The Penn Battle IV Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
- Found In: Product Reviews, Fishing Tips, Tackle & Gear, Reels, Weekly Newsletter: 11-24-24
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!
Not a Salt Strong Insider yet? Dive into our Free Fishing School and discover the core principles that have shaped 20 years of fishing expertise. From foundational strategies to the gear we’ve tested and trust, it’s the perfect place to start your journey!
Tight lines,
Pat
Salt Strong Coach
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
I see alot of people talking about wind knots in this comment section. I own penn pursuits, fierces, battles both regular and dx and spinfishers from sizes 2000 all the way up to 8000. I have had maybe 2 windknots ever with any of these reels. I fill them more than I probably should as well. I only use power pro braid outside of 8 lb line on my 2000 I use diawa 8 strand bc its cheap to get it through slatstrong than is it to pay for power pro 8 lb and I like the 8 strand by diawa still so it doesn’t matter to me. I fish artificials and live bait with them. I love them. I own diawa bgs and fuegos and wo do some other buddies of mine and they have never lasted for me. They get clunky within 6 months to a year and I have to strip them down and play that game. I have never taken a penn apart. With all my reels I always spray them diwn good after a day of use. Rather they took a cast or not. Rather on boat or on sand at beach they get sprayed down. They all run like new. They are super heavy compared to any diawa or shimano I have ever owned but I will take the durability over the weight at this current point. Ask me when im older and I may have a different tune to pitch lol.
Have you tried the KastKing Kapstan? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. It also has a IP6 rating and is very smooth.
Interesting what y’all are saying about wind knots. I use penn pursuit iv on all my setups. From 2500 – 6000. All of them work great no wind knots except for the 2500. This one does get lots of wind knots to the point I dont use it I just use the 3000 and have zero issues. Just thought I would share this. Great review I am thinking of getting a battle 6000 for my 12 foot surf.
if im trying to fish for smaller sharks is a penn battle iv 5000 or 6000 better?
I would go with the 6000 so you have more line capacity.
I am a Penn fan. Been using them all my life. I love how rugged they are and how long they last. I just upgraded my Penn SS series last year! Thirty years of life is what I got from them.
I did buy the Battle series; 2-2500 and 3 3500. Like you said I had to backdown the line on them because of the wind knots but have not experienced any more!
I also bought the Spinfishers (2500, 3500, 5500 as well as 1 long cast). These are filled to the brim and have not experienced any wind knots.
I think that it has to do with the spool wobble and the slow retrieval of the spool. The Spinfishers don’t have either issue, in fact they are as smooth as butter
Been looking at the 4000, but in the DX version (silver), for my wife for Christmas, hoping to get into some larger jacks and bigger fish. Any info on the DX version?
Thanks for the review on this one.
Here’s a review Justin did awhile back on the Battle 3 DX. The DX’s have a brass main gear and not aluminum, that’s the biggest upgrade that I can tell.
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/whats-inside-a-penn-dx-reel/
Battle 4 3000 vs Daiwa bgmq 3000, which is higher quality?
Those are really two different levels of reels. The Daiwa that would be a direct competitor to the Battle would be the BG. The BG is lighter and smoother so for using with artificial lures, that one has the advantage. The Penn shines with better sealing, so in more harsh environments, the Penn might be a better choice.
The BGMQ is closer to the Penn Clash, they’re both considered light weight metal bodied reels.
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.
Glad you liked the review John!
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