Penn 975CS Tuning guide
A CT framed International baitcaster with a powerful drag, the Penn International 975CS is perfect when serious grunt is required. Stainless steel main and pinion gears, oversize HT100% drag system and a spool running on two aircraft quality stainless steel bearings creates a great package.

The two spool bearings are buried pretty deep, but subsequently need little maintenance. A three position centrifugal braking system is easy to use and the blocks cannot fall out! By twisting the flat white plastic cog under the brake carrier you can set all four, just two or no blocks engaged.

Gear ratio:   4.5:1
Brakes:   Four centrifugal plastic blocks
Spool end tension:   Set spool end float so there is just discernable lateral movement
Fishing tune:   Four centrifugal plastic blocks
Pro's:   Bullet proof
Con's:   A bit of a looker!

 

Bearing access

1. The 975 CS

1. The 975 CS

2. To gain access to the spool bearings and centrifugal brakes loosen the two screws under the drag star and remove the right end plate

2. To gain access to the spool bearings and centrifugal brakes loosen the two screws under the drag star and remove the right end plate

3. Remove the spool to expose the bearings

3. Remove the spool to expose the bearings

 
4. Here is the left hand spool bearing seen though the frame. To access the bearings undo the three small silver slot head screws and remove

4. Here is the left hand spool bearing seen though the frame. To access the bearings undo the three small silver slot head screws and remove

5. Push out the endplate and now you can get at the bearing

5. Push out the endplate and now you can get at the bearing

6. Remove the wire circlip then extract the bearing

6. Remove the wire circlip then extract the bearing

 
4. The other spool bearing is on the opposite end of the spool. It is fixed in position by a pin through the spindle. Yes you can - if you have engineers tools and skills remove the pin. However, you are liable to damage the spool shaft which will mean a new spool so I strongly suggest you simply flush and relube it on the shaft.

7. The other spool bearing is on the opposite end of the spool. It is fixed in position by a pin through the spindle. Yes you can - if you have engineers tools and skills remove the pin. However, you are liable to damage the spool shaft which will mean a new spool so I strongly suggest you simply flush and relube it on the shaft.

5. These are the centrifugal brakes, in this pic all four are engaged.

8. These are the centrifugal brakes, in this pic all four are engaged.

5. To alter the brake setting twist the white plastic cog under the pins, here two blocks are engaged

9. To alter the brake setting twist the white plastic cog under the pins, here two blocks are engaged

 
7. and finally all blocks engaged

10. and finally all blocks engaged

 
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