Penn Squall 15 Questions

[nmr1981]

I first want to thank everyone who contributes to this site for the wealth of information, tips, and resources available.  This site has given me the confidence and ability to tackle many upgrades and maintenance procedures to my growing family of Penn reels.

My first question is in regards to a Penn Squall 15 star drag. I was wondering if I could install the main gear from the Squall 15 level wind which is a 4:8:1 ratio instead of a 6:0:1 ratio. Or are the reels two completely different animals? We do lots of bottom fishing in southern NJ and wouldn't mind the extra advantage with the lower gears

My next question would be about the drags of the two reels.  I just purchased the 15 levelwind for my wife and that reel has an advertised 20lbs of drag and my 15 star drag has 15. Is there a way to upgrade the star drag conventional to the 20lbs or greater drag pressure? 

Thanks again,
Nick

[MarkT]

Check the schematics and see if they both use the same part number for the gears.

[Porthos]

One would need to swap out BOTH the pinion AND main gear for this to work.

A quick glance of the schematics only show that the undergear washer matches, which ONLY indicates that the gear shaft diameters are the same; how the rest of the parts physically fit are not revealed. The way the schematics show the spools is different for the two reels...suspicion is that the swap is NOT possible. I believe this post (though not specifically referencing the 15's) is pointing to a "NO" as well:
http://www.bdoutdoors.com/forums/threads/penn-fathom-from-4-3-to-6-1.555421/#post-3524664

The only way of knowing for certain is to ask "tunanoth" on BDOutdoors; this may be faster than waiting for a response directly through contact channels on Penn's website.

Good luck.

[nmr1981]

Thanks for the replies, I took a look at both sets of schematics and came to the same conclusion. The two reels aren't very similar internally.  I just installed the Penn Torque Star Drag handle as someone mentioned on this site and it made a huge difference in both feel and leverage on Saturday's deep water trip. Much easier to grab onto and also has the effect of a lower (numerically) gear ratio. So I am happy with that aspect of the reel.

Now about that drag...I just can't leave anything alone

[johndtuttle]

Thanks for the replies, I took a look at both sets of schematics and came to the same conclusion. The two reels aren't very similar internally.  I just installed the Penn Torque Star Drag handle as someone mentioned on this site and it made a huge difference in both feel and leverage on Saturday's deep water trip. Much easier to grab onto and also has the effect of a lower (numerically) gear ratio. So I am happy with that aspect of the reel.

Now about that drag...I just can't leave anything alone

Well, its only money if you're wrong!

What I would do is post on the Penn site at stripersonline.com and the guys there can confirm for you. If I recall correctly however, this was asked of Steve Carson on the bdoutdoors.com site and he came back with an answer of not compatible.

This is just my memory, I would encourage you to contact Penn directly.