Penn Squall II Levelwind 20 LW-Right handX vs Shimano Cardiff 301A

Penn Squall II Levelwind

Multireels

66.30 out of 100

Value for money4 out of 5

Quality classGood

Durability4.5 out of 10

Ergonomics5.97 out of 10

Gear ratio4:9:1

Maximum drag14.9kg / 32,85lbs

Weight500g / 17.64oz

Line retireve per crank70 centimeter / 27.56 inch

Ball bearings4

Technical Specifications

BrandPENN
The main category of the reelMultireels
Price range~ €130.80
Is saltwater resistantNo
Spare spoolNo
Reel size20 LW
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeStar drag
Handle orientationRight
Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 290/0.29

Shimano Cardiff 301A

Multireels

34.80 out of 100

Value for money3.5 out of 5

Quality classMedium

Durability3.69 out of 10

Ergonomics6.38 out of 10

Gear ratio5.8:1

Maximum drag5kg / 11.02 lbs

Weight252g / 8.89oz

Line retireve per crank61cm / 24.01 inch

Ball bearings4 A-RB + 1 RB

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelMultireels
Price range~ €88.60
Is saltwater resistantNo
Spare spoolNo
Reel size301
Handle typeDouble handle
Drag typeStar drag
Handle orientationLeft
Line capacity monofilmm/m: 0.25/285. 0.30/235, 0.40/40 lb/yds:12/230, 14/180

Conclusion

Penn Squall II Levelwind 20 LW-Right handX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 301A, offering significantly better performance in gear ratio (4:9:1) and total score (6.63 out of 10). While Shimano Cardiff 301A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Penn Squall II Levelwind 20 LW-Right handX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Penn Squall II Levelwind and Shimano Cardiff 301A?

Penn Squall II Levelwind 20 LW-Right handX

A gear ratio of 4:9:1 (scoring 6.11 out of 10) gives you a nice middle ground, just enough torque to handle pressure, but still quick enough for general use
At a maximum drag of 14,9kg / 32,85lbs (scoring 5.51 out of 10), the reel has a modest drag setup which is enough for smaller fish or relaxed situations where finesse matters more
With a retrieve score of 5.71 out of 10 (70 centimeter / 27.56 inch), this reel takes its timeand gives full control during delicate retrieves