Penn Fathom Lever Drag review and price compare 2025
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Product overview
Brand | Penn |
Material | Aluminum |
Hand Orientation | Right Hand |
Color | Multicolor, Black |
Handle Material | Stainless Steel |
Item Weight | 3 Pounds |
Bearing Material | Stainless Steel |
product features
- by entering your model number.
- Heavy duty lever drag fishing reel offers phenomenal durability and cranking power
- Full metal body and side plates constructed from die cast aluminum for rigidity
- Quick Shift 2 speed system easily shifts into high or low gear. Double dog ratchet anti reverse
- Dura Drag system virtually eliminates snags and hesitation, even under extreme drag settings
- Fluid cranking with 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings, switchblade harness lugs, and double dog ratchet anti reverse.Line Capacity Rings
product description
product details
- Date First Available : October 27, 2017
- Manufacturer : Penn
- ASIN : B076XMBFDJ
important information
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Questions about Penn Fathom Lever Drag
Q:
what does the n stand for in the serial number
Answer: The N stands for a narrow spool so you don't have as much side to side to level wind your line. The 25 and the 40 come in the narrow spool sizes.
Q:
Is the 60 model the fth60ld2? the 2 speed with the lever drag?
Answer: I have a 25 N and the "N" means narrow. The 60 LD 2 would be Lever Drag(LD) and the (2) would be two speed.
Answer: Yes size is 60, LD is leve drag, 2= 2 speed
Answer: Yes. 2 speed with lever drag
Answer: Yes, same size as the 40 but wider. Also has a crossbar over the top portion of the spool.
Answer: Yes it is and a very well made reel.
Q:
when ajusting the drag, is there a way to tell you how many pounds it is set on or do you have to estimate it.
Answer:
Answer:
Answer: There is no way to index the pounds of drag on the reel. Move the increase/decrease knob while the level is in"freespool" and then push the lever forward. With a full spool of line on the reel you will soon learn how much drag pressure is set. Practice for a short time and you will understand. Where I fish we have to adjust the drag depending on the type of fish and the methods involved. It's a great reel for everything I do.
Answer: U can check it with a scale or i just set and test it by pulling on it. its suppose to set to just before breakage.
Answer: You have to estimate it or use a scale.
Q:
for 30n, 30 means # test?
Answer: Yes, it used to, but it is the old numbering system. These reels are much more powerful, capable of using #50,60 or even 80 braid with the desired topshot of mono, in a “30” size reel. 300 yds. of #30 is what it used to mean. Same size, different capability today.
Answer: The fathom 30 means 300yds of 30#mono, the fathom 25 means 300 yds of 25# mono, the fathom 40n means 300yds of 40 #mono and so on and so forth
Answer: No. The 30 or 30n is the size of the reel spool. For line test sizes/capacity go to Penn website.
Answer: The number is approx 315 yards of mono in that line wt...so a 25 has 305 yards of #25 mono.....a 40 has 315 yards of 40# mono.....braid which is thinner for its strength will hold more yards of a higher rating # than the mono equivelent
Q:
What is the gear ratio?
Answer: 5.51 high 2.89 low gear. Compare this to the TORQUE.. weight is roughly the same. The body style is the same. The torque is one piece cnc; The only difference... IMHO best bang for the buck.
Answer: Go to penn’s website to get your answer
Q:
Would the 25n be good for yellowtail/bluefin/yellowfin in so cal?
Answer: For fish up to 35-40 lbs, it' is great. For larger bluefin which have been showing in southern Cal, the 40n 2 speed is stronger.. I have both, great reels.
Answer: I've caught lots of 30-100# tuna on 1980's Penn Senator 4/0's. These reels absolutely blow them away in all categories. I would fish the 25n loaded with 60# braid and short 50# flouro topshot for Tuna up to 100# no prob.
Answer: Yes I use it for them. I caught yellowfin two days ago.
Answer: Probably the top value right now for a quality #30 or #40 outfit( especially with #50 Braid line) I have used mine a few times this year and so far can't find a problem.
Answer: How much line does it hold
Q:
What is the best boat rod to pair with the 40n model?
Answer:
Answer:
Answer: I paired an Okuma Cedros jigging rod with my FTH30LD2. I load 65lb braid with a top shot of 40lb mono. We catch bull reds, blacktip sharks, bug drum, red snapper, large stingrays, and other salt water fish on these rigs. This Okuma Cedros jigging rod would probably work well for you. https://www.amazon.com/Okuma-CJ-C-661M-6-5-Foot-Casting-65-Pound/dp/B001V7ETVW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470783466&sr=8-1&keywords=okuma+cedros+jigging+rod
Answer: "Best" rod would depend on your preference and what you are fishing for. I'm west coast, fishing is done stand up style. I use mine for tuna in the 40+ pound range. My rod is an Okuma Makaira 701XH 30-80 lb. class, 7 foot. I like the shorter rod on this for leverage on larger fish, in case you get into 70+ lb. Since it is used as a live bait (mackerel/sardine) rod, casting distance is not a priority as with a 8-9 foot rod.
Answer: It depends what you're fishing for. Mine is paired to a calstar bt 6480, for yo-yo iron or live bait fishing. West coast baja style. Your mileage may vary.
Answer: Shimano trevala of appropriate weight for what fish your catching.
Q:
The picture and description indicates that the penn 40n is a 2 speed lever reel, is this what i will receive if i purchase the reel?
Answer: Yes! This is a 2 speed lever reel. Awesome! Effective!! Sure landing!!! Tight lines:)
Answer: Yes, it's a two speed
Q:
Hi will this penn fathom 25n fit on the ugly stick gx2
Answer: The ugly stick gx2 is a rod for a spinning reel. Not a conventional reel or a casting conventional reel
Answer: I believe so. It is a 20 series reel so still small. For actual casting is still on the big side.
Q:
How can you attach a harness clip to this reel?
Answer: No way too. Thai is a smaller reel. But it just reeled up a 350+lb salmon shark.
Answer: You can’t on the 30 series only the 60
Answer: Don't know why u need one
Q:
Can I use this reel for trolling and bottom fishing? IE wahoo, mahi and grouper and snapper?
Answer: I have never used this for trolling. The 2 speed reel will help you haul up those big fish from the bottom.
Answer: With the amount of drag available on this reel it should be capable of most any bigger fish scenario
Answer: Absolutely, I’ve used for both
Answer: Yes it should work well.
Q:
do you have left and right hand options?
Answer: The FTH25NLD2 and FTH30LD2 will offer "left hand drive" versions after September 2017.
Q:
Which Rod are you guys pairing this up with? I'll be fishing off charter boat for rockfish, tuna, etc.
Answer: I use the penn medium heavy rod with the cross hatch foam grip cost 200. Carnage 2 i think it is. Nice action very parabolic
Answer: Star custom or star VPR rods are my personal favorite. They will be yours also if you use one.
Q:
Do u have this available in left hand
Answer: I don't but they do
Q:
Is it right handed
Answer: yes
Q:
how much lead core (18lb) will it hold?
Answer: that's up to you
Q:
This’s used for beach or boat ?
Answer: I’ve used the Fathom 40N mostly on deep sea boats but I have used it for beach fishing.. worked great on both..
Answer: This reel is for Ocean fishing from a boat. Great for Tuna and big bottom fish. The is a heavy duty reel for bigger fish.
Answer: I’m using off a kayak, I haven’t tried casting from shore.
Answer: Unless you fish for giant fish from the beach, this reel is better suited for deep sea. such as tuna or other larger species
Answer: Boat
Answer: Both
Q:
it says lever drag but showing 40n which is single speed drag. I want the 40nld2 but it doesn't say that anywhere?
Answer: I have a 25N 2 speed and have only had to use low gear once(200 pound thresher shark). The narrow versions hold plenty of the new braided line.
Q:
Yoy guys have left hand?
Answer: 30 and under have lefty's. 40 and 60 no
Q:
Is this real good for trolling
Answer: It can be done depending on what you are targeting. Spanish mackerel or bonito sure. Anything bigger than that, no.
Answer: sure why not.
Q:
What size penn neoprene reel cover fits the 40nld? small?
Answer: Hi! I'm not 100% sure, but I guess small would be a snug but right fit. I would further suggest put this search title in Amazon website "Penn Neoprene Reel Cover" and look at the answers to the FAQ. The exact answer may be there. Your choice of reel was perfect:) Happy fishing!
Q:
The heading and pic say fathom 30 which is model fth30ld2. however, in product details it says fth15ld2 which is a much smaller reel. which is it?
Answer: Should be the 30 thats what i received. I do love that 15 great yellowtail killer
Answer: The 15 is the smallest the 30 is the bigger one
Answer: When I ordered it, it was the 30. No promises if you order it though.
Answer: 15 is smaller
Q:
what are the dementions of the reel, (the width and diameter)
Answer: The outside diameter is 2 7/8 inches and the total width including the handle knob is 4 3/4 inches.
Answer: Sorry I can't help you. I'm in Michigan and reel is in Florida. It is rather small for it's power.
Q:
80 braid how many yards
Answer: 300 yds 100 lb test
Q:
I'll get this product in black
Answer: Sure go ahead. It’s the only color.
Q:
Huw much braided line fits on 40n model?
Answer: Depends on the diameter of the braided line. You can fit 300yrds 80lb on the reel easy.
Answer: Depends what size braid you use. I got 450yds of 80lb Berkley pro spec with room for a mono topshot on mine. 65lb braid I'm sure you can get over 500yds.
Answer: This question needs to be more specific. Braided line comes in different sizes. This kind of info can be found on the Penn web site.
Answer: I got 400 yrds of 80 lbs. power pro on mine. to fish 50/60 lbs flouro
Answer: About 500 yard of 80lb
Answer: 655 yards of 65 spectra
Q:
Can I get this in a left hand?
Answer: Yes
Q:
Can these reels be equipped with 100-200 pound mono? I’m looking for a conventional reel that can pull Goliath groupers from a pier.
Answer: No, can put 80# Spectre & top shot 80 # fluorocarbon, you have to go to a bigger reel!
Answer: No. I do use 80 brad
Q:
Is the Fathom 30 2 speed as strong as the Fathom 40n 2 speed?
Answer: I like the Fathom 30 for 25-30 LB line. I use the 40N for 50 and 60#. Both reels are strong, the reason the 40N is for larger # line is because of it’s line capacity.
Q:
Photo is showing model 30ld2 but the serial number model indicates it the 15ld2? which one is this for?
Answer: none of the photos show a size 15. main photo is of 30. why?!
Answer: 15ld2
Q:
What is the rate of retrieve
Answer: It's a 2 speed so it's 5.0 and 2.5. Quick and easy to change speeds when needed.
Q:
I’m curious I just bought the fathom 30 but it’s to small was wanting to know I could return it for the fathom 60 and just pay the difference is that
Answer: I returned my 60L AND GOT A 50 NO BAR ACROSS TOP OF REEL
Q:
can this reel be used for 125lb bluefin tuna. off ca. coast .thank you
Answer: The max drag of models 40 e 60 is 40LB. I think that the Penn Fathom shouldn't have any problems with 125LB bluefin tuna
Answer: The reel is more than capable, when paired with the proper line and rod, of landing fish in that range.
Answer: I believe so, I have mine loaded with 65lb hollow and 50 lb topshot, took a 130 bigeye a couple weeks ago and did fine. We didnt turn into it as we hooked a yellowfin too.. worked great.
Answer: Yes it can handle 125 lb bft. The drag is great and can handle 80-100 lb braided line
Answer: Yes sir
Q:
Are there any differences (other than line capacity) between the 40 and the 60 models?
Answer: The 49 is a 2 speed and the 60 has a larger line capacity.
Q:
Will this reel be sufficient in 300 to 400 feet of water in the gulf ? Grouper , snapper ?
Answer: The fantom 25 and 40 are great reels strong drag for larger fish. I love the 2 speed, lever drag, and how functional it is.
Answer: I’d go with the 40n or even 60 mode if you’re fishing that deep and that big of fish imo.
Q:
where can I buy a penn fth15ld2 2 speed reel
Answer: Here
Q:
is the 40N same as fth40NLD2 or right hand 40lb drag and a two speed ?
Answer: On Penn's website, the 2 speed lever drag model is a 40N, so is the lever drag without the two speed. with about a $50 price difference. If you want a two speed, make sure it designates two speed, and levers on 2 speed are gold, levers on single speed are red.
Answer: 40N is only a single speed
Q:
Does the 60 come in left hand reel
Answer: The 60 will be offered in "left hand drive" in the SINGLE SPEED version only after September 2017.
Answer: I ordered a Fathom FTH60LD2 which is suppose to be right hand,it came from Bass Pro online as a left and I have to send it back.guess it was boxed wrong?what is strang is there is no part# FTH60LD2LH,but here to tell you that is what came.gonna call Penn on Monday morning to see what gives?:(
Q:
Is the 40n good for jigging stripper bass ?
Answer: Probably overkill. Mine handles stingray and leopard sharks so unless you are going after 30 pound plus striped bass you could drop a size down. Just my opinion.
Q:
When do you use high and low gears?
Answer: In general you will always use high gear but when yo are fighting a large fish you can go to low gear to have more cranking power
Q:
Where those made
Answer: China
Q:
what is the difference between the 25N and the 30
Answer: The 25n has a narrower spool and holds less line. Otherwise the two reels are identical. For more specs see the penn fishing reel web site...
Answer: The width of the reel. N is for narrow. I prefer narrow reels especially for braid line because line capacity is less of an issue.
Q:
Good for mono
Answer: Yes! I'm actually old school so I prefer mono over braid. I landed a 125 lb striped marlin on a mono. Tight lines:)
Answer: Yes but I use 80lb braid for quantity and run lighter drag because it doesn't stretch like mono.
Answer: Any line will do
Q:
So which one is this one 25 or 30?
Answer: 30
Q:
What is the best rod paired with this reel? Any rod Model # suggestions from Penn?
Answer: Phoenix Abyss
Q:
can i use this reel on the beach and pier?
Answer: A lever drag dropping off a pier is OK, casting from the beach would require some skill. I have the 40N 2 speed for tuna. Go for a smaller model like a 15 or 25n.
Answer: Overkill for that use . use star drag reel Penn squall .
Answer: You could, but I feel this reel is much better suited for an offshore, bottom fishing rig. I've fought some big goliaths with it (ultimately getting broken off in the rocks or pulling the hook), and I've caught some big grouper and amber jack on it. The low gear has a ton of power for pulling grouper away from the rocks.
Answer: Sure why not ,i have used this reel everywhere it is lightweight and it can cast far.
Answer: You could for giant fish I live in southern California and I use it for 30 plus yellowtail to 50 plus pound tuna
Answer: As for the rod i would use any 8ft. Medium heavy , or a heavy
Q:
Best rod for penn fathom2 30lh?
Answer: I have used it on a United composites tilefish jr and a Daiwa proteus
Q:
Is the 60 a 2 speed lever drag?
Answer: I own a 25 N and it is a 2 speed reel. Believe the 60 is the same
Answer: Yes I ordered this exact reel. Fathom 60LD2. LD indicates lever drag and the 2 indicates 2 speed.
Answer: Yes
Q:
can i use this reel for tuna 30to 60lbs thank you
Answer: I have my reel rigged with 65 pound test braid and a 50 pound mono"top-shot". I fought and landed a thresher shark that weighed approx 175 pounds. Tuna will beat you up but the reel can handle it.
Q:
What is the reel side plate diameter of the 25n?
Answer: I would suggest referring to the Penn web site for specs.
Product reviews of Penn Fathom Lever Drag
Mr Fixit : Excellent must have reel for mid-large game fish!
This is my Go-To reel for yellowtail fishing. Anyone who caught yellowtail know they fight like hell. This reel allowed me to bring in a 23 pound YT easily enough. It's lever drag and clicker worked beautifully. Ramping up the drag during the fight was very smoothly handled. Switching to and from low gear was flawless even during the heat of battle.
I kinda want to buy another.... But I have yet to justify a second.
Beautiful and well crafted reel. For its capability, it is fairly compact and light weight. Similar reels are bulkier and heavier with questionable performance.
Mount it on a good quality rod and you are all set! Just need to get out there and hook up!
carlos reyes : LADRONES!!!
La peor compra que pude haber hecho, no se hicieron responsables por nada, ladrones!!!!
Eric : Great buy
Broke it in on my tuna trip.
Worked smooth and easy.
Amazon Customer : Great for up to 1
Very versatile reel for deep drops, yo yo jigs, and fly lining. I use with 50lb braid and short leader. Great for up to 1.5 day trips from San Diego
Blake : Worth the price
Easy to crank, lightweight, and narrow spool makes it easy to guide line.
Steven A. : The Beast Master... at a value price
I’m writing this review of the NLD40 2-speed which I paired with a Phoenix Axis heavy 8.2’ rod; reel was packed with 80lb spectra and a short amount of 80lb Fluor along with a heavy duty 2/0 circle hook. I used this combo on a 1.5 day trip out of San Diego targeting Blue Fin in early July 2020. This is a factual account of the experience: brought 3-blue fin each weighing approx 180lb to the boat in 45-60 minutes. This was the first true test for this reel. Reel feels very good under pressure; reel is very capable... lacks nothing especially in low gear; Without any reservation, this reel is an incredible value at the lower end of the price range for a 2-speed. You can easily spend more with other brands. I’m very happy with this reel
Greg Doramus : Spectacular!
I really love this reel, the two speed and lever drag combined make things extremely easy to fight a big fish. Just took it out and caught a 48 lb. Bluefin (+ many Yellowfin in the 20 lb. class) The two speed allows you to get a slight break while reeling in a big fish by changing the gear ratio. You don't make as much progress, but it can give you a few minutes of ease, then drop it back down and continue the fight. (not sure if that is it's intended purpose or not). Also I really like the lever drag, this makes things really easy, you can always have the drag slightly engaged or increase it on the fly with a simple touch. It also happens to be one of the easiest level-wind reels I have ever used to cast. I can easily cast 20-30 feet with a small anchovy and heavy line (with a little practice). The reel is also extremely lightweight, and compact, but extremely durable. Lot's of room for plenty line too. I love it, and am glad I purchased it. Ill probably get another one (or maybe a couple more in different sizes).
Shannon Bonik : Awesome strong reel love penn
Love this reel I dont know how I fished without a 2 speed until now went on a night snapped trip 30 miles out and this thing is invaluable I was catching smaller snapper and then I had a big red snapper take the bait I was able to jump down to low gear and out a hurting on him.
Xiao h Zhou : I love this reel
I love this reel. The best one I've gotten so far. Ended up picking up the single speed 40 high speed too.
Zack : Awesome reel
Awesome reels! We have 3 of the 40N and a 25N for halibut fishing. It's nice having the 2 speed for the kids or big fish and the 42inch retrieval for bait checks saves a lot of time.
chandler s martin : Two gears most important with big bottom fish
First fish big red grouper 20lbs hard fight till I switched this reel to low gear smooth as silk I could turn the reel handle at ease in low gear brought that fish right off the bottom with no effort amazing.
Kody : In for repairs
Great success with 25n, I own 3 of them. I purchased a Fathom 30 2-speed and the 1st time out the dog (anti-reverse} went out in the high gear. I was able to still fish it in low gear. Maybe it was a lemon. I'm a loyal Penn guy 50yrs + No problems till now.
Johnny M : Solid reel for the money, issue with listed line capacity
This is a great reel for the money, and should handle pretty much anything from striped bass to small tuna. There is a little bit of play in the handle, but it's only about 1mm, and the button used to switch the cranking power isn't as nice as some higher priced reels, but it works well. One major thing to be aware of is that Penn's own website lists the capacity at 395 yards of 65lb braid. I just had mine filled at a very respected pro shop with 65lb Diawa J Braid metered braid (.016 inch/0.41mm diameter) and it was full to the top of the spool at 300 yards. In the answered question on this pagel, ricardo hill states his holds 300 of 65 and 75 yards of 40lb mono. Either his reel was filled past the spool diameter or it's wound VERY tight. Even so, 300yds of 65lb is plenty of line for everything but large gamefish. Can't wait to get it wet!
William E Foster II : Great Saltwater Reel
Used this reel for Yellowfin off the coast of San Diego last year. It performed flawlessly when reeling in anywhere from 15lb'ers to 50lb'ers. The casting is also a dream, very smooth and steady. I didn't want to say anything about this reel because I didn't want to see it become popular and the price go up... :-)
william s. : Good real
Excellent reel
William E Foster II : Great Saltwater Reel
Used this reel for Yellowfin off the coast of San Diego last year. It performed flawlessly when reeling in anywhere from 15lb'ers to 50lb'ers. The casting is also a dream, very smooth and steady. I didn't want to say anything about this reel because I didn't want to see it become popular and the price go up... :-)
Eric : Great buy
Broke it in on my tuna trip.
Worked smooth and easy.
Amazon Customer : Awesome reel
Penn has always been my favorite go to reels.
This operates smoothly and can handle more weight. Nice lever drag too.
Mr Fixit : Excellent must have reel for mid-large game fish!
This is my Go-To reel for yellowtail fishing. Anyone who caught yellowtail know they fight like hell. This reel allowed me to bring in a 23 pound YT easily enough. It's lever drag and clicker worked beautifully. Ramping up the drag during the fight was very smoothly handled. Switching to and from low gear was flawless even during the heat of battle.
I kinda want to buy another.... But I have yet to justify a second.
Beautiful and well crafted reel. For its capability, it is fairly compact and light weight. Similar reels are bulkier and heavier with questionable performance.
Mount it on a good quality rod and you are all set! Just need to get out there and hook up!
Dave : great reel
Very strong reel. I use it with a 6 foot rod.
carlos reyes : LADRONES!!!
La peor compra que pude haber hecho, no se hicieron responsables por nada, ladrones!!!!
ZQubed : Great value reel for big game!
Reel is great, smooth, has pulled up fish easily. My only negative is that the harness lugs are a little narrow and my existing trolling straps do not fit.
Amazon Customer : Awesome reel
Penn has always been my favorite go to reels.
This operates smoothly and can handle more weight. Nice lever drag too.
connie gallegos : So smooth to turn the reel
My husband loves it.
David : FISH ON!
Took this reel in a 2-day tuna fishing trip. It preformed great ,easy to use and cought 6 fat yellow fin tuna. Great reel. Looking to pick up another one.
Zack : Awesome reel
Awesome reels! We have 3 of the 40N and a 25N for halibut fishing. It's nice having the 2 speed for the kids or big fish and the 42inch retrieval for bait checks saves a lot of time.
Clem : Excellent piece of fishing technology
Real smooth, light weight, dual speed, big jobber pack in small product, fast and productive
E. V. Wong : 061215 Field Tested; Excellent packaging. Product is excellent for China manufactured for ...
061215 Field tested. fair-good cast of fly-lined 'chovy with 1/4 oz. bullet head slider; Good to better with fly-line 'dine; smooth retrieve and plenty of drag; smooth gear shifting. Overall Light weight. Have tested Torque30 & 40, FLD2 30 matches performance at over half the price.
Meets 2 speed performance Avet, Accurate, Shimano & I have them. You need to Buy this product, 2 speed for less than $230. Purchased two more. Also purchased an tested FLD15 and have same results and comments. EVW .Los Angeles, 061315
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Received Penn Fathom-LD2-30 from GCO-Mississippi. Arrived in about four-six days. Excellent packaging. Product is excellent for China manufactured for U.S. longstanding product manufacture. Ready to go out of the box. Simple to understand instructions and warranty information. Fathom-LD2 Works like it is advertised. Especially compared to more expensive Penn Torque-LD2 model of same design, which i have personally tested in models 30 and 40. I expect no less performance. Great buy for half the price of the Torque. Two more are soon to be delivered. Also recently received the Fathom-LD2-15. Fish cannot see the reel, rod, or Angler. EVW 061115
Joe : Smooth reel for the medium Pelagic fish.
VERY nice reel. Purchased to use with my Beastmaster 20/30 travel rod and has proven to be a great combination. Don’t think it would handle a 200lb class Tuna with the line capacity, but maybe with a good captain willing to chase it down a bit. As for Dorado and Wahoo, the reel has preformed outstanding. Really wish Penn would make this reel in a 60 class left hand. I had to step to the Squall for that, but would Jump at a 60 class Fathom in a heartbeat.
Amazon Customer : Great Fishing Reel
Spooled with 900 feet of PowerPro 100lbs line. Used on my last 7 deep sea trips. Lever Drag make it so easy to use. The drag handled a 258 lb. Blue Shark (we released it when it was at the stern of the boat)
Will : Don’t tie to the spool!
When trying to add braid to the spool the holes are super sharp and cut 50lb braid like butter. Had to spool like a conventional reel with no line holes. Backed with 10’ of mono then braid. You would think for $200+ They could get the machining correct or QC under control.
Amazon Customer : Great for up to 1
Very versatile reel for deep drops, yo yo jigs, and fly lining. I use with 50lb braid and short leader. Great for up to 1.5 day trips from San Diego
E L : Love this purchase
Wow, best reel purchase for the money in 40 years. Smooth wind and effortless speed change.
Hard to believe that this small, light weight reel performs so well.
Amazon Customer : Great Fishing Reel
Spooled with 900 feet of PowerPro 100lbs line. Used on my last 7 deep sea trips. Lever Drag make it so easy to use. The drag handled a 258 lb. Blue Shark (we released it when it was at the stern of the boat)
Robdod : Clicker Button fell broke off reel after 1 use.
Reel felt nice in my hand and was light and smooth I thought it would be perfect for jigging and bottom fishing, How ever at the end of the day while washing and putting away the gear we noticed the clicker button had fallen off the reel and we could hear a part rattling around inside, promptly returned it to amazon today for a refund I was thinking of getting a Penn torque but now I am wondering about their lack of quality and quality control. The old Penn Senators were practically indestructible even after decades of use and now I have one break after 1 day, Sad.
Eric : Great buy
Broke it in on my tuna trip.
Worked smooth and easy.
Bill : Awesome reel
It takes a little bit to get used to the two speed function but what a reel tool it for a summer cod trip had no problems with the 10 oz sinker nor a 15lbs cod really really awesome reel
E. V. Wong : 061215 Field Tested; Excellent packaging. Product is excellent for China manufactured for ...
061215 Field tested. fair-good cast of fly-lined 'chovy with 1/4 oz. bullet head slider; Good to better with fly-line 'dine; smooth retrieve and plenty of drag; smooth gear shifting. Overall Light weight. Have tested Torque30 & 40, FLD2 30 matches performance at over half the price.
Meets 2 speed performance Avet, Accurate, Shimano & I have them. You need to Buy this product, 2 speed for less than $230. Purchased two more. Also purchased an tested FLD15 and have same results and comments. EVW .Los Angeles, 061315
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Received Penn Fathom-LD2-30 from GCO-Mississippi. Arrived in about four-six days. Excellent packaging. Product is excellent for China manufactured for U.S. longstanding product manufacture. Ready to go out of the box. Simple to understand instructions and warranty information. Fathom-LD2 Works like it is advertised. Especially compared to more expensive Penn Torque-LD2 model of same design, which i have personally tested in models 30 and 40. I expect no less performance. Great buy for half the price of the Torque. Two more are soon to be delivered. Also recently received the Fathom-LD2-15. Fish cannot see the reel, rod, or Angler. EVW 061115
Manuel R. : Great reel for BIG TUNA off the CAL. Coast
Abit heavy but you need it for so. cal. fishing . would buy again.
Kody : In for repairs
Great success with 25n, I own 3 of them. I purchased a Fathom 30 2-speed and the 1st time out the dog (anti-reverse} went out in the high gear. I was able to still fish it in low gear. Maybe it was a lemon. I'm a loyal Penn guy 50yrs + No problems till now.
Choco : Defect unit?
perhaps the unit I got was bad. Few things I noticed straight out of the box(after I'm already on a boat):
1. One of the holes on the reel clamp ( the piece that secure the reel onto the rod. ) Has a smaller diameter than the nuts that came with the reel, making it impossible to fassen the reel to the rod .
2. The lever drag will not go pass strike, making "full" and "sunset" unusable.
I was able to jam the nuts through the hole to secure the reel to the rod, but was not able to get the lever drag to work correctly. The reel still functioned with "strike " only and the 2 speed seems very smooth. But I'm returning the unit as I'm only getting half of the function out of the reel.
Charles Dominique : 2 speed, good value for the money
Gave it a 3 star due to I haven't used this reel yet. Going on an extended trip in several days.
Have heard many good reviews though.
Forrest Andrew Bogue : Great reel and reel line (fathoms)
Very impressed with fathom series reels. Very tough on any product I use and you can really put these things to use and they continue to perform especially for the price.
Al Rapaport : ... speed narrow spool line of Penn reels are really awesome. They are very powerful and I use them ...
The Fathom 2 speed narrow spool line of Penn reels are really awesome. They are very powerful and I use them bottom fishing at least 20x or so a year. The low speed gives you incredible torque when winding up something heavy, and the high speed is good for retrieving and replacing baits, etc. I've had a couple of these in various sizes for 3 or 4 years now and they've performed flawlessly.
Manuel R. : Great reel for BIG TUNA off the CAL. Coast
Abit heavy but you need it for so. cal. fishing . would buy again.
graziano : Good
So far so good, seems to be a winner
diego : Bang for buck
Great value 2 speed, had a chance to use the lower gear when the yellowtail dropped straight down and really made a difference. Worth it.
Zack : Awesome reel
Awesome reels! We have 3 of the 40N and a 25N for halibut fishing. It's nice having the 2 speed for the kids or big fish and the 42inch retrieval for bait checks saves a lot of time.
Mr. Taylor : Fathoms are awesome
Penn Fathoms are the best reels on the market in terms of quality/strength for the price. They are all I fish for 20-25-30-40 lb line classes. Fantastic reels that perform way above their price. GREAT FREESPOOL and VERY SMOOTH DRAG.
Forrest Andrew Bogue : Great reel and reel line (fathoms)
Very impressed with fathom series reels. Very tough on any product I use and you can really put these things to use and they continue to perform especially for the price.
you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you
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