Adam
Ive had both the original SL30SH and and the SLXL30SHV and a Penn 535.
SHV and SL30SH are nearly the same bit of kit, with different handles, spools and spindles.
There is no doubt the spool on SHV runs faster than the original SL30SH, but.. when loaded with 30lb line it can run a little two fast!
I found the SHV with one brake block it was liable to blow up now and then when giving it full hammer, but with 2 brake blocks in it was over braked.
Where as my original SL30SH`s were fool proof with one brake block in, even with a slightly cock eye`d or mistimed cast i never got a spuggys nest.
So all depends what you want! A reel thats a bit trigger hair if your a big hitting caster with thick line.. or a ever so slightly slower spool on the original SL30SH, but a bit cheaper and a lot more fool proof.
The Penn 535 i had was even worse the the SHV!! it was all or nothing.. the tensioner on the side give very little in the way of fine chuning.. and i found the reel to be to much of a tempremental beast, even with 2 brake blocks in.. also theres the issues of certain parts not lasting well on Penns (this may of been corrected as the one i had, and the people who i fished with had were the first early batches back in around 2004??!!) - But there is a MAG version of this out now, but i dont know anyone with one to give you feedback on these, perhaps a site member can help?.
I have since moved onto the Daiwa Saltist 30`s - superb bit of kit - totally fool proof with one brake block, and built like a nuclear bunker!, sits nice and close to the rod fro easier casing, great retreave - and the Best 7000 sized reel on the market in my own humble opion, so much so ive got 3 of them and only just sold my faithful SL30SH`s to a board member.
but dont get a chinese ABU 7000 - they are utter cr@p!!! i went through 3 in a short time.. and the performance of them is way behind the old superb swedish ones.
Hope this helps.
G
