pennoutlet.com was very understanding and swapped the product for me, free of charge. This time the packaging was 10x’s better and everything was as expected! Was excited to finally be able to purchase this combo. However, upon unboxing, I noticed the bail on the reel was completely smashed into the spool. Box was in good condition. Had to be packaged in this shape from the factory. Giving 2 stars due to rod being in good condition.(No defects/breaks). Did request a replacement so we will see what condition it will arrive in. Possible update soon.

So I have been waiting to write a review on this product, for when I really got to test it out. I purchased the squall 30LW combo and took it with me on a deep sea fishing trip. We headed out 20-25 miles to do some snapper and grouper fishing. I brought this rod for grouper. A adjusted the drag to fully locked with no problems. Tested it by having a friend pull the line and it seemed to work flawlessly. I was using 60lb mono, with a 4oz weight to get to the reef. I dropped the line and it came off the spool with no effort. First fish was a 25 inch gag grouper, that was NO problem cranking up with this combo. FINALLY I got to put it to the test, and put aside my worry that it would handle a decent sized fish. 35in gag grouper took the bait and lost to this reel. Man am I happy with this combo. Handled the fish as I had hoped for, didn't lock up. Even under the pressure of a good sized fish, I was able to crank without fault. The level wind continued to do its job throughout the fight. This rod will definitely be going with me on any future trips. Anyone looking for a nice combo that can handle (i think) up to 60lb mono this is it. The reel has 20lbs of drag, and the rod is rated for 20-50lb line. With the drag locked down, the rod and reel both handled exceptionally well under the pressure! Attached is the 35in grouper thanks to the Penn Squall 30LW Combo!