Well, I am stumped and would like someone to point me in the right direction or even answer recent age question.
I have a few Penn 16/0 and found that they are not all created equal inside.
The earliest I have has a bridge and drag assembly from a 12/0 reel. Which is considerably smaller than the newer 16/0 assembly.
When did Penn switch over?
Thanks in advance. Come on Brian, I am depending on you. LOL
Help! Penn Reel Guru?
Now that's a tough one and I'd like to find out myself also. I've never heard of anyone asking this before as I'm only aware of more subtle differences with the biggest being probably the spool designs that you know of. There are a couple of guys that visit here who would be likely to know, Gabby for one. And if you are inferring that I'm any kind of expert on on anything, Shame On You Lou! 
So let's see the new Penn Senator lineup!
So let's see the new Penn Senator lineup!
Hmm. Likewise here... no expertise whatsoever. However, noticed many years ago that the 16/0 is sort of a bluff... it is exactly the same reel as the 14/0, only the frame posts are a little bit wider. Spool likewise of course. All other parts are same. This according to my mid-1990's parts book.
Furthermore I happen to have measurements for almost every single part of a 12/0 of 1980's vintage.
Don't know what that tells you, but it is all I have to say.
Furthermore I happen to have measurements for almost every single part of a 12/0 of 1980's vintage.
Don't know what that tells you, but it is all I have to say.