Penn Fathom II 15XN Lever Drag 2 Speed Reel

Craftsmanship & Construction

The Fathom™ II Lever Drag platform integrates the palm side plate and frame to create a more compact reel in hand while increasing strength. At the reel’s core is a stainless steel main and pinion gear, paired with a forged and machined aluminium spool for maximum durability. A one-piece machined aluminium frame and sideplate are specified for gear strength, and the reel is built around a 5 stainless steel bearing system.

Drag & Sealing Performance

The 15XN uses the Dura-Drag™ system and a Pull-To-Turn preset knob intended to help prevent accidental changes to the drag once set. Specific sealing systems and protection ratings are not provided.

Key Features

• One-piece machined aluminium frame and sideplate for gear strength
• Dura-Drag™ system
• Stainless steel main and pinion gear
• Pull-To-Turn preset knob to help prevent accidental drag changes
• Forged and machined aluminium spool
• Quick-Shift II™ 2-speed system
• 5 stainless steel bearing system
• Removable top spacer bar and lugs (60 and 80 sizes only)

Materials & Care

The reel is specified with machined aluminium construction, stainless steel gearing, and a forged and machined aluminium spool for durability. Care guidance is not provided.

PENN Fathom™ II Lever Drag 2 Speed Review

The PENN Fathom™ II Lever Drag 2 Speed series is positioned as a modern lever drag platform designed to balance a compact feel in hand with increased structural strength. The emphasis is on durable aluminium construction, robust gearing, and a preset drag control intended to keep settings consistent.

In the 15XN model, that platform is delivered with a focus on compact handling, a two-speed system for adaptability, and a rigid frame structure built to support demanding use.

15XN Performance & Key Features

The 15XN is built around a lever drag format with a Dura-Drag™ system and a Pull-To-Turn preset knob intended to minimise accidental changes once the drag is set. The Quick-Shift II™ 2-speed system allows gearing to be adapted to suit the situation, supported by stainless steel gearing and a forged and machined aluminium spool.

• Quick-Shift II™ 2-speed system for adaptable gearing
• Pull-To-Turn preset knob designed to help maintain drag settings
• Stainless steel main and pinion gear at the core of the drivetrain
• Forged and machined aluminium spool specified for durability

Build Quality & Handling

The integrated palm side plate and frame are intended to make the reel more compact in hand while increasing strength. A one-piece machined aluminium frame and sideplate support gear alignment, while the 5 stainless steel bearing system underpins smooth, consistent operation.

Is the 15XN Easy to Use?

The lever drag format is supported by a preset system intended to reduce accidental drag changes during use. The two-speed configuration allows gearing to be adapted without changing tackle, supporting straightforward adjustment as conditions change.

Key Takeaways of the 15XN

The 15XN is designed for anglers seeking a compact lever drag reel built around strength and durability. Its aluminium frame structure, stainless steel gearing, and two-speed system provide a balance of rigidity and adaptability, while the preset drag control is intended to help keep settings consistent during fishing.

15XN FAQs

What is the PENN Fathom™ II Lever Drag 2 Speed 15XN?

The 15XN is a lever drag conventional reel within the Fathom™ II Lever Drag 2 Speed range. It is built around a compact-in-hand design supported by an integrated frame and palm side plate for increased strength. The platform uses stainless steel main and pinion gearing and a forged and machined aluminium spool. A two-speed system and preset drag control are included.

Does the 15XN have a two-speed system?

The 15XN is equipped with the Quick-Shift II™ 2-speed system. This allows the reel to operate in two gearing modes to suit different fishing situations. The listed gear ratios for the model are 5.5:1 and 2.8:1. This configuration is intended to provide flexibility between faster retrieve and increased control.

What drag system does the 15XN use?

The 15XN uses the Dura-Drag™ system alongside a Pull-To-Turn preset knob. This combination is intended to help maintain consistent drag settings once adjusted. The maximum drag rating listed for the 15XN is 33 lb. Further detail on drag materials or sealing is not provided.

How does the Pull-To-Turn preset knob help in use?

The Pull-To-Turn preset knob is intended to reduce the likelihood of accidental drag changes. Once the drag is set, the design helps keep that setting consistent during fishing. This supports repeatable setup when fishing with defined drag targets. The adjustment format is designed around a set-and-maintain approach.

What materials are used in the 15XN’s drivetrain and spool?

The drivetrain is specified with a stainless steel main and pinion gear. The spool is forged and machined from aluminium to support durability. These materials are selected to provide strength and longevity in demanding use. No additional internal material details are specified.

Is the 15XN suitable for saltwater fishing?

The 15XN sits within a range designed to cover a wide range of saltwater applications. Its construction centres on an aluminium frame and sideplate, stainless steel gearing, and a forged and machined aluminium spool. Specific sealing systems or corrosion protection ratings are not specified. Suitability is defined through structural durability rather than stated protection levels.

Can the 15XN be used for freshwater fishing?

The reel is not restricted to a single environment by its stated specifications. The feature set focuses on strength, gearing, and drag control rather than application limits. Explicit freshwater-only or saltwater-only guidance is not specified. Selection should be based on line capacity, drag requirements, and intended fishing style.

What bearing system does the 15XN use?

The 15XN is built around a 5 stainless steel bearing system. This is specified to support smooth and consistent operation. No additional bearing types or counts are detailed. The stainless steel construction is intended to support durability.

Does the 15XN include a removable top spacer bar and lugs?

A removable top spacer bar and lugs are specified only for the 60 and 80 sizes within the range. As a result, this feature is not specified for the 15XN model. No alternative size-specific fittings are listed for this variant.

What line capacity does the 15XN offer?

The 15XN mono capacity is listed as 610/0.29, 355/0.38, and 240/0.46. Braid capacity is listed as 710/20, 535/30, and 435/40. These figures indicate the model’s capacity options across different line types and sizes. Units are presented in the stated format.

For more options, explore the full range of PENN multiplier reels here.