Penn Battle II Spinning Reel Review 

Penn Battle II Spinning Reel Review 

The Penn Battle 2 reel is a solid performer that can be used in both freshwater and saltwater. It has a wonderful price-to-quality ratio and performs like a higher-end reel. Many anglers believe that the Penn Battle II spinning reel is the best bang for your dollars. 

The Penn Battle II Spinning Reel is a high-quality reel that is both cheap and expected to last for years if properly maintained. Penn has done an excellent job of keeping the price of this reel low enough for the ordinary angler to afford it.

Table of Contents

Penn Battle II

In your hand, the reel feels sturdy, like a professional reel rather than a cheap piece of plastic. When angling, the rubber knob remains feels more comfortable after hours of throwing, and the retrieve is incredibly smooth, one of the nicest in the industry with similar reels. 

Penn Battle II Spinning Reel Features 

Carbon Fiber Drag Washers HT-100 

The HT 100 drag mechanism, which replaces typical felt washers with keyed carbon washers, will extend the life of this gear and give a smooth drag while under strain from a fleeing fish. 

The use of a keyed washer allows access to both the washer’s sides, resulting in a smoother drag and a 20 percent increase in potential drag pressure. 

It is important that you know that the HT stands for High Tech (a carbon fiber laminated on fiberglass). The 100 in the name refers to the fact that in initial testing, 100 miles of line was taken from this gear without any noticeable deterioration, which is quite spectacular. 

Rotor, Body, and Sideplate are All Made of Metal. 

The Penn Battle II has a full metal rotor, body, and side plate, making it significantly heavier than the Penn Battle. It also ensures it won’t bend under the weight of bigger fish and can survive heavy operations, such as on a tour boat. 

5 Ball Bearings (Sealed) 

Five stainless steel ball bearings have now been installed. The number of these elements is the same as in the previous version of this reel, but now they are made of stainless steel, providing further resistance against saltwater corrosion. 

Bail Wire Made of Heavy-Gauge Aluminum 

The bail wire of the Penn Battle II is extremely heavy-duty, so it will stand up to the test of time and won’t bend with time. This is critical since a twisted bail will result in poor line management. 

Anti-Reverse in a Flash 

When you place the hook, the immediate Anti Reverse avoids back play on the rotor. The use of a one-way bearing in the reel structure does this. 

Superline Spool 

The inclusion of line capacity rings on the spool is one of the favorite characteristics of many anglers because it ensures that they always see how much line is left on the spool. Fishermen particularly appreciate the rubber inlay on the spool, which allows them to load braided line directly onto the spool without having to back it with monofilament. 

Some people still choose to back with monofilament because it adds a layer of security to the spool’s interior.  

Paint Quality Has Improved 

The higher paint quality shields the reel from chemicals and saltwater, which might cause corrosion if not handled properly. In the previous model, this was a known issue. It’s encouraging to see that Penn pays attention to consumer comments and has resolved this problem. 

Penn Battle II Spinning Reel Model to Fishing Application 

A number is usually assigned to reel models. For the Penn Battle II spinning reels, there are eight different models, each with a different number: 

  • 1000 
  • 2000 
  • 2500 
  • 3000 
  • 4000 
  • 5000 
  • 6000 
  • 8000 

The fewer the number, the smaller the reel size, and vice versa for bigger model numbers/sizes. If you’re not sure which model to acquire, the easy answer is to match the size of your gear to the size of the species you plan to catch.

If you’re hunting for bluegill, panfish, or crappie, for example, the 1000 or 2000 models are ideal. Smaller reels can handle lighter lures and lines, which are necessary for smaller fish. 

If you’re after a medium-sized Smallmouth or Largemouth Bass, the 2500 model is recommended because it has a wide range of line lengths for different water circumstances and cover. 

When it comes to bigger fish like trout or salmon in moving water or rivers, larger versions (3000–5000) are the way to go. It’s not always entirely compatible with one reel to all of your demands; it can be difficult to match one to all of your requirements based on the species or water you’re catching. 

Penn Battle II Spinning Reel Pros and Cons 

Pros 

  • The rubber lining of the line prevents it from slipping. 
  • It provides extra support when dealing with big weights. 
  • It’s made to last longer than standard fishing lines
  • For its metallic body, it provides extra support. 
  • The reel is easy to handle, thanks to the soft-touch knob. 
  • Sealed bearings are resistant to saltwater corrosion. 
  • The retrievals are smoother and more consistent thanks to the technologically balanced rotor. 
  • An immediate anti-reverse feature comes in handy while fighting fish. 
  • The metallic body maintains precision gear alignment. 
  • It comes in a variety of gear ratios and spool sizes. 

Cons 

  • The models in the 5000-8000 size range are noticeably heavier. 
  • After a period of usage, the bearings may wear out, the drag may become stuck, and the spool may loosen. 
  • Several users report noise, wind knots, and rough retrievals after a while. 

Penn Battle II Spinning Reel FAQ 

Is This Penn Battle II Spinning Reel a Good Option for All Types of Fishing? 

Spinning reels are popular for all types of fishing because they are easy to use, beginners can manage them, and you can get them for a reasonable price. These reels, at least the larger ones, can retain more lines and are available in a gear ratio that is ideal for your needs. 

If you’re a novice angler, start with a spinning rod to gain some experience. Some individuals have been fishing with spinning reels for decades and can easily catch a big fish without the need to use another reel. 

What is the Best Line to Use with a Penn Battle II Spinning Reel? 

That will largely rely on the size of fish you intend to capture and the location in which you intend to do so. A monofilament line, for example, could be required by a fisherman who frequently fishes in rough areas. Many other experts, on the other hand, employ braided lines to capture specific sorts of fish. 

What Size of Penn Battle II Spinning Reel Should I Choose? 

These spinning reels come in a variety of sizes. Each size is best suited to a specific sort of fishing and habitat. In comparison to other sizes, the size 4000 reel can be used in the majority of scenarios. 

Is Penn Battle II Spinning Reel Sealed? 

The stainless steel ball bearings on the Penn Battle II spinning reels are 5 + 1. The ball bearings are hermetically sealed. Nevertheless, they are not totally sealed, so ensure no saltwater enters the reel while fishing. 

Is the Penn Battle II Spinning Reel Suitable for Beginners? 

This will be determined by a number of things, including the beginner fisherman’s knowledge and consistent practice. Fishermen typically begin with spinning reels to gain more experience, learn various fishing methods, and become familiar with the equipment.