Thread: Ryobi Reels??

I've got 2 Ryobi reels that my mom bought at an antique auction. I can't find any useful information on them. They look like they are old models that are in pristine shape, must have been kept in a box most of the time. Doesn't seem to be an incredible reel since I've seen it for max of $25 online, but can't find any other info. My main question is if they are made for saltwater. One has a graphite spool but not sure about any of the housing. A search of the forum only turned up that someone mentioned Ryobi made the original Penn models (I think). Anyway, my thought was to put them on some surf rods and have at it on the beach and spare my Penn Battles a little abuse. All model information is listed below, wish I could take a pic but my phone is full (both are silver). Thanks in advance.

[COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961)]Ryobi Sportfisher ultra 450z
[/COLOR][COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961)]Ryobi sx4n the silver cloud[/COLOR]

i dont know about the original penn reals but they look a lot like the silver penn reals made around late 80's to early 90's

Penn 105 Spinning Reel Gear Ratio 4 11 Great Working Cond See Pics | eBay

We had that same reel in the SX6N size with aluminum spool and a Ryobi rod that my Dad bought back in around 1982.
Very well built, we caught kings on the pier, cobia and kings offshore and a lot of cats, drum and stripes fishing the Alabama River below Jones Bluff dam.
In around 2004 an internal part broke that I could not find a replacement for and that killed the reel. Gave the rod to a buddy and he still uses it.
I think they are good reels but you I don't think you will find parts for them.

Are there freshwater and saltwater reels? Is there a difference?

Thanks for the info guys. The reels are in great shape, not sure how much they were used, but it looks like someone has lubed them recently. Wondering if anyone would have an interest in buying them, or if I should just use them as I was thinking for surf fishing. My only concern is that the drag does not seem to be all that great, at least not compared to modern penn drags

Just use them.
Ours held up well to saltwater use, just wash & dry after every use.
You might be able to put Penn drag washers in them, I imagine the old drag washers are original and dried out.
Stop by J&M with the reels and see if they have drag washers that fit.


There are "saltwater" reels, they usually are better sealed, stronger and have stainless bearings, rollers, etc..
But many "freshwater" reels will hold up fine if you wash them after using them around saltwater. Which you also need to do with "saltwater" reels.