Penn SQL30VSW Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Reel

Penn SQL30VSW Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Reel

by Penn
Price: $329.95
Model
TD Code
Mono Cap. (yds/lb)Braid Cap. (yds/lb)BearingsMax Drag @ StrikeMax Drag @ FullGear RatioLine RetrieveWeightPrice
SQL30VSW
PEN-1194
1395/20
1035/30
595/50
1995/50
1660/65
1435/80
424 lbs32 lbsH: 4.2:1
L: 1.8:1
H: 41 in
L: 18 in
47.0 oz$329.95 USD
Penn Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Reels offer great fish fighting features. In addition to the Quick-Shift 2-speed system, the Squall Lever Drag's graphite frame and sideplates house tough, machined stainless steel main and pinion gears that are drilled out for weight reduction. Four shielded stainless steel ball bearings deliver smooth cranking power and the Dura Drag system eliminates hesitation and surging under extreme drag settings.

The spool is made from forged and machined aluminum with the added touch of Line Capacity Rings to keep the angler in the know at a glance on how much line remains on the spool. The double dog ratchet anti reverse eliminates back-play in the handle and is twice as strong as a typical single dog system.
  • Lightweight graphite frame and sideplates
  • Forged and machined aluminum spool
  • Stainless steel main and pinion gear
  • Dura-Drag washers virtually eliminate hesitation, even under extreme drag settings
  • Quick-Shift 2-speed system
  • 4 Shielded stainless steel ball bearings
  • Double-dog ratchet anti-reverse
  • Line Capacity Rings
4.5 Stars based on 24 reviews
By Scott
Ambler, PA
Solid reel
June 6, 2021
Solid reel at the price if you cant afford a full spread if internationals like me than this is the way to go.
Pros
  • Solid reel
Cons
  • Graphite frame may not hold up to a larger class bluefin but I hope to find out
By Jon
Florida
Failed after 1 year
June 19, 2020
Looks like a good reel when new but the Handle arm is made out of some cheap pot metal that reacts with salt water. 1 year old and washed religiously after each use and the handle Arm has almost disintegrated. It appears to be able to penetrate at the joint where it meets the handle, i can see my other newer squalls starting to do it
By DJ A.
Merritt Island, FL
Impressive reel!
June 8, 2020
I fish with squall 16vsw and 30vsw for my trolling spread out of Ponce Inlet,Fl. These are great reels! No torqueing issues whatsoever! I have 6 16vsw and 2 30vsw. They have never ever failed me. There is nothing out there that I'd be worried about hooking up with offshore with these great reels. Same internals as the famed penn internationals. Buy with the confidence knowing you are buying a reel that is going to last many years.
Fish on!
By Christian
Jacksonville, FL
Rock Solid
April 15, 2020
For the money, you can't beat the squall 50w if you're in the market for a 50w. It has handled everything I've thrown at it with ease, including a hoss of a tiger shark and several big wahoo
Pros
  • Sturdy
  • light
  • strong and smooth drag
By jon
eastern shore, md.
Solid Reel
April 8, 2020
Purchased two of the 30s for offshore trolling. Paired with Penn's ally rod, 50-100 lb class. Clicker is very loud and reel seems smooth out of the box.
Pros
  • good price point
Cons
  • none so far
By tom
New Jersey
Packs a Punch
April 7, 2020
Been using these primarily for mahi and light mid shore trolling and they've been great so far!
By Marc
Cape Coral, Florida
Worth every penny
February 7, 2020
Love this real, put it on a 130 class rod loaded up with 1500 of 80 pp and I top shot of 100. Caught a 350ish lbs Goliath on it and didn’t let me down at all even at full drag
Pros
  • Price, line capacity
Cons
  • None
By John
Sky Valley, Ga
Tough and lasts
January 18, 2020
Bought about five years ago and have caught many smoker kings on it. Drag is smooth and real still works great as it did the day I bought it. Largest fish was 65lbs. No Problem.
By william
New Jersey
nicely priced for 30's and 50's
March 26, 2019
but i don't trust the graphite frames or especially the reel foot. Have heard that they break off often, and are one of the most structurally weak points on Graphite frames. The other bad thing i have heard is that they do flex when fighting big fish, which can throw gears out of alignment and cause damage to them pretty quick if there cheaply made. At least they went with stainless gears on these instead of cheapo chinese alloys
By DJ A.
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Well built, solid reel. Excellent!
March 11, 2019
I fish eight of the 30vsw in my trolling spread. I've never ever had an issue with the graphite stretching. There is simply not enough drag available ( there is plenty of drag for fishing!) to effect the graphite that is rumored to occur. The low gear is amazing and I think would crank in a tank! Spooled with 80lb spider wire braid. From wahoo to grouper, nothing stands a chance once I'm hooked up. These reels do the work of reels priced twice as much. Thank you Penn!
Pros
  • Amazing reel
Cons
  • None so far and I've been fishing the same reels for over two years at least 3 times a month trolling and bottom fishing offshore.
By Zach
Franklin, VA
Great reel
January 14, 2019
I've had this reel for a couple years now and love it!
By allan
nj
Not the biggest fan of graphite reels
October 16, 2018
You probably won't be able to see it, but graphite reels do flex, and every time it does it throws the gears out of alignment slightly, causing them to wear faster. A graphite reel will break before a machined aluminum one will for sure. I know graphite is extremely strong, but not in this case because graphite flexes just like in poles. Aluminum reels and even graphite fishing reels and rods generally last a while, but i would put my money on them. Having cousins with graphite reels complaining how when the caught a fish big enough, that the reel seized because of gears being out of place and eventually needed new internals quite fast.. This all being out of a few years use, but Nonetheless, much earlier problems than with an aluminum reel.
By Santiago
Miami, FL
Massive
August 11, 2017
My fishing buddies and I gave this reel the nickname "Lucille" Its a big massive beast thats ready to take on anything. It also looks so beautiful on the back of the boat.
By Devin
Ohio
Great product
July 18, 2016
One of the best reels I have ever used. I would prefer a little bit more drag but over its a good reel.
By Matt
Long Island,NY
Great deal
April 23, 2016
Haven't used it yet but it's a great reel for the price
Pros
  • Built solid
3 Questions & 3 Answers
Brandon
from East Coast asked:
January 26, 2018
Are these reels made in USA or China?
1 Answers
The Penn SQL30VSW Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Reel are made in China.
Donald
on January 26, 2018

Joe
from Northeast Canyons asked:
March 23, 2016
Will this work for swordfish, seems like it holds enough capacity and drag is around the amount you need for swords?
1 Answers
It could work but i would high recommend a full metal reel.
Tyler
on March 23, 2016

michael
from pensacola, florida asked:
March 12, 2015
How much 100lb braid will this reel hold
1 Answers
Hello Michael. This reel will hold 1,395 yards of 100 pound braided line. Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions!
Brandon
on March 13, 2015

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