Review of the new Penn Slammer IV 2500 spinning reel, been fishing with it since January 2021

THE spinning reel I have been hoping and praying for is actually real! Just before Xmas 2020 I received an email from a contact at Penn Europe, telling me firstly that Penn were finally going to make a "baby" 2500 size Slammer, and secondly that I would be the first angler in Europe to get hold of one and fish with it - but I could tell nobody about it and I had to keep things very quiet until Penn USA officially launched this new Slammer IV range.
So here it is, in many regards my perfect spinning reel for bass fishing, the Penn Slammer IV 2500. There is also a silver coloured Slammer IV 2500 DX version which I tell you about in the video. I have also fished a lot with the new Slammer IV 3500 and 3500 DX reels, I will do a video review of them in due course.
I believe these new Slammers will be available here in the UK later this year, but for the time being I can continue to jump for joy that Penn have gone and made a "baby" 2500 size Slammer. It's awesome to fish with and it sits perfectly on any of the lure rods I might go bass fishing with these days, which due to my work with Savage Gear happens to be the SGS5 and SGS8 lure rods these days, full details here bit.ly/3wBvtMj
Check out my website and blog: www.henry-gilbey.com/​​​​​​
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[@DualSports]

Thank you for helping to persuade Penn to make a waterproof reel. This will be my next reel for a light tackle set up for wading or maybe some SUP fishing.

[@CycoWardDrew]

Took my brand new Battle II 5000 for a spin yesterday for the very first time and I hooked a 20lb yellowtail using a Ugly Stik X2 (medium hard) rod kzbin.infoUgkxM68VkfsQhHaabDce1IwOCXuvumcpbZ_k . This combo was recommended on some website and it did not disappoint me. The reel is smooth, the drag click is pretty cool cause i think it adds to the excitement of fighting the fish, personally the drag is my favorite part. I use braid and 300 yards will fill the entire spool. This combo is my main setup from now on although I have to disclose I am new to fishing.

[@goosemcduck420]

Yes, used to watch you on tv yrs ago! Glad I’ve found this gem again!

[@henrygilbey302]

That was a few years ago, I am wider but wiser these days!

[@rainsong7327]

@@henrygilbey302 Was going with a Van Staal but I think ill go with the new Slammer 4. I like reel you can work on yourself. Slammer 5500 with a Lamiglass 10ft m. Is the 6500 stronger than the 5500? Or is it just line capacity? Thanks

[@gyeoxn7815]

@@rainsong7327 Line capacity

[@InfinityFishing]

We have been there, Henry wanted and demanded 2500 slammer and Penn gods listened ! congrats mate and thanks for review.

[@henrygilbey302]

Many thanks!

[@kalsonic999]

Stunning! I have the spinfisher vi 3500 and for me.its perfect, but now I think i have found me new upgrade 😍

[@henrygilbey302]

Great to hear!

[@peterrindomkristensen3411]

Hi Henry. Once again thanks for the reviews and the effort to make Penn make such reel come through! Please continue to make these videos as a supplement to your writen reviews. I’m very curious about the line management on this reel compared to daiwa and shimano. Would this be worth slamming on a majorcraft n’one 10-30g and go hunting seatrout or would you go with daiwa or shimano instead? BR Peter

[@henrygilbey302]

Thank you for your kind words.................I love these Penn reels, but for your sea trout fishing? Not so sure. I can't get away from how flawlessly most Daiwa and Shimano reels behave.

[@saltylawaia8958]

Tanker of a reel . Love my spinfisher vi 2500 and can’t wait for this 2500 slammer

[@henrygilbey302]

It's a stunner!

[@duranpillay4221]

First review i could find on the slammer 4 thank you Henry, cant wait for it to come to South Africa !!

[@henrygilbey302]

Having spent a fair bit of time all over Africa and I've done a lot of fishing from the beaches in Namibia, it really interests me how a lot of you seem to have gone over to coffee grinders for a lot of your rock and surf fishing. It's amazing how tough some of these reels are these days, damn I need to get myself back to Africa, but let's not talk about the Lions rugby!

[@duranpillay4221]

@@henrygilbey302 Fishing has definitely changed here in South Africa you are right in saying a lot of people have changed over to grinder setups but we have noticed a huge surge in drone fishing here also.

[@duranpillay4221]

We are told that we will only be receiving the slammer 4 in December im looking at getting the 8500 dx model

[@henrygilbey302]

you need a lot of line on your reel I guess! Drone fishing? Crumbs............

[@duranpillay4221]

@@henrygilbey302 yeah guys use 2 speed lever drag reels and use a drone to drop a big bait around 300m out

[@samlee2944]

Hi Henry, What sort of rod would you recommend? I’m looking for something that can get soaked. I do wash my gear off after, but it’s nice to have something that’s quite resistant to salt corrosion. Do you have any experience with the Penn Conflict Inshore rods? Thank you

[@letmikesmash5690]

hi Henry, hope you are feeling better after your scare, i have a sgs5 9-35g paired with a slammer iv 3500, my only fault is that it feels a bit heavy and a bit "tight", would you recommend a 2500 size reel on this rod for best feel? i have a little okuma itx-2500 reel which feels really light and nimble compared to the slammer .

[@markgrotto7852]

Recently bought the slammer 2500 and used it. I also have a Shimano Vanford 2500. The slammer is WAY heavier but one gets used to it. When switching reels on my trip I really liked the big knob on the slammer compared to the Vanford. On the other hand I liked the light and buttery feel of the Vanford. A while back my son set the Vanford in 3 inches of water and it messed up the front bearing. He also submerged a cheap Diawa for its complete destruction so now he gets this reel to use. The submergibility aspect of this reel won me over. I’ll keep it for his use and mine when I go surf fishing. One reviewer said the line roller needs rubber seals and I agree. My Vanford needed them too. I bought a ceramic bearings with seals and put grease in it on the Vanford. Think that will fix it for life. Will probably have to do it on this one too. On the wind knot issue, I need about 1/8 inch gap on BOTH models to ensure no wind knots. One can get to 1/16 th but risks spending too much time on fixing wind knots. I thought the special shape of the Shimano would help but I see no difference.

[@lawrencevaz]

Nice video Henry with some great information there 👍 I am a shimano and daiwa fan but this video is tempting me to move to penn..

[@henrygilbey302]

My Penn reels sit side by side with my Shimano reels, I really like them both

[@willcooper8694]

Great video as always. I do the vast majority of my bass fishing in estuaries and do very little surf fishing, so my reels very rarely get dunked in salt water. Would you still recommend the slammer 2500 or do you thing something like the Shimano stradic 2500HG-FL would be better suited?

[@henrygilbey302]

Stick with the Shimano, it's better suited to the lighter fishing

[@junebitong3870]

Great video, just wondering what brand and size of rod are you using on this reel? Ta

[@johnloxley8705]

Great video buddy. I’ve made plenty of comments in the past and as you know as you replied a few times I don’t do sea fishing. I still love watching your videos regardless. The way you talk about fishing in general it’s just unique. You have the most passion in an angler I have seen !!! Was just wondering though would this reel be suitable for My river fishing ( perch and chub and the like ) ?? you did mention it might not be good for really light stuff thought I do use that size of reel …If not do they do penn do a more suitable reel ?? As always thank you so much 😀

[@henrygilbey302]

Thank you so much John, more than kind of you to say such nice things................ In a word, no. As much as I love this reel I think it's going to be that bit heavy and solid for that type of fishing. I don't know about smaller Penn reels but it would be worth a look on their website. I would also have a look at a Shimano if that helps.

[@johnloxley8705]

@@henrygilbey302 Good morning buddy. Thank you for your reply ( as always ) …. Much appreciated for the advice and just always fancied a penn reel .. Just something different… I purchased two Shimano static reels A couple of years ago… got that idea from you actually from reading one of your articles 👍🏽😀 …. They are spot-on. Like you say in your video here they are really light And paired up with an ultra light spinning rod they work a dream…. I’m actually going to Swanage in a couple of weeks time and my other half has gave me permission to try a bit of sea fishing !!! Don’t know what to expect but I will give it a try. Any fish I catch will be a first and a new species and PB so really looking forward to it. You never know I might get Lured in myself 😀😀… anyway thank you so much for your advice and all the best to you and your family 👍🏽😀🎣

[@davidt4755]

Thanks Henry, great video! I've been searching for a 2500 that can handle the punishment of offshore jet ski fishing in oftentimes nasty conditions. Perhaps this is it.... Thanks mate

[@henrygilbey302]

no worries!

[@barlow2976]

Henry, I bought the Slammer 3500 on your reccomendation, and it's been great. I'm not too concerned about weight and smoothness either, but I have to say my Shimanos, loaded with the same diameter and make of braid cast noticeably farther when fishing. In my field I've measured 15m further against the Slammer's 55m.

[@henrygilbey302]

Interesting, thank you. I have never measured any of my lure casts, perhaps I need to now you say this............but when I'm out fishing I haven't yet wished a Slammer or whatever could go further

[@fantomphoenix6170]

Shimano easily beats diawa, and penn isn’t far behind when it comes to casting distance, Shimano has a better tapered spool, if you look at the diawas then it’s almost like a 90 degree angle. Penn is right in between, but penn has much better line capacity.

[@shawnweed265]

@@fantomphoenix6170 Have you tried the Penn Spinfisher VI Longcast versions? Just wondering if they have any significant casting distance advantages over the Shimano.

[@fantomphoenix6170]

@@shawnweed265 no I have not. But the long cast technology does make a difference, as line doesn’t have to do as many switch backs as it’s paying off

[@shawnweed265]

@@fantomphoenix6170 I am sure there is a marketing strategy to it, but I would like to see Penn make a Longcast version of the Slammer IV. I have a Slammer 3 and a Penn Spinfisher V Longcast...would be cool to have a combination of the 2 in a Slammer IV Longcast. I think I'll just end up getting a Spinfisher VI Longcast. The VI is a fine reel in its own right.

[@petermarklew3237]

Henry. Your opinion please. I'm looking at a 2500. Do you think for a small reel like this you really need to go DX or Authority? I would like to think where you will have less stress on your tackle, that you won't need the top models. Am I correct in my thought process. Thanks

[@Unborn-Stillborn]

I have a 3500 slammer ... Great robust reel but I found it a bit too heavy ... being fishing for the past year with a 5000 vanford and I love it ... I've dunked it many times and it's still as smooth as butter ... here's hopin it continues ..

[@thetoyota86perspective54]

I have to agree. Just got myself a 5K Vanford and it is unbelievably light and on a high quality lightweight rod its amazing. But I have to say, nothing beats Penns for robustness. They are absolutely bomb proof. I still use some very cheap and simple Penn Spinfishers. But for lure fishing the Slammers for me are just too heavy

[@Unborn-Stillborn]

@@thetoyota86perspective54 yeh you're right ... the slammer is a beast ... I still use in fishing the surf .. I've dropped it many times in the salty drink and it's still silk smooth ... But most of my fishing is done around rocks in wexford ireland and for this the vanfird 5000 on my Tronix HTO Nebula is the dream combo for me ... but I'd never rest it in a salty pool with confidence 😁

[@henrygilbey302]

Agree, the Vanford is almost stupidly smooth and it's a joy to fish with, plus it's very light etc. I find a need for both types of spinning reel for my bass fishing

[@arabarran]

I was looking for reel like this for kayak fishing. Almost bought Spinfisher VI 2500. Looks like im gonna wait for this one to hit the stores

[@henrygilbey302]

it's a stunning bit of kit!

[@Generalfishingtripcambodai]

Thanks for sharing brother

[@henrygilbey302]

pleasure, thank you!

[@Sam-xn7zp]

Hi Henry have Penn change the drag knob internal plunger from plastic to metal like a Saragosa, Twin power or Stella? The plastic one on the slammer 3 was ok for the lighter end of the drag scale but if you got a speedster on the end i.e. a tuna or Spanish (King) mackerel that little bit of plastic got a bit warped by heat under heavy drag an on occasion locked on to spool.

[@henrygilbey302]

Doesn't feel any different on the 2500, but I don't know for a fact...............and as much as I love our bass, speedsters they are not!

[@Sam-xn7zp]

@@henrygilbey302 thanks for the reply. I'll have to go in store now they are on the shelf and check them out.

[@cespaia]

I’ve been waiting one of your videos for so long 😂😂! 🆙🆙🆙🆙

[@henrygilbey302]

thank you!

[@nathangibbs769]

What line are you using on your 2500 reels? Brand and lb. And how much line do you usually get onto the spool of these smaller reels?

[@henrygilbey302]

I tend to use Sufix lines, either X8 or 832, but if I'm feeling flush, Sufix 131 is the best braid I have ever used. I can always get say a 150m spool on the reels, around 0.15mm diameter

[@kongkeahoe]

Man, awesome reel .

[@henrygilbey302]

it is!

[@sammyocean5306]

Hi.Henry Thanks for this video Can you please recommend a penn rod with the 2500 slammer 4 I was looking at the prevail 2 Thanks again

[@mattcoates3243]

Hi Henry great video. I’m fishing inshore later this year in punta Cana on holiday. Was thinking of the slammer 3500 as a mix for there and my uk bass fishing. What size would you recommend for both? Also do you think my hto nebula 9ft 6 is up to inshore game fish? Interested to know your thoughts? Kind Regards

[@henrygilbey302]

How big are the lures going to be that you need for the fish out there? I see no reason why the rod wouldn't cope, just depends on fish and lures. And yes, the Slammer 3500 works great on that rod, and the slightly smaller Slammer 2500 is rather nice as well

[@mattcoates3243]

@@henrygilbey302 Thanks Henry. I will have to do more research on the lures. I obviously wouldn’t exceed the casting weight. It would only be shallow reef fishing. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated

[@joesphblas6394]

Love your review but I’m very curious, what rod are you using with the 2500, thanks

[@extropy1]

Savage Gear SGS8 Precision Lure Specialist 9' 2'' - 9-42gm

[@henryschmidt636]

I've been wishing for a smaller Slammer for years too... Perfect Florida Snook reel.

[@henrygilbey302]

Your snook are awesome fish, can't wait to get back on them.................with this new Slammer of course!

[@Kernow-lerf]

Hi Henry great reviews I’ll definitely hang on and match this reel up with my new SGS8 looks a awesome reel could you tell me what vest your wearing sir regards Dave in sunny Cornwall

[@henrygilbey302]

My Slammer 2500 is basically welded to my SGS8 9'2'' rod! A couple of ideas for lifejackets here, hope it helps www.henry-gilbey.com/accessories/

[@Kernow-lerf]

@@henrygilbey302 as always true gentleman

[@toastmalone7957]

Nice review Henry. Do you think Art of Fishing will be getting these in, I much prefer to get gear in my hands before dropping the cash.

[@henrygilbey302]

Ben does Penn, I am sure he will get some in

[@markgrotto7852]

I got the 2500 and it continues to make wind knots. I have the shimano Vanford and have zero problems.

[@cballz]

I think the loading the reel up too full relates to how far the bail arm open. I removed the bail on my slammer 3 and it casts fine with a full spool to the brim. I cannot however molest my slammer 4 the same way because I love it too much

[@liambird5349]

Would the 2500 model be up to fishing for pollock or is it to small , cheers

[@henrygilbey302]

100% yes, it's perfect for this!

[@peternguyen9602]

do these 2500 have or come with a option you can buy for a fully hood handle knob ?

[@henrygilbey302]

do you mean wood?

[@orlandoreyes5020]

What rod are you using

[@Machster10]

Very cool new models. Looks like you need a 5500 out there in that surf.

[@henrygilbey302]

for our fishing which is great but our bass aren't exactly that big, I am finding that the 2500, 3500 or 4500 Slammers do me perfectly

[@balrammahadeo2012]

After looking at this review I'm going to get the all-rounder 4500🎉

[@SpiralMoss]

You've come a long way from chucking lead weights and sandeels from the rocks in Kilkee Co Clare Ireland for Pollock. We're having epic fishing in Clare this year, huge Pollock and say bass average 4lbs the odd bigger one.

[@henrygilbey302]

It's just how my fishing has changed and developed over the years, I love my lure fishing these days. I so need to get back to Clare, you live in amazing part of the world

[@SpiralMoss]

@@henrygilbey302 I sent you a message there on Instagram, if you're ever thinking about heading this way I'll let you know about the better hidden marks 👍👍👍

[@henrygilbey302]

@@SpiralMoss Haven't checked Instagram for ages, but thank you, this is most kind of you

[@scottb732]

With the smaller spool do you notice any decrease in casting distance compared to its bigger brother 3500 and/or say a Shimano 4000?

[@henrygilbey302]

I don't really think about it to be honest, I just use what reel I think is going to work best for the location and conditions.............physics of course suggests that there has to be a difference, but I'd suggest that good casting is key

[@rickrollins1178]

What colour patchinko is that at 1:40? I want one

[@samosborne4348]

Do you feel this would be too small for a 10-30 9'6 eu custom used for weightless lures to seekers up to 30g. Many thanks

[@henrygilbey302]

Perfect reel for the rod

[@rhyspercey3880]

Hello, what rod were you using with the reel here?

[@henrygilbey302]

Info in the text below the video

[@extropy1]

I just bought this 2500 (black) Slammer. On taking it out the box and operating i find it sounds dry, it has a 'swooshing chalky' sound if that makes sense? When i release my hand from the handle i find it comes to a stop quite quickly too, i would have thought this would run on for some time. I'll keep operating it in the house for a while to see if it quietens. The worry i have is they're using China to manufacture, i feel like they didn't grease mine... You're right about the balance of the 9' 2" 9-42 with this reel, it feel perfectly balanced.

[@B_Enek0]

The reason for what you are experiencing is because the reel is fully sealed.

[@joevink4141]

Do they come with a metal knob like the larger sizes?

[@henrygilbey302]

not the 2500 ones I have seen so far

[@Nobodyfishing]

Love the Silver colour

[@henrygilbey302]

stunning bit of kit

[@vascovenancio8965]

I bought one already a 2500 dx version i switch with the spinfisher vi 2500 im very satisfy with that reel. Please make a new video with the aithority 2500 please im very ancious to see that reel

[@wizardnebula8572]

Wow I’m looking forward to the release of this real. When you fully submerge the real, does any water get into it?

[@henrygilbey302]

not that I have found if that helps

[@Howtotrickafish]

Picked mine up on Friday and have been waiting to splash out on it since I heard the announcement.

[@henrygilbey302]

How's it going with the reel?

[@Howtotrickafish]

@@henrygilbey302 feels great. Once or twice has felt scratchy for a moment but then it passed, maybe a bit of sand or salt perhaps, not put the drag through its paces yet so far as only hooked a small seatrout and a lip hooked palm sized golden grey mullet lol both on the sg seeker last night spinning in my local estuary.

[@frankleon6708]

Man your so lucky I really really want one cause I’m a fisherman who’s always in the water and 2500 reels are my go too for flats and light surf fishing

[@henrygilbey302]

Hope you manage to find one over there sometime soon, I would imagine the size is pretty much perfect for the fishing you describe................I love the flats!

[@risangkurniawan]

please advice me which one will be the best pair to 2500 penn? 6-12lbs rod, 6-14lbs rod or 8-16lbs? all 6-7ft.. sorry for my english

[@frankleon6708]

@@risangkurniawan what kind of penn reel? I think 8 to 16 depends on your reel anywaise before you ever start fishing you choose the rod first then reel and so forth

[@risangkurniawan]

@@frankleon6708 im using spinfisher vi 2500, paired with 8-17lb rod and still feeling unbalance. i want the lightr rod

[@frankleon6708]

@@risangkurniawan penn batallion 8 to 15 pound test 7ft 6 inch with fifteen pound braid

[@pablocontreras8767]

I could not believe myself when I saw this. Finally a Slammer in 2500 size!!! - I just bought the DX version, but I have not been able to find any references online aside from what you mention in this video. How has your experience with the DX version been, Henry? - I want it to throw 20-30 gram lures on the coast. Now I have to wait for it to be back in stock so they send it over....that's going to be a 1 month wait!!!! :O

[@henrygilbey302]

I love both versions Pablo, I really do, but let's say the DX version is perhaps 10% smoother and more refined? It also has a "soft feel" handle which I like, but honestly, I don't mind which version I fish with

[@pablocontreras8767]

@@henrygilbey302 Thanks Henry!

[@markgrotto7852]

I have the 2500 standard slammer with 15 lb braid and it’s notorious for making wind knots. I have Shimanos too and they NEVER have wind knots. I love the concept that Penn has but it does not seem to work. Wish I could make it work. I’ve already removed a lot of line. Help?

[@jaishi...1426]

I wanted to buy a Van Staal VR 50 black version ...but I think I will stick to my Penn reels after I saw your video ..I already have the Spinfisher VI 2500 ... Spinfisher V 3500..the Penn Clash 3000 and the Penn Slammer 3500..now I am thinking to buy the Penn Slammer IV 2500..the black and gold version...☺️..

[@henrygilbey302]

Nice! I did own a VR50 for a while but I just couldn't get on with it and I sold it on. Lovely bit of kit but sadly not for me.

[@jaishi...1426]

@@henrygilbey302 I understand..and thanks for replying...I follow everything of you...👍

[@florincheciches4330]

Hello, what is the size of line you have for the 2500 penn end if you have a link for you line? Thanks kind regards from Belgium 😊

[@henrygilbey302]

www.henry-gilbey.com/fishing-lines/

[@813Tyler]

Would you recommend 15 pound braid or 20 pound braid for this reel?

[@henrygilbey302]

I tend to go on diameter or PE number more than quoted breaking strains, but 20lb braid works just fine for me on this reel

[@NFiltr8Red]

My Daiwa Exist is hard to beat, but I would NEVER let saltwater touch it. The Slammer 3 and 4 is by far the best bang for your buck. Nothing can compete!

[@henrygilbey302]

Agree!

[@nglinthungcapt.9022]

hello henry, I'm a big fan of penn products, especially the reel products, this Slammer 4 has just arrived in Indonesia, and this product is still very warm in Indonesia. could you please tell me the specs for the fishing rod you are using paired with your 2500 size 4 slammer? good health always

[@henrygilbey302]

Hi there! I use a few different rods for my fishing, mainly from about 9' to 10' long, rated to cast up to say 50g if needed

[@yajtramer6913]

I would love the dx model I have a penn pursuit 3 6000 And ordered a penn pursuit 4 4000

[@henrygilbey302]

The DX version is lovely, but so is the regular one

[@nglinthungcapt.9022]

In your opinion, if I will use a rod with a length of 7.6 feet with a lure weight of 20g-40g, a maximum of PE 4, what size reel do you think is a balanced size for using a reel? 🙏

[@henrygilbey302]

We don't tend to use rods that short for lures that heavy if that makes sense, I don't want to try and advise the wrong thing

[@momoniji6439]

Bro how did you get a slammer 4 on January I thought it came out on July?

[@henrygilbey302]

Contacts…….

[@gonzarb93]

What about this vs the spinfisher vi, is also smooth? Iam about to buy a spinfisher

[@henrygilbey302]

I really like the Spinfisher 3500 especially, but given the choice? I'm taking a Slammer

[@JustFlo1609]

Got a new Penn reel for my new lrf rod its a penn wrath nothing as fancy as the slammer but they do make nice stuff even on their budget end

[@henrygilbey302]

Yep, Penn make some seriously good gear

[@leanmchungry4735]

I'm a new convert to the Slammer, it can take a dunking without needing an immediate service, the saving on servicing probably makes it a cheaper reel for me in the long run.

[@henrygilbey302]

yep, I don't worry at all when my Slammers get a soaking!

[@leanmchungry4735]

@@henrygilbey302 I fish from a kayak in NZ, my reels get punished, my Stradic lasted 6mths and couldn't be saved, Slammers are terrific for the yak.

[@henrygilbey302]

@@leanmchungry4735 yep, I would imagine that kayaks and Stradics don't mix that well! Assuming you get some serious fishing down there from time to time?

[@leanmchungry4735]

@@henrygilbey302 There's some good fishing around NZ yes, but the fish are getting fat at the moment, we're locked down.

[@davidchau3047]

What size of reel would be good pairing for 11 feet rod 4500 or 5500?

[@henrygilbey302]

Sorry for the late reply. I don't fish with lure rods that long, but I reckon either size would be pretty good

[@imtitsupdickielala12]

Henry, I’ve Purchased a lot of fishing tackle due to your recommendations in the past and all have been good buys but not sure on this one, just received my 2500DX and I’m moving it on straight away, I know it’s no comparison but after using my Shimano Stella FI and Shimano sustain for years this feels like it’s cheap and nasty, heavy and not smooth and easy to reel., reel it fast and let go of the handle and it almost stops immediately due to the resistance,I got it for a good price shipped from the eu at £133 which I still believe is over priced and would have felt right royally mugged if I’d paid the £240 mark which is what the general u.k price is.

[@Bruiserboy1]

Worth knowing that the DX 2500 has the same old HT100 drag system, not the upgraded dura drag system all the other larger models have. I personally hate that cheap EVA foam handle too, never going to last on the kayak. It is a real shame but for those reasons its 3500 for me even though I would prefer the smaller size.

[@henrygilbey302]

I really, really like the EVA handle on the Slammer 2500, but I guess we are all different. For my fishing here in the UK I don't need to fuss much about the drag on reels, our fish aren't exactly putting much strain on the reel

[@Bruiserboy1]

@@henrygilbey302 I am kayak fishing in Cornwall! Having a drag you can ease off is really important on a kayak in all sorts of situations from wanting to let a bit more line out to get to your lure to snagging up and needing to give line quickly and easily. I also like to be able to fish for things other than bass like mullet for instance and to be able to ledger with some filthy bait without fear the reel is going to fly overboard with a fish

[@henrygilbey302]

@@Bruiserboy1 Understood, not sure I can help though. I hear what you are saying, but the drag on this Slammer 2500 feels pretty good to me, there is a much lighter minimum setting on the Slammer IV reels over the Slammer III ones, whatever the materials used. I use the EVA handles on most of my Slammers for shore fishing admittedly, and none of them show any signs of damage.

[@Johnnyalexwales]

For sea kayak fishing with 20-40g lures and ragworm on a light weight, 2500 or 3500 slammer?

[@henrygilbey302]

you will be fine with either, but I do have a soft spot for the 2500

[@risangkurniawan]

please advice me which one will be the best pair to 2500 penn? 6-12lbs rod, 6-14lbs rod or 8-16lbs? all 6-7ft.. sorry for my english

[@henrygilbey302]

Are we talking about boat fishing rods?

[@risangkurniawan]

@@henrygilbey302 no, landbased rod

[@jasoncolon8666]

Great video have the 4500 going to get the 2500 but you didn’t catch any fish on it

[@henrygilbey302]

I know, it's the reel's fault as well!!

[@river9055]

I have 3500 and it’s a beast !

[@henrygilbey302]

A machine of a reel, good for getting fish in fast!

[@soniavaz9849]

I want to make a big request for me it's very important and I wonder if you dont mind to make a comparison between the slammer iv (2500) and the spinfisher vi (2500) I pray to watch that Best regards from Portugal

[@henrygilbey302]

For me there is no comparison - it's the Slammer 2500 for me all the way. I like the Spinfisher VI 2500, but I don't love it. I do love this Slammer 2500 though!

[@soniavaz9849]

@@henrygilbey302 alright I want to upgrade my gear to I'm very satisfied with my daiwa saltist ags II rod and my spinfisher vi 2500 but i want to understand the difference between ipx5 and ipx6 in this 2 models spinfisher vi2500 and slammer iv 2500 to make sure that compensate upgrading for slammer iv 2500 I hope to get an answer from you soon Best regards

[@soniavaz9849]

I want to understand the level of water tightness, and I want to know how many more water sealants the slammer iv 2500 version brings comparing with the spinfisher vi 2500, and where they are located I'm sorry to bothered you with this question but I think that's a very good question for us buyers

[@henrygilbey302]

@@soniavaz9849 I don't know, you need to ask Penn. I don't sell the reel and I don't work with Penn - I fish with the reels.

[@henrygilbey302]

@@soniavaz9849 As I said to your other comment, you need to contact Penn to ask these questions

[@frankleon6708]

What pound braid are u using

[@henrygilbey302]

Generally about 20lbs for bass

[@piotrszymusik4025]

Can you talk to penn tochange thisracing retrive from USA versions with 6.2:1 to 5 1:1 or 5.2:1, which is better suited for EUR market.

[@henrygilbey302]

It's on my list of things to ask for!

[@piotrszymusik4025]

@@henrygilbey302 thank you very much. At least you are one person who i know who also noticed it. They should do gear ratio 5.1:1 or max 5 2:1 with retrive max 80 -82 cm per ceank. I would be extremely happy to buy this new Battle 3 in this DX version with Brass gears (much stronger and Wear resistant compared to aluminium gear, it aslo has so much forgotten so called "self healing properties" of brass when teeth work on other teeth). But for zander fishing in uk/ Europe and heavy spinning the lower gear ratio the better as inside is stronger, break less. And definitely brass instead of aluminium.

[@rhyswilliams1413]

Great video and the reel looks superb! A bit out of my price-range though. A couple of years ago you posted a couple of blogs on the Spinfisher VI albeit without having used a whole lot of them. You were very positive about that range at the time. Is that still the case as I’m after a 4500.

[@henrygilbey302]

Yes, they are lovely reels, and from the ones I have fished with I think the 3500 and 4500 are better reels than the smallest 2500 size.

[@rhyswilliams1413]

@@henrygilbey302 great thanks. Just started watching your channel and reading our blog and finding your reviews and posting extremely informative and very entertaining.

[@henrygilbey302]

nice one, many thanks

[@henrygilbey302]

@@rhyswilliams1413 nice one, really good to hear, thank you

[@soniavaz9849]

Meneither that's why I've got the spinfisher vi because of the (2500) size

[@henrygilbey302]

yep, understood

[@elhaouziafishing]

Nice vidéo bro 👍

[@henrygilbey302]

thank you!

[@DBoyyxD]

Great content Henry. I think I’ll pair this reel with my 9ft MC Triplecross EU Custom. I have a Shimano Spheros 3000 at the moment which is very light. The Slammer IV looks like it’ll pair up nicely.

[@henrygilbey302]

yep, this reel sits nicely on that rod...........

[@hoonicav]

Ok on your recommendation just purchased the sgs8 9’2 and rhe slammer 4 DX and would like to hear what braid would pair up best with this set up on west coast of Scotland shore fishing. Thanks in advance.

[@henrygilbey302]

Enjoy the rod! Hope this might help for braid www.henry-gilbey.com/my-go-to-bass-fishing-rods-reels-lines/

[@romanomorelli2831]

Could you tell me please whom did you purchase your slammer dx from ? thanks

[@henrygilbey302]

@@romanomorelli2831 a contact at Penn Europe sent me one to try out

[@torres9778]

Che diametro la bobina di questo 2500?

[@mcl560]

i believe you.

[@IndoFishingChannel]

Need this reel 😮‍💨

[@henrygilbey302]

it's rather nice!

[@BeanAroundtheWorld]

what are the line levels you talk of?

[@henrygilbey302]

lower on a Penn size 2500 reel than I would fill say a Shimano up

[@davidmackeown6773]

I barely put any braid on my reel and find I'm still getting the distance and has massively decreased amount of wind knots I get.

[@henrygilbey302]

When you say "barely", what sort of level are you talking about? I use a lower line level on the Slammer 2500 and like you my lures go out just fine!

[@allanreager6560]

What rod is that?

[@henrygilbey302]

A few different rods, but often it's the Savage Gear SGS8 9'2'' 9-42g rod I use with this reel

[@cwera8866]

What's the rod your running on that reel?

[@henrygilbey302]

mostly the Savage Gear SGS8 9'2'' 9-42g lure rod

[@cwera8866]

@@henrygilbey302 thanks for getting back to me so quick Henry, if you had to choose between the 2500 or the 3500 what would it be? Is the carbon fibre washer system on the 2500 much different in terms of smooth running?

[@henrygilbey302]

@@cwera8866 for me it depends on the rod I'm using, our (sea) bass in the UK are awesome fish, but they don't exactly pull much line off a reel so I don't tend to take a huge amount of notice of a drag system for this fishing.............

[@cwera8866]

@@henrygilbey302 OK thanks for your advice Henry 👍 spot on im in ireland myself Wicklow so I was thinking the 2500 for lightness and finess in terms of casting!!! Thanks for getting back to me!!! Happy fishing 🎣 to u!!! Looking forward to more of your videos!!!

[@henrygilbey302]

@@cwera8866 I love coming to Ireland, it's my favourite country on earth, the Slammer 2500 is awesome for bass fishing...............just don't go over filling it with braid and it will behave perfectly. Enjoy, hope you get on the bass this year

[@djttimeebp8249]

Is the dx better?

[@henrygilbey302]

A touch smoother, that's about it really

[@hokiedokie]

Are they made in usa?

[@henrygilbey302]

not sure, reckon it could be China, makes no difference to me when gear works

[@swiggy03]

HG legend 🎣👍🏻

[@henrygilbey302]

er, not so sure about that!

[@strickostricko]

Agreed, he is.

[@youssefel-khadem7885]

What rod is that!!!!! Can anyone help

[@bistroteamfishing]

👍👍👍

[@werenotfriends6243]

If they can just match Daiwa's BG 1500 then they'll have a good micro slammer for smaller saltwater species.

[@henrygilbey302]

I don't know the Daiwa BG reels

[@MarcinKantor]

it turns out you get what you want if you keep giving out about it long enough. They probably couldn't have listened to you any longer lol Looks like an awesome option in all seriousness

[@henrygilbey302]

not sure they were aware of my "asking", but I am so glad this reel now exists.............!!

[@Olzone2]

i just want to know when i can buy one!! (sweden)

[@henrygilbey302]

Sorry, not sure

[@odr3027]

Jujujuju🔥🔥🔥🤙🏻

[@sybmundy6223]

What about the auto bail trip

[@henrygilbey302]

I only ever manually flip my bale arm over, and I have never had the bale arm on any Penn reel "trip" during a cast

[@gregbarratt3270]

You must've been itching to tell us about it. It looks the mutts, in action.

[@henrygilbey302]

It wasn't easy saying nothing about it!

[@TheDerek1976]

it looks like they have manufactured the reels to look similar to the Shimano SW series...

[@henrygilbey302]

really? Both versions look very much like Penn reels to me

[@TheDerek1976]

@@henrygilbey302 not sure who had the design in first instance to be honest. But i fish with the 1000 Stradic HG all the way up to the 18k SW HG. Fished just about every other reel over the years until i switched over to the Shimano SW series about 3 years ago. Try the Sustain 5000 XG for comparison. It would be vey interesting to see you compare to the Penn

[@Gio-nl7eg]

@@TheDerek1976 I’ve always used penn and am about to switch to a spheros sw

[@henrygilbey302]

I fish with Shimano reels and I love them, so smooth and light etc. But for surf fishing etc. when my reel often gets a drowning? Slammers all the way for me, I've seen too many Shimanos and Daiwas killed from a dunking

[@Gio-nl7eg]

@@henrygilbey302 that’s exactly why I’ll be trying out the spheros it’s ipx8

[@georgeadan5130]

💪✌️👍🥂

[@stripervince1]

First rule of surf fishing. Never wear waders on a jetty. If you fall in and they fill with water the outcome is not good. one gallon of salt water weighs 8 pounds, they could get 4 pr 5 gallons in there..happened to a guy at cape cod he almost drowned. Wet suit and corkers

[@dirtydfishin1578]

On the edge to get the 2500 or 5500 Idk yet

[@henrygilbey302]

not sure I can answer that for you, especially as I have never seen a Slammer larger than a 4500

[@dirtydfishin1578]

@@henrygilbey302 I want to use it for lures

[@henrygilbey302]

@@dirtydfishin1578 for the sort of lures I tend to fish with in the UK and Ireland it's the 2500 or 3500 for me

[@hownowbrowntrouttasmania7389]

I get more wind knots with my stradic 3000 fl then my penn slammer 3 4500

[@henrygilbey302]

really?

[@hownowbrowntrouttasmania7389]

That long stroke spool on the FL is a pain my ci4+ and fk's were good. but over all the fl is a better reel just dont try to throw to the moon.😃Daiwa certate lt 2500 and penn slammer seam better as well but still sooner the FL just for refined meant

[@henrygilbey302]

@@hownowbrowntrouttasmania7389 You should not be getting problems with the long stroke spool. I don't believe that the longer spool is giving me any more distance as Shimano claims, but I don't get any problems with it