PENN Rival II 30 Level Wind Line Counter Left Hand

The PENN Rival II 30 Level Wind Line Counter Left Hand reel is a purpose-built conventional reel designed for anglers who need a reliable and versatile tool for a variety of saltwater and heavy-duty freshwater applications. The combination of a left-hand retrieve, a line counter, and a level wind system makes this reel a specialized choice for specific fishing techniques like trolling, bait fishing, and deep-water jigging.

Key Design Features

• Left Hand Retrieve: This is the defining feature of the reel. Unlike the more common right-hand retrieve, a left-hand retrieve allows right-handed anglers to hold the rod in their dominant hand and reel with their left hand. This is particularly useful for jigging or when fighting a fish, as it provides a more natural and powerful motion.
• Level Wind System: The level wind system is an integrated mechanism that automatically guides the fishing line back and forth across the spool as you retrieve. This ensures the line is spooled evenly and neatly, preventing tangles and bird’s nests. This is a crucial feature for long-distance casting and for anglers who may not have the time to manually distribute the line.
• Line Counter: The built-in line counter is a digital or mechanical display that shows the amount of line let out in feet or meters. This is an invaluable tool for precision fishing, allowing anglers to get their lure or bait back to a specific depth or distance from the boat, which is essential for trolling, deep-water jigging, or targeting a specific depth on a fish finder.

Reel Construction and Technology

• Frame and Sideplates: The Rival II is built on a lightweight graphite frame with matching sideplates. The use of graphite helps reduce the overall weight of the reel, which is a significant advantage during long hours of fishing. The frame is reinforced with aluminum rings for added rigidity, preventing flex under heavy loads.
• Drag System: The reel is equipped with PENN’s renowned HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers. This system provides a smooth and consistent drag under heavy pressure. The carbon fiber material dissipates heat effectively, ensuring the drag remains consistent during a long and hard fight with a big fish.
• Gearing: The Rival II features marine-grade bronze alloy main gear and a machine-cut brass pinion gear. This combination is highly durable and provides a smooth retrieve with the necessary torque to handle strong fish. The gears are auto-engaging, meaning the reel is always ready to retrieve.
• Bearings: The reel is built with 2 shielded stainless steel ball bearings. While this may seem like a lower bearing count compared to some high-end reels, these bearings are strategically placed to ensure smooth operation under load and are designed to resist corrosion in the harsh saltwater environment.
• Line Capacity Rings: The spool is marked with Line Capacity Rings. These are three rings on the spool that indicate when you have 1/3, 2/3, and a full spool of line remaining. This is a simple but highly effective feature that helps anglers manage their line and know how much they have left during a fight.

Specifications (Model 30)

• Reel Size: 30
• Retrieve: Left Hand
• Reel Type: Conventional
• Features: Level Wind, Line Counter
• Max Drag: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
• Gear Ratio: 3.9:1 (This provides powerful retrieval and cranking power, ideal for fighting bigger fish and pulling up heavy rigs from the bottom)
• Bearings: 2 Shielded Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
• Mono Line Capacity (yd/lb): 455/25, 370/30, 285/40
• Braid Line Capacity (yd/lb): 1020/30, 710/50, 590/65