OK...here's my 2 cents worth...

Both are very good reels...but they are actually two different reels. I find that the Newell is much better with the smaller lines and the Shimano is better with the larger. I think it's a choice of what range of lines you plan on fishing on this reel.

First, the 229 is light weight and quite compact. Its great for fishing from 15 to as much as 25. 20 is ideal on this reel and thats what I fish on it. It has a very light but strong spool and good ball bearings so flylining an anchovy is not a problem. Finally, the drag system could be easily upgraded to Penn HT100's. In all, the 229 would be a great choice for 15 or 20...maybe 25. Ok with that in mind...on to the 15/30.

The 15/30 is also a very good reel. I have been a shimano groupie for years and fish a lot of their product. OK...so the 15/30 is really durable. It has a great drag system right out of the box. Its size is more comparable to a 99 "Albacore Special" size or a newell 332 size rather than the smaller profile 229 newell. It handles the 20, 25, and even 30 quite well. Frankly you can fish the 15 on it but you would probably end up with 800yds or more of line if you filled it from the bottom! hahahahaha! The first upgrade that I would do is the bearings. That reel will spin like a dream with the upgraded bearings. Then I would change out the handle to a Trinidad 16, 20, or 30 handle. This is an awesome reel for 25!

If you decide on the Shimano, you should give the guys at Fisherman's Access (714-674-0064) a call. He sells the 15/30 already converted with the bearings and can get the handle for you. Again, those are really good choices but I think you have to decide on the range of line you plan on fishing. It's clearly the 229 if its solely for 20lb.

Good Luck

Darin