PENN Rival II 15 Level Wind Line Counter Left Hand

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

Key Design Features

• Left Hand Retrieve: This is the defining characteristic of the reel. For right-handed anglers, a left-hand retrieve allows them to hold the rod with their dominant right hand for maximum control and power, while reeling with their non-dominant left hand. This is a huge advantage for jigging and fighting fish, providing a more natural and comfortable motion.
• Level Wind System: The integrated level wind system is crucial for ease of use. It automatically and evenly distributes the line across the spool during retrieval. This feature prevents line bunching, tangles, and improves casting performance, making it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced anglers.
• Line Counter: The built-in line counter is the most valuable feature for precision fishing. It provides a real-time display of the amount of line let out, in feet or meters. This is an essential tool for:
  • Trolling: To precisely match the depth of multiple lures and baits.
  • Bottom Fishing/Jigging: To return to a specific depth where a school of fish is marked on a fish finder or to target a specific piece of structure.
  • Casting: For consistent presentations and to know the distance of your cast.

Reel Construction and Technology

• Frame and Sideplates: The Rival 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 rings to add rigidity, ensuring the internal gears stay perfectly aligned under heavy loads.
• Drag System: This reel is equipped with PENN’s legendary HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers. This system provides a smooth and consistent drag, even under heavy pressure. The carbon fiber material dissipates heat more effectively than traditional drag materials, preventing the drag from becoming jerky or “fading” during a prolonged fight with a powerful fish. The maximum drag for this model is a solid 15 lbs (6.8 kg).
• Gearing: The Rival II utilizes a robust gearing system consisting of a marine-grade bronze alloy main gear and a machine-cut brass pinion gear. This combination is designed for durability and a smooth, powerful retrieve. The gears are auto-engaging, allowing for an immediate transition from free-spool to retrieve with a simple turn of the handle.
• Bearings: The reel is fitted with 2 shielded stainless steel ball bearings. These bearings are strategically placed to ensure a smooth operation under load and are designed to resist the corrosive effects of saltwater, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Line Capacity Rings: The spool features PENN’s Line Capacity Rings, which are simple visual markers that indicate when the spool is at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity. This is a very useful feature for line management.

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: 2 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