A full-metal spinning reel with sealed internals, sold in sizes from small inshore reels up to big surf and nearshore models. People pick it when they want one tough reel that can live in salt water without babying.
Specs
- Sizes: 1000 to 10000, with high-speed versions of the 4000, 6000 and 8000
- Gear ratio: 4.2:1 (10000) to 7.0:1 (4000HS); 6.2:1 on the 2000 to 4000 standard models
- Max drag: 10 lb (2000) to 40 lb (10000); 15 lb on the 3000 and 4000
- Bearings: 5+1 sealed stainless steel
- Body: full metal body and sideplate; Hydro Armor sealing
- Drag: HT-100 carbon fiber washers
- Spool: braid-ready Superline spool with line capacity rings
- Line capacity (3000): 200 yd of 8 lb mono or 250 yd of 15 lb braid
- Price on maker site: $144.95 to $194.95 by size (Oct 2026)
- Maker-site rating: 4.8 from 44 reviews (Oct 2026)
What reviewers say
A BoatUS tester fished one in the brackish Chesapeake and the open Atlantic and found it held up well. They called it smooth with little wobble in the rotor and liked how the line keeper grabs braid. The tradeoff they named is weight: it is heavier than reels with composite bodies. Owners on Penn's site mostly praise smoothness and value. Some anglers on deal forums argue the jump from the Battle III is small, so a III on sale can be a fair buy too.
Good
- Metal body stays rigid under heavy drag
- Sealing aimed at salt, sand and spray
- Wide size range, from trout to surf
- Strong drag numbers for the price
Not so good
- Heavier than graphite-body reels
- Small change from the Battle III
Who it's for
Inshore, pier and surf anglers who want a durable reel that shrugs off salt water. Skip it if you fish light finesse rigs all day and want the lightest reel possible.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-19. Specs from the maker; review notes summarized in our own words.