Penn Battles are bulletproof

[Andy B]

Every reel is going to have a few manufacturing errors. You have to find out if that's something all of the reels do, to consider if it's reel problem. But, everytime I get a reel I tighten all the outside screws and.you probably should have down the same. Everything is made in china these days. You kinda got to expect it.

 

This kind of mentality is abosolutely absurd in my mind. If a company is selling a product, it should, at a minimum, do what it is designed to do. Maybe I just value my hard earned dollar more than some of you. Three of my 5 Penns (all new this summer) are in the shop for repairs. None of them dunked. When I hear back from Penn, I will make my final decision regarding how I feel about the brand, and I will happily post my experience.

[Andy B]

Picked up a Battle 4000 this fall and fished it almost every day till the run slowed in mid January.  Started out as a very smooth running real, but didn't take long before it was a bit of a grinder.  As others have said in other threads, when you open it up the amount of grease in the reel from the factory was minimal, problem 1.  The size, the weight and drag were just what I was looking for, but I have had to break it down almost weekly to keep it running some what smooth.  Just seems that things either get out of alignment after heavy usage or the smallest surf splash sends it down hill.  Have landed 15 lb and larger fish with it, but just does not seem to be up to the same Penn standards as the other Penn reels I own.  Will keep using it until it craps out and then start shopping again.  

 

My experiences are the same. I have not loaded my Battle 6000 any more than with a 32" bluefish, yet mine seized as well under load. After trying to figure out how to finish fighting the fish, I leaned a little harder on the handle and something "clanked" back into place. I took that reel out of service, and it is finally at Penn for a look.

[captaintoodi]

I have to AGREE! the Penn Battle is a great reel. I sold 4 Van Staahl reels recently and decided to give this reel a shot. I have to tell you that I fish my reels very hard and the new Penn Battle has not disappointed me yet. I have already gotten my money's worth from my original Battle 5000 so decided to pick up several others. Same results. By the way I got them all from the money I received from selling just one Van Staahl! Now I know that the Z-Bass and reels in that price range are tremendous reels, but steak tastes the same weather you use a silver fork or a plastic fork. So for those of you who have to look like Cabellas fashion models great, I just want gear that works and Penn has a winner with the new Battle reels. Tight Lines All. 

[SurfBeagle]

I disagree, at the $100 range one should expect a decent reel or they should just buy used if they are going to QC and/or remanufacture.  I got tired of the junk after multiple malfunctions last summer and went out and bought a Thunnus 6000.  A little more cash but sealed and unbelievable smoothness wet or dry.  A month later I bought another Thunnus,  this time a 4000 for lighter work.  What a dream and never a malfunction and sealed to the point where tear down for cleaning is minimal.

If we keep accepting junk from manufacturers they'll keep giving it to us.  If it's not right take it back.

[kross57]

This kind of mentality is abosolutely absurd in my mind. If a company is selling a product, it should, at a minimum, do what it is designed to do. Maybe I just value my hard earned dollar more than some of you. Three of my 5 Penns (all new this summer) are in the shop for repairs. None of them dunked. When I hear back from Penn, I will make my final decision regarding how I feel about the brand, and I will happily post my experience.

 

I agree 100%. I've had zero problems with the Slammers, but if even one had developed glitches for no reason I'd be pissed.

[Qmcm31]

Surfbeagle, what problems have you had with the Penn Battle?

[Salt Striker117]

hi, i have two questions.

 

are these available at Cabela's?

 

and

 

what type of reel is it? this is because i am a newcomer, having never caught a fish in my life (mainly due to low quality reels, although i have a good one now)

[Squonk]

Hey guys! I just joined this site and I love it. I have learned so much just buy reading your posts. I have the Penn battle 8000 that I bought this past summer out in montauk. The reel is great, but the bail never flips over I have to do it by hand every time. Would it be a waste of Penn time to send it back? I'm not good with reel fixing!! Thanks, pat

[stripedbassjeff]

We have a new penn forum you can go there and ask the pro staff.

[The Riddler]

i have a 5000 and 6000 the six got used 7days a week last season and the handle is pretty loose. as far as a little paint chipping off the canal will do that...i love mine just not positive its gonna make it threw 2012....

 

 

Well, so much for being bulletproof.

[joe correa]

i love my Battle 6000 and my Sargus 5000 i fish alot and have only cleaned them once a yr and have had no problems

[barrell]

hi, i have two questions.

 

are these available at Cabela's?

 

and

 

what type of reel is it? this is because i am a newcomer, having never caught a fish in my life (mainly due to low quality reels, although i have a good one now)

 

Yes, Cabelas has them but so do all the local tackle shops where you can compare sizes and match one to your reel.

[Salt Striker117]

thanks, are there any near hampton, NH?

[njsurfnut]

I've used penn reels for 30 yrs 650ss, Slammer460,Fierce4000,704 spinfisher, 4400ss and a 5000 battle.Caught thousands of fish with them .I've surf  fished the battle for a year  caught a couple 35lb bass 10 or more in the teens ,blues up to 15lbs .I dunked it once dropped it in sand only problem it slowed down last summer .I broke it down greased and oiled it and it was fine all fall and still spins smooth. It's a beast and only 100 bucks thanks penn!

[Stargoat]

Salt Striker 117 Go to Kittery Trading Post, they have a good fishing department. They do sell Penn reels. Tight lines my friend.