it has a skirted spool.
I just ordered the SSV5500 from Tackle Direct at $159.95

http://www.tackledirect.com/penn-spi...ing-reels.html

Some of the new features that prompted me to buy this reel is a full metal body. Water tight design (there are seals and gaskets at all the access points), Sealed HT-100 drag, a manual bail closure system (which I really like and tend to convert all my auto trip bailed reels to manual), infinite anti-reverse bearings.
Being the gear junkie that I am and the mechanic in me forces me to open every new reel I get to see what it's made of. This is a very solid made reel and I can't wait to put it to the test come springtime when the Stripers return.
Anybody thinking about a new spinning reel; I strongly suggest you take a look at one of these reels. There's not much else for the money that can compare with the features that this reel comes with. Obviously, the proof is in the pudding as they say so the real final breakdown analysis won't be until later next year.