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Our Favorite Spinning Reels Made by PENN

Just about every angler has owned or wanted to own a Penn reel. The reason for that is that Penn reels are known for durability, reliability, and strength.

a penn spinning reel

Low maintenance and able to take a beating, you can stop worrying when you have a Penn on the end of your rod. Additionally, Penn reels are known for being affordable and well worth their price.

Whether you are buying a gift or picking out a new reel for yourself, you will not go wrong with Penn. Here are the best Penn spinning reels based on series and model.


Penn Fierce III

If you are looking for a medium weight, high performance, saltwater-resistant fishing reel that will not break your bank, any of the Penn Fierce III spinning reels are a good option.

Penn Fierce III

Models range from 1000 through 8000, 1000 being suitable for lighter freshwater fishing while 8000 can help you land-sea gamefish.

Run by a 4+1 shielded ball bearing system, your retrievals will be smooth, while a heavy-duty bail ensures your line is secure. Other features include: 

  • A Techno-Balanced rotor for smooth retrieval
  • Instant anti-reverse
  • Superline spool for exceptional line management
  • 6.2:1 gear ratio and 15 lb. Max drag
  • A 250/15 line capacity

Penn Conflict II

The Conflict II is the lightest design Penn makes. It features the HT-100 drag and an RR30 Rigid Resin body and rotor.

Penn Conflict II

Internally, the Conflict II runs on CNC Gear Technology, including stainless steel ball bearings. The reel also has Superline rubber gasket protection to keep lines from slipping.

As a lightweight reel, the Conflict II ranks among the best. Its gear ratio is 6:2:1 and has a line capacity of 105 yards on a 4-lb test.

Additionally, its 9 pounds of drag will suffice with most freshwater fish. Additionally, its price is reasonable for what you are getting.


Penn Spinfisher VI

The Spinfisher series is world-renowned for its dependability and durability. Spinfisher VI continues this legacy, featuring a full metal body and ultra-precision-driven CNC gear system.

Penn Spinfisher VI

Saltwater is kept at bay with the IPX5 sealed design and a sealed drag system with HT-100 drag washers. An oversized bail makes line security and management easy.

One great feature is a braid-ready spool wall marked to help you track how much line you have out. The reel also features (based on the 2500 series):

  • 6.2:1 gear ratio
  • 15 lb max drag
  • 5+1 ball bearings
  • Line capacity of 285 yards at 8 lb test
  • Braid capacity of 270 yards at 15 lb test

Penn Slammer III

If you are on the hunt for giant gamefish, the Slammer III is built for strength, durability, and reliability.

Penn Slammer III

It is a revamped version of an old and storied favorite and features an all-aluminum full metal body and rotor, IPX6 compliant body, gearbox, and spool.

The reel’s sealed drag system ensures the seas stay out to let the Dura-Drag phenolic-coated carbon fiber drag washers do their work.

The drag power ranges from 30 lbs. at the 3500 level to 60 lbs. at the 10,000 size. Additionally, the reel features:

  • 6+1 stainless steel ball-bearing system
  • 5.6:1 gear ratio
  • 390 yards at 12 lb test line capacity up to 205 yards at 20 lb test

Penn Clash II

You can fish with more confidence knowing that your Clash II reel can handle any freshwater or inshore fish you hook.

Penn Clash II

With Hydrophobic Line Roller bearings and the Clutch Armor System, your reel will remain protected no matter what you, the water, or the weather throw at it.

While fishing, the Leveline Slow Oscillation System will give you the perfect line lay. Smooth retrievals are guaranteed with the 8+1 stainless steel ball-bearing system, and HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers ensure managing a hooked fish is a breeze.

Reel sizes range from 1000 to 5000, and the gear ratio is 5:2:1. Mono line capacity fluctuates based on the model.


Penn Battle III

Penn’s Battle III series sets the standard for smooth operation, durability, and ease of use.

Penn Battle III

With a braid-ready Superline Spool and power-driven CNC Gear technology, casting far and accurately while retrieving smoothly is a given.

The body and sideplate are full metal, and the drag system is run by HT-100 Carbon Fiber Drag Washers.

The entire gear system is sealed to keep out the elements, and all models have a 5+1 stainless steel ball-bearing system.

Lower number models have a gear ratio of 6.2:1, and the upper number models come in at 5.6:1. Line capacity varies depending on the model and type of line used.


Penn Pursuit III

With extremely durable construction and an ultra-smooth gear system, the Pursuit III series sets the standard for occasional anglers up to those who fish several times a week.

Penn Pursuit III

Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, these reels will last for years, making them an incredible value for their price. Models range from 2500 through 8000.

Every model has the HT-100 drag system, and the 4+1 stainless steel bearing system ensures a smooth retrieval cast after cast. Each model comes with instant anti-reverse and a Superline spool.

Gear ratios range from 6.2:1 through 5.5:1, and line capacity varies based on the model size.


Penn Torque II

The Torque II series will bring in giants. It is engineered to do so. With the new IPX6 Sealed System to keep out saltwater and the Slammer Drag System, this reel will be there for you no matter what you throw at it.

Penn Torque II

Built for boat and shore fishing, it is fully sealed, and the body, sideplate, and rotor are made of metal. 

With a 9+1 stainless steel bearing system, retrievals are guaranteed to be fluid and instant anti-reverse is at your fingertips when you need it.

The reels also have Superline spools and line capacity rings on the spool. Gear ratios range from 5.1:1 through 6.0:1, and line capacity varies on the model.


Final Thoughts

Penn has the reputation it does because its reels never quit, are low maintenance, and rarely need repair, so it’s clear to see why they are one of the most trusted brands on the market.

You must rely on your reel when landing monsters as much as you do your rod and line. The best spinning reel by Penn more than meets that challenge.

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