Brand new Penn 130ST or 130VIS?

[MAArcher]

Given a choice, same price, would you buy a new VIS or an old ST, if the ST was in like new condition. Same price. Which is the better reel?

Just curious because I keep an eye out to see if a cheap older reel pops up and in many cases people are asking for the the same or more money for the old real than what a new one costs. If the old ones are in fact better than new, what is it that makes them better?

 

[CCtuna]

Love my STs but for the same price why not go new. People seem to like the VIS

 

[leaky]

I'd take a VSX over the ST from experience with both.

Never tried a VIS but sooner or later you may see me buy 2 of them, confident enough they'd be good to go that way.

Have been borrowing two VSXs from a buddy in perpetuity, more like storing, as I only ever used one, and he never seems to want to take them back (hiding from wife maybe). I think he wants about 1k each for them, are spooled with butts. One has a usable aftco guide sorta rod, other some wierd deep drop thing. If that interests you LMK - I think I may buy one off him and sell the other. Also am storing a 70VS in perpetuity of his, on a fisherman's ripper short stroke - he'd probably sell that too.

I'd pay more for a 2nd hand VSX than ST, more for a second hand or new VIS than either. Because of the stupid following on the STs they are not worth it typically, though in tuna fishing circles guys practically give them away to each other (because so many have upgraded to something more modern).

 

[Greasemonkeytuna]

I'd take a VSX over the ST from experience with both.

Never tried a VIS but sooner or later you may see me buy 2 of them, confident enough they'd be good to go that way.

Have been borrowing two VSXs from a buddy in perpetuity, more like storing, as I only ever used one, and he never seems to want to take them back (hiding from wife maybe). I think he wants about 1k each for them, are spooled with butts. One has a usable aftco guide sorta rod, other some wierd deep drop thing. If that interests you LMK - I think I may buy one off him and sell the other. Also am storing a 70VS in perpetuity of his, on a fisherman's ripper short stroke - he'd probably sell that too.

I'd pay more for a 2nd hand VSX than ST, more for a second hand or new VIS than either. Because of the stupid following on the STs they are not worth it typically, though in tuna fishing circles guys practically give them away to each other (because so many have upgraded to something more modern).

I have a new Vis 130 and 3 130st´s. both are great but I feel like the new one is nicer and lighter with a smoother drag. I still love the ST though.

 

[Tuna Hotline]

If I didn't have a lifetime supply of repair parts for my STs, I would go new.

 

[kapnd]

In practical terms, there’s little difference, especially when fighting fish out of the rod holders.
If you’re putting paying customers in a chair to fight fish, it might help business to have the latest bling.
My 130’s are pretty ancient, but kept up properly they are very efficient, and I know them inside out.