Penn Rival Level Wind Multiplier Reel
5 Things To Know
- HT-100 drag washers: Carbon drag washers help manage pressure during stronger runs.
- Line capacity rings: Spool markings show line level at a glance.
- The body stays manageable while keeping enough structure for sea fishing.
- Line is guided across the spool during retrieve, which helps with bait and boat work.
- It is featured in our best sea beach fishing reels guide.
Penn Rival Level Wind Multiplier Reel Review
The Penn Rival Level Wind is the multiplier to reach for when one affordable reel has to cover every boat job. It handles everything from feathering for mackerel through to bait fishing for cod and rays off the wrecks, and the real beauty of this reel is how much of the Fathom's fisherman-friendly thinking it keeps at well under half the price.
It is the reel I would put in the hands of anyone buying their first boat multiplier.
How well is it built?
The build quality you get with Penn gear rarely disappoints, and the Rival is honest about where the money has gone.
The frame and sideplates are lightweight graphite, which keeps the reel manageable on a range of sea rods, and Penn add aluminium frame rings to stiffen it up and reduce flex when the reel is under load.
Inside, the marine-grade bronze alloy main gear and machine-cut brass pinion are materials chosen for salt water, and they give the reel a reassuringly solid feel that matters when you are into a decent fish.
It is not the full metal body of the Fathom II, but it is a long way from a plastic toy.
How well does it cast and retrieve?
I particularly rate the level-wind. It lays line evenly across the spool on the retrieve without any thumbing, which is a proper help when you are fishing baits in tide, working from a boat, or getting a newcomer started on a multiplier.
The auto-engaging gears re-engage the drive the moment you turn the handle after free-spooling a bait down, and the line capacity rings on the spool tell you at a glance how much line is left when a fish has run.
How useful is the drag system?
The HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers are the same material Penn use in their premium reels, and they prove their worth on the water. Pressure comes on smoothly and stays consistent through a run, with none of the grabbing you get from cheaper felt drags.
It is a star drag rather than a lever drag, so it is set before the fish rather than adjusted mid fight, but for general boat, pier and bait fishing that is exactly the right tool.
Is it good value for money?
At under sixty pounds the Rival Level Wind is exceptional value. You get Penn's marine-grade gearing, an HT-100 drag and a proper level-wind in a reel that costs less than a tank of fuel for the boat.
It will not match the Fathom II for outright strength, but for the angler who wants one dependable multiplier for boat and pier work without the premium price, it is the one I recommend.
Pros
- Level-wind lays line evenly with no thumbing needed
- Marine-grade bronze main gear and brass pinion for salt water
- HT-100 carbon fibre drag is smooth and consistent
- Aluminium frame rings stiffen the graphite frame under load
- Exceptional value for a first boat multiplier
Cons
- Graphite frame is not as strong as a full metal body
- Star drag cannot be adjusted as finely as a lever drag
Features and Specifications
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| Level-wind conventional reel | Line is guided across the spool during retrieve, which helps with bait and boat work. |
| Graphite frame and sideplates | The body stays manageable while keeping enough structure for sea fishing. |
| Aluminium frame rings | Extra frame support helps reduce flex under load. |
| Auto-engaging gears | The reel re-engages smoothly after free-spool use. |
| Marine-grade bronze alloy main gear | The main gear is built for steady saltwater use. |
| Machine-cut brass pinion gear | Brass gearing supports dependable winding power. |
| HT-100 drag washers | Carbon drag washers help manage pressure during stronger runs. |
| Line capacity rings | Spool markings show line level at a glance. |
How It Compares
See how the Penn Rival Level Wind Multiplier Reel compares with other multiplier & baitcasters on overall score and current price.
| Name | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Penn Rival Level Wind Multiplier Reel | £79.99 | |
| Shimano Tyrnos | £220.00 | |
| Daiwa 20 BG MQ Reel | £168.38 | |
| Penn Slammer Iv Reel | £174.99 | |
| Shimano TLD II A Reel 50lb 2-Speed Right Hand | £199.99 | |
| Penn Fathom II | £159.99 | |
| Penn Battle IV Spin Reel | £103.49 | |
| Penn Mag 4 Multiplier Reel | £129.99 | |
| Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel | £49.99 |
Useful Information
External angler reviews
About this rating
eTackle looks for trusted, exact-match review sources and combines them where independent sources are available.
- Angling Direct : 4.0/5 from 4 reviews.
- Total Fishing Tackle : 5.0/5 from 2 reviews.
- eBay : 5.0/5 from 3 reviews.
Price History
Tracked shop prices over time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Penn Rival Level Wind Reel for?
It is intended for sea bait fishing from boats and piers and general multiplier use where a level-wind makes line management easier.
Does it have a level-wind system?
Yes. The level-wind lays line evenly across the spool during the retrieve, which is a real help in tide and for anglers new to multipliers.
What drag washers does it use?
Penn fit HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers, the same material used in their premium reels.
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