The PENN Rival II 20 Level Wind Left Hand reel is a compact and durable conventional reel designed for anglers who appreciate the simplicity and control of a left-hand retrieve without the added complexity of a line counter. It is a workhorse reel built for a variety of light to medium-duty fishing applications in both saltwater and heavy-duty freshwater environments.

Key Design Features

Left Hand Retrieve: This is the key distinguishing feature. It is specifically designed for right-handed anglers who prefer to hold the rod with their dominant right hand. This provides a more natural and powerful motion for reeling in line and fighting a fish, as it allows for better rod control and leverage.
Level Wind System: The integrated level wind mechanism automatically spools the line evenly back and forth across the reel. This feature is particularly useful for preventing line bunching and tangles, which can lead to frustrating failures. It also helps to ensure a smooth, uniform line lay, improving casting distance and overall reel performance.

Reel Construction and Technology

Frame and Sideplates: The Rival II 20 is built on a lightweight but tough graphite frame with matching sideplates. This choice of material makes the reel highly resistant to saltwater corrosion and comfortable to hold for long fishing sessions. The frame is further reinforced with aluminum rings to provide additional rigidity, which prevents frame flex and ensures the internal gears remain in perfect alignment under heavy load.
Drag System: The reel is equipped with PENNs celebrated HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers. This system is renowned for providing smooth and consistent stopping power. The carbon fiber material is an excellent choice for a drag system as it efficiently dissipates heat generated during long, hard runs, preventing drag fade and ensuring you maintain control of the fish throughout the fight. The maximum drag for this model is a solid 15 lbs (6.8 kg), providing ample power for its size class.
Gearing: The reel features a robust gearing system consisting of a marine-grade bronze alloy main gear and a machine-cut brass pinion gear. This combination of materials is designed for durability and a smooth, powerful retrieve. The gears are auto-engaging, meaning you can cast or let line out, and with a simple turn of the handle, the reel is back in gear and ready to retrieve.
Bearings: The reel is fitted with 2 shielded stainless steel ball bearings. These bearings are strategically placed to ensure a smooth operation under pressure and are highly resistant to the corrosive effects of saltwater, providing long-term reliability.
Line Capacity Rings: The spool features PENNs Line Capacity Rings, which provide clear visual indicators showing when the spool is at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity. This is a helpful, no-frills feature for managing your line during a fishing trip.

Specifications (Model 20)

Reel Size: 20
Retrieve: Left Hand
Reel Type: Conventional
Features: Level Wind
Max Drag: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
Gear Ratio: 3.9:1 (This lower gear ratio provides more torque, making it easier to pull in heavy rigs and fight hard-pulling fish. It is a common gear ratio for bottom fishing and trolling reels.)
Bearings: 2 Shielded Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
Mono Line Capacity (yd/lb): 340/20 (A common mono capacity for this size reel, suitable for various fishing applications).
Braid Line Capacity (yd/lb): 650/30, 450/50 (Provides excellent capacity for heavy braided line, which is the modern standard for this type of fishing, especially for its strength-to-diameter ratio.)