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)
Q:
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.
Q:
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
Q:
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
Q:
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.
Q:
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
Q:
Is this made in USA?
Q:
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
Q:
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
Q:
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)
Q:
what is the cp at the end of the style
Q:
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
Q:
I have a billfisher BT3060R-66 6'6'' 30-60lb what size of reel can i use for this rod
Answer: Penn warfare 30
Q:
is this the left hand line counter 20 model?
Q:
How many yard of 30lb braid can it hild?
Answer: 250 yards
Q:
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!!
Q:
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.
Q:
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
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
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
Q:
Any one using this to troll with lead core line?
Answer: Yes I do. I troll for strippers,
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
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
Q:
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
Q:
how much bounds this reel can carry???
Q:
Is this good for GT's or uluas
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
Is this a good reel for land or bank fishing?
Q:
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
Q:
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:
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.
Q:
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
Q:
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.
Q:
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
Q:
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 ????????
Q:
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.
Q:
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
Q:
What size neoprene cover fits the 15?
Q:
Hi I need In right hand?
Answer: Yes this is a right-handed reel
Q:
Does it click when reeling in
Answer: Yes if u have that on,,
Q:
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
Q:
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.
Q:
Does the Penn Warfare come with a clamp for use on deck hand style rods?
Answer: yes
Q:
What does CP mean?
Answer: I believe it means conventional pole.
Q:
Does the clutch auto engage when you start reeling in? (For the Levelwind warfare 20)
Answer: Yes
Answer: Yes it does
Q:
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
Q:
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
Q:
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)
leon : Design flaw with retrieve free spool switch that prevents a long cast
When you try to cast far the retrieve free spool switch flips back to retrieve setting and locks the reel up and will cause your line to snap and you loose your tackle and bait and time you could be fishing but instead you stuck setting you rod back up they should have designed it with retrieve on bottom and free spool at top of the switch to prevent this from happening
rmturner54 : Love it
Penn has always been good, caught several sandies trolling first trip.
Neil G. : Great reel for lead core line
I use this with 100 yds of 20lb braid backing under 100 yds of 15lb Sufix lead core. This reel also allowed me to extend the handle which transforms it into a power handle for more leverage which helps when you hook into a strong fish.
kevin : Junk
Broken day #1
kevin : Junk
Broken day #1
Fran : Gift
Was a gift for my son and he loved it.
trapper : great ree
great reel but I will get the next size up next time even though this was great for cod
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.
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 for cod
I bought this because I want to go on party deep sea fishing boats and do not like their antiquated gear they offer to rent. I paired it with the 6" Penn Mariner II mh rod and it seems to be a good match. I went out for an all day trip and caught many fish 10+ lbs and this reel can handle much more I am sure. The levelwind feature works great it works nice and smooth I look forward to many more trips with this reel. No complaints so far. UPDATE I have usd this reel for a total of 4 fishing trips and overall works great but the knob that adjusts the tension on the spool hasn’t really worked so I took it off today and noticed the threads on the plastic plate are stripped out. I ordered the part online for just under $10 including shipping rather than send it back for warranty work and be without the reel for an upcoming fishing trip. They do seem to have all the parts available at a reasonable price.I think the part may have been cross threaded from the factory and chewed the threads off. Oh one more thing pulled some 15+ lb pollock up with it this week and worked great.
DAVID JOHNSON : Penn rep
Nice reel, abit heavy
Russel Ward : GARBAGE DO NOT BUY!
I have no idea how anyone could rate this product above 1 star. I've used many budget cheap/bad reels in my life, but never one that is completely unable to be used. The baitclicker will not stay off, and wont let you cast farther than 5-10 feet even will several ounces of weight. Even when I was able to use both hands (borderline impossible to do)... one forcing the baitclick not to switch off during the cast, the cast level would deactivate and abrubptly come to a dead stop too! Even after finding a way to hold both down with both hands in the most akward way possible, I was able to cast and the bottom of the eye the line goes through tangles the line! This thing is NOT USABLE, and honestly should not be sold... THIS THING IS GARBAGE! I've never experienced such a horrible product! The one fish I did hook, from throwing the line off the bank, I had to pull in by hand because it wouldn't even reel in the fish... Hopefully if your reading this you will not purchase this product, and I cannot stress enough how horrible this "product" is!
Lynn M. : Great value
Great reel for the price...
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.
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.
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!!!!
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.
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.
Galinka : Good reel
So far works great, no issues with it.
Kiai : Excellent
Excellent reel
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.
Johnny Boy : LEVEL WIND DOES NOT WORK
SOMEHOW, Penn has forgotten how to make a decent reel. The level wind bunches up the line in the middle of the spool until it collapses to the sides, creating a gigantic knot. 'WARFARE' is an appropriate name. After you use it once, you will feel that China has declared war on you.
Kindle Customer : I bought two of these one works great the other not so much the automatic clicker keeps ...
I bought two of these one works great the other not so much the automatic clicker keeps engaging and they're not as smooth as my prior penns
Brenda Terry : I expected it to be better this was my 1st Penn
Worked perfectly twice then I caught a 49inch bull red and well it won't reel in anymore because the gears inside are plastic and not very durable thia being my first Penn wasn't impressed I went back to shimano
Chance4eva : I love these!
I love this reel. Very comfortable, durable and will help you land some monster fish. By far my favorite feel.
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.
K.O : Big toy, for big fish
90lbs braid still fixs a mile and a half(exaggeration), or at least it feels like it.
Nelson : Five Stars
good for trolling and strong reel
Jimbo : Great
Great real and good price
JA : Works good, but....
This is a great reel, but I have 2 issues.
1: When in free spool, you need to do 1 full rotation to get it to set and lock so you can start reeling in.
2: The alarm button likes to slide back to "alarm/clicker" sound when all you want is a silent retrieve.
Other than that it's a great inexpensive reel.
1: When in free spool, you need to do 1 full rotation to get it to set and lock so you can start reeling in.
2: The alarm button likes to slide back to "alarm/clicker" sound when all you want is a silent retrieve.
Other than that it's a great inexpensive reel.
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.
Anthony Fabian : good value when bought, but price changed when trying to order another one in 5 days
I would like to order again but within 5 days the price went up $30.00
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
Roger Gallet : it dosent cast very far, 30 yards
reel is to big and handle is way to big.
andrew : Not good
I have had 3 of these reels, 2 came from amazon and one from the "mart". The first one that came from here the bait clicker broke the 2nd time out, it was replaced by Amazon. The one from the "mart" died in 2019 the bait clicker once again broke and is stuck on. My replacement one from here died this AM, my first cast the bait clicker broke free and now is stuck on to. The reels work great until the bait clickers brake and cause reel to cast about 10ft. I will no longer buy Penn products, I also blew the gears out in a Penn 209. Abu garcia all the way from here out.
juanvicente : ????
strong reel cought allot of trophy size rock cod and lingcod with the 15lw
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.
Jake : this reel is like a winch
Insane... this reel is like a winch. Worth every penny
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
Brenda Terry : I expected it to be better this was my 1st Penn
Worked perfectly twice then I caught a 49inch bull red and well it won't reel in anymore because the gears inside are plastic and not very durable thia being my first Penn wasn't impressed I went back to shimano
Steve S. : Great for rockfish & lingcod!
Bought the 30LWLC and it worked like a champ for rockfish & lingcod during the WA Coast opener in March. The line counter is accurate to about a foot or so, and that's great. Seems very durable and has a quick retrieve. Was using mine with Berkley Vanish #40 if it matters.
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
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
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.
Dave H. : Buy It... Love it... Challenge It!!!!
I decided to wait a year for this review after "Countless" Offshore fishing trips to write my review. I've always trust Penn equipment, and in my opinion paired with Ande Fishing Line, unstoppable... I've used spin-cast reels all my life and switched over to Conventional Reels for offshore fishing a few years ago, but gone left handed because that's how I'm "muscle trained" to fight big fish with my right arm and real with my left, I find it always "strange" using right handed conventional reels since I made that transition several years ago, and still have my GT2's in left hand but use them mainly for freshwater fishing because of the low drag fighting power and line capacity.
I paired this up with a Penn Mariner II Heavy 6ft Single Peace Rod ($ 40 Bucks) and put it through it's abusive paces, no re-greasing or oiling until last night after a full year, beautiful, I can not praise this reel any higher and I consider it my "gold standard" reel for when I'm Red Snapper Fishing here in Texas and even pulled in large King Fish without too much fuss. I imagine it'll fair well for Tuna fishing as will for vertical jigging, but my boat I go out on is getting repowered in Port Aransas so the Tuna Vote will have to wait till next fall/winter, Tuna are mean fighters! lol
Buy It, Right or Left Handed, Just Buy it. Pair it with a Penn Mariner Pole Heavy Single Peace 6ft Rod and you'll not be sorry. Your choice of line and be ready for big smiles and envy with everyone else around you as you fight your fish without looking like your wiping your ass at the same time!
I paired this up with a Penn Mariner II Heavy 6ft Single Peace Rod ($ 40 Bucks) and put it through it's abusive paces, no re-greasing or oiling until last night after a full year, beautiful, I can not praise this reel any higher and I consider it my "gold standard" reel for when I'm Red Snapper Fishing here in Texas and even pulled in large King Fish without too much fuss. I imagine it'll fair well for Tuna fishing as will for vertical jigging, but my boat I go out on is getting repowered in Port Aransas so the Tuna Vote will have to wait till next fall/winter, Tuna are mean fighters! lol
Buy It, Right or Left Handed, Just Buy it. Pair it with a Penn Mariner Pole Heavy Single Peace 6ft Rod and you'll not be sorry. Your choice of line and be ready for big smiles and envy with everyone else around you as you fight your fish without looking like your wiping your ass at the same time!
trapper : great ree
great reel but I will get the next size up next time even though this was great for cod
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.
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.
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.
Tim : Great reel
Great reel, smooth good feel to it
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.
Kiai : Excellent
Excellent reel
Jimbo : Great
Great real and good 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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