Description
Engineered for maximum distance, rapid line recovery, and total control off the shore, the PENN Squall II Star Drag 15CS (Casting Special) is a high-performance beach casting multiplier built to meet the rigorous demands of modern sea anglers. Built around PENN’s Live Spindle design, the 15CS decouples the spool from the pinion gear during the cast, dramatically reducing friction so line streams smoothly off the aluminum spool with minimal resistance.
The 15CS upgrade features high-performance spool bearings paired with an externally adjustable knurled magnetic brake dial built into the sideplate. This gives you instant micro-tune adjustment over spool speed to eliminate costly overruns and bird’s nests, whether launching heavy lead and bait combinations into a gale or hitting maximum distance in calm conditions.
Inside the full metal body and sideplate, the Squall II houses a high-strength machined and forged aluminum main gear and a durable marine-grade brass pinion. Operating on a quick 6.1:1 gear ratio, it recovers 36 inches of line per handle turn to get your rig up and over steep ledges and seabed snags quickly. Stopping power is handled by PENN’s field-proven HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, offering 20lb of smooth, progressive drag pressure. Maintenance is simplified via the Fast Gear Access Sideplate, allowing rapid inspection and servicing of internal gears without completely dismantling the frame.
Detailed Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Model | PENN Squall II Star Drag 15CS (SAP 1522167) |
| Reel Size | 15 (Casting Special) |
| Handle Position | Right Hand |
| Gear Ratio | 6.1:1 |
| Line Recovery | 36 inches (91 cm) per turn |
| Maximum Drag | 20 lb (9.0 kg) |
| Drag System | HT-100 Carbon Fibre Drag |
| Bearings | 4 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearings |
| Casting Control | Knurled Knob Magnetic Dial & Upgraded Spool Bearings |
| Main Gear | Machined and Forged Aluminium |
| Pinion Gear | Marine-Grade Brass |
| Body & Sideplate | Full Metal Body and Sideplate |
| Mono Capacity (yd/lb) | 365/15 • 315/17 • 245/20 |
| Braid Capacity (yd/lb) | 665/20 • 500/30 • 350/50 |
| Key Technologies | Live Spindle, Fast Gear Access Sideplate |
Gerry’s Fishing Pro Tip
Set the knob mag dial at home before you head out to fish, then fine-tune it on the beach once you rigged up with your usual weight and bait combo. Starting with the magnetic brake dial turned to maximum and backing it off notch by notch until the spool runs smooth without fluffing is the easiest way to dial in maximum distance while avoiding overruns.
Where To Use It
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Casting baits and lures: The Live Spindle design makes it extremely castable, and the mag dial gives precise magnetic brake control.
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Fishing on braid: Large spool capacities accept up to 665 yards of 20lb braid or 350 yards of 50lb braid for low-stretch, high-sensitivity long-range sea fishing.
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Quick retrieves: A fast 6.1:1 gear ratio retrieves line quickly to clear underwater snags and heavy kelp.
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Easy maintenance: The Fast Gear Access Sideplate gives fast, hassle-free access to the main gears and drag assembly.
FAQs
Q: What is the gear ratio?
A: 6.1:1.
Q: How much drag does it have?
A: A maximum of 20lb, utilizing PENN’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag system.
Q: What is the line capacity?
A: Mono capacity is 365 yards of 15lb, 315 yards of 17lb, or 245 yards of 20lb. Braid capacity is 665 yards of 20lb, 500 yards of 30lb, or 350 yards of 50lb.
Q: Which hand is the handle on?
A: It is a right-hand retrieve multiplier reel.
Q: What is the Fast Gear Access Sideplate?
A: PENN’s proprietary sideplate design that allows quick entry into the gear main casing without taking the entire reel apart.
PENN Squall II 15CS vs. PENN Fathom II 15CS Comparison
While the premium PENN Fathom II 15CS sits higher up in price—featuring a die-cast full metal frame open cage, machine-cut bronze main gear, and a hardened stainless steel pinion gear for bulletproof durability under heavy abuse—the Squall II 15CS delivers the same core casting capabilities at a much more accessible price.
Why Choose the Squall II 15CS?
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Same Core Casting Setup: Shares the exact same Live Spindle free-floating spool design, upgraded high-speed spool bearings, and knurled magnetic braking dial as the Fathom, providing identical casting control and distance.
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Lighter Handling on the Beach: By using a forged aluminum main gear and a streamlined full metal frame, the Squall II sheds extra weight compared to the Fathom, making it comfortable to hold and cast over long shore sessions.
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Matching Drag & Speed: Retains the high-speed 6.1:1 gear ratio and smooth 20lb HT-100 drag system needed to bring cod, rays, and smoothhounds up from the seabed quickly.
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Unbeatable Value: Offers top-tier magnetic control, high-speed retrieval, and full metal body durability without forcing you to pay extra for ultra-heavy duty steel gears you may not need for clean-to-medium ground beach fishing.
