I don't have any experience with the Shimanos except for a Bantam 50 direct drive that I love, but I do have a Penn 955. This model is a bit on the small side for big fish, but it works well for silvers and blackmouth. The only real complaint I have is that the line capacity is too low for all-around use. For the little bit I've used it, it seems like a good reel. If I was in the market for another reel, I would take a hard look at the 965.