Penn Battle III Spinning Reel Review (Pros, Cons, When To Use It)

Click here to get the Penn Battle III: bit.ly/2R0FPGJ
Click here to join the Insider Club (and get 20% off this reel and everything in our shop): bit.ly/3oZvUOi
It's reel review time!
Penn has made some big upgrades to their new Battle III spinning reel, and in this video, we've got our tackle guru, Justin, breaking them all down.
You'll learn:
- What Penn’s strongest feature is (and how they made it even better this year)
- Why this reel is more durable than some of Penn’s past reels
- The specs of this reel
- And much more
If you're looking for a new inshore reel, or considering getting a Penn Battle III, then you're going to love this video.
Have any questions about this reel?
Have you used it before?
Let me know down in the comments.
And you can get this reel here: bit.ly/2R0FPGJ

[@Saltstrong]

Click here to get the Penn Battle III: bit.ly/2R0FPGJ

[@morganghetti]

I have a few Battle 2S and Fierce 2s I've been using the past 4 or 5 years for kayak fishing. They have been dunked, dropped in the gravel and sand, constantly splashed with salt water, and beaten up in general. I spray them off and clean and lube them about once a year and they are still working perfectly.

[@eves08109]

I wasn't that lucky with my Battle 2

[@TheShamanOfShank]

We’re glad you like the product, Morgan. Hope to continue to bring you quality products. Thank you for choosing PENN!

[@davidtran5816]

only used the penn battle 3 about 4/5 times out. So far, love it. Just feels like a solid solid reel. Drag is awesome.

[@sharpetacklechartersinc.8288]

Great insights! Thanks for the review

[@bc5208]

I’ve caught a 7ft 200lb+ tarpon on a Penn battle 3. I’ll never forget that day. Key west on a tour guide trip. Elite level reel.

[@devinshook3289]

What size are you using for that? Trying to decide if a 6000 is big enough for sturgeon

[@bc5208]

@@devinshook3289 6000 size Penn battle 3 will have you in the fight with anything you’re looking to hook into freshwater wise. Especially with a boat. Don’t take my word for it, but I’m fairly confident you’d be just fine. I’m sure there is a guide online somewhere on the best size for sturgeon! Goodluck out there be safe!

[@waltertx.6020]

I love my Diawa 2500 I got from you guys! A true gem of a spinning reel 💯👍

[@paulmoss7940]

I have a pair for 3 yrs. Still great reels so far. Bought a Battle III Dx , will see how it stacks up.

[@stevecarrero4120]

BTLIII 2500DX here. I love it for what I use it for. $119.00 and has a upgraded main gear.

[@danmack650cx]

I have 2 new Penn Battle 3 reels ... I got a 8000 reel and it is great , I got the 10' combo... But I needed a smaller reel for tossing lures like the yo zuri mag darter... I thought I would get the Penn Battle 3 5000 but I found a nice 8' med/heavy - mod / fast surf rod and the Penn battle 4000 balanced perfectly with it ... I am very happy with my Penn reels ...

[@chrissewell1608]

You had me at "All metal body" (unheard these days!) & sold me at CNC aluminum gear! Plus the price is affordable.

[@Captchriscamacho]

I personally use Shimano but penn is like a 2002 4.0 Ford ranger. I start guiding this year and these battles are probably gonna be my go to

[@jelly_fishing]

Awesome review - many pros for the reel !!

[@cespaia]

Beautiful that drag cap!

[@timpage5021]

Love my Battle III I got the 8000 paired on a 10 foot Heavy Acton Crush from Madkatz.

[@unabrazoatodoslosbuenos]

I got the 2000, the 2500, and the 4000. Nothing but good times with these reels. The price and quality ratio is amazing and it has the speed I like. Thanks for the video. Tomorrow I'm surf fishing with my penn battle 111 2000 and feel confident it can get the big one's in.

[@Saltstrong]

Great to hear!

[@amblo51]

Put a Spinfisher vi 2500 on a 7’6” med Falcon for my wife’s main rig and that’s a great set up

[@julianstolz3987]

I've got the 2500 DX & actually like it better than my Clash II so far.

[@jimmy45yea]

Can you review the spinfisher iv? Great video

[@stevehowson2920]

I just got 4 battle III 3000 combos. They are great all around reels for inshore.

[@shannonwalley2909]

What size line you running on them for inshore just bought 2

[@noahjohns7954]

I’ve dropped my battle 2 off a dock and tried to retrieve it for 5-10 minutes and that was after not cleaning it inshore kayak fishing with spray and splash (I rinse and oil it) for about 6 months, I’ve dropped it in marsh mud and gravel and I just rinse it off and open it and blast it out with wd-40 (it removes grease) and lubed it, been fine ever since. It’s also been offshore and to the cbbt for sheepshead and tautog a few times, so I stress the reel out. If anything the battle 3 is better than it! That says a lot.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I've been using several of the Penn Fierce 3 and 4's and I like them so far. I use my 2000 all the time to fish 10 lb braid with jigs for flounder and redfish. I have zero complaints so far. My 4000 full of 20 lb braid and 6000 live liner with 40 lb braid are nice too but I don't use them much. I've fished with Penns for years and I'm pretty loyal to them. My Diawas and Pfluger reels are smooth and light but I don't think they'll last as long if I use them as much. None of them are high dollar but they they all catch fish.

[@Saltstrong]

Awesome thanks for sharing!

[@CHUNKYCATSFISHING]

Absolutely fantastic honest review I love my peen battle 3 5000 for catfishing from the bank

[@timpage5021]

Hell yea. I got the 8000.

[@Djonlyoneme]

Just bought one the other day

[@larryshaw5688]

Great video! Do you have a video on when to adjust the drag when fighting a fish?

[@Saltstrong]

Here's an article that might help: www.saltstrong.com/articles/set-spinning-reel-drag-without-scale/

[@stormshadowctf]

The battles have always been good. I'd like to see a battle baitrunner!

[@ericnortan9012]

I have an Okuma bait feeder, love it. I don't really use it conventionally. I have them on my slammer board pole for ice fishing trout, pike and walleye. I also use it slow trolling. Works surprisingly well.

[@windowclean100]

I need one of those

[@ShinkiZer0]

Hows the line lay on these new penn battle 3? I returned my battle 2 since the line lay is horrible and got me a daiwa bg.

[@ericnortan9012]

Own the Battle 3 2000. Love it for about anything in Northern Michigan minus salmon or steelhead. I generally use a little bigger gear targeting pike or musky but mine has landed many pike (musky are a little harder to come by). I catch pick all the time bass fishing though and this reel has performed great.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@ericnortan9012]

@@Saltstrong 👍

[@Voorhees2002]

Great Video! I am looking for a versatile reel in the 2500-3000 range for home bass fishing and to take to the Gulf for Inshore/beach fishing. Curious on your though about the Battle 3 DX also? What is a good rod to pair with the Battle 3? Thanks

[@paulmoss7940]

Greg I have one and bought the matching new B3 rod. The lightest one 7 ft. ,it cost $ 100,parabolic,light. Test soon.

[@willreid9406]

2000 size is great and is bulletproof. Not heavy and is smooth enough for daily use

[@chrissewell1608]

But what is the line capacity of the 2000?

[@LightTackleEthusiast]

I like my Penn Battle 3000 I've caught many Reds on it

[@mikewright8328]

What are reds please ?

[@brooklynlopez7068]

@@mikewright8328 red fish

[@thetruthgodcountry5052]

I got a battle 3 4000 series spinning reel a few months ago and it is now might go to for whenever I hit the Indian River. I have nothing bad to say about it at all

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for leaving the nice comment!

[@scotthuber7094]

I've got a 5000, got the surf combo and it's great. I like that it is a 2 piece rod (small SUV) and I think I'm going to get the 4000 three piece travel bag set.

[@justinbollen3193]

Did you ever get that 4000 travel combo? Thinking about getting it today while it's on sale

[@scotthuber7094]

@@justinbollen3193 I did due, it's a three piece which sounds ok but is actually a bit of an inconvenience but... it does all fit in that travel bag. and it comes with two spools.

[@justinbollen3193]

@@scotthuber7094 It went on sale for $119 so I had to grab it. It's being delivered today, I RV full time so space saving is important. I've broken too many crappy telescopic combos....

[@Nomad_joey]

May you please put the 6000 and 8000 side by side to see that size difference. I just received an 8000 and I feel like its huge and thinking to return it which will cost me alot as I bought it from abroad. Thank you so much

[@skullinationadventures6097]

I recently purchased a battle III 4000 DX... the DX has the higher quality metal gears... and the DX models are same price as regular model, until you get above 6000's then its a little bit more

[@mysterious_codm6812]

Looking out for reels,$100-160,seen the Daiwa bg6500,but saw the Penn battle with similar drag of 30-33,so now not so sure which to go with

[@Janotes]

The Black Gold color reminds me of Daiwa BGs..

[@MrGT500]

i have a 6000 standard and a high speed. 5- and 60 pound braid on them for the cape cod canal. they are great. forget a 1000$ reel.

[@DukeofSanchez]

I have the 2500 and really like it. The only problem I have had is the bearing cover coming off easily.

[@carlandre5826]

Where did you get your batle3 from at one hundred

[@devildog1073]

So have y'all stop selling the BG MQ and the Ballalistic?

[@mr.m.o.g.o.m.]

Do you recommend a good spinning reel for offshore fishing bluefin yellowfin tuning etc anywhere from 20 to 150 lb? Thank you very much.

[@APE-AL]

Try the 6000

[@noahjohns7954]

6-10 k sizes man

[@richardc2803]

I own the Battle 3. I found after using it in the salt, that the drag binds up...even after I hose it off with fresh water after use. I love my B3 but I'm not sure how much longer it will last ...I primarily use it for surf perch with my surf rod. I'd welcome any advice on an upgrade or even a better outfit (reel and surf rod) now that I'm loving surf perch fishing these days.

[@JeffSmith-eq3kc]

I prefer the Daiwa BG in the same price range. I actually have a Daiwa BG 4000 on a Tsunami Trophy II 9 footer as a backup setup for lighter surf fishing or for days where it's really blowing. $220 or so for the entire combo. Just remember the BG sizes aren't standards. The 4000 is basically a 5000 size in any other manufacturer. I would go down at least 1 size.

[@murphyspell7125]

Don't hose your reel...dunk it in a bucket of fresh water and let it sit a couple minutes.

[@erikmyers2490]

If I had a closet like that I'd only come out to fish lol

[@smokinjoes9383]

Quick question What’s the difference between the Penn Battle ||| 4000 and the Penn Battle ||| 4000 High Speed? Beside the colors from gold & black to red & black? Thx

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@pmpkmc]

I didn't hear many 'cons' in the video. I used the Battle II for many years. In my experience they were not very well sealed and they would lock up on me with a small amount of water intrusion. Not so much on the smaller reels (2000-4000) but the larger ones it was a reel issue for me. The Penn Slammer 3 seems to be holding up better so far, and the Tsunami SaltX has stood up well for the past year too. If you can only afford $100 for a reel and you are good about keeping it nice and dry, it is a nice reel. If you are prone to getting them wet you might get frustrated.

[@ShinkiZer0]

This is an upgrade from chinesium gears of battle 2. If the battle 3 has better line lay then this on par or better than daiwa BG at 100usd price point.

[@seanshimmel8587]

Absolutely agree. Here in Melbourne, Florida I fish both the Indian River and the surf itself. My Penn battle i and Ii to have both tightened up noticeably. My Battle iii still feels semi-smoothe (but nothing special) Yet all 3 of my Daiwa BG’s spin as amazingly as when I first unboxed them. And with that appreciation for Daiwa, I just purchased the new MQ 3000 and the Certate LT 4000 on Salt Strong.

[@paulmoss7940]

@@ShinkiZer0 The B3 DX is what I chose for $10 more. Check it out .I have two BG three yr. old doing good.

[@joethebourbonman]

These aren’t fully sealed for sure. I go with Spinfishers or Slammers for a reel that is going to get wet. I don’t think anyone is making a sealed reel at this price point, though.

[@instantjizz]

Im going to Florida to visit my cousin and were going surfing for the first time together and were going to purchase our first rods and reels. Nothing fancy just entry level stuff. Would the battle 3 in 4000 be sufficient or should i go 5000, 6000? I was going to pair with thier squadron 3 rod for the both of us. Any advice is appreciated 🙏 🙂.

[@Saltstrong]

Hey! Thanks for the question. Please feel free to email our Customer Support Team at [e-mail] and they can get you a recommendation. If you're a Salt Strong Insider, post in the Community to get some input from our team and other members.

[@Anthonymahon]

Inshore Maryland rock fish and around ocean city what penn battle lll do you recommend and what size rod ?

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@southeasternoutdoors6248]

I love my battle dx 3000 it is a great reel

[@jeffreybabino1411]

Why wouldn't you Thay are some of the best reels for the money I own a few Penn reels

[@robertmartinez167]

Battle 3 Vs. Pursuit 4. Which is better?

[@contagiousreligion]

Also, why no link?

[@pepdeang6028]

Just bought one today. 6000

[@DanaRosasJr.]

Debating on getting a Battle 3 combo or a Pursuit 4 combo how do they compare? Specs are practically the same but a big price difference, any help?

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.

[@slymonkeey8078]

The built material of the body..the pursuit 4 is a graphite body and the battle 3 is a full metal (aluminum) body

[@floridaman3043]

Guys we need a yo-zuri super braid review. Possible a head to head battle with original power pro.

[@Jim-K-Baker]

What would you recommend for a surf fishing reel?

[@Saltstrong]

This would be a great reel for surf fishing. Just be sure to get it in a 4000 or better depending on the species you are targeting. 💪

[@Jim-K-Baker]

@@Saltstrong I've seen videos lately on people's surf rods breaking while reeling in a fish. Would you make a video on proper technique in order to prevent this from happening?

[@Saltstrong]

@@Jim-K-Baker That's usually because they overloaded their rod's ability on a fish that was larger than the rod could handle.

[@komarsar8626]

Are they made in USA , How much for 8000 one ?

[@simonwoods919]

Can the handle from a 5000 for the 4000

[@ulyssesbullock7261]

Can the battle 3 5000 handle small to medium Halibut here in Alaska?

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time.

[@mybackithurts7792]

I got this in the 4000 reel. What size line should I use for this?

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.

[@richardjones2811]

Depends what you're fishing for. I use braid Sakuma Sensibraid in 22lbs with a mono backing. I fish for Sea Bass.

[@leogetsome]

What size reel you recommend for surf fishing California beaches

[@Saltstrong]

We would go with a 3-4k reel unless you are fishing large baits. From our understanding most of the fishing in CA is similar to the mid-Atlantic and should use similar gear.

[@extrememiami]

Please do a video on which reels are sealed for saltwater, i know most of us saltys want a sealed reel, nothing else matters more to me and I have yet to ever see a list of which reels have the gaskets needed.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the suggestion! I've added that to our list.

[@hman5715]

Penn Fierce 4 or Battle 3? Well, I've ordered for the Battle 3

[@Saltstrong]

Let us know how you like it!

[@moses910]

What penn reel should I buy?

[@eves08109]

It depends on the kind of fishing you want to do?

[@christopherharris5209]

Hi I want to order a 10500 long cast reel

[@paulmoss7940]

Why would anyone buy a plain Battle 3, when the DX version ,far superior, is available for $10 more ? Did I miss something ? Or is it bc only some dealers can get them ?

[@ioijiopjkiopjkp]

FYI the rotor is plastic so it does flex. Body and side plate is metal though.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback

[@CreativeLabelsofVT]

What rod do u recommend for the the Penn Battle 3 6000?

[@anton2417]

that depands, personally i would run a lawson powerflex 7 or 8ft and use it for speed jigging.

[@J.R.AirPiX]

Wouldn’t stainless steel gears be better and stronger than aluminum?

[@eves08109]

Yes but that would increase the price drastically. This reel is meant to keep it at a certain price point. If you want Stainless steel you have to go to the new Authority or the Slammer 4 DX.

[@VizagFish]

Hi

[@2009dhani]

What Penn reel fits on an 8 feet Penn battle 3 rod ?

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time.

[@chrisjones720]

5k and up

[@rchydrozz751]

I like the 5000, but I dont like the huge door knob handle. Peen should have handle options.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback and for watching!

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

I have both an 8000 and a 5000 Battle III.

[@naatcreation8924]

Price???

[@r23g51r]

How do you like it ? Can't decide on a battle 3 3000 or bg 2500

[@aidenolcsvay8990]

When ur main reel you use is the battle 3 🥲

[@tomsawyer8818]

I have kayak fished the penn battle ll for some years and had to replace the whole gear system , it does have a tendency to seize up even though I take it apart and re- grease it at least once a year . My daiwa’s and shimano’s are much better . The good part about the penn reel is , parts are easy to get. But I wouldn’t buy another Penn reel.

[@undyingemperor2395]

What would u recommend for a reel at the same price point from daiwa and shimano

[@jsantef]

I wish they hadn't removed the reverse switch!!!!

[@mikeroj5427]

Ok, I have to give you my honest opinion which is against the grain here. I have a Penn Battle 2 6000 reel. I've used it exclusively surf fishing. I love the feel, the power, casting and smoothness. I heard the Battle 3 was better than the 2s. So I got one. HATE it. It doesn't feel the same. Feels cheaper in my hand. Not as smooth as reported in this video. In my opinion, if I was going to purchase another one, id look for another Battle 2. Just saying....

[@Saltstrong]

We appreciate the feedback and support! Thanks for watching the video!

[@jasonstokley7274]

5000 and above have CNC cut brass gears.

[@eves08109]

On the Battle 3?

[@Jessica37323]

This reel is not sealed at all. Just the bearings are sealed. This reel is not intended for saltwater but of course you can use any reel for that matter. Penn makes spinfisher and slammers. That's there semi sealed reels for saltwater.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for the feedback

[@gabrielduarte3904]

what are you talking about, there is no perimeter sealing in the gearbox..

[@feesh00]

Ratio ?

[@albertwang2769]

It said has 5+1 bearing; but I can only find 4+1 ??

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.

[@contagiousreligion]

what happened to that other tackle dude?

[@shadypiratefishing4127]

I never like that other guy anyway. lol

[@fishonkayakadventure]

for saltwater, you're better off with a sealed reel than 'smooth' which is relative. the key is, which bearings are sealed?

[@noahjohns7954]

All of them now

[@gabrielduarte3904]

9.5 to 10oz in a 2500 size reel? that thing is heavy..

[@mikestrong3910]

I've always preferred Daiwa because Penn reals are always heavier

[@Gio-nl7eg]

That’s a big misconception. If you compare a equal price and size daiwa to a penn then the penn tends to be lighter. The reason people think penn is heavy is either because they don’t compare line capacity or they’re only looking at a slammer 😂

[@thegoods2240]

Your last name is Strong, so why do you care if a Penn weighs 1oz more than a comparable Daiwa? I guess you're not so Strong after all!

[@SaltySeaCaptain]

Uhh the weight difference isnt that noticeable for 3000 size reels I went with a BG for the smoothness, Penns have a little bit of a yaw when you reel if they could make them just a tiny bit more smooth I would go Penn every time.

[@Gio-nl7eg]

@@thegoods2240 again.. big Misconception I urge any of you who think this to compare line capacities of penns and daiwa s and see which one is lighter. For example compare the weight of a spin Fisher 6500 vi to pretty much any other real in that price category most people would think the Spinfisher is heavy but really it’s lighter than almost all of its competitors

[@HanSoloxcs]

@@Gio-nl7eg Nothing is lighter than daiwa tatula LT.

[@ngolabskie]

slay

[@Saltstrong]

👍

[@extrememiami]

Isn't brass a harder metal than aluminum? Brass will eventually corrode and aluminum oxidizes faster leaving a pitted rough surface. I wish they went with the extra $3 and went with 316 stainless or $5 more and went with titanium. Titanium is harder, lighter, and will never rust.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback

[@thanhtungthai804]

Khá thất vọng bởi tiếng kêu được phát ra từ núm tay quay!việc sửa chửa nó sẻ rất khó khăn do nó đã bị niêm phong!

[@brunomahle1618]

wierd,....I have a btl3 4000hs in my hand........plastic rotor

[@Saltstrong]

Great minds!

[@brunomahle1618]

@@Saltstrong Great minds?.........Point being, you guys are constantly making "convenient mistakes" when describing the products you are hawking.....Cohen cidence? Care about the truth?

[@wanhouse1985]

Wow.. that nice tools.. Why thats reel so expensiv??? Hmm..

[@shadypiratefishing4127]

I really need to stop watching ya'lls reviews. Just take my money. lol

[@richardjones2811]

Have the 4000 and no issues so far but the 2500 after 3 months has stripped its gears. It will be going back for a refund to buy a Daiwa. Shame on Penn for selling themselves to China. Did they expect quality metal to be used? Nope it's cheap Chinese pot metal 😪😪

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@jameshunt585]

Finally! ran across this review on The Battle III reel that I currently have. I had purchased this blind and have been satisfied, but did not know what to pair it with, Now, I have gleaned over enough to make an informed decision on rod I need. I have also learned that the 4000 is more than I need inshore and will probably add a 2500 (probably Daiwa). I say Daiwa because on a whim, I bought a cheapo "Shock" combo at a discount store and found it to be one of the smoothest I have ever used! Go figger. Off Shore I use a Fatham LD.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback and for watching!

[@richardjones2811]

I have a 4000 and a 2500 Battle 3. The 2500 has stripped its gears and is really stiff to use after owning it for 3 months and used around 5 times. I rinsed after each session and didn't abuse it other than landing 5-6 lbs Sea Bass. It'll be going back to the shop next week for a refund towards a Daiwa or any other reel which isn't made in China from cheap pot metal gears.

[@yusufhassan7825]

I fished wt the Daiwa B.G. 8000 vs Penn battle 2...to b honest the Daiwa is rubbish...my penn was value for money..