{"product_id":"penn-squall-ii-lever-drag-2-speed-conventional-reel-lightweight","title":"PENN Squall II Lever Drag 2-Speed Conventional Reel - Lightweight","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the PENN Squall II Lever Drag 2-Speed is presented as a lightweight, purpose-built conventional reel for anglers targeting big game in saltwater. The bottom line: it is best for captains and shore anglers who need a corrosion-resistant, powerful lever-drag reel that balances weight and strength. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a graphite frame and a forged aluminum spool with PENN's proven Dura-Drag and Quick-Shift 2-speed systems, which together deliver smooth, reliable drag performance and easy gear changes under load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGraphite frame and sideplates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keeps overall weight down while resisting corrosion for repeated saltwater use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuick-Shift 2-speed system:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allows fast shifting between high and low gears so an angler can fight a fish or crank line quickly without swapping reels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDura-Drag system:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides consistent, snag-free drag pressure even when set hard, reducing hesitation on powerful runs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eForged aluminum spool with Line Capacity Rings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers durable line holding and visible capacity markers for braid and mono assignments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStainless steel gears and bearings:\u003c\/strong\u003e A stainless main and pinion plus 3BB + 1RB bearings give smooth cranking and reliable long-term function.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Squall II is aimed at anglers who chase large saltwater predators and need a reel that is both lightweight and robust. It suits boat anglers, charter operators, and experienced shore fishermen who value a conventional lever-drag layout, predictable drag performance, and the ability to shift between two speeds when a fight demands it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLess suitable for absolute budget buyers seeking a simple spin reel or for those who demand a fully metal frame; while the graphite construction saves weight and resists corrosion, it is a different feel than fully machined saltwater reels. Those needing ultralight tackle for small inshore species should consider lighter spinning options instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWell-built and durable construction gives confidence when battling large fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmooth, reliable drag thanks to the Dura-Drag system, praised by customers for consistency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuick-Shift 2-speed makes transitioning from fighting to retrieving effortless under pressure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood line capacity for braid and mono, with clear Line Capacity Rings on the aluminum spool.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGraphite frame, while corrosion resistant and light, may feel less solid than a full-metal body to some anglers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot the best choice for anglers who want a very compact setup for small inshore species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePENN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSquall II Lever Drag 2-Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBearings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3BB + 1RB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGear Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.51 \/ 2.11 (two-speed)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpool\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForged aluminum with Line Capacity Rings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrag System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDura-Drag lever drag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrame\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGraphite frame and sideplates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PENN Squall II Lever Drag 2-Speed is a strong value for anglers who need a lightweight, corrosion-resistant conventional reel with proven drag and a handy two-speed system. It excels at big-game saltwater work where smooth drag, line capacity, and reliable gear shifting matter, making it a sensible buy for boat and shore anglers who want performance without unnecessary weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this reel suitable for saltwater use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the graphite frame and stainless internal components are designed for saltwater fishing and resist corrosion when rinsed and maintained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it handle braided line and what capacity does it hold?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the forged aluminum spool has Line Capacity Rings and supports braid and mono at the ratings stamped on the spool; braid capacities include examples like 1490\/30 and 1040\/50 depending on size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the two-speed system work smoothly under load?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the Quick-Shift 2-speed system shifts readily between high and low gears and customers report it performs well even while fighting large fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PENN","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46485089190107,"sku":"B00EOTC11E","price":299.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71EdofoE0fL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1739470811","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/penn-squall-ii-lever-drag-2-speed-conventional-reel-lightweight","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}