This graphite reel features super loud clicker that makes it super lighter in comparison to the all-metal internationals.įor fish above 50 lbs, you either face a fish that consumes a large quantity of line off the spool or an anchor that you try to reel to the surface during bottom fishing.
You can not free spool if the clicker is set. One of the cons that this reel has is the clicker. The top of lever handle is flush with the outside of the reel so that slack line does not get stuck in between the spool and lever.
The models SQL40LDLH and SQL60LDLH are left-handed reels. The rings inside the reel are nice too as you can tell how much of line you have left on the reel. The Lever Drag is great as it’s low profile keeps out of the way of the line. The model SQL12 and SQL15 feature the magnetic casting that helps avoid a tangled line. The magnetic brake will help you spend less time unknotting backlashes and enjoy most of your time casting. The live spindle enables you to cast greater distances as the spool spins independently of the pinion gear and spindle that reduces the friction. The reel is armed with an anodized and machined aluminum spool with what is called a Free Floating or Live Spindle design. The level wind is not used to lay the line back onto this compact open-frame casting reel.
The Squall Star Drag series is available in five models sized from 12 up to 40. (do-able, but a pain to do out on the water) 2. You can use it as a conventional reel by removing gear & level wind, but you will lose the “clicker” function. This means that you will have to purchase a whole new side plate if pinion gear goes out. The pinion bearing cannot be replaced when it goes out because it is permanently fixed to the side plate. It is also available in 2 left-hand models of 20 & 30 sizes.Ĭons: Pinion gears are prone to strip out that leaves the level-wind dead in the water. Not only Squall LW series have all proven qualities of the Penn GT reels, but it is also equipped with instant Anti-Reverse bearing and improved gear ratios in a more compact lighter package. The Squall Level Wind series is the successor of the Penn GT series which have been used by the experienced angler for decades with a proven track record on big fish. Level wind is great for kite fishing to constantly let out and retrieve line or for the anglers with a little knowledge/experience to manually level the line when retrieving. For fishing 30 lbs and over, Trolling and Kite Fishing, these reels are better to go with. You can visually see the amount of drag on the reel that is particularly useful for less experienced anglers. With the 2-speed option, you are able to switch between a high gearing to retrieve the line faster and low gearing for hauling in those heavy fish by simply pushing a button typically located in the handle. Lever Drag reels have a lever that tightens the drag to the desired setting by moving back and forth. You definitely should choose among these two reels, if you are fishing 30 lbs and under, Bottom Fishing, Live Lining, and Jigging. This especially helps you, If you are a coastal fisherman and are throwing iron or live baiting. You will also be able to cast long distances with the free spool. These reels give you better castability as the spool has a tendency to spin more freely.
Both reels are cheaper as compared to Penn Lever Drag. However, Star drag is lighter in weight and Levelwind is cheaper. Penn Levelwind and Star Drag are similar in anti-reverse feature, drag material, and type. All Penn reels come with a one year manufacturer’s warranty.