Penn 525GS Tuning guide
With serous cranking power and pretty much bomb proof, the GS may be the cheapest of the 525 range but don't underestimate it.

The one large/one small bearing set up makes the 525GS very user friendly. Brake wise the 525 has a rather unique system where by turning a plastic cog on the end of the spool you control the four captive blocks. Options are none, two or all four activated. They come out of the box with none activated so make sure you remove the left endplate and turn the white plastic cog under the brake pin assembly to engage two blocks for starters.

Gear ratio:   6:1
Brakes:   Four centrifugal plastic blocks. Can be set to all four, two or none engaged
Spool end tension:   Set spool end float so there is just discernable lateral movement
Fishing tune:   Red RF plus two blocks engaged
Pro's:   Bomb proof
Con's:   No real vices

 

Bearing access
The larger of the two bearings is in the centre of the reel in front of the main gear. Removing the spool exposes the bearing. The other, smaller bearing is found in the left end plate.

1. The 525GS

1. The 525GS

2. To gain access to the spool bearings and centrifugal brakes loosen the three screws in the left hand endplate and remove

2. To gain access to the spool bearings and centrifugal brakes loosen the three screws in the left hand endplate and remove

3. Remove the spool to expose the larger right hand bearing, the smaller bearing can be seen in the endplate

3. Remove the spool to expose the larger right hand bearing, the smaller bearing can be seen in the endplate

 
4. The main bearing highlighted in the centre of the reel

4. The main bearing highlighted in the centre of the reel

5. Here the two bearings have been removed for cleaning and re-lubing with fresh oil

5. Here the two bearings have been removed for cleaning and re-lubing with fresh oil

6. The adjustable brakes blocks. By twisting the flat white plastic cog under the brake carrier you can set all four, just two or no blocks engaged.

6. The adjustable brakes blocks. By twisting the flat white plastic cog under the brake carrier you can set all four, just two or no blocks engaged.

 
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