I've had a 7500 C3 CT since they were launched, and it is a great real. I use it alot!!! Mainly for drift fishing from the boat, and do some shore fishing with it.
For casting its a great real, especially for casting large baits out, and getting them in quickly ... which is excellent over a snaggy bottom.
I have mixed thoughts about the Penn 535, its a good real but nowhere near as tough and rugged as the 7500 in my opinion. When I first got a 535 I was amazed with it, it was a great performer ... and I was lucky enough to win another one, but at the end of a year both of them started to have problems inside ... a problem a number of people I know whom owned them had with them. I put my two breaking down, down to wear and tear and not enough care and maintenace on my part (which it needs alot off).
The 7500 is a good solid reliable reel that is a joy to use and will last you an age. I can not recommend ABU reels enough, they are pricey ... but they last. The after sales service from ABU is second to none in my opinion, if theres a problem ... you send it to the service center and its fixed quickly. Recently I sent away my 6600 away to get fixed, and had it back withiin a week. Also, I sent one of my Penn 535s away to get fixed in June ... and am STILL waiting for it, I may be wrong, but I was told there is only one guy who deals with Penn reels in the UK if they break down??? hence the wait. But if you look after a 535 I'm sure it will last ...
Gillies