PENN Rival II 30 Level Wind Left Hand

The PENN Rival II 30 Level Wind Left Hand reel is a robust and reliable conventional reel, offering a combination of practical features at an accessible price point. Unlike its line counter counterpart, this model is a straightforward workhorse designed for a variety of saltwater and heavy-duty freshwater applications where a left-hand retrieve is preferred.

Key Design Features

• Left Hand Retrieve: This is the primary characteristic of the reel. It allows a right-handed angler to hold the rod in their dominant hand for maximum leverage and control during the fight, while reeling with their left hand. This configuration is particularly popular for jigging and bottom fishing.
• Level Wind System: The integrated level wind system is a key feature for ease of use. It automatically and evenly distributes the fishing line across the spool during retrieval. This prevents line bunching, tangles, and improves casting performance, making the reel more user-friendly for both novice and experienced anglers.

Reel Construction and Technology

• Frame and Sideplates: The Rival II is constructed with a lightweight graphite frame and sideplates. While not as rigid as a full metal frame, this material choice makes the reel more comfortable for extended use and is highly resistant to saltwater corrosion. The frame is reinforced with aluminum rings to provide increased rigidity and prevent flex under heavy loads, ensuring the gears remain in perfect alignment.
• Drag System: The reel is equipped with PENN’s legendary HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers. This system provides smooth, consistent, and powerful drag. The carbon fiber material effectively dissipates heat generated during long, powerful runs, preventing drag fade and ensuring you have consistent pressure on the fish throughout the fight. The maximum drag for this model is a respectable 15 lbs (6.8 kg), providing enough stopping power for a wide range of game fish.
• Gearing: The Rival II features a marine-grade bronze alloy main gear and a machine-cut brass pinion gear. This combination of materials provides exceptional durability and the necessary torque for fighting large fish. The gears are also auto-engaging, meaning you can cast, and with a simple turn of the handle, the reel is back in gear and ready to retrieve.
• Bearings: The reel is built with 2 shielded stainless steel ball bearings. These bearings are placed at critical points to ensure smooth operation under pressure and are designed to resist corrosion in the harsh saltwater environment.
• Line Capacity Rings: The spool is marked with PENN’s signature Line Capacity Rings. These rings show when the spool is at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity. This simple but effective feature helps anglers manage their line and know how much they have left during a long battle.

Specifications (Model 30)

• Reel Size: 30
• Retrieve: Left Hand
• Reel Type: Conventional
• Features: Level Wind
• Max Drag: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
• Gear Ratio: 3.9:1 (A lower gear ratio provides more power and torque, making it easier to reel in heavy rigs and large fish. This is a common ratio for boat fishing and trolling reels).
• Bearings: 2 Shielded Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
• Mono Line Capacity (yd/lb): 370/30 (A common mono capacity for this size reel, suitable for various fishing applications).
• Braid Line Capacity (yd/lb): 1020/30, 710/50, 590/65 (Provides excellent capacity for heavy braided line, which is the standard for modern saltwater fishing)