The Penn Battle IV Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
Hey there, Salt Strong family! Pat here, and today we’re taking a closer look at the Penn Battle IV, released in September 2024. This reel promises durability and some new features, but does it live up to the hype?
Here’s the deal: I didn’t just unbox this reel and read off the specs—I put it to work. Over the past two months, I’ve tested it on the water through kayak trips, wading sessions, and battling inshore saltwater species. Now, I’m here to give you the honest scoop.
What’s New?
The Penn Battle IV introduces Hydro Armor Technology for improved water resistance, along with some thoughtful design tweaks to reduce water intrusion and protect key components. These changes show Penn’s commitment to durability—but do they deliver in real-world use?
I also dug into the drag system, the reel’s weight, and how it compares to others in its class. Spoiler: this reel is solid, but it’s also one of the heaviest 2500-size reels I’ve ever used.
Who’s It For?
If you’re looking for a reel that prioritizes toughness over lightweight design, the Penn Battle IV could be the one. However, if you’re throwing artificials all day or need a feather-light setup, you might find it less appealing.
Watch the Full Review
Want the full story? Check out my video below where I break down the reel’s performance, highlight its pros and cons, and share why it might—or might not—be the right choice for you.
Like what you see? Pick up your own Penn Battle here—and Insiders get it spooled for free!
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Tight lines,
Pat
Salt Strong Coach
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Thanks Pat. Very thorough review. I have several Battles (II and III) in various sizes but haven’t tried the IV. Also have several Daiwas. As you said, different manufacturers have different pros and cons. I have not had many wind knot issues but good to know not putting so much line helps address it.
Thanks for the review Pat. I have several Penn Battle reels and agree with everything that you said. The Penn Battle’s are a work horse of a reel. If there’s one critique I have it’s the weakness that the Penn Battle II & III’s have with their main gear. The metal quality is poor and will strip out on you at the worst time. I’m curious to know if Penn changed their main.
I’m not sure about the Battle 4 but I do know the Battle 4 DX has brass instead of aluminum gears. That might be something that could trickle down to the Battle.
I’ve been using penn reel and rods for years actually just bought that exact reel 2 months ago and love it ! But everything you said in your video would be my review of it also. I also have bad shoulders and at the end of the day my shoulder is just aching. I have to take frequent breaks when throwing my lures. Is there a set up you might recommend ?
As far as a reel goes, for the money it’s hard to beat the Daiwa Fuego. At just over $100, considering it’s super light weight and durability, it’s a great choice. For metal bodied light weight reel, the Daiwa BGMQ is a good one too. That’s assuming you’re talking about a 2500-3000 size. You’d be amazed at just how much a couple of ounces feels on your shoulders at the end of the day
Thanks Pat.
Glad you liked it!
Great info. I have been using Penn reels for 44 years. They are tough. As for filling the spool, a complete full spool will give you wind knots.
Thank you Jim!
Thanks for information Pat great review
Glad you liked it!
Great review, Pat! Thanks.
I agree with Robert Kuralowicz, I have to avoid overfilling the Battle II, but the Spinfisher spool is much less likely to throw wind knots. After a lot of casting, say a half day, no matter what you’re using, it pays to strip out worn braid, as it can act up as the slick coating wears of and it gets “micro-fuzzy”, which guarantees wind knots.
I’ve seen that same comment about the Spinfisher a few times, even on YouTube. Once I got the gap down to about 3/1-1/4 inch the issue pretty much went away.
Pat…I bought a Penn Slammer IV (second most expensive Penn reel) and tried it on different rods, different brands and sizes of lines, different lines within a brand different amounts of line on the reel and no matter what I tried, even on days with no wind the reel would wind knot. I fish salt water with light lines and jig heads. I wrote a scathing review on the Penn website. They asked that I contact customer service which I did figuring maybe I got a bad reel and they would send me a new one. Nope, they just took down my review. I waited 18 months and figured they may have worked out whatever caused the wind knot issue and bought another one. Exact same problem so I wrote another review that they refused to post on their website. I would never recommend Penn for anything but bottom fishing or maybe fishing with 20# mono or 50# braid on a 2500 series reel. They are also heavy but very durable. Both mine were sold at a loss! My Daiwa and Shimano reels may wind knot maybe once on real windy days but that is it. The Penns would wind knot on almost every cast even with no wind. Penn fooled me twice, never again!
Forget to mention my Slammer IV were 2500 series. I got rid of all my Penn reels because they all wind knotted to varying degrees but all much more than any of my Daiwa or Shimano reels. (Clash and Clash II, Battle III, and Spinfisher VI)
I can definitely understand your disappointment, especially after spending that much money.
You asked about other reel brands. We have purchased several Kast King reels in the past year and are really happy with them. I think that they would be comparable to Penn reels in weight and I don’t use them for my lures, just real bait. Pat, maybe you could do a review of Kast King sometime.
There was a Kastking that I ran into at ICAST that looked interesting, I’ll have to look it up and maybe give it a shot.
Appreciate the suggestion!
Very good review Pat, thank you!
Thank you very much!