Probably more questions than answers but what do you plan on using it for e.g. trolling, bottom bouncing, jigging etc and what drag do you want out of it. 

I have the same model which I now use for bottom bouncing with 80lb braid.  I set the drag at around 6kg at strike and generally don't change it throughout the day.  If you go to sunset at that strike setting you are basically at lock up which may or may not suit the style of fishing you are using it for hence the initial questions.

 But some jigging even cubing style fishing (drift baits no weight). If you are using 80lb braid are you getting the best out of it on the 16s? How do you rate the stopping power of the s model?

The reason I use 80lb braid for bottom bouncing is so that when I snag on the bottom I have a reasonable chance of recovering everything rather than having to re-rig.  Am I getting the most out of an 80lb line; in gamefishing circles no, but I lose less tackle bottom bouncing.  

The norm for trolling would be for the drag to be set at 1/3rd breaking strain at strike and then if the reel is balanced to the line strength at full or sunset you should have another 50% drag.  If you were using 50lb line (24kg) is would equate to 8kg drag at strike and 12kg at sunset.  I can't answer whether a 16S will do this you will have to test yourself.  If it won't there is a way around it.  Set the drag so you have 12kg of drag a sunset and then back the drag off until you have 8kg and mark the position (with apiece of tape).  That position then becomes your strike position.

I think the 16S is a great reel.  Nice smooth drag and I've never found it wanting.  As far as drag settings go its just a matter of how much a bully you want to be and whether you want you arms to be the same length at the end of the day.

 Thanks Alan for yor response. I guess I was concerned with the fact that the s model was discontinued you would think for a reason, and replaced with vs/vsx with a better drag system and a bigger price tag - made me think there was a floor with the drag system under pressure or that the reel was just not intended to be used with braid. I'm in Exxy in December and looking forward to testing it out!! I reckon that'l be the best way to be sure, might save money on doing the modification.

  Ashley 

I purchased my 16S I think around 1998.  First time out and the drag was all over the place.  It was under warranty and was fixed by a bloke who repaired reels for a living.  Can't remember his name, he lived in Marangaroo and unfortunately I think has since closed his doors.  He told me the original design of the 16S had a design flaw but it was an easy fix and he had notified Penn.  Hopefully the reel you have is OK.

I also have a 16s that I have had from around that time. The guy in Marangaroo was John Devitt and he was a reel mechanic that used to do all of Penn's warranty work. He upgraded the drag system in my 16s too and I now fish 50lb with no problems. I think the original 16s drag system is designed for 8kg line as a game reel so to get the drag pressure to fish heavier lines the washers had to be changed.

John Devitt has since retired unfortunately as he was a guru when repairing and servicing all reel.

Go see jim head in westminster as he keeps in contact with john from time to time, sometimes brings round drag upgrades for alveys and the like when hes in the mood

He may have the fix upgrade yr looking for, maybe.

 For the help guys, I think by what you are saying the 16s will be a great reel after a drag upgrade. I'll try it out in a week at exxy see how it goes standard