Just bought one and had it out for the first time on Sunday. I like it a lot.

One thing I especially like is that it takes a little extra effort with the handle to automatically flip the bail over. Keeps me from accidentally flipping it when I'm setting down riggers, I like to leave the bail open as I hook up the line to the release, and then send the downrigger weight on it's downward journey as I gather up the rod and put it in it's holder, with line peeling out. Well, some reels (cough ... coldwater ... cough) are really sensitive and sometimes the slightest little bump will trip the bail, resulting in me frantically trying to release it again or stop the downrigger ball before the release lets go of the line. This reel doesn't have that problem. So this will likely be my go-to setup when I'm using the riggers.

The reel doesn't have the cheap look and feel to it that the Daiwa Sealine has. It's not as fancy looking as a Coldwater, but my CW-303DLX has enough operational quirks that annoy me that it's becoming my least favorite reel, despite how cool it looks.

I also picked up a CW-354DLX low profile before Sunday's outing. I'm basically rotating among all the mainstream lefty line counter level wind reels, trying to figure out which I like the most. I have to say, I'm surprised at how much I like that low pro Coldwater. It's a sleek little piece. Seems to work far better than the CW-303DLX too. It may become my favorite reel when using droppers instead of riggers.

The jury is still out on durability of course, but Warfare sure impressed me on it's first outing. It was cheap, too, relatively speaking.

 

One nice thing about the Warfare, that I didn't realize until I bought it, is it has a clicker on it's drag control like the Coldwaters. That's a nice feature. The drag worked really well, too, but I was only fishing for Kokes, so we'll see on big fish.

 

A great reel and at a great price. we have some in stock.

 

Gotta admit these are nice. The drag washers and the gearing are larger than Shimano Tekotas. I still think Shimano has the better reel but Penn has the left hander and that was a SMART idea. I have to say Shimano is really being challenged with this reel. :twocents:

 

Tried, but not yet tested. Happy with it so far. Inconsistent drag was my complaint on the CW, which is why I no longer have one. The drag on the WF performed well on a 14lb nook and a couple good coho, but has yet to be tested by a big one.

I have the wide version, but it's a bit awkward. I now wish I'd gone narrow.

On sale at Fisherman's for $70.

 

I've been using my Warfare (15 size) for the past month @ buoy 10 and in the ocean. I've tested this reel on 40+ fish and it has earned its spot as my favorite reel among the many that I own. For context, I'm comparing this versus my Coldwater 153d, Shimano Tekota 300LC, and Coldwater low profile.

-Construction feels solid all around
-Clicker toggles with confidence
-Line counter has operated without a hickup (also doesn't extend beyond the frame like the Tekota line counter does)
-Drag is smooth and the actual drag tensioner has a clicker that makes real-time adjustment more precise especially while fighting fish
-Retrieve / Free spool toggle feels substantial. When you flip it into retrieve mode it sounds like you're cocking a handgun. Retrieve can also be engaged by cranking (as someone else stated it does require a little more crank pressure to engage but it feels good)
-Power retrieve crank is a perfect mate for this reel and has incorporated some design nuance like a slight inward bend to reduce the lateral profile (the power retrieve crank I had to buy seperate for my 300LC is straight and protrudes more from the body)
-Spool size is perfect. Have a couple hundred yards of 65lb power pro with a 40lb mono top shot and I have room to spare. (Versus the low pro this is a big advantage for me). This allows more flexibility whereas with my low profile I don't feel comfortable with a full mono setup (low capacity)

One of my Coldwater low pro's also interestingly blew up on me Monday. I'll need to open it up to see what is causing what sounds like grounding gears. My first generation Coldwater(s) have chronic issues with the line counter spring not engaging. Have to manually pull it up often. My Tekotas have been going strong season after season. The long term durability of the warfare is yet to be proven but so far its been flawless for me.

It's a well designed, well built reel that I would put at parity with the Tekotas in many categories with some design features and left hand retrieve putting it over the top for me.

I also heard from one of the sales reps at the Delta park Fisherman's that Ollie Damon's took apart the Warfare and was impressed with the quality versus price (third party feedback so take it with a grain of salt). Maybe an Ollie Damon's rep can confirm.

 

Awesome feedback. Fisherman's Marine also has them on sale for $69.99.

 

:doh::doh: And I just bought a Diawa Sealine at Fisherman's for $20 more....alm: Did I make a mistake .... ??

 

I am now convinced that I should get one of these instead of the Okuma Low Pro. Thanks guys! Cheaper and sounds like a better product!

 

I to really like this reel but between a buddy and I we have three of the 15's and all three have sticky line-counters. I was going to contact Penn to see if there was a issue with some of the first batches but have not made the call yet. Other than the counter on mine this reel is solid

 

I bought one of the 20's last year on sale at fishermans. After having a hard time with the drag with a cheap Okuma. I like the bigger handle on the crank for me and the kids. Easy for my kids to flip the lever to let out more line. So I bought a 15 to try out this year on my daughters new salmon pole. Now I am jealous I don't have one. I need to save another $70 to buy myself one.

Seth