this is one of the oldest Penn reels on the market. They have been making versions of the level wind since the 1940's. Quality is very poor. The older reels were made in the USA and held up very well. The newer reels are made overseas from inferior parts and fail over time.
If you want a Penn conversional reel pick a new design with improved parts and mechanisms.
This reel will and has failed many times in its current configuration.

I'm a big Penn fan, I have a bunch of their reels. The price point on this one is extremely friendly, but, I just didn't care for it. The overall fit and finish were lacking, the pawl has a bunch of slop in it, and seems to be very poorly fit. The 309 holds a ton of line, and I really wanted to like it. I was disappointed in it, and it's the only Penn that I have ever returned. I'm partly to blame on it, I wanted it to do more than it was designed to be, and that's not the 309's fault.

Paired with Tsunami TTSU-601MH Tuff Tip Stand-Up Rod this is a beefy reel. It's not light, but seems like it will put up to some abuse with big fish on the line. Can't wait to try it out!

Purchased 1 , it had clicker issues; refunded it, thought I’d give it another try, THE SAME ISSUE! Very cheaply made, and inadequately constructed......... I’m sorry but I would never recommend this bait caster, I’ll stick with my Arbu Garcia’s. I can’t believe that this product even received more than 2 stars. Penn has some work to do. This thing is the Chrysler of fishing reels, looks good, a lot of bells and whistles, but poorly made and performance was horrible! Breaks after little use. Just junk!!!

Levelwind didn't work out of the box but overall quality is good.

The first one they shipped had missing screws.
Tackle direct immediately replaced it with a new one.
The new one had loose screws and after they were tightened the reel jammed.
I sent the second one back to Penn and I am waiting to see if it works.
A shame as I have used older 9M reels for many years.

These Penn reels will catch fish for a lifetime. The smaller size is on my catfish rods while in the bank holders. They always seem to work.

Same with all Penn reels it is perfect at it's price point if you are looking for a beater reel at a fair price and you want it to last you a lifetime. Especially good if your bringing the youngins fishing because she gets the job done, and if it winds up overboard it's not that big of a deal. Bought one of these last year for my little cousin who is 9 and he loves it.

I have had these reels for 2 years now and they work great for fluking, sea bass, and Tataug. Even brought in a nice 20 lbs striper on 15 lb. test.

Overall I like penn reels. I have had 309 level winds before but this one the second time I use it two screws feel out check the rest and other where loose.

I've had my Penn 309 Level Wind for likely over 20 years and have used it since I was about 14 years old. In the span of that time it's never been serviced or disassembled at all and simply rinsed with fresh water after each use. I just respooled it with fresh line and I have no doubt it will continue to work as designed for many years to come.

Good value. Going to install in my boat this winter as a teaser reel underneath the hardtop.

Wanted to wait before reviewing this reel. fished it over the last two seasons approx. 15 trips. The reel caught porgies up to 3#, bluefish up to 11#, fluke to 5# and blackfish up to 6#. Not one problem. Can't go wrong for $60.

This reel will stand the stress of everyday trolling and bottom fishing. Great reel and reliable. Never had any issues with it. Easy to use drag system, smooth gears. Only comment to this is no ball bearings. However, due to that this reel can withstand some serious stress.

been using with reel on a trolling rod for about a year no issues