I have used one of these reels for a long time, in fact mine reads as a 30 which came before they went to KG ratings. When I take this reel apart I am impressed with how well everything is built and how little corrosion and other problems inside the reel. Comparing it to a TLD is a disservice as I think Shimano really underbuil those reels and the connection to the blade where you attach to a pole is a constant problem in heavier uses whereas the Penn is very strong. I have gotten big tuna, large yellowtail, marlin and all kinds of fish on this reel and it still keeps on ticking. It does not reel as easy as my Avets because of handle placement and width but the two speed helps some with winching some of those big boys off of the bottom. Most years I use it as 60 but I would not be afraid of putting 80 spectra on there if I needed some capacity.
Drag wise, I have no problem in the 28-30 range, and I think the drags are beefy and well built with lots of good surface.
I definately prefer my avets but if I could find a reel at a good discount I would probably add another to my overstocked arsenal.