Re casting performance: the avet goes well. It has a heavy spool compared to other reels I have and this means I have to be smooth when casting. It also sits higher than I'm 100% comfortable with so getting my thumb over it can be a challenge.

The magging is very controllable. It also free spools insanely well so the drive is disengaged.

Have you considered adding a mag system to the Penn? Not too hard to do and can be done cheaply.