Recommendations for smaller 2 speed reels

[sabaman1]

Thanks for the pictures for size reference and suggestions. I currently have a Fathom 40 single speed that I use for yoyo and rockfish and a Fathom 15 star drag for baitfish. Waiting on the Bass Pro Shops club sale that starts on September 5th-22nd. If your a club member you should have got the flyer. $20 off if you spend $100-$199, $30 off if you spend $200-$299,$45 off if you spend $300-$399, $60 off if you spend $400-$499, and lastly $75 off if you spend $500 or more.Use extreme caution when making purchases!

[CI_Seawolf]

You can still find Generation 1 Fathoms on EBay brand new from Australia.  The USD is strong, and they do arrive fairly quickly.

[sabaman1]

Are the first generation 2 speeds better?

[Keta]

Are the first generation 2 speeds better?

I think so.   There are a few changes I like but over all I prefer the gen I reels.

[Bill B]

Early 2nd generation Fathoms suffered from a manufacturing defect that greatly reduced maximum drag, however Penn fixed mine under warranty in a timely fashion, even though it was an Australian import.

2nd generation has a plastic cam follower and Penn eliminated the handle nut and the plastic retaining plate which is problematic in the 1st generation. I haven't used my only 2nd generation enough yet to see if this is good or bad.

As mentioned above, the plastic handle retaining plate is easily broken if you do not pay attention during disassembly. IMHO the 1st generation are solid reels and I just don't have enough experience with 2nd generation to make a qualified opinion.

I did use my 1st generation 40NLD2 to land these two 150# bluefin without a hiccup.  Bill

[Keta]

No "hiccups" but they made you work out landing them....😁

[sabaman1]

Bass pro shop or Cabelas discount code 24FALL75 starting labor day through to the 22nd.

[alantani]

the best reel is the one that you can service yourself!

[sabaman1]

the best reel is the one that you can service yourself!


Well said Boss!

[MeanMachine]

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.

What is the aftermarket handle on that 15? 

[jzman]

What is the aftermarket handle on that 15? 

It's called a Molded T-bar Power handle.  A lot of online stores sell it. It usually runs about $20.  I think Dawn from smooth drag does as well. 

I got mine at reelpowerhandles.com because they gave a small discount for two and 20% off and free shipping on purchases $50 or more (not sure if they still do).  If you prefer not to drill out the handle, the website also sells an aftermarket arm for $25 but the arm isn't bent like the original arm.   The website is a mess but I bought from there three times and have had no problems.

This is arm for the fathom.  The handle is NOT included:
https://reelpowerhandles.com/products/no-bend-tm-handle-3-75-without-knob-for-penn-fathom-torque-two-speed-reels

2 Molded T-bar handles:
https://reelpowerhandles.com/products/1067_221013706687_31440_1ced1