I lost my rig last winter at Possession on a big time snag (It was 20yrs old anyway/nice watery death for the ole 309)

I am wondering how the new stainless 220 GTO compares to the 320/330 series and if the drags are the same and if anyone has any experience with it?

Fish-on

Check the weight and balance for what you want to do. If chasing halibut, I'd go with the 330. If chasing lings/bottomfish/salmon, the 320 is nice. The 220 seems pretty solid, but a little heavier. Not sure about the line capacity.

the 220 holds 30 yds less of 20lb. My biggest problem is I have a butt stick and want to use it, and also use a nice reel for salmon downriggin and the occaisonal bottomfish. I do have a shimano bantam 1000 that is my standard downriggin reel.
I just wanted to make that my backup and have a great all around reel to use. I only fish butts maybe once a year and not very often for bottomfish. The 309 I use to have was brutal with the but stick. Just about stop or gogogo on the drag

Sounds like you didn't loosen the drag after fishing. They can take a "set" and eventually all you have in all drag or no drag. If you like the reel, take it to a Penn repair shop and they can probably replace the drag washers/plates for you. Cheaper than a new reel.

If you are going to run mono and want a new reel, I'd go with the Penn 320. I have one loaded with 50# power pro as my "light" halibut reel. Loaded up with 20# mono, you'd probably like it better than the 220. If you want something smaller, the 310 would also work.

I run an Ambassador 6500 loaded with 20# for my downrigger/salmon rod.

I picked up a couple of the Lamiglas 5.5' roller tip rods and put the 220 GTOs on them. I have half dozen of the 320s and the 220s are really similar. Put on 300 yards of 65lb Power Pro. Caught nice 25lb halibut last week. Not a problem so far. 4 days on the water and no hickups.

Only one mention I would make and that is not a biggy. Both of my 220s loaded up with 300yds power pro fine. BUT, the right side of the spool is just a little higher than the left. I would say the level wind worm gear is just a little off, but still, not a worry.

Cleaned up really nice. Lots easier to handle than the Penn 114 I used last year on butts.

Good luck with your choice.

Steve