Have a couple, a smaller one for togging and a larger one for trolling stripers. Both have held up well and kick butt

Bought a SQL50LW a couple months ago.
Good reel, but there there is a tendency for the reel to heat up and freeze.
When bottom fishing, a sinker (6+ ounces) and/or a fighting fish can cause the reel to start heating up and freeze.
When that happens, the only option is to "hand line" your fish (or rig) and reel the line in as you do so.
Once the reel cools off, it operates as usual.

May have to contact Penn Intl as I may have a defective reel.

Nice reel, good replacement for the GTi series.

I’ve been a big fan of Penn reels got some time. These reels were exactly what I was looking for to handle full core lead with a good amount of backing.

Tackle Direct is nothing short of awesome to order from. They are my go to place place for fishing gear

bought this reel for some trolling rods to replace the old style penn reels i had. once i removed it from the box it was evident this ant your granddaddy's penn reel. this thing is smooth has an incredible drag nice loud clicker to let you know when its time to heat your blood. i do not have any complaints with this reel just be careful when you order pay close attention to the model number the LH on the end is a left hand reel. also i might add tackle direct had 7 of these reels sitting on the porch before i could get the boat warmed up. 5stars

ratio makes deep fishing bearable

Use these reels with 65# Lead core line for trolling for Stripers. It has performed well bringing in 50# +/- fish. Good reel for the application I use it for.

This Penn SQL30LW is a good reel at a good price. It is lighter than most expensive reels and has all the same features. The level wind also works while in free spool which is different than most. I feel this prevents the line from twisting and friction. Ordering and shipping from Tackle Direct was not issue at all.

I've been trolling the 20 Line Counters for 5+ years with Mojos and Spoons. Wouldn't use anything else, just need occasional maintenance nothing out of the norm. Just make sure drags are lose during storage.

Great reel nice price. Very smooth

Excellent reel for great lakes walleye fishing.
Drag could be better.

These graphite reels were not meant to last when used regularly. Graphite has a flex to it, so while fighting a decent sized fish, can cause the internals to become out of line causing stress and wear on them much quicker than an aluminum reel. Bearing and gear misalignment are your major enemies when it comes down to it with graphite frames, the flex just allows too much movement. Spend the extra cash and get an aluminum frame, you will be thankful 15 yrs down the road when it's still going strong as the day you bought it.

Very pleased so far... versatile reel... success with it on the bottom and on the troll... plenty of line capacity... quality penn product...

Bought this for my 5yr old to take fishing on the ocean in So California with me. It's lightweight and easy to use for him, I enjoy using it myself too. We have it loaded to the top with 300yds of 50# spectra.

Just brought one of these reels put 300 yards of 40lb power pro and took it rock fishing .caught about 15 fish with it. One was35" and well over 20 lbs. paired it with a 6'6" tiger light med heavy casting rod. Rod and reel performed great