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.
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
Penn
Fathom or Torque 15XNLDII or 15LDII
Avet
MXJ or MX Raptor
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
I fish my JX as a 40# and my smaller MX and MXJ for 25-30#.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
In my opinion it would be hard to beat for your needs. BTW, they are close to the same size as a ABU 5600.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/38/1583-240824193036.jpeg)
I think that will be another addition to my arsenal! :d
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
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.
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! ;)
You can still find Generation 1 Fathoms on EBay brand new from Australia. The USD is strong, and they do arrive fairly quickly.
Are the first generation 2 speeds better?
Quote from: sabaman1 on August 30, 2024, 03:45:27 PMAre 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.
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
No "hiccups" but they made you work out landing them....😁
Bass pro shop or Cabelas discount code 24FALL75 starting labor day through to the 22nd. :d
the best reel is the one that you can service yourself!
Quote from: alantani on August 30, 2024, 05:55:29 PMthe best reel is the one that you can service yourself!
Well said Boss!
Quote from: jzman on August 29, 2024, 10:02:35 PMCan'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?
QuoteWhat 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