2022 Penn Fathom II 25nld2 Lever Drag Reel Gen 2 vs Gen 1 Review

[@danilosilva81]

Final update: this little reel is the little engine that could kzbin.infoUgkxSlytCJqozTF7EbdP4LWP-HUXf9WRDJ0e . It performed flawlessly and was easy to adjust drag in the moment while I was battling a 35lb bat ray behemoth. Mind you, this reel is spooled with only 25 lb braid and 25 mono topshot. It's paired with the kastking telescopic heavy power rod and the two work well together. This has now earned my respect and confidence when traveling and fishing. If you have ever hooked into large rays and sharks, you know they pull extremely hard and can run forever! This thing clamped down on the fish and was easy to adjust during the fight. It has a nice decently fast retrieve as well. Twice the fish went on mad runs and I was able to gain back line quickly to avoid spooling.

[@Seastheday88]

100% agreed. Still have my gen 1 25nld2 and 40nld2 even though I have Talicas, Torques and Internationals. These Fathoms just do the job 🤙

[@fadelover123]

Cool reel, but there is no reason to upgrade from the gen 1. I can already see problems with that handle bar flexing under load, its way to thin. And the plastic lever assembly was a cheap unneeded move. Im also not a fan of the silver painting, it has a black base that will make scratches very noticeable. Hopefully we see something better with a torque 2.

[@Seastheday88]

Soul, agreed. Will still keep my 25n and 40n gen1. The plastic lever was disappointing along with the drag cam assembly. Really proves Penn nailed gen1 at its original price point and even when they raised it. Curious about the new gearing for the 40n with higher high and lower low ratios. Might be the next mod down the line for gen1 40n.

[@socalsteve22]

Appreciate the break down and comparison of the 2 generations. I think I would go with the football style knob for that size. Handle looks huge with that size reel.

[@Seastheday88]

Welcome Steve! Agreed, football is perfect already on this size. I also kept the football for my 30ld2🤙

[@sinnerLA]

Could you PLEASE do a test of getting the Fathom II handle on the original Fathom 2-speed!!!

[@harveybeddard5093]

Hi you mentioned not to go for the squall Graphite frames .is there a reason for saying that?? I have 5x squall 50vsw for over 10years now with not one issue with the reel. They have cought countless marlin, sail fish and some impressive grouper on them.i live in the Indian Ocean and use them at least 3-4 times a week on charter. So was wondering what your opinion was.??

[@Seastheday88]

Hi Harvey. They are indeed workhorses and I’ve seen owners pull up bluefin with it over 100lbs. I think with every tool, you have to give a threshold limitation, same with these Fathoms. They’re amazing reels, but I’d position a max lb test leader on it and anything over that, use it on Penn’s International line up. That’s my pov on it, your mileage is way more if you got 10years on the squall. I don’t have 10 years experience on any specific reel, only see and hear lots of heartbreaks and want to minimize as many points of failure as possible. Thanks.

[@quicksilverz6642]

Big fan of both generations. The only thing that really bothers me about the gen 2 is the painted finish. After only a handful of trips the reel looks like it was thrown off the side of a mountain. I understand the price point, but there are children's toys with a better finish than this reel.

[@Seastheday88]

100% agreed. I did a quick short of one that saw a single boat ride. Paint couldn’t hold up to the transport part of the trip😆. The handle isn’t really an upgrade either as it got slightly bent from the same transport.

[@louiss4223]

Nice breakdown and comparison of both reels. I'm assuming the drag system and sizes are the same?

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks Louis 🙌. Drags, Gears and sizes are identical to their Gen 1 variants. Only change is in the 40nld2, there is a higher high gear and a lower low gear. That’ll make it fun for jigging. I’m hoping Penn makes the gears available, I’m tempted to see if they’ll be swappable to the Gen1 versions.

[@peterpanmenorcafishing6196]

Wow what's so nice reel very smooth drag. I'm using Penn fathom 60LD

[@Seastheday88]

The 60LD is such an awesome reel. Price is right and the retractable trolling lugs are a bonus. Thanks for watching!

[@nolanoshiro2083]

check the freespool. mine was not good with no drag. put it in free an turn handle, the spool starts to spin

[@donburnett8594]

Great review…. I have several of the old school Fathoms … I have them as backups for my Makaria’s. I like the old black … don’t like the plastic lever and the handle looks cheap … I like the football handle. For the price you can’t purchase another reel that’s this great… and I don’t care for silver…

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks Don. I still have my Gen 1 Fathom 25nld2 and 40nld2 as well. Great reels. I did add the Gen 2 60nld2, even with the plastic lever, I was curious how the taller spool and lower low gear of 1.6:1 will do on night jigging. I also had to swap a new handle and arm, factory one was not going to cut it.

[@robertmceuen3630]

Are these reels made in USA or China. Makes a difference. Bought a 9m, made in China. Discovered it had a screw drove in and stripped. Unable to remove it without destroying the part.

[@Seastheday88]

These Fathoms are China made. The Torque and the VISX line are USA made.

[@kumad_mancing]

good reel lever drag brother 👍👍

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks 👍

[@jaimefernandez3076]

Is this 25nlds a good 50# setup for fly lining?

[@Seastheday88]

Hi bro. I ended up returning this reel. I kept my Gen1 25nld2 and would use it 30, 40# flyline. I have a Talica 12 and feel more confident with it as 40#. However I think the rental gear from landing would give you this 25nld2 as 40/50#. The only Gen 2 2spd Fathom I have still is the 60nld2. Big drag and same narrow spool. Thanks for watching

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

get the 30ld2 for 40-50lb duty instead

[@jaimefernandez3076]

@@johnsmith-xd9ej what rod do you recommend for the 25nld2?

[@briannelson538]

Great job on the review!

[@Seastheday88]

Thank you Brian, much appreciated 🙌

[@dinien8439]

Sorry, can you measure the spool wide?

[@Seastheday88]

25nld2 = 34mm at top of spool line 30ld2 = 44mm at same line No longer have a 15xn to confirm. Thanks and hope that helps

[@dinien8439]

Many thank, it's helpful!!!

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

Nice breakdown…one thing for sure with the release of this Gen 2 Fathom….the Speedmaster which failed to make a dent on this value reel category will surely become more undesirable…

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks! Funny thing is I didn’t own a few Talicas but never gave the Speedmaster a chance. Went straight for gen1 Fathoms for my lower priced alternatives. You’re right about it being more undesirable, I rarely see them on the racks on trips.

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

Speedmaster is unrealible hence the San Diego fleet frown on it…& went for the Fathom instead as their staple loaners..

[@fadelover123]

Pretty positive the gen 2 fathom was made in hopes to compete with the speedmaster, hence the new silver finish, bigger handle, plastic lever, one piece frame… Why else would they update a reel that needed no updates, and make it look exactly like a competitors reel. 😂

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

it is simply because Penn is ahead in the game…innovation…,they focus on fishing reel instead of the Bicycle parts…Speedmaster as a competitor? lol not even close…anyone can check all the party boats and see the Fathom vs Speedmaster ratio on board…facts don’t lie..

[@Seastheday88]

@@fadelover123 lol truth. I never fished a speedmaster and don’t forsee myself needing to try it. Penn should’ve known they held their own with the Gen1. However, does make sense still for new consumers comparing competition without knowing what they’re looking for.

[@nancyn3863]

Have you tested the drag on the new reel to see if it lives up to specs? Also would this reel handle 100 lb tuna?

[@Seastheday88]

Drags on the new model are identical to their Gen 1 up to the 40n. 60n and 80 are new taller sizes with more drag. However with more drag, I don’t believe this frame is ideal for 100lb test. I would fish them 60lb max regardless of 40n, 60n or 80. I have a 60n currently that was from a single use trip, the handle arm isn’t looking so great on it. Way too flimsy even for 60lb.

[@nancyn3863]

Thank you. How about the 25n, how much test line would you use on that and could you use it for 100lb tuna? It has 33lbs of drag which I would think should be enough.

[@Seastheday88]

@@nancyn3863 For me, 40lb test leader max, 50lb is really pushing it. A 100lb tuna can be at the end of the hook, but the you need drag set for 40lb leader, which is 1/3 of strength, so around 14lb drag is ideal for strike. If you’re looking for more drag, you’ll want the International VISX series with a 80+ rated rod. I have a VISX 16 that I pair with an 80-130lb rod and I use this when I know 100lb tuna are around.

[@nancyn3863]

Sorry for the dumb question, but why can’t you tie a 80 lb leader to the the line on this reel? And since it has 33lb of drag, wouldn’t it be acceptable?

[@Seastheday88]

@@nancyn3863 Not dumb at all. It could possibly work. But so far the handle and arm design may be too light in design for that type of pressure. Perhaps an upgrade may allow you to push 80lb limits. I’m looking at alternate solutions that may allow you to push it further to 80lb without the the stress on the handle. The frame itself, drag and internals are capable of it, just look at the weak links of the overall reel and you’ll see it yourself. If you hold it in your hand, light pressure on the arm shows it’s easily flexible on arm vs gen1 design. Hope that helps.

[@andrewmorke]

This is Penn's answer to the Shimano Speedmaster II.

[@Seastheday88]

Honestly their Gen1 was really good. If they kept the same Gen1 with silver paint (for general consumers) and the option for an upgraded handle, we’d eat it up. Don’t need the 1 piece side frame, although it does look more modern and sleek. They just deleted a few other things that made the Gen1 a beast for the price.

[@andrewmorke]

The painted (presumably powder coated) finish is a negative for me. Penn and Shimano should Cerakote the Fathom 2 and the SpeedMaster 2. In the meantime, I went with the Cavalla 12. Okuma has improved its offshore reels.

[@Seastheday88]

@@andrewmorke agreed on the paint. They cut some unnecessary corners on that. That Cavalla should be awesome. I literally just acquired a 2nd hand Andros 12Sii. The machining looks amazing on this which is just about identical to the Cavalla. Only change I think so far is the cast control dial on left plate which I’m not too stoked about.

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

or have an all Black color option on Gen 2 also hehe….yeah Cavalla has much better frame compared to Fathoms & Speedmasters….they’re All Machined Aluminum.

[@maedatyson9143]

Great vid and breakdown. Did you notice friction when turning the handle after adjusting the drag knob? Mine got noticeably stiffer.

[@Seastheday88]

Hi Maeda. Yes, there is friction. Also occurs on my gen1 Fathoms and my 30ld2 Torque. I just take it as a, if I’m hooked, I won’t notice 😆. But does get heavy if you were using it as a jigging reel.

[@dylanclay2741]

Idk if either of youall still have this reel but the avet jx g2 is about same size but way smoother than the fathoms(way less friction) with all metal parts. 0 plastic. I switched from penn to avet awhile ago and haven't looked back

[@twoyoufromtom]

Having problems with hard to reel the more you tighten the drag the harder it gets to turn the handle any clues

[@Seastheday88]

Hey Tom. How long does the spool spin in freespool at your current drag setting?

[@twoyoufromtom]

@@Seastheday88 FTHII30LD spins perfectly in freespool but when you engage the lever drag it stiffens up the more drag the harder to turn

[@Seastheday88]

@@twoyoufromtom it does happen on my 25nld2, 30ld2 and 40nld2 as well. Penn uses a huge steel drag disk. I imagine most of that resistance you feel is coming from that weight. Once you’re on the ocean, it’s in the back of your mind, not saying it’s ok but it’s part of their design. 2 of my models are Torque series and does the same. Just make sure your drag is set accordingly at strike. As we can still overshoot and it’ll have even more resistance feeling.

[@twoyoufromtom]

@@Seastheday88 I opened the little copper tabs on the dog ears that the gear rides in. Made a big difference. Thank you for all your videos buddy and response too. I have upgraded my handles on a few of my fathoms loved that video thank you very much! Hope you do an in-depth video on this issue because nobody on KZbin has opened the gen2 that I could find but you so far.

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

what handle upgrades ypu did if you don’t mind sharing info

[@williamhartsell6390]

This or the speedmaster 12 or 10?

[@Seastheday88]

Speedmaster 12 would make a beef 40# flyline setup. The 10 will do the job as well and is a tad lighter and use it as 30# Personally I have my Talica 12 as 40#. Sold this gen2 25n and kept my Gen1 Fathom 25n to use it as 30#, I have star drags I would also use in 30# but it’s nice to have that low gear on last stretch of fight and have the energy to continue fishing after.

[@williamhartsell6390]

@@Seastheday88 ok yeah I have some fathoms first gen but I feel like the new ones miss the mark. But someone mentioned on bloody decks they bent the handle on a speedmaster also. I got a 1.5 day coming up and trying to decide what to take with me

[@Seastheday88]

@@williamhartsell6390 take them all, at least you’ll have back ups if needed. I read Gen 1 fathom handle broke for an angler using a 40n in a long battle down south. This gen2 fathom is way more flimsy in comparison to the speedmasters. Hope you slay em on your 1.5 🤙

[@williamhartsell6390]

For sure. And thank you for the words. I guess we will see. I have a day to hangout out by the landings. Could get expensive lol

[@Seastheday88]

@@williamhartsell6390 Lol it will add up quick once you’re at the landing. Even the hoodies are pricey, but all is always worth it for the memories of landing that BFT 🤙

[@ashercantsurf]

One thing you missed was how the dogs are supported by the side plate. Gen 1 is supported by thin castings and posts in the side plate. Once they break, you need a new side plate. Gen 2 appears to support both dogs by a composite piece which is then attached to the side plate by a small screw. So in theory, they should be repairable.

[@ashercantsurf]

Also, I would have liked to see more of the clicker differences. The gen 2 comes in billfish models in the 40n and 60n so freespool with the clicker on vice clicker off for feeding fish with circle hooks on the troll.

[@Seastheday88]

You're right on this. I kept thinking about this after I finished the vid 😅. I do these impromptu so I'm think I'm evaluating everything until I miss something. During the editing process I noticed the way the dogs were designed and noticed it was repairable/replaceable. I've only read one report on the star drag fathom where the wall broke and this thought came back to me after the fact.

[@Seastheday88]

@@ashercantsurf I'm still very curious about the new gears on the 40n. I'd love to test the clickers on both vs gen1. Amazing that we now have a 60n in the mix.

[@ashercantsurf]

@@Seastheday88 I think the 60nld is more of a rebranding of the 60ld since there is now also an 80ld. Without seeing them in person I would suspect that the 60 and 80 have the same diameter and the 60n is just a narrow 80.

[@Seastheday88]

@@ashercantsurf I haven’t held it in my hand lol other. Just checking from specs, per the Penn site, Max drag on 60n and 80 is 10lb more than the 40n. Which makes it seem that the 60n is a larger diameter than the 40n. Penn really gave us a good variety to play with.

[@ToyskiePineda]

How much sir

[@franciscosabino7556]

Excelente explicación desdé Barcelona Venezuela Francisco Sabino

[@Seastheday88]

Thank you 🙏

[@bgarcia856]

Supposedly the lever is plastic to not burn your thumb in the summer

[@Seastheday88]

Hi Barry. That’s a consideration. But honestly never felt the burn with any of my other reels in hottest summer months. Note that Saltiga 2spds have full aluminum handle T bar along with Accurate.

[@fadelover123]

Black plastic will heat up faster than anodized aluminum thats bs. The plastic lever assembly was made to cut costs.

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

My Speedmaster 12II has a painted silver Plastic lever & did not see it as a problem..and I think it has more plastic parts too than the Gen 2 Fathom..

[@Seastheday88]

@@fadelover123 that’s true, didn’t consider that part about it heating it up faster. Those plastic parts still kills me. Would rather have an egg knob with aluminum lever and drag cam and the TBar as an additional upgrade after.

[@fadelover123]

@@johnsmith-xd9ej the cam follower on the speedmaster is brass or bronze, the new gen 2 fathom has a plastic cam follower which is really disappointing since even metal cams are known to crack under pressure. The speedmaster is a talica internally minus the gear shaft bearings, the only plastic is found in the lever and on the 2 speed button. I like my 12ii more than the fathom 25n and 30 personally.

[@awilderireland]

Looks cheap compared to the older one. That finish looks like it's dying to come off. But what do I know? 😂

[@Seastheday88]

If you look at the reel the wrong way, the paint will come off 🤣

[@awilderireland]

@@Seastheday88 😂 Just like an old girlfriend of mine.

[@Seastheday88]

@@awilderireland 🤣🤣🤣

[@mikeb9223]

Don’t like the Gen 2 at all