PENN Rival II 30 Level Wind Line Counter

The PENN Rival II 30 Level Wind Line Counter reel is a powerful and precise conventional reel engineered for a wide range of saltwater and heavy-duty freshwater fishing applications. This model is a key player in the PENN lineup, offering a combination of robust features and an integrated line counter for exceptional value and performance.

Key Design Features

• Right Hand Retrieve: This is the standard retrieve for this model, designed for the vast majority of anglers who hold the rod with their left hand and reel with their dominant right hand.
• Level Wind System: This is a crucial feature that automatically and evenly distributes line back and forth across the spool during retrieve. This prevents line bunching and tangles, which can lead to frustrating and costly line-related failures. The system ensures a neat line lay, improving the reel’s overall performance.
• Line Counter: The built-in line counter is the most important feature of this model. It provides a real-time display of the amount of line let out, typically in feet or meters. This is an indispensable tool for:
  • Trolling: To precisely set multiple lures at the same depth and distance from the boat.
  • Bottom Fishing: To accurately drop bait or jigs to a specific depth where fish have been marked on a fish finder.
  • Jigging: To return to the strike zone with precision, even in deep water.

Reel Construction and Technology

• Frame and Sideplates: The Rival II 30 is built on a lightweight yet durable graphite frame with matching sideplates. This material is highly resistant to saltwater corrosion and provides a comfortable feel during long fishing sessions. The frame is reinforced with aluminum rings, which adds a layer of rigidity and prevents frame flex under heavy loads, ensuring the gears remain in perfect alignment.
• Drag System: This reel features PENN’s legendary HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers. This advanced drag system is known for providing smooth, consistent, and powerful stopping power. The carbon fiber material is an excellent choice for a drag system as it efficiently dissipates heat generated during a long, powerful run, preventing the drag from becoming jerky or “fading” and ensuring you maintain control of the fish. The maximum drag for this model is a solid 15 lbs (6.8 kg).
• Gearing: The Rival II 30 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 equipped with 2 shielded stainless steel ball bearings. While the bearing count may seem low compared to high-end reels, these bearings are strategically placed to ensure smooth operation under load and are highly resistant to the corrosive effects of saltwater, providing long-term reliability.
• Line Capacity Rings: The spool features PENN’s signature Line Capacity Rings. These are simple but effective visual markers on the spool that indicate when the spool is at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity, making line management easy and intuitive.

Specifications (Model 30)

• Reel Size: 30
• Retrieve: Right Hand
• Reel Type: Conventional
• Features: Level Wind, Line Counter
• Max Drag: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
• Gear Ratio: 3.9:1 (This lower gear ratio provides excellent torque and cranking power, making it easier to pull in heavy rigs and fight hard-pulling fish. It is a common gear ratio for bottom fishing and trolling reels.)
• 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