PENN Battle II Spinning Reel Review

One of the most impressive spinning reels is the PENN Battle II. This fishing reel comes with a number of features and specs that make it highly functional and useful for fresh and saltwater fishing. Let’s take a closer look at the PENN Battle II.  

Introducing the PENN Battle II

Available in a number of sizes, the PENN Battle II is a top-rated fishing reel. It is suitable for fishing anything from trout to barracudas, and it is equipped for both fresh and saltwater fishing. 

It melds attractive design, durable materials, and a high-function drag so that it is one of the top reels on the market. The full metal design, Superline Spool, and rubber gasket make this reel durable and functional. 

Better yet, the PENN Battle II is highly affordable. It is the cheapest PENN reel with an HT-100 drag system. In other words, this spinning reel is one of the top options despite having a much more budget-friendly price point. 

Technical Specs

• Model#: BTLII5000
• Mono Line Capacity (lb/yd): 12/225, 15/200, 20/135
• Braided Line Capacity (lb/yd): 20/420, 30/300, 40/240
• Max Drag (lb): 25
• Gear Ratio: 5.6:1
• Line Retrieve Per Crank (Inches): 36”
• Ball Bearings: 5+1
• Weight (OZ): 19.8
• Retrieve: Reversible

Consistent Features 

The PENN Battle II comes with a number of consistent features that enhance this spinning reel’s performance. 

Notably, it is designed with full metal construction. The body, side plate, and rotor are all made from metal. This design makes the reel more durable and suitable for extreme or saltwater fishing conditions. Additionally, it makes the reel feel expensive and high-grade to the touch.

The PENN Battle II also features HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers. This drag system is superior because it provides about 20% more drag than PENN’s previous models. 

Additionally, the PENN Battle II comes with sealed ball bearings. These bearings allow the reel to be used in saltwater because it prevents the drag from becoming corroded or dirty, which can damage the reel and cause its drag and retrieve to become faulty. 

Finally, the PENN Battle II comes with a rubber inlay. This rubber inlay prevents the line from slipping. This will allow you to use braided lines without the need for mono or electrical tape backing. 

• Full metal construction 
• HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
• 5 stainless steel ball bearings
• Rubber inlay 
• Instant anti-reverse bearing
• Aluminum bail wire
• Superline spool
• Line capacity rings 
• High-quality paint 

Pros 

Overall, the PENN Battle II comes with a number of positives. Many fishers find the reel’s multiuse to be a major plus. Because of the reel’s various sealings and rubber inlays, the reel is equipped for both fresh and saltwater conditions. Additionally, the reel is lightweight for small fish, but it is sturdy enough for heavy fish as well. 

Another major benefit of the PENN Battle II is that it is highly durable. From the corrosion-efficient sealing to the high-quality paint, this reel is durable for all fishing purposes. 

The PENN Battle II also comes in multiple sizes, which is a major pro for this model. The sizes can vary based on spool sizes and gear ratios, allowing you to get a reel specific for your needs. 

Finally, the PENN Battle II is highly affordable, despite its numerous features and durability. It is one of the more affordable high-performance reels on the market, ensuring that you get the most bang for your buck. More so, it comes with a 1-year warranty, furthering the value of your money.

• Suitable for fresh and saltwater fishing 
• Durable
• Comes in multiple sizes 
• Affordable 
• Easy-to-use 
• Instant anti-reverse 

Cons 

Even though the PENN Battle II has many pros, it comes with a few cons as well. It is important to weigh the pros against the cons to get a full picture of the reel. 

Most notably, the PENN Battle II is much heavier than other reels of similar spool size. This can affect the feel and grip of your fishing pole if you are not equipped to handle a rod with a heavier reel. More specifically, it can make the reel more difficult to cast and use for long periods of time. 

• Weighs more than other reels in its class
• Difficult to maintain 

Conclusion 

The PENN Battle II is a high-performance spinning reel that is equipped for most fishing purposes. Its durable and corrosion-resistant features make it ideal for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Additionally, its unique features make it a top-performing model at a more affordable price. 

With that being said, the PENN Battle II weighs more than other reels of its class. So, be prepared for the additional weight. If you consider the features and durability of this reel, though, its weight makes sense and makes the reel worth it.

Still, if you're after the lighest spinning reel on the market, this isn't it unless you go for the absolute smallest model.

As a result, the PENN Battle II is a top spinning reel that would be a valuable addition to any fisher’s collection.