Recommendations for smaller 2 speed reels

[sabaman1]

Hello to all, I am looking to purchase a small 2 speed reel in the 20 and 30 size. Would like to know what most would recommend without breaking the bank? Also ease in servicing. Not looking for the International 20 and 30 size but the smaller 20 and 30 sizes such as Penn, Shimano, Daiwa.

[Bill B]

I love my Penn Fathoms, 15XNLD2, 25NLD2, 40NLD2, and 60NLD2.  The first three are 1st gen (black and gold) and the 60 is 2nd generation. All punch way above their weight class.  Bill

[Keta]

Penn
Fathom or Torque  15XNLDII or 15LDII
Avet
MXJ or MX Raptor

[Brewcrafter]

Little confused since I don't consider my International 20 "small" but will 100% endorse Bill that the Torque(Fathom) 15 and 25 are incredible reels.  Also, I've used the living bejeezus out of my base level Avet JX and it refuses to die, you could do a lot worse than picking up one of those, and depending on your actual needs, even going for the upper level Raptor is not the be all/end all.- john

[Keta]

I fish my JX as a 40# and my smaller MX and MXJ for 25-30#.

[Mjg378]

Another recommendation for the fathom.   (I can't speak on the avet as I've not had/used one). I've got a first gen 2 speed Penn fathom 25n that I use for a 40 lb set up that is easy to use and work on, especially with all the PowerPoints on this web site.  I bought mine on a sale so the price was right. Oh yeah, definitely improved when adding Alan's 5/0 grip!

[sciaenops]

Okuma Cavalla mite be worth a look. I like my Andros 12nsii for 30#. But yes, I fish my Gen 1 Fathoms more than anything

[Keta]

Thank you for the Okuma recommendations.  I am a Penn/Avet user (Ford/Chevy/Dodge) and am weak on Okuma and Shimano reels. Both make good reels.

[sabaman1]

Thanks guys for your input, sounds like the consensus is for Penn fathom. Sometimes its tough making a decision with all the choices out there. A strong point is I know that Penn parts are available here in the USA at Mystic and usually easy to acquire. So my choices will be for the 15nxld2 or possibly the 25nld2 once I see the sizes and feel of the reels in hand. Going to check out the 30 sizes also.

[Keta]

The 15XN, 25N and 30 are the same except for the width.  I fish my TRQ 30 as a 40 pound, my 15XN and 25N are 30/40 pound.

I have a FTHII 10XN I use for 20/30 pound. I use it for inshore and pelagic YT, and schoolie YFT.  It is somewhat limited in line capacity for mid size YFT.

[sabaman1]

Thanks for the suggestions Lee as I am looking at the specs of the 10xnld also and was wondering if it would make a good yellowtail,dorado reel if spooled with 30lb spectra topped with 20lb?



 

[Keta]

In my opinion it would be hard to beat for your needs.  BTW, they are close to the same size as a ABU 5600.

[sabaman1]

I think that will be another addition to my arsenal!   

[Bill B]

My vote would be the 25NLD2 as an all around reel.  It will do 30-50#.  I fish mine with 40# and use it for wahoo bombs.  Bill

[jzman]

Can't go wrong with fathom 2 speeds. They are probably the easiest 2 speed reels to work on.

But I'll throw in another recommendation: Okuma Alijos 2 speed in size 5.  It's about the same size as the 25N.  Pros: One piece machined aluminum frame, smoother cranking, more linear drag curve, large t-bar handle, and cast control that uses the drag disc. Cons: Cost way more and it's pain to take a part (a lot of little parts).  The Alijos is a better value than the Torque or Talicas.

The reel foot on the Alijos is smaller compared to the fathoms.  Goofish SPJ rods didnt fit fathoms 15 and up.

Picture is size comparison of Fathoms: 30, 25N (single speed), 15N
I included in the Okuma Alijos 2Speed 5.