Product Comparison: Penn Squall (SQL15) vs Shimano TLD (TLD20)


General Specifications
About the Product
The PENN Squall Star Drag is lightweight, quick on the retrieve, and extremely castable due to its revolutionary Live Spindle design. The Powerful HT-100™ drag system can put the brakes on any big kingfish or yellowtail.
Preferred for its light weight and reliability, this offshore leverdrag reel will give you years of dependable service.
Brand
Penn
Shimano
Model
Squall (SQL15)
TLD (TLD20)
Origin
USA
Japan
Key Specs
Braid Line Capacity
500/20, 380/30, 270/50
820/50, 745/65, 660/80
Type
Casting
Spinning
Reel Size
1500
2000
Bearings
6 + 1
4 + 1
Mono Line Capacity
280/15, 240/17, 190/20
700/20, 450/30, 330/40
What customers say about "Key Specs"
Penn Squall (SQL15) Star Drag
  • This is a great little reel for those on a budget and those who won't be using it much and don't want to spend a fortune on little used gear.
  • This baby casts like a champ!
  • The reel is well designed and constructed, and has 6 bearings and is very smooth. It will serve my needs well.
  • These are nice Redfish slayers. Cast a mile.
  • Love it great reel , i use it for taug/blackfish , and fluke fishing.
Shimano TLD (TLD20) Reels
  • If you don't already own a Shimano Lever drag reel, you are missing out. These reels are incredible.
  • Super smooth action, and you can winch in a much bigger fish than you might think.
  • Super smooth and a lot of settings. Its expensive but worth it if you can afford to spring a little extra.
  • Lightweight but able to stop a big fish. Never going back to the star drag.
  • Light for its size and easy to operate.
Size & Weight
Height
9.8 in.
7.9 in.
Weight
14.6 oz.
23.6 oz.
Width
7.9 in.
5.9 in.
Depth
4.7 in.
5.9 in.
Drag
Max Drag
15 lb.
23 lb.
Drag Type
Front Drag
Front Drag
Drag Adjustment
Star
Lever
Drag Material
HT-100
What customers say about "Drag"
Penn Squall (SQL15) Star Drag
  • The shark was an hour long fight on 15lb main line and I really thought I would have burned through the drag but the ol penn was good as new afterwards.
  • Amazed by the distance of my cast. Smooth. Especially like the light weight.
  • The reel fits the rod great and casting is just as good as on the surf rod it was one. I'm still very pleased with this reel.
  • Good quality, sooth casting and you can cutch big fishes using it with no issues.
  • The drag felt like I was dragging a bucket of rocks through a gravel pit with big bolders in it. It was rough, gritty and jerky, not smooth and steady like a drag is supposed to be.
Shimano TLD (TLD20) Reels
  • Love it. That’s all I can say. Very easy to use and really good drag.
  • Can't beat these Shimano's, super smooth and easy lever drag.
  • You won't find a better lever drag reel for anywhere near this price.
  • I like the way the drag is adjusted.
  • Excellent lever drag which is easy to use and smooth.
Features
Gear Ratio
6.0 : 1
3.6 : 1
Retrieve Rate
28 in.
32 in.
Anti-Reverse Feature
Yes
Yes
Type Of Crank
Double-grip
Single-grip
Reel Handle Position
Right
Right
Extras
Graphite frame and sideplates, Stainless steel pinion gear, Live Spindle design, Instant Anti- Reverse bearing, HT-100 drag system
XT-7, Waterproof Drag, Level Wind System, A-RB Bearings, Clicker System
What customers say about "Features"
Penn Squall (SQL15) Star Drag
  • Nice and smooth reel It s a Penn product.
  • Very Smooth Action and Everything is as advertised.
  • Reel is awesome. Needed it for my fishing trip to Alaska for salmon fishing. Easy to use and setup. Super smooth when reeling.
  • Excellent casting reel and not too bulky for some fun with the bass.
  • Very smooth high speed retrieve and cast long distance with no backlash using the adjustable magnetic brake.
Shimano TLD (TLD20) Reels
  • Solid performer. A workhorse. Meets needs for trolling nicely at a good price.
  • Nice feel to this light reel! It worked well the first time I used it.
  • I really enjoy this lever drag reel. It is used for freshwater catfishing and live bait fishing off off a saltwater pier. The drag is easy to set and adjust.
  • This reel has held up great in salt water. I use it to fish for kings. This reel is extremely well built. It has held up for ten plus years in saltwater.
  • I use this trolling for salmon on Lake Ontario, awesome smooth drag reduces lost fish.
Warranty / Certifications
Manufacturer warranty
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Other Information
Manufacturer
MSRP
149.95 $
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