PENN Warfare Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel (All Models & Sizes) review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Penn
Material	Synthetic
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Color	Red, Multicolor
Handle Material	Aluminum
Item Weight	1.4 Pounds
Bearing Material	Aluminum

product features

Lightweight graphite frame and sideplates
Forged and machined aluminum spool
Machined brass main and pinion gear
HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
Instant anti-Reverse bearing
Line capacity rings

product description

The Penn Warfare Level Wind Reel was engineered to be an extremely versatile all-around reel at an affordable price. It features a lightweight graphite frame and side-plates with aluminum frame rings for improved rigidity to prevent frame-flex. HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers provide smooth drag under heavy loads. Line capacity rings help eliminate the question of how much line you have left when fighting a fish. Reel has a forged and machined aluminum spool, machined brass main and pinion gear. The reel is also equipped with an instant anti-reverse bearing feature.

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 6 x 4 inches; 1.4 Pounds
Item model number ‏ : ‎ 641-1366185
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ April 6, 2015
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Pure Fishing
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B011OCRNPC

important information

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Questions about PENN Warfare Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel (All Models & Sizes)

I want one for right handed and with about 60 pound braided line and line counter. Which one do i want ???

Answer: They make one w counter but I don't own one but really like the real

Answer: Try Penn 1481313. It’s a Levelwind with line counter meant for 30 lb test, but will hold loads of 60 lb braided. The issue may be if drag can handle heavy loads.

Would the war20 be good for catfish?

Answer: Should be great for catfish

Answer: Yes! If you're going for lunker cats, the 20 would be perfect. I was using the 30LWLC for big lingcod (10-30lbs) in the ocean and it made quick, easy work of them.

Answer: It's a bit much unless your going for 50lbs catch fish

Answer: Yes I use for 70lb flathead cat

How do i activate the bait clicker on the 20lw?

Answer: there should be a button on the opposite side from the leaver. The button slides to activate the clicker.

Answer: Should b small 1/4 inch silver button on side

When i cast the bait clicker comes on is it suppost to?? Never owned one this type of reel before

Answer: No it should not come on.

Would the war15 with a line counter be a good reel for walleye 6 foot 6 inch trolling rod?

Answer: We have the 30’s with line counters and use them for snagging spoonbills or paddlefish here in Missouri, and are very satisfied.

Answer: Not a good reel, I returned

Answer: Warfare design flaw,clicker shaft wears threw if used constantly...

Answer: Will work perfectly!

Answer: I thank it would be

Is this made in USA?

Does it come with the line counter?

Answer: The Penn Warfare with Line Counter is Model #WAR15LWLC. It will have a large counter dial on the top right side of the reel.

Answer: Yes is has a line counter

Answer: Mine did. It say lwlc I believe

Is the penn warefare 30lwlh a good reel for deep jigging with bucktails and diamond jigs?

Answer: Yes, I would say so. I was jigging 8-10oz leadheads & chrome bars for rockfish & lingcod this season off the WA Coast and it worked like a champ. The line counter was fairly accurate to like maybe 1-2' when I did a comparison between the line counter and what the skipper was seeing on his depthfinder. Awesome reel, will probably buy another as a spare.

Answer: I would think so. It's not too big. I have 4 of these reels. For trolling for stripers, hybrids and white bass. Also use for bottom bouncing live bait.

Answer: No

Could the 15lwlh be used to fish for fluke, taug, stripers? And is the 15lwlh a line counter because when selected it shows it being a line counter.

Answer: Yes. This reel can handle the application you will use it for. I have 300 yrds of 50 lbs spiderwire and use flourocarbon topshots from 15 -40 lbs. Mine is non line counter.

Answer: I use my reel for 30 - 100 lb catfish in Mo. I have snagged a 78 lb Spoonbill with my 15lwlh last spring.

Answer: Works great not a line counter.

Answer: Yes, it can handle thosez and i believe what you selected is the warfare15LevelWindLeftHand(retrieve)

what is the cp at the end of the style

Is this reel the left hand retrieve line counter model?

Answer: Not Sure. I see that there are 89 questions that pertain to this one reel. I highly suggest that most of these people can find the real correct answers on Penn Reels website, which is http://www.pennfishing.com

I have a billfisher BT3060R-66 6'6'' 30-60lb what size of reel can i use for this rod

Answer: Penn warfare 30

is this the left hand line counter 20 model?

How many yard of 30lb braid can it hild?

Answer: 250 yards

My eccentric lever on 15 size (retrieve lever) is really hard to engage. Auto clutch feels stuck and hard to engage? Normal?

Answer: Doesn’t sound normal. I have three of them and none of them are hard

Answer: normal for junk reel!!

How does the 15 compare in size to an abu garcia 6500?

Answer: About the same, the C3 has slightly less line capacity, but with one more ball bearing, same drag and more metal compare to a graphite Warfare. If your going to pay more for the Abu buy the Penn Squall, its a much better reel than both.

What is the best type of line to go with this Real and capacity.

Answer: Up to you I have 40 w about 200 yards of 100lb, braid

Would the war15lw be suitable for casting to offshore species such as cobia & mahi mahi?

Answer: I'd reccomend a non level wind model for casting.

how big is this

Answer: I have the 15 and it's a pretty good size. It's bigger than other penn 15 size models.

does it come with a reel clamp

Answer: Yes it does come with a reel clamp

Answer: yes, but I have a problem with this reel. I use it few times and it does not working properly anymore. I would like to return it. Please let me know how I can do it

Answer: It does not. Lightly keep your thumb on the spool as it drops down.

I have a penn 309 level wind that i need to replace it is for trolling in the lake district what do you recommend i buy? thank you

Answer: Yes. Load it with 30 or 40 lbs braid and tie on mono or flouro leader depending on what your targeting. Personally, I prefer non level wind star drags for trolling. This reel is up to the task if you prefer a level wind. Good luck

Any one using this to troll with lead core line?

Answer: Yes I do. I troll for strippers,

The picture shows a line counter reel. The description doesn’t say it. Is it line counter?

Answer: in the model numbers LH = Left Hand, LC = Line Counter, and LW = Level Wind. WAR15LWLC = would be a Level Wind, Line Counter reel.

Answer: Not real sure on that one but the ones I have bought did not have counter sorry I couldn't b more help.

The war20lw is not left handed right? I don't understand most of this series numbers I want to make sure it's for right handed people.

Answer: just the WAR(15/20)LWLCLH is left handed

Answer: The LW should be for level wind which I can see in the picture. No other designator for left-handed or LH so you're good.

Answer: If it's a left handed reel the model number will have an LH at the end.

Answer: All that I know for sure is the WAR15LW that I bought is right-handed. It does not say right or left handed on the box.

Answer: It's right handed.

does it have a ''clicking'', star drag adjustments?

Answer: Most reels,hv clicker don't have that model but all my Penn's click

Answer: Yes it does! It's a great reel, I have 7 Penn reel's all used for cat fishing.

Answer: no

Answer: Yes, it works great

Answer: Yes

What size reel would work good for catfishing off the bank with 40lb mono the war20lw or the war15lw?

Answer: Id go with the qar1515

how much bounds this reel can carry???

Is this good for GT's or uluas

Why penn reels having problems with the bait clicker switch? when casting the bait clicker switch turn on. WAR15LWHL and WAR20LWHL.

Answer: I've never had that problem. If you mean having the clutch engage, I've had that. I think the handle can swing forward and trip the release.

Is this left handed or right handed?

Answer: This is a left handed reel, the picture is of the back of the reel and you cant see the level wind guide.

Is this a good reel for land or bank fishing?

How was the reliability of the line counter?

Answer: First ones I’ve ever used so I wouldn’t be the best judge. Haven’t really tested with the depth finder to see how they compare.

Answer: Don’t know I use the eyeball

How do you cast with this reel? I'm new to baitcaster, and wanna learn how to use them. Hopefully see this question lol.

Answer:

Answer: I honestly learned from youtube as far as when to cast and how to set tension knobs. Odds are you wont get it first. Mt first time i got my thumb smashed 'neath the worm gear

Answer: This is a conventional reel, hard to cast. I use it on a boat for bottom fishing. I basically just drop the bait.

Answer: You can cast with any bait cast reel. I recommend watching YouTube vids. I’ve successfully casted with a Squall 30! Basically, you select the weight or lure size you’ll be using and tie it to the line. Then, tighten the drag (clockwise) all the way. Pull the release. Start loosing the drag SLOWLY until the weight drops to the ground smooth and even and with no bird nest. All done. The only other adjustment is you MIGHT have to THUMB the line when the weight hits the water, then release after so the bait will sink, then once the weight is on the bottom, turn the handle to auto engage the anti reverse.

Answer: First you need to set the tensioner on the side of it what you have that set then all you have to do is flip the lever up hold it casted and flip the handle

Answer: This reel is not a bait caster. It is for salt water fishing (wreck fishing) so you would drop the line straight down.

Is the war30lwcp right handed

Answer: Yes, and don't buy it, you can not cast these with any force at all, the handle will move enough to kick the switch out of free spool mid cast! Get the Okuma Coldwater, comes in left or right hand! The Penn War is fine as a boat reel only.

Answer: Yes its a good reel I also have spin cast its a good reel to

Answer: yes it is and I love this reel

Answer: Yes I do believe so

I want one for right handed and with about 60 pound braided line and line counter. Which one do i want ???

Answer: They make one w counter but I don't own one but really like the real

Answer: Try Penn 1481313. It’s a Levelwind with line counter meant for 30 lb test, but will hold loads of 60 lb braided. The issue may be if drag can handle heavy loads.

Braided line capacity for penn warfare 20lw ???

Answer: I put about 200yards of braid 100 lb then about 75 yards of 40lb mono I would think u could do abt 350 yards hope helps

Answer: At least 300 yards of 30lb test

Is this also for saltwater?

Answer: From what I’ve read it is, calls it a convention saltwater reel. Hope this helps. We use the 30’s for snagging Missouri paddle fish weighing 80 plus pounds, with 100# braid and two pounds of weight all day long for past two years.

Answer: It's all I use it for. Have three seasons on a couple of these reels. I use them as loaner reels when people are on the boat. They get abused heavily and never skip a beat. Definitely a good value for the relatively low cost of these reels.

Answer: :) I use mine strictly in the salt. Haven’t had any problems yet ????????

What is the max drag?

Answer: It has gt100 drags 15 pounds max

Answer: 15lbs. No problem for 30lb stripers on 9er rigs with 8oz trolling weights.

Answer: 15lbs

Answer: 15 lb I think.

Is this a right handed reel?

Answer: Yes, the lefthand reel is "LH" at the end if the part number. It would read WAR20LWLH

Answer: Yes, right hand retrieve

Answer: Yes, RH

What size neoprene cover fits the 15?

Hi I need In right hand?

Answer: Yes this is a right-handed reel

Does it click when reeling in

Answer: Yes if u have that on,,

Is the war30lwcp right handed

Answer: Yes its a good reel I also have spin cast its a good reel to

Answer: yes it is and I love this reel

Answer: Yes I do believe so

Is this right hand (rh) or left hand (lh) retrieve? the image shows it’s right hand retrieve but the description does not specify.

Answer: Penn Warfare model designation ends in LH for left hand retrieve reels. WAR15LWLC is right hand retrieve and WAR15LWLCLH is left hand retrieve model.

Answer: the one I received is right hand retrieve.

Does the Penn Warfare come with a clamp for use on deck hand style rods?

Answer: yes

What does CP mean?

Answer: I believe it means conventional pole.

Does the clutch auto engage when you start reeling in? (For the Levelwind warfare 20)

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes it does

how much braid can it spool?

Answer: I put 300 yards of carbon mono on mine so I would say 350 to 400 yards of braided line with room to spare

Answer: I’ve got 300 yards of 35lb on mine. I had some room to spare for more. Invest in the braid. You won’t be disappointed.

Answer: I filled my 15 lw with 300 yards of spiderwire 50 lbs braid and about 10 yards of 25 lbs flouro

Answer: Not sure w braid my guess abt 500 to 600 urds I put abt 300 40lb mono test hope that helps

Can I use this for saltwater

Answer: Absolutely, this reel can be used in saltwater as well as fresh water. I purchased this reel for saltwater fishing. Just remember to rinse all of your fishing equipment with fresh water before you store it. Prolonged exposure to salt, trip after trip, or year after year will eventually take its toll on any product

Answer: Yes,I use mine offshore on the reefs in NT Australia.

Answer: Yes not the best Penn low level nothing big keep it in its class if you know what I mean

Does it click?

Answer: Yes it does, It gave a switch to enable the click

Answer: Yes it has a clicker which is a little stiff out of the box but is all good after a little use.

Answer: Yep

Answer: Yes has a button on the left side for clicker on or off.

Answer: Yes it does have a clicker.

Answer: Yes

Product reviews of PENN Warfare Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel (All Models & Sizes)

James J. Racela : Penn Warfare Levelwind 20

Perfect bottom fishing reel! This was a birthday present for my wife! She loves it!

Katie Shelby : Great value

I haven’t used it yet, but everything works smoothly and like it should. The only thing I have found wrong with this reel is the reel foot is very small for the size of the reel. I matched it with a Shimano Trevala S and the reel rocks side to side. I need to sign the reel foot to fit it snugly one there. All other Penn reels I own have a larger foot and fit securely in this rod. All of my other Abu Garcia’s fit the rod too. I haven’t found anything online about the reel foot being small. If your rod doesn’t have a trigger just below the reel seat, the included rod clamp will solve this issue, but unfortunately it won’t work with this rod.

Update: I finally got a chance to use this reel and I’m very impressed. Penn has stepped up there game and made a smooth reel that’s affordable. I fish in the ocean from a kayak a lot and I routinely take my reels apart to clean and re lube since the reels are within 1’ of the water all day. The inside had no salt crystals and penn had put a decent amount of there grease inside. I normally completely disassemble a reel after purchasing and put my own grease and oil, but decided I would try this one out as is. I ended up closing the reel back up without doing anything to it after fishing besides rinsing with fresh water.

Ccd : This warrior never give up!!

Used in extreme conditions and still like new!!!, I'll recommend this one if you wanna catch Yellows in Socal this summer and I'll buy the left hand so I can switch rods every now and then.

KnitePrince : They cast fine too. No

Some reviews claim this rod is not smooth, it does not cast well, etc, etc...

Smooth? I am not a pro angler. I don't fish every day, and I don't have thousands to spend on reels. So I bought a pair of warfare reels to try out.
Smooth. To me they feel silky smooth! They work perfectly. They reel well even with BIG weight tugging on them. They cast fine too. No, they don't blow your bait out there two hundred yards, but I can get twenty five to thirty yards from the back of my boat with no issues. IF I had a rod meant for casting I am sure they would cast further, but I have them clamped into stiff ocean rods, so I can't really review how they cast.
However, I can review how perfect they are for the situation I ordered them for. River fishing for big cats from the back of my little pontoon.
The clicker is loud in the darkness. It breaks the sound of the river burbling with startling clarity in the night, and you KNOW it's ON!
The reel comes with a clamp so you can REALLY lock it to your pole. A nice edition in this day and age of PLASTIC reel clamps.
I like the power handle, and it can be adjusted for even more power if needed by moving it out to the end hole in the handle.
I am no pro, but I fish every day that I possibly can, hunting big cats. This reel does everything I need it to do. NOW, we are going to find out how long it will last!
KP

paden : Make sure you buy the correct model! Picture is not an honest representation.

Beware when you buy! The picture shows a line counting reel however the reel that was sent to me is not a line counting reel.

Amazon Customer : Junk

Was broken when I received it in the mail. It’s like they sent me someone returned one. Pin to lock on side wouldn’t hold and when I went to reel it the thing would snap

Jim Isbell : Doesn't work out of the box

We are all forced to buy "Chinese junk" but I am grateful to Amazon for allowing feedback which will hopefully in time improve quality. First, WHY would any seller not check out an item MADE in China, or anywhere else--you know, just to be sure the d thing works? This reel FEELS good in the hands, but the clicker does not FULLY disengage, there is an audible clicking when the freespool is engaged, AND there is considerable Force (drag) after engaging "free spool". It also has a line counter--which is not show in the photo--I don't like line counters, there function that I don't need, or want. I can't asses the durability but the comfort in the hand is fine. Looks and feels fine, just doesn't work correctly, out of the box.

Arthur Brent wade : These reels suck!!!!!!

Worst fishing reel I’ve “ever” used before and it’s sad because own us hands down the best reel makers in my opinion no comparison. However both of my reels came with issues both having issues with the clicker and drag system barely even used and one completely broke and the others clicker simply doesn’t work so I bought one from a store thinking this was a coincidence and sure enough after 2 weeks that one also gave out clicker and drag. I was also warned not to buy them from multiple people before hand but it’d penn ????‍♂️ And they were in my price range. Bad decision!!!!

TrackerTroy : Good bang for the buck.

I am a boat captain, I have ran boats all over from Alaska to Marathon key. I ordered this reel to use on my personal river boat for large catfish and stripers. I paired it up with an ugly stick striper rod . Great combo. Great reel for the money. It’s an 80.00 Penn. Bang it up, beat it up, and catch fish. I just ordered another .

Henry : Great reel for bottom fishing

Holds 305 yards of 50 lbs braid. Great reel for bottom fishing. Silky smooth with nice comfortable handle. Lightweight.

ANGEL L CORREA : better item????

Awsome delivery service, better item????

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

Love the Penn products. Been using them for over 30 years now

Jim Isbell : Doesn't work out of the box

Kiai : Excellent

Excellent reel

Isaac : Feels like an expensive reel without the price

Second Penn product and for a good reason. You simply can't beat the price of this reel. Super easy to cast and clean. Would recommend for first time users

Clint : Great reel for the money...

I have two. One for me and my wife. They are pretty solid reels and, for the money, they are fantastic. We have caught lots of big cats and hybrids and the reels have performed well. They cast pretty well when you need them to and the drags are stout, smooth and sure. The bait clickers are handy. Everything works as advertised. Just about what I'd expect from Penn. You can surely get a nicer reel, but you can't get one this solid for the same money. I have some 6500S Garcias that are inferior in most ways. I guess that is the closest apples to apples comparison I have. The S series Ambassedeurs are Garcia's cheapest version and they are just not the same caliber or weight class as these Penns. The C3's and 4's are much better quality reels, but at are near twice the price. I have tried some of the other "bargain" reels from China and from some other maker s and they all seem pretty cluncky in comparison. Id' say if you are looking for a stout reel for a reasonable price...with a good drag, instant anti reverse and a bait clicker these are the ticket.

Avid Angler : Want a good Penn reel

I returned this Penn Wafare reel, it had more quality issues than I have time to explain. Do yourself a favor and stay away from the Penn Warfare and the Rival. Want to buy a good Penn reel, pay the extra few Dollars and buy the Penn Squall... You'll be glad you did...

Ccd : This warrior never give up!!

Used in extreme conditions and still like new!!!, I'll recommend this one if you wanna catch Yellows in Socal this summer and I'll buy the left hand so I can switch rods every now and then.

Amazon Customer : Great musky reel

Just took it out for the first time to my local small river for musky. No fish, but I would certainly say that this reel is nothing short of a "poor man's Tranx". The power of this reel combined with it's speed made pulling tens on bucktails and safety pin style spinners quite easy; even when casing down river. The reel itself is rather large for palming and fatigue did set in after burning the blades. It is a conventional reel so there are no brakes on the spool. I had no problems however and didn't backlash once in the two hours I was out. Fantastic reel for the price... Let's hope it remains that way in the long term.

Steven F. Johnson : Level Wind stopped working

Plastic level wind gear lost two teeth when I set the hook on a large sand bass. My thumb was on the spool and the level wind pinched my thumb and broke two plastic teeth. A minor repair less than a $10 part including shipping.

I do like these reels, they cast well using 50# braid.

Galinka : Good reel

So far works great, no issues with it.

Mr. Brown : Mid cast it would lock into bait click which is never good.

The bait click feature stopped working which led me to taking it apart and removing the spring assy. Mid cast it would lock into bait click which is never good.

PickyKnifeMan : What a value........

excellent value

Sir : Works great

Good beginner reel.

Nelson : Five Stars

good for trolling and strong reel

jason : Reel works well for the price will definently buy another ...

Reel works well for the price will definently buy another peen reel next I will be buying one with more than 15lbs but for the price gets the job done

Mel Ascott : Left handed fish slayer

Very nice left handed reel built solid. I would definitely recommend this reel for all your fishing needs

Jim Isbell : Doesn't work out of the box

Karlo Robles : Ok reel

Not the best reel to get, I don’t feel its durability and the winding is not evenly distributed on the spool

Amazon Customer : Great musky reel

Robert D. : Amozon took it back no problem.

This reel was defective right out of the box it never even saw any fishing line. The star drag moved with the reel handle and it would lock up while trying to reel it in.

trapper : great ree

great reel but I will get the next size up next time even though this was great for cod

DOUG FINNEYFROCK : Five Stars

Awsome reel fast shipping

louis vivo : Reel

Came in broke

joshoutdoors : Bang for the buck winner!

Well worth the money! A great reel that holds up well to abuse. Salt water safe and even on those rare occasions you forget to rinse them after a long day on the ocean you do t have to worry. Great cranking torque with the handle and is as smooth as I'll ever need for a reel I don't have setup to cast.

Heli : Good reel

I bought with a mariner fod as a boat setup they match up well and the reel is a quality reel I have other penn reels and they stand up pretty good .

hello : Very rough drag

After 10-15 uses the drag goes out. Hard to catch a big fish when the drag won’t let out line smoothly. Happened to my 15 and my 30’ size reels.... not impressed. Buy fathoms. Spend the extra money you won’t be mad

mark fields : Do not buy

Bait clicker will not stay set to off

Dave Miller : Kewp up the good work penn.

Good looking reel that works grwat.

Ryan Wilson : Heavy duty reel

Really like the looks and feel of this reel. Heavy duty!

ponic101 : Good reel.

It is a good reel. Light and strong enough. You can read the number to get how the how deep the water probably.

Fran : Gift

Was a gift for my son and he loved it.

Chris C. : Junk

Literally fell apart right out of the box. I ordered two reels and both reels were defective. Absolute junk.

Yellow kayak : ... with a 7 ft 3 in Lew's rod I'd like to try Muskie fishing with it for the price ...

Seems to be a well-made real I paired it with a 7 ft 3 in Lew's rod I'd like to try Muskie fishing with it for the price I couldn't go wrong Penn reels have been around almost as long as I have maybe longer reel does not have a break system so you need to be quick with your thumb other than that not a bad reel if you're good with a baitcaster you should have no trouble casting it

Henry : Great reel for bottom fishing

Holds 305 yards of 50 lbs braid. Great reel for bottom fishing. Silky smooth with nice comfortable handle. Lightweight.

Karlo Robles : Ok reel

Not the best reel to get, I don’t feel its durability and the winding is not evenly distributed on the spool

kevin : Junk

Broken day #1

Chris C. : Junk

Literally fell apart right out of the box. I ordered two reels and both reels were defective. Absolute junk.

Amazon Customer : Line counter is the weak point.

Ordered 5 of the small line counter reels and had trouble right away with the line counter on 2 of them. After looking at the internals I can see that the shaft that runs the line counter is pretty flimsy and can easily disengage the counter.
My advice is don't but the line counter models. The rest of the reel is very solid though, I have one non line counter version and love it.

Galinka : Good reel

So far works great, no issues with it.

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you