Fathom Lever Drag 2-Speed Reel vs Senator Combo: which is safer?
Penn Senator Combo is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Penn
Fathom Lever Drag 2-Speed Reel
PFAS grade
Excellent 85/100
Overall grade
Excellent 77/100
Verdict
Buy
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
Aluminum spool, stainless steel frame, plastic handle
Confidence
72%
PossibleCoating degradation and microparticle release
PossibleBacterial biofilm in drag and bearing seals
Our pick
Penn
Senator Combo
PFAS grade
Excellent 95/100
Overall grade
Excellent 91/100
Verdict
Buy
Hazard flags
⚑ 1
Material
Fiberglass rod, conventional reel components
Confidence
70%
PossiblePlastic reel handle or seat degradation
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Coating degradation and microparticle release and Bacterial biofilm in drag and bearing seals on the Penn and not on the Penn.
- We flag Plastic reel handle or seat degradation on the Penn and not on the Penn.
- The Penn is Aluminum spool, stainless steel frame, plastic handle where the Penn is Fiberglass rod, conventional reel components, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More fishing gear & equipment: see the full ranking