PENN Warfare II 15 Level Wind Line Counter Left Hand

The PENN Warfare II 15 Level Wind Line Counter Left Hand reel is the most compact and precise model in its series, designed for anglers who need a lightweight, accurate, and reliable reel for light to medium-duty fishing. The combination of a left-hand retrieve, a level wind system, and a built-in line counter makes it an exceptionally versatile tool for a variety of applications.

Key Design Features

• Left Hand Retrieve: This is the distinguishing characteristic of the reel. It is specifically designed for right-handed anglers who prefer to hold the rod with their dominant hand for maximum leverage and control, while reeling with their non-dominant left hand. This provides a more natural and comfortable motion, particularly for techniques like light jigging and when fighting fish.
• Level Wind System: The integrated level wind system is a crucial feature for ease of use. It automatically and evenly distributes the line across the reel’s spool during retrieval. This prevents line bunching and tangles, which can lead to frustrating and costly line-related failures. It also helps to ensure a neat line lay, which improves overall reel performance.
• Line Counter: The built-in line counter is the most valuable feature of this model. It provides a real-time, accurate measurement of the line that has been deployed, displayed in feet or meters. This is an indispensable tool for:
  • Trolling: To precisely set multiple lures at the exact same depth and distance from the boat.
  • Bottom Fishing/Jigging: To drop jigs or bait to a specific depth where a school of fish is marked on a fish finder or to target a specific piece of structure.

Reel Construction and Technology

• Frame and Sideplates: The Warfare II 15 is built on a lightweight yet durable graphite frame with matching sideplates. The use of graphite makes the reel comfortable to hold for long periods and provides excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion. The frame is reinforced with aluminum frame rings for added rigidity, which prevents flex under heavy loads and ensures the gears remain perfectly aligned.
• Drag System: This reel features PENN’s celebrated HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers. This advanced drag system is a hallmark of PENN reels, known for providing smooth, consistent, and powerful stopping power. The carbon fiber material efficiently dissipates heat generated during a long, powerful run, preventing drag fade and ensuring you maintain control of the fish throughout the fight. The maximum drag for this model is a solid 15 lbs (6.8 kg), providing ample power for its size class.
• Gearing: The reel utilizes a robust gearing system consisting of a machined brass main gear and a machined brass pinion gear. This combination is designed for durability and a smooth, powerful retrieve.
• Bearings: The PENN Warfare II 15 has 3 shielded stainless steel ball bearings. These bearings are strategically placed to ensure smooth operation under load and are highly resistant to the corrosive effects of saltwater, providing long-term reliability.
• Line Capacity Rings: The spool features PENN’s signature Line Capacity Rings. These are simple but effective visual markers that indicate when the spool is at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity, making line management easy and intuitive.
• Forged and Machined Aluminum Spool: Unlike some reels in this class that use cast spools, the Warfare II features a forged and machined aluminum spool. This construction makes the spool lighter, stronger, and more resistant to corrosion.

Specifications (Model 15)

• Reel Size: 15
• Retrieve: Left Hand
• Reel Type: Conventional
• Features: Level Wind, Line Counter
• Max Drag: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
• Gear Ratio: 5.1:1 (This higher gear ratio provides faster retrieval, which is beneficial for light jigging and other techniques where speed is an advantage.)
• Bearings: 3 shielded stainless steel ball bearings
• Mono Line Capacity (yd/lb): 360/12, 290/15, 240/20
• Braid Line Capacity (yd/lb): 700/20, 525/30, 425/40