I've been using the 8xn as a light grouper reel this season and it is an absolute blast! Amazing torque for such a tiny reel.Complete sheerness and impeccable reel. A master of artistry and design I recommend this reel highly as I purchased it as a upgrade from the Penn Squall 15 casting special. Though this reel is heavier than the squall, the aluminum design and thinner spool allows for more yards of like to be held and drag and clicking system are superb I would highly recommended buying this reel and paring it with a 12 foot rod such a Penn Carnage or Bass pro breakwater rod for maximum casting distance. However, it is a pain in the ass to get birds nest, but tweaking it and setting the spool tensioner with adjusting the magnets I am easily able to cast over 100 yards with this and get my bait out where i need it too. Ps my biggest fish I caught was on the surf a 4 ft shark with 20lb Momoi Hi catch mono, that stuff is crazy thin and abrasion resistant I was able to fit 360 yards on this spool and the drag kept up thank you pennI’m a big fan of the fathom line up. I own others and as expected this thing is amazing. A work horse of a reel for its size. Was able to fit around 250 yards of 50lb max cuatro braid.A serious reel that can take the heatTook the fathom 25N Star Drag out for a extended halfday trip. Loaded the reel with 65 lbs PP and a 66 yard (198 foot) 40 lbs mono top shot. The reel was smooth and quite; very light and easy to hold all day. I was surprized I was able to cast the reel further than my Shimano Trinidad 16A. The line peels off the reel smootly. I'm impressed and can't wait to take the reel Yellow-tail fishing in March. Great purchase.I own several Penn Saltwater reels, and am happy with them all. This newest Fathom was a gift to a friend, he fished with it 7/29/21, near Santa Cruz Island. He is very happy with the performance and style.Seriously can't wait to get this thing out on the water. It feels great and it holds a lot more line than i have on other reels. Going deep sea fishing out of Ciscos in Ventura this week and then for some yellowtail and tuna over the summer out of H&M. Let's see how this holds up. Will update laterUpdate: just got off my 3/4 day trip. Getting used to a reel without a level wind is super quick and easy. I've never used a conventional reel for casting before and with only 2 brakes I only got a backlash once. By the end of the trip, I felt like a pro. I'm sure with more practice I can even take those breaks off and cast over mountains. I HIGHLY recommend this reel to the person that wants a great casting reel without the huge price tag. This reel is great at taking in line quickly. When I'm fishing down to 300 feet, the boat isn't waiting for me to get up anymore. Im waiting on them. Couldn't be happier with this reel!!!It arrived within 2 days via Prime. It is all aluminum; A solid build. Strong drag. It didn't come with a rod bracket, I had to purchase that separately. I have used it for baitcasting/surfcasting. It's a good reel. Durable and easy to use and made of strong and rigid components. I like it.One of Penns classic reels enhanced by the addition of msg brakes.Fantastic strong reel. Great for rough ground fishing and an excellent casting machine. I can cast further with this than my 525 mag 2.Highly recommendgood quality reel just what you would expect from a name like pennItem arrived earlier than expected. Packaging was good and safe.