SKU: 69F548B934C7432B309E032EPenn Fathom II star drag
PENN Fathom II Star Drag 12SD & 15SD — compact Full Metal multipliers with a magnetic casting brake, built for UK beach and shore casting.
12sd£169.9915sd£179.99Specification Comparison
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| Spec | Size 12sd | Size 15sd |
|---|---|---|
| Mono Capacity | 430yd/10lb295yd/12lb250yd/15lb | 355yd/12lb305yd/15lb200yd/20lb |
| Mono Capacity Metric | 395m/0.29mm270m/0.35mm230m/0.38mm | 325m/0.35mm275m/0.38mm185m/0.46mm |
| Braid Capacity | 560yd/15lb455yd/20lb345yd/30lb | 550yd/20lb415yd/30lb290yd/50lb |
Overview
The PENN Fathom II Star Drag 12SD and 15SD are compact conventional multiplier reels engineered for casting performance combined with heavy-duty saltwater strength. Both feature a Full Metal body and sideplates, a machine-cut marine-grade bronze main gear paired with a hardened stainless-steel pinion, and PENN's Versa-Drag system with HT-100 washers rated to 30lb / 13.6kg of maximum drag.
Both sizes share 6.1:1 gearing, retrieving 76cm (30in) per handle turn, and run on a 6+1 bearing system — six shielded stainless-steel ball bearings plus an Instant Anti-Reverse bearing, for seven bearings in total. Neither reel has a level wind, so line is guided across the spool by hand during retrieval, a setup familiar to UK beach multiplier anglers.
What separates the 12SD and 15SD from other sizes in the range is PENN's magnetic casting brake, fitted specifically to these two sizes within the standard Fathom II Star Drag line-up, working alongside a Live Spindle and free-floating aluminium spool to help deliver long, controlled casts.
Perfect For
These reels suit UK beach fishing, surf fishing, estuary fishing and general shore fishing across clean and mixed ground. The 12SD's line-class capacity — up to 395m of 0.29mm mono or 560yd of 15lb braid — makes it a strong pick for general beach fishing, while the 15SD's heavier-line capacity, up to 185m of 0.46mm mono or 290yd of 50lb braid, suits tougher ground and heavier tackle.
Practical UK target species for this style of shore multiplier include bass, cod, whiting, smoothhound, rays, dogfish, bull huss and flatfish.
Technical Insight
The magnetic casting brake provides non-contact braking to control spool speed during the cast — more braking helps reduce overruns, while less braking allows maximum distance for anglers with the technique to control it, useful when switching between lead weights, bait sizes, casting styles and wind conditions.
The Full Metal body and bronze/stainless drivetrain give the reel a rigid platform for retrieving heavy leads, large baits and fish under load, while the Fast Gear Access Sideplate simplifies servicing after exposure to salt spray, sand and grit.
- •- PENN magnetic casting brake fitted specifically to the 12 and 15 sizes for controlled, long casts
- •- Live Spindle with free-floating aluminium spool for effortless casting performance
- •- Full Metal body and sideplates for a rigid, durable saltwater build
- •- Machine-cut marine-grade bronze main gear with hardened stainless-steel pinion
- •- Versa-Drag system with HT-100 washers delivering up to 30lb / 13.6kg of drag
- •- 6+1 bearing system (6 shielded stainless ball bearings + Instant Anti-Reverse)
- •- 6.1:1 gear ratio retrieving 76cm (30in) per handle turn
- •- Fast Gear Access Sideplate for easier servicing
- •- Line Capacity Rings for a quick visual reference of remaining line
- •- No level wind — manual line lay, familiar to UK beach multiplier anglers
What's the difference between the PENN Fathom II 12SD and 15SD?
The 12SD and 15SD share identical 6.1:1 gearing, 30lb / 13.6kg max drag, magnetic casting brake and Full Metal construction, but differ in line capacity — the 12SD is built around lighter lines from 0.29mm mono / 15lb braid, while the 15SD accommodates heavier lines up to 0.46mm mono and 50lb braid.
Does the PENN Fathom II Star Drag 12SD/15SD have a level wind?
No, neither the 12SD nor 15SD has a level wind. The angler manually guides the line across the spool during retrieval, which is standard practice for UK beach multipliers.
What is the magnetic casting brake on the PENN Fathom II 12SD/15SD?
PENN's magnetic casting brake provides non-contact braking to control spool speed during the cast, and is fitted specifically to the 12 and 15 sizes within the standard Fathom II Star Drag range, helping reduce overruns or allow maximum casting distance depending on how it's set.
What line capacity does the PENN Fathom II 15SD hold compared to the 12SD?
The 12SD holds up to 395m of 0.29mm mono or 560yd of 15lb braid, while the 15SD holds up to 185m of 0.46mm mono or 290yd of 50lb braid, reflecting its heavier line-class design.
Technical Specifications
Core
| Brand | PENN |
| Model | Fathom II Star Drag (12SD / 15SD) |
| Type | Star Drag conventional multiplier |
| Gear Ratio | 6.1:1 |
| Ball Bearings | 6+1 (7 total) |
| Max Drag | 13.6kg / 30lb |
Performance
| Drag System | Versa-Drag / HT-100 |
| Drag Power | 13.6kg / 30lb |
| Retrieve Per Crank | 76cm / 30in |
| Retrieve | Right hand |
Construction
| Body Material | Full Metal |
| Main Gear | Machine-cut marine-grade bronze |
| Anti-Reverse | Instant Anti-Reverse |
| Sideplates | Metal |
| Pinion | Hardened stainless steel |
| Spindle | Live Spindle |
| Spool | Free-floating aluminium |
Features
| Level Wind | No |
| Casting Brake | Magnetic |
| Fast Gear Access | Yes |
| Line Capacity Rings | Yes |
Dimensions
| Size | 12 / 15 |
