Also, VISX handle might look just as long, but if you measure from axis of rotation at the reel, to axis of rotation of the grip, the VISX is 1/4 inch SHORTER.
Have a 3 day trip in November targeting tuna if all stars align. This will be part of my day time arsenal and pairing it with a Phenix Axis Hax 720x2h. Hopefully I can give a full report after the trip with great news. Also, hope you guys enjoy that little easter egg towards the end =)
11/22/21 Update: Returned from the Aztec, I did use this 40n for day time but moved it over to night knife jigging, was much easier with the T-Bar Handle over the egg handle. Landed bluefin and white fish with my Talica 12 since we all had to go lighter leader. I did fight an 80-100lb BlueFin on the Talica 12 for near an hour but lost it at gaff. My cranking fingers, middle finger primarily has been sore since and I'm going to blame it on that egg shape grip, lol.
Thank you for watching. Note there was an update in the description of an additional part needed to be replaced. Which is a spacer from the Visx international model under the locking nut.
Great video and excellent explanation of the process. I just wanted to throw something out there. I have a Penn Sql 50VSW laying around that wasn't getting much use. After watching your video I decided to give the handle on the SQL a try. Turns out, it fit perfectly. In fact, I didn't have to drill any holes into the handle. The SQL handle was an exact match. There was one down side. The handle for the SQL 50VSW is the same price as the VISX, so no money savings there.
@@Tony67032 Awesome, glad to hear! I'll be putting mine to the test this weekend and hopefully get to report back with how it handles (double meaning) lol
FYI- just watched a BD RUclips video from ICAST, with Steve Carson showing the new Gen 2 Penn Fathom Lever Drag reels. Many new features but related to this thread. All Gen 2 Penn Fathom 2 speed reels come with a power handle (appears to be very similar or the same as 16 VISX handle). Also they have a new larger size, Fathom 80.
@@leetaylor2158 it’s wild. I’m really digging the one piece side frame design. The international handle is a bonus, although makes this vid now obsolete 😆Saw they go as small as 10xn, perfect for the SPJ guys. I’m stoked for that 80 size too! What a huge leap for Penn, looks like a $500 reel. I’ll still hold onto these original fathoms, but hope to add a new model in addition. Thanks for sharing Lee! 🙌🙌
@@Seastheday88 I am also excited by all the positive new upgrades/changes. They look like a homerun! I will be using all my 1st Gen 2 speed Lever Drag Fathoms until they stop working. Might be awhile. I tried to find some specs on the new 80 size. Could be a comparable to the International 16 VISX. Penn website still only has 1st Gen stuff listed.
@@Seastheday88 There are so many 1st Gen Fathoms out there I don't think the video will be obsolete. In fact once people see the handles on the Gen 2 stuff this video might be more relevant. Time will tell.
@@leetaylor2158 so true, I’m still amazed how Penn made this Fathom for its price point. Have to admit we’re all blessed with great options to get out on the rails.
Correct. No need to file down if you use the longer spacer. I’ve been using the spacer successfully, you can order a factory VISX 12-16 spacer directly from Penn.
How much drag can you realistically get on the fathom fishing knife and sinker? Would this reel be ok with some 100 mc? Some dude said he gets 30. At full and 350 yards of 100 is all you need to kill a cow? What’s your opinion?
I personally wouldn’t push it for 100lb. I’d fish it for 60lb ideally. You’ll go through pinion bearings faster if pushed higher. You’ll notice there is more resistance tension winding on Strike without anything hooked up. That’s due to higher drag and max pressure than the reel is able to handle. Some people have got away with it. Just needs more service in between.
Great tutorial video. I made the handle change on my Fathom 40N 2 speed. Just got back from a 3 day trip. All worked well in the garage but on the 1st BFT I caught on it the low gear would not engage. Put it away and used other gear for the rest of the trip. Went to a reel repair shop and they said the bar stock is thicker than original equipment and prevents the proper engagement of low gear. They suggested only installing non factory handle with same bar stock thickness. I installed a Tiburon Power handle (same thickness as original) on one of my 40N's and am filing down the aluminum bar stock on the VISX hand to match the original thickness for another 40N. Not sure how this will work or hold up (possible corrosion in the area that has been filed down). Will find out in July2022 when I'm back out on another 3 day trip. Anyone else have issues like this?
Darn. Sorry to hear that Lee, did the low gear engage in pre-tests? I read other owners using this before me, however those same posts never had a follow report so my theory was all was good for them. I did take it out on last trip, but no hook up on this reel to confirm. I was also trying to inspect how to get this International TBar in the Fathom handle without having to drill out the original knob. I’ll pursue this further if so. Thanks for sharing your report.
Yes the low gear worked when tested in garage under no load. Just engaging and disengaging. But under load of a 35-40# bft it did not. The button pushes in and stays in but the handle free spins. Occasionally it engages for half a turn ...then free spins. Fortunately the line spool stays engaged and retains the drag setting. The shop said it is a known issue.
I was curious if my experience was unique or if other folks have had something different or similar. According to the shop it was not unique. But I am all about learning. Hopefully others can share their experiences.
@@leetaylor2158 sucks. I’m not a fan of the straight bar design of the international and would prefer it angled in towards the reel from original fathom, but the 1mm thickness gave additional peace of mind. Losing low gear under pressure kills it all. I’m hoping others can chime in too.
Great video! I have 7 squall VSW 2 speeds and was looking at handle options. That visx handle should fit right? I believe the fathoms and squall use the same 2 speed mechanics. Lmk thanks!
The Squall VSW, from my examination uses a 4mm thick handle arm like the Fathom. The VISX is 5mm. I had users report issues where low gear wasn’t engaging, we resolved it to a small spacer right under the bolt that locks the arm in place. In short, the VISX will fit the squall but not function properly. Does your Squall VSW have the T-bar? There is a model with one that I did a video of to swap to a Fathom 60LD2 here and that should be a direct fit on yours. If you’d like the VISX, you’ll need that matching spacer with the arm. Hope that helps👍
@@Seastheday88 yes they have the t-bar. I was looking to get the offset ergonomic handle like the visx but the knob comes off with a screw where mine come off but are in a pressed in post. Would have to drill which I'm not a fan of.
@@gebe5093 got it. That’s the same one I used that has the stem pressed into the the arm. I did try to put it on a Vice but still couldn’t remove the screw on the handle side, kept slipping even with a Vice on the closest part to arm. 24-50ViS 024-1379677 is the entire arm and handle from VISX 20-50 size. 172A-1192378 is the spacer.
@@Seastheday88 thank you! So like your video showed this handle will work being 5mm thick but you need to use the 172a spacer for the dual grading to work?
@@gebe5093 yes, the spacer is to match with the new thicker od of the new Visx handle. If you order the visx12-16 handle. The T bar is same as the new Gen2 Fathom size, smaller in hands. Also has similar length arm as Squall. The 20-50 visx handle aseembly is longer arm and bigger tbar. Also a note, each handle, 12-16 and 20-50 aren’t interchangeable with each other, the bigger size uses a thicker diameter stem/bolt/screw. Hope that helps🤙
100% agree on that. I found myself compressing my index and middle finger too much. Could still grip tight, just had to relax on compression. Felt like this with the egg knob too. The Ocea Jigger handles feels so nice, but don’t know how’d I’d get that on this.
Hi Richard. Yes it will work on all 2spd fathoms. There is one caveat, we found an issue later and one of my recent videos shows we need a 5mm spacer that goes under the handle nut to compensate for the 1mm difference of the VISX handle width. Factory fathom is 4mm so the original space is also 4mm. Hope that helps. Also, if you don’t mind the Squall style, that is a 100% direct fit with no other mods needs, I cover that video as well. Thanks
So what is the largest handle i can put on my squall 50vsw since they share the same mounting style. Have you gone crazy and tried 80 and 130 handles? Any info would be TRULY appreciated!
I haven’t tried 80-130, but looking at the parts they appear same mounting type for the assembly. I do have the VISX 20-50 handle assembly currently waiting to install on my visx16. It’s much larger in overall and the rubber material grips much better when wet. That may be a consideration for the 50vsw. I’m also looking at mysticpart’s schematic of the 130 and it may be possible if you get the entire handle assembly as it mentions the stem for the knob part itself is a different diameter from smaller sizes.
Thanks boss! Fun and fairly easy mod to get a bit more power on the crank. Had to fight a 80-100lb on Talica 12ii and could feel the lock up in my hands from the shape it makes when gripping egg style knobs 😆 factory 40n still feels better overall for size but that international 12/16 is perfect for my hands.
VISX handle is 5mm thickness, and stock handle is 4mm. This means the gear-shift pin does not engage all the way. Handles MUST be shaved down 1mm thickness (0.040 inches), or this mod will cause problems. Also, when drilling 1/8 holes, start a bit from each side and meet in the middle so that the hole will stay centered, and you don't get burrs on one side.
Thanks for the suggestion. I did buy Tiburons for my Talica’s. Lite version on 12ii and full size on 16ii. Nice upgrades. I was personally curious about the Visx handles as I landed my pb 113# on a visx16 and the handles sold me.
Nice video. Had to mute , the background music really sucks. A howling dog or tomcat or crowing rooster would be better than what you’re using. IMO of course:
Also, VISX handle might look just as long, but if you measure from axis of rotation at the reel, to axis of rotation of the grip, the VISX is 1/4 inch SHORTER.
Have a 3 day trip in November targeting tuna if all stars align. This will be part of my day time arsenal and pairing it with a Phenix Axis Hax 720x2h. Hopefully I can give a full report after the trip with great news. Also, hope you guys enjoy that little easter egg towards the end =)
11/22/21 Update: Returned from the Aztec, I did use this 40n for day time but moved it over to night knife jigging, was much easier with the T-Bar Handle over the egg handle. Landed bluefin and white fish with my Talica 12 since we all had to go lighter leader. I did fight an 80-100lb BlueFin on the Talica 12 for near an hour but lost it at gaff. My cranking fingers, middle finger primarily has been sore since and I'm going to blame it on that egg shape grip, lol.
Could you PLEASE do a test of getting the Fathom II handle on the original Fathom 2-speed!!!
Very good video, very informative about everything. Good job 👍🏽
Thank you for watching. Note there was an update in the description of an additional part needed to be replaced. Which is a spacer from the Visx international model under the locking nut.
Great video and excellent explanation of the process. I just wanted to throw something out there. I have a Penn Sql 50VSW laying around that wasn't getting much use. After watching your video I decided to give the handle on the SQL a try. Turns out, it fit perfectly. In fact, I didn't have to drill any holes into the handle. The SQL handle was an exact match. There was one down side. The handle for the SQL 50VSW is the same price as the VISX, so no money savings there.
Jay! That’s awesome news actually. I’ll def have to do that. Have a few more 2spd I can upgrade and a few buddies who want to as well
@@Seastheday88 can u verify this when you do it and maybe a video? I have 4 fathoms I’d like to do this to. New sub.
@@petera1117 ordered the squall and larger Visx20-50. I’ll post once it arrives. thanks for watching 🙏
@@petera1117 got the squall handle and it’s a direct fit on fathom as Jay mentioned. I posted it on recent video. Thanks and tight lines 🤙
@@Seastheday88 sweeeeeeeet. Can’t wait to watch! Thanks so much for doing this!
Very helpful. Thank you for helping me do this myself
Joe. Also check the description. There is an additional spacer recommended for the upgrade which comes from VISX models thanks to
wonderful video , thanks for taking the time to make it and for sharing it with all 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you Tony for the kind words. Was really stoked about this one. Hard to find tutorials online so was glad to share this one 🙏🤙
@@Seastheday88yes , and you did a great job step by step , now I'm about to order the handle for my fth 40N😁 thank you once again
@@Tony67032 Awesome, glad to hear! I'll be putting mine to the test this weekend and hopefully get to report back with how it handles (double meaning) lol
@@Seastheday88 be waiting for the report but im sure it will be great
FYI- just watched a BD RUclips video from ICAST, with Steve Carson showing the new Gen 2 Penn Fathom Lever Drag reels. Many new features but related to this thread.
All Gen 2 Penn Fathom 2 speed reels come with a power handle (appears to be very similar or the same as 16 VISX handle). Also they have a new larger size, Fathom 80.
Link to the BD video
ruclips.net/video/sAZzEzZ6QxE/видео.html
@@leetaylor2158 it’s wild. I’m really digging the one piece side frame design. The international handle is a bonus, although makes this vid now obsolete 😆Saw they go as small as 10xn, perfect for the SPJ guys. I’m stoked for that 80 size too!
What a huge leap for Penn, looks like a $500 reel. I’ll still hold onto these original fathoms, but hope to add a new model in addition. Thanks for sharing Lee! 🙌🙌
@@Seastheday88 I am also excited by all the positive new upgrades/changes. They look like a homerun!
I will be using all my 1st Gen 2 speed Lever Drag Fathoms until they stop working. Might be awhile. I tried to find some specs on the new 80 size. Could be a comparable to the International 16 VISX. Penn website still only has 1st Gen stuff listed.
@@Seastheday88 There are so many 1st Gen Fathoms out there I don't think the video will be obsolete. In fact once people see the handles on the Gen 2 stuff this video might be more relevant. Time will tell.
@@leetaylor2158 so true, I’m still amazed how Penn made this Fathom for its price point.
Have to admit we’re all blessed with great options to get out on the rails.
Quick question if we replace the spacer that you put in the description were dont need to file down the handle thickness to 4mm correct?
Correct. No need to file down if you use the longer spacer. I’ve been using the spacer successfully, you can order a factory VISX 12-16 spacer directly from Penn.
How much drag can you realistically get on the fathom fishing knife and sinker? Would this reel be ok with some 100 mc? Some dude said he gets 30. At full and 350 yards of 100 is all you need to kill a cow? What’s your opinion?
I personally wouldn’t push it for 100lb. I’d fish it for 60lb ideally. You’ll go through pinion bearings faster if pushed higher. You’ll notice there is more resistance tension winding on Strike without anything hooked up. That’s due to higher drag and max pressure than the reel is able to handle. Some people have got away with it. Just needs more service in between.
Great tutorial video. I made the handle change on my Fathom 40N 2 speed. Just got back from a 3 day trip. All worked well in the garage but on the 1st BFT I caught on it the low gear would not engage. Put it away and used other gear for the rest of the trip. Went to a reel repair shop and they said the bar stock is thicker than original equipment and prevents the proper engagement of low gear.
They suggested only installing non factory handle with same bar stock thickness.
I installed a Tiburon Power handle (same thickness as original) on one of my 40N's and am filing down the aluminum bar stock on the VISX hand to match the original thickness for another 40N. Not sure how this will work or hold up (possible corrosion in the area that has been filed down). Will find out in July2022 when I'm back out on another 3 day trip.
Anyone else have issues like this?
Darn. Sorry to hear that Lee, did the low gear engage in pre-tests? I read other owners using this before me, however those same posts never had a follow report so my theory was all was good for them. I did take it out on last trip, but no hook up on this reel to confirm.
I was also trying to inspect how to get this International TBar in the Fathom handle without having to drill out the original knob. I’ll pursue this further if so. Thanks for sharing your report.
Yes the low gear worked when tested in garage under no load. Just engaging and disengaging. But under load of a 35-40# bft it did not.
The button pushes in and stays in but the handle free spins. Occasionally it engages for half a turn ...then free spins.
Fortunately the line spool stays engaged and retains the drag setting.
The shop said it is a known issue.
@@leetaylor2158 oh boy. Now that’s a prob. I’ll look into how to pursue the bar on the original handle arm. Thanks for sharing this 🙏👍
I was curious if my experience was unique or if other folks have had something different or similar.
According to the shop it was not unique. But I am all about learning. Hopefully others can share their experiences.
@@leetaylor2158 sucks. I’m not a fan of the straight bar design of the international and would prefer it angled in towards the reel from original fathom, but the 1mm thickness gave additional peace of mind. Losing low gear under pressure kills it all. I’m hoping others can chime in too.
I've got a torque 60, I plan on trying to put a t bar power handle on it
@@elijahbl5745 Which T bar are you planning to put on. There is another part needed if you decide on VISX
Other than the irritating background music, great informative video! I will still be hearing that music until i wake up tomorrow morning. LOL
Lol I got so much dislikes on the music, I reduced or removed it on vids I make after 😂
Great video! I have 7 squall VSW 2 speeds and was looking at handle options. That visx handle should fit right? I believe the fathoms and squall use the same 2 speed mechanics. Lmk thanks!
The Squall VSW, from my examination uses a 4mm thick handle arm like the Fathom. The VISX is 5mm.
I had users report issues where low gear wasn’t engaging, we resolved it to a small spacer right under the bolt that locks the arm in place.
In short, the VISX will fit the squall but not function properly. Does your Squall VSW have the T-bar? There is a model with one that I did a video of to swap to a Fathom 60LD2 here and that should be a direct fit on yours.
If you’d like the VISX, you’ll need that matching spacer with the arm.
Hope that helps👍
@@Seastheday88 yes they have the t-bar. I was looking to get the offset ergonomic handle like the visx but the knob comes off with a screw where mine come off but are in a pressed in post. Would have to drill which I'm not a fan of.
@@gebe5093 got it. That’s the same one I used that has the stem pressed into the the arm. I did try to put it on a Vice but still couldn’t remove the screw on the handle side, kept slipping even with a Vice on the closest part to arm.
24-50ViS
024-1379677 is the entire arm and handle from VISX 20-50 size.
172A-1192378 is the spacer.
@@Seastheday88 thank you! So like your video showed this handle will work being 5mm thick but you need to use the 172a spacer for the dual grading to work?
@@gebe5093 yes, the spacer is to match with the new thicker od of the new Visx handle.
If you order the visx12-16 handle. The T bar is same as the new Gen2 Fathom size, smaller in hands. Also has similar length arm as Squall.
The 20-50 visx handle aseembly is longer arm and bigger tbar.
Also a note, each handle, 12-16 and 20-50 aren’t interchangeable with each other, the bigger size uses a thicker diameter stem/bolt/screw.
Hope that helps🤙
Just did mine last week, came out great..thanks
Thank you, glad it helped! Hope it comes in handy and put to the test for you this season 🤙
Excelente explicación desdé Barcelona Venezuela Francisco Sabino gracias señor
Thank you 🙏
I like the handle but the bar between the knob and handle hurts my hand compared to stock
100% agree on that. I found myself compressing my index and middle finger too much. Could still grip tight, just had to relax on compression. Felt like this with the egg knob too. The Ocea Jigger handles feels so nice, but don’t know how’d I’d get that on this.
Hi, Does this mod work on the Fathom 60 too? Specifically the 16visx handle on a Fathom 60. Thanks.
Hi Richard. Yes it will work on all 2spd fathoms. There is one caveat, we found an issue later and one of my recent videos shows we need a 5mm spacer that goes under the handle nut to compensate for the 1mm difference of the VISX handle width. Factory fathom is 4mm so the original space is also 4mm. Hope that helps.
Also, if you don’t mind the Squall style, that is a 100% direct fit with no other mods needs, I cover that video as well. Thanks
So what is the largest handle i can put on my squall 50vsw since they share the same mounting style. Have you gone crazy and tried 80 and 130 handles? Any info would be TRULY appreciated!
I haven’t tried 80-130, but looking at the parts they appear same mounting type for the assembly. I do have the VISX 20-50 handle assembly currently waiting to install on my visx16. It’s much larger in overall and the rubber material grips much better when wet. That may be a consideration for the 50vsw. I’m also looking at mysticpart’s schematic of the 130 and it may be possible if you get the entire handle assembly as it mentions the stem for the knob part itself is a different diameter from smaller sizes.
Great instructional video!
Thanks boss! Fun and fairly easy mod to get a bit more power on the crank. Had to fight a 80-100lb on Talica 12ii and could feel the lock up in my hands from the shape it makes when gripping egg style knobs 😆 factory 40n still feels better overall for size but that international 12/16 is perfect for my hands.
@@Seastheday88 I don’t blame you a bit on that, getting that extra power is definitely a plus!
@@allkindsofoutdooractivities Didnt get bit on the 40n yet, hopefully I’ll get to test it this season 🙌
@@Seastheday88 fingers crossed for you brother!
Do you have a part number on the tool you used?
Hi. The factory tool is “168-TRQ40NLD2” or “168-1289891”
Thanks for watching!
Wanna get rid of the football handle?
Hey Greg. Thanks I moved that larger football handle to a smaller fathom. Feels more comfortable on 30 and smaller size. Thanks
VISX handle is 5mm thickness, and stock handle is 4mm. This means the gear-shift pin does not engage all the way. Handles MUST be shaved down 1mm thickness (0.040 inches), or this mod will cause problems. Also, when drilling 1/8 holes, start a bit from each side and meet in the middle so that the hole will stay centered, and you don't get burrs on one side.
Thanks. This took a few video iterations after, but was resolved and also noted in description.
👍👍👍
Thanks for watching boss!
Locking clip
Are you from San Diego?
From Orange County Boss, but always try to visit SD for those offshore trips🤙
Just buy a Tiburon T-Bar reel Handle. No need to drill.
Thanks for the suggestion. I did buy Tiburons for my Talica’s. Lite version on 12ii and full size on 16ii. Nice upgrades.
I was personally curious about the Visx handles as I landed my pb 113# on a visx16 and the handles sold me.
Nice video. Had to mute , the background music really sucks. A howling dog or tomcat or crowing rooster would be better than what you’re using. IMO of course:
Thanks for watching boss! yeah I know the feeling on music. Sometimes I add, sometimes I don't 😀Hope it helps if you decide to mod the handle 👍
Just measure it with a caliper
Will do thanks!
Don’t strip it
I was trying to be as careful as possible. Thanks