PENN Rival II 20 Level Wind Line Counter Left Hand

The PENN Rival II 20 Level Wind Line Counter Left Hand reel is a scaled-down version of its larger counterpart, specifically designed for anglers who need a compact, precise, and reliable reel for a variety of light to medium-duty saltwater and freshwater applications. The combination of its size, a left-hand retrieve, a line counter, and a level wind system makes it an incredibly versatile and specialized tool.

Key Design Features

• Left Hand Retrieve: This is a defining characteristic that sets the reel apart. For right-handed anglers, a left-hand retrieve allows them to maintain a firm grip on the rod with their dominant hand while reeling with their non-dominant hand. This is a huge advantage for techniques that require constant rod manipulation, such as jigging, and for fighting powerful fish, as it feels more natural and powerful to most anglers.
• Level Wind System: The integrated level wind system is a crucial feature that automatically spools the line evenly across the reel. This is especially helpful for preventing line tangles, improving casting distance, and ensuring a neat line lay, which in turn reduces the risk of line-related failures under pressure.
• Line Counter: The built-in line counter is a key feature for precision fishing. It allows the angler to know exactly how much line is out, whether in feet or meters. This is an invaluable tool for:
  • Trolling: To precisely match the depth of multiple lures.
  • Bottom Fishing/Jigging: To return to a specific depth where fish are marked on a fish finder.
  • Bait Fishing: To ensure your bait is at the right depth over a specific piece of structure.

Reel Construction and Technology

• Frame and Sideplates: The Rival II is built on a durable yet lightweight graphite frame with matching sideplates. The graphite construction is highly resistant to saltwater corrosion and provides a comfortable feel in the hand. The frame is reinforced with aluminum rings for added rigidity, which helps maintain gear alignment and power transfer under pressure.
• Drag System: This reel features PENN’s celebrated HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers. This advanced drag system provides a smooth, powerful, and consistent drag. Carbon fiber is superior to traditional drag materials as it dissipates heat more effectively, preventing the drag from becoming jerky or “fading” during a prolonged fight. The maximum drag for this model is 15 lbs (6.8 kg), which is more than sufficient for its intended applications.
• Gearing: The Rival II utilizes a combination of marine-grade bronze alloy main gear and a machine-cut brass pinion gear. This robust gearing system 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 equipped with 2 shielded stainless steel ball bearings. These bearings are strategically placed to ensure a smooth operation under load and are highly resistant to the corrosive effects of saltwater.
• Line Capacity Rings: The spool features PENN’s Line Capacity Rings. These rings provide visual markers on the spool, indicating when 1/3, 2/3, and a full spool of line remains. This simple feature is a great tool for line management.

Specifications (Model 20)

• Reel Size: 20
• Retrieve: Left Hand
• Reel Type: Conventional
• Features: Level Wind, Line Counter
• Max Drag: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
• Gear Ratio: 3.9:1 (A lower gear ratio provides excellent torque and cranking power, ideal for bottom fishing and fighting hard-pulling fish)
• Bearings: 2 Shielded Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
• Mono Line Capacity (yd/lb): 475/15, 340/20, 290/25
• Braid Line Capacity (yd/lb): 865/20, 650/30, 450/50