Recently, I reviewed the Penn Squall Lever Drag and Lever Drag 2-Speed, so I wanted to follow up with a Penn Fathom Lever Drag review and Penn Fathom Lever Drag 2-Speed review.
The Penn Fathom series of lever drag reels is the next step up from the Squall in that the Fathom has a full metal body and side plates compared to the Squall graphite body and side plates.
The Penn Fathom single-speed reels are available in 5 models, starting with the Model FTH15LD which weighs in at only 15.1 oz. Next are the models FTH25NLD, FTH30LD, FTH40NLD, and finally, the high-speed FTH40NLDHS, which boasts a 7.1:1 gear ratio with a whopping 60″ retrieve rate of its maximum capacity of 785 yards of 50 lb test braid while still weighing in at only 24.7 oz.
The Penn Fathom Lever Drag 2-Speed reels come in 5 models as well, starting with the Model FTH15LD2, FTH25NLD2, FTH30LD2, FTH40NLD2, and finishing up with the FTH60LD2, which can pack a whopping 995 yards of 65 lb braid onto the tall spools that are perfect for your larger pelagics like kingfish and sailfish that just love to run as soon as you have them hooked.
Both the lever drag and 2-speed lever drag offer full stainless steel gear trains and a stainless steel pinion gear, along with the Penn Dura-Drag system that, until now, has only been available in the high-end Penn International reels. The lever drag allows you to see just how much drag you have applied, compared to having to guess with a typical star drag system.
Penn is been able to offer high-speed reels that perform very well for an incredible price point that, at the time of this writing (6/17), was retailing at $199-$249 for the lever drag and $249-$299 for the 2-speed lever drag.
Features
Full Metal Body and side plates
The Fathom Lever Drag frames and side plates are made from die-cast aluminum, which is both lightweight and durable when resisting corrosion from saltwater.
The full metal body is one of the primary differences between the Squall and the Fathom series of reels.
The use of the aluminum body not only makes this reel sturdier by not flexing but also substantially lighter.
Stainless steel main and pinion gear
Thanks to an oversized stainless steel main gear, Penn has delivered tremendous power in the Fathom reels. If you look at the main gear, you will also see that it has been drilled out to reduce weight.
When combined with the stainless steel pinion, the oversized main gear makes for a very solid feel and a quick retrieve rate, with gear ratios as high as 7.1:1 on the single-speed FTH40NLDHS model.
Dura-Drag™ washers
The Penn Fathom reels both use Dura-Drag washers, which deliver a very smooth and strong drag. Penn developed the Dura-Drag in conjunction with a large US auto manufacturer, and it is the same type of material found in the transmissions of racing cars.
The benefit of this material is that it can withstand frequent and heavy use under heat and delivers that silky smooth feel we want from the initial start-up through the entire drag run.
Five shielded stainless steel ball bearings
5 Shielded stainless steel bearings make for a smooth spinning spool with great castability. The fact that the ball bearings are shielded will provide good durability over the reel’s life.
Double-dog ratchet anti-reverse
Both the single and 2-speed Fathom reels use a double-dog ratchet anti-reverse system. This will provide you with a backup and distribute the pressure on the anti-reverse across two paws to reduce wear and tear on the reel.
Line Capacity Rings
All spools feature line capacity rings, so you are always aware of how many lines you still have to work with. While some people think that this is just a sales gimmick, I can tell you from personal experience that the ability to glance down at the reel and have a good idea of how many lines you are working with both on and off the spool is comforting, especially when fighting a large fish.
Quick-Shift 2-Speed System (2-Speed Only)
The quick shift 2-speed system allows you to push a button on the side of the handle to switch from low speed to high speed and then back again.
The ease of switching between the 2-speeds without having to take your hand off the handle is awesome, especially when you are fighting a fish.
Features at a Glance
- Full Metal Body and side plates
- Stainless steel main and pinion gear
- Dura-Drag™ washers
- Five shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- Double-dog ratchet anti-reverse
- Line Capacity Rings
When deciding between a single-speed and a 2-speed reel, you have to take a close look at the style of fishing you are going to be doing and consider that a 2-speed reel will cost you more than a single-speed.
With that said, I think that the advantages of a 2-speed far outweigh the additional cost in most cases.
If you are doing inshore fishing for species under 50 lbs, then a single speed will probably do the job for most fishermen. If I am headed out to the Atlantic or Pacific chasing larger pelagics over 50 lbs with various lures, then I like to have the 2-speed advantage.
At the end of the day, it is like anything else: it comes down to the fisherman, not the gear.
Low gear is very handy; sometimes, getting the bigger fish either up from the bottom or back to the boat is almost mandatory when they put the pressure on. When the fish decides that they are going to swim at high speed right back at the boat, it is nice to be able to push the button and kick it into high gear.
The other advantage of having high gear is when it comes to clearing the boat of additional rods when you are hooked up. The high speed allows you to get the additional lines in quickly without frantically crushing the reel like a madman.
Pros
- Price
- Full metal body
- Dura-Drag
- Durability
Cons
- Not fully sealed
Alternatives
If you are a fan of Penn reels, especially in the conventional reel, you have a few choices. For a reel that is a bit more budget-friendly but still a quality reel, check out the Penn Squall Lever Drag Reels.
If you have a bigger budget, I recommend you look at the Penn International V and Penn International VS 2 Speed reels.
At the same price point as Daiwa is the Daiwa Saltist Black Gold, which, while not a lever drag, is a great-quality reel that you should look at.
In Conclusion
Overall, this is a good reel for the money because it is built well and should last long if properly maintained. I would place these reels in the “value” category.
The Penn Fathom is a definite step up from the Penn Squall Lever Drags, as they have full metal bodies vs a graphite frame and side plate. If you find yourself fishing for very large species down in the deep, you might need the monster line capacity of the Squall spools.
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Best for 300ft or Shallower
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Best Heavy-Duty
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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: Featuring a Full Metal Body for durability, the Fathom lever drag series offers power and speed in a lightweight package. These reels are engineered to be fished with superline and cover a wide range of fishing applications such as jigging, live baiting, and bottom fishing. |
: The PENN Fathom lever drag 2-speed series of reels are compact but loaded with big features. Featuring a Full Metal Body, stainless steel main and pinion gear, Dura-Drag washers, and a double dog ratchet anti- reverse you will find there is no stopping these reels. |
Featuring a Full Metal Body for durability, the Fathom lever drag series offers power and speed in a lightweight package. These reels are engineered to be fished with superline and cover a wide range of fishing applications such as jigging, live baiting, and bottom fishing.
The PENN Fathom lever drag 2-speed series of reels are compact but loaded with big features. Featuring a Full Metal Body, stainless steel main and pinion gear, Dura-Drag washers, and a double dog ratchet anti- reverse you will find there is no stopping these reels.
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SoCal
Wednesday 11th of September 2019
Will the 25NLD2 handle 40# mono ?
Salted Angler
Wednesday 11th of September 2019
Yes, you will probably end up with about 220 yds of 40 lb mono. The reel itself it rated for 65lb braid it is just that the spool will hold a little less of the 40 lb vs the 30 lb.
Richard Sherman
Sunday 11th of August 2019
I purchased 2 PENN SENATOR RODS a few years ago and never used them, I'm planning on using them both for trolling big stripers on Cape Cod. Looking to pair up the rods with reels that are straight forward, and I heard multi-speed reels help get the job done reducing fatigue. Any recommendations on reels and line would be helpful. Sincerely Richard Fi Sherman
Salted Angler
Monday 12th of August 2019
Either the Penn Fathom or the Penn Squall 2 speeds would be a good choice and yes they will reduce fatigue as you can use the higher gear ratio ot retrieve the line faster and the lower gear for cranking on a big fish. Typically I will load the spools with mono near the upper limit meaning if the Fathom FTH30LD has the capacity for 40lb that is what I would use.
Ty
Friday 3rd of August 2018
Just bought a fth40nld2 for trolling for kings what would be a good rod
Salted Angler
Sunday 5th of August 2018
If you want to stay with Penn and not break the bank then I would recommend a Rampage Casting Rod https://amzn.to/2Kr0OJn
James
Thursday 5th of July 2018
You talk about the capacity rings on the spool, then don't explain them (Hommer Simpson moment...)
Salted Angler
Thursday 5th of July 2018
Please see the detailed description in the Features Section.
Line Capacity Rings – All of the spools feature line capacity rings so that you are always aware of how much line you still have to work with. While some people think that this is just a sales gimmick, I can tell you from personal experience that the ability to glance down at the reel and have a good idea of how much line you are working with both on and off the spool is comforting, especially when fighting a large fish.
Benito Shoats
Tuesday 13th of February 2018
Just bought 25nld2 and 40nld2. Next month fred hall show gonna buy another 25nld2 and 60nld2. Can the 60ld2 handle 80lb mono?
Salted Angler
Tuesday 20th of February 2018
Yes absolutely, you will just decrease your capacity slightly from the 315 yards of 60lb mono down to something in the range of 220-250 yards with the 80lb mono. The reel is rated for up to 100 lb braid. I hope this helps., sorry for the delay in getting back to you I was out fishing.