Penn Spinfisher VI Review (Top Pros & Cons)

[@Twilight777Dancer]

I love Penn’s. They dropped behind in new designs for awhile, but came back with many competitive designs in recent years. Some of the old workhorses still sold. Are 209, 309, Jigmaster, Senator, simple but strong. I have several models of Spinfisher and love them all. Unfortunately due to nerve damage in my hand, I can no longer use spinning reels for casting. So now I am looking at Penn Fathoms.

[@floridasurffishingjcaprice3077]

The most important "PRO" for Penn Reels is the widely available replacement parts. I have Penn 700's and 704's still working in the surf. The 700's I bought over 50 years ago. Sure they are heavier, their gears are bronze and steel rather than cast zinc. Many of my friends have very fashionable, sleekly designed, expensive spinning reels that are out of service. If you want a reel that will last your lifetime, (I'm getting close to that last cast), buy a Penn.

[@armandorjusino]

Last 3 words, best advice on fishing world, keep on casting fellow angler.

[@adamyoung480]

Aloha, have 400-900 series, at least one of each. Been using them 20-30 years. Take care of them, get them serviced occasionally, and they will last.

[@NCTraveller]

EXACTLY. I have two 704Z reels dated from 1983...awesome reels, still going strong.

[@kaiden8588]

Legend 🤙🏻

[@monkeyslap]

True OG

[@rdh9155]

I have been using Penn Spinfisher vI 4500 and i really like it ...

[@popsfishing]

Finally a company that knows what its doing! That gasket thing is great!

[@jacobclark89]

Now i dont have to rtv glue my side plates any more !

[@monkeyslap]

@@jacobclark89 Butyl rubber tape, brotha!

[@zanderlz5909]

Who else like the heavy feeling of the penn reel

[@Gio-nl7eg]

Funny thing is if you compare other brand reels of equal Line Capacity then penns are commonly equal or even lighter than other brands. Just compare this to the Saragossa.. the Spinfisher vi is actually lighter

[@brickcity9mm327]

If it doesn't have some weight to it then it's garbage. Penn doesn't need to make their Reels fancy and light weight just because you said so!🎣🤦‍♂️

[@alexrodley2650]

@@Gio-nl7eg and the saragosa has almost half the drag, a 9500 vi has about 20kg, a 10000 gosa has 11kg

[@Gio-nl7eg]

@@alexrodley2650 I just find the whole "penn is heavy" such a funny thing to say.. the problem is people either aren't comparing the line capacity's or if they are then they're only comparing a reel to a slammer lmao

[@alexrodley2650]

@@Gio-nl7eg yeah haha, the only fault with my 9500vi is the drag clicker being quiet, apart from that, a 200 dollar spin reel with 20kg of drag, and big line capacity, I don't really have a fauly

[@williamelliott4444]

Penn Reels: If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. I don’t spend a lot of money for something pretty. I use my money for something that works and Penn’s customer service has always been very good with me for the rare occasion that a reel would happen to fail.

[@williamwinn948]

first penn i ever owned was the slammer back in the 90s loved that rod

[@josueperalta2773]

I just bought a a Penn Spinfisher VI 8500 for $168 at a reel and rod shop in Port St. Lucie Florida… no brainer🙌🏾😎

[@armandorjusino]

Penn reels are workhorses, they can not only handle water but every species they are put against, I have two SS bought more than 30 years ago and with just proper care they are in excellent working condition, a very long time ago my grandpa told me once, "if its heavy, it is good", don't be discouraged by weight, quality and performance comes at a price and at Penn it is not just about money, it is more about weight.

[@Gio-nl7eg]

Surprised he didn’t mention the value in cnc gears and how smooth the reel actually is because of that

[@robertdejonge3607]

I have nothing against Penn reels, I fish with several brands. But using CNC gears to promote performance is nonsense. Just about every reel made in the last 10 to 15 years has CNC gears, nothing out of the ordinary. Anyway Penn is improving, only the weight is still something they need to work on. Other than that, top class reels!

[@Gio-nl7eg]

@@robertdejonge3607 I can’t agree, I don’t see many other reels in that price range with cnc gears especially not 10 to 15 years ago

[@Gio-nl7eg]

@@robertdejonge3607 and cnc gears actually do improve the smoothness of the reel

[@robertdejonge3607]

@@Gio-nl7eg I agree to disagree ;)

[@jpapa967]

@@robertdejonge3607 Daiwa and Shimano do not offer CNC aluminum or brass gears in their $100-$150 spinning reels, if anything they're still using cast zinc in most of their reels that price range. Daiwa's $200 Saltist still uses cast Zinc main gears

[@stevebond9054]

Thanks for an unbiased opinion. I’m sure other comments will come through as the reel is used. Comments help development. Without development we would still be tying line to the end of a stick. Would enjoy being part of the insider club, but based in Botswana don’t really see the point.

[@texassaltwaterlife4374]

When it comes to any saltwater fishing i want a tank( except for inshore) i have reels from penn that i have had for 20 years ...if u take care of it it will last.....Great review Mark

[@brickcity9mm327]

Likewise, I too have penn's that i purchased over 20 years ago.and they still work seamlessly without any issues. The majority of my Reels are Penn's.wouldn't have it any different.

[@wilbertbenjamin9928]

Yes I love my penn reels have6 off them

[@mhyatt82262]

My first Spinfisher 6 was delivered today and this video sold me on it. This will be my first IPX rated spinner. Honestly I had to keep double checking on the size after taking it out of the box. I guess I thought it would be much heavier and honestly thought they sent me the 6500. The weight and size of what I’ve been using t.....wo DAIWA BG 8000, Penn Wrath 8000 and two Penn Fierce lll size 8000. The Spinfisher 8500 must be aa bit lighter. It’s about the same size as my other Penn reels but not quite as large as the BG. Anyway I am happy with the feel of it and from what I can tell, the larger size Spinfisher 6 are about the same as a Slammer 8500 and $100 cheaper. My daughter has already claimed it and It’s likely that I’ll be getting another one in the near future. We like to surf fish in the gulf and we are inadvertently rough on spinning reels. Like getting excited at resting it on the sand. Thanks for the information and cool videos.

[@Colonel1Bravo]

I’m in North Mississippi, I can’t wait to get back down to the gulf for some surf fishing.

[@c21jim2]

I have 2 slammers and one 6500 spinfisher live liner - SF wins my vote and lands 30" grouper with no problem. If you are fishing live baits or squid, give the live liner a try. It really is a fun reel for Gulf fishing, especially when drift fishing. TIght Lines

[@ozzievanstraten3854]

PENN reels are like AK-47's, can get beaten up and mistreated but it will always work. I live in South Africa and we are known for being really harsh on our gear, dunking it constantly, wading out, winding underwater etc. The Spinfisher is popular here because it works.

[@patrickkerner1471]

Wanna get a 4500 longcast for surf fishing. Team it up with a 9' penn prevail rod. Love the combo

[@bgarcia856]

I hate that they took the gold handle away and saved it for the slammer. I liked the metal name plate on the drag nut. Now it’s just painted on.

[@aventurapescuitvlog]

Penn the best,the only reel I trust in the kayak fishing

[@GreenLeavesGrower]

bought this reel , first time I went to use it and had my drag set WAY WAY too lose . Im fishing on a storm wall in falmouth , literally 2nd cast I make I see my reel fly off my pole about 25 feet and land in the water . luckily i was able to find the reel but lost the drag knob . spent the rest of the day drinking away my pain

[@sanmiguel5698]

Why has this comment not got 100 likes? That is hilarious!

[@GreenLeavesGrower]

@@sanmiguel5698 hahaha . Yep . Lost a brand new $17 popper too , I wasn’t very happy .

[@flightpro777]

Haha yesss this exactly happened to me 2 years ago during my first fishing experience. I had set the drag way too loose… Spool ended up flying! and Landed in the sea water. It was night time and somehow I managed to retrieve my spool. Lost the drag knob too :( Luckily penn has many spare parts and everything can easily be fixed. My 5500 wasn’t affected by that incident and still runs like a breeze!

[@brandonsherfield868]

I love both of mines. 4500 in 5500 on the surf

[@felixvargas4112]

But Penn's drag sound is SOOOO ADDICTING!!! BEST SOUND ON THE MARKET!!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@ccol009]

I like the weight and don’t mind the weight. I like to know that my reels are TOUGH, DURABLE AND STRONG! I simply go down to a smaller reel size from PENN. And for my heavier reels like my 8000 PENN Fierce II and my PENN BATTLE III 8000 HS reels I just use those for live baiting (cast sit and wait style of fishing) rather than repeatedly casting lures

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SOSick691]

Can I use the 8500 for shore fishing?

[@joeneary1]

911 still one of the best designs thats been refined over the decades, just like the Spinfisher.

[@truthsower4560]

Which one would you prefer to match with a surf rod -- Spinfisher VI or Daiwa BG MQ? Both are in the same ballpark in price.

[@Saltstrong]

Honestly, can't go wrong with either one! BG MQ is definitely the lighter between the two.

[@kencleg7721]

My tuna 146 s and 140 squidders still cast out to 100 yards retired currently catfish baitcasters Parts my Penn 114 h sold along w all bottom 0/9 06 s Great rock cod reels w 5 lb window wieght s Penn been a one and done reel still have them 50 years later

[@michaelscherer3311]

good point on the new gasket. But could you possibly use a gasket seal product like we use on cars/trucks/jeeps? It does remove... Any thoughts on this? I was thinking on testing this on some low end lines spinning reels and see how it does.

[@samerbouez]

The more important difference between the standard and the long cast is the oscillation speed, not the spool size.

[@justincarrigan4549]

Thanks for the information!

[@eiriklindmoen6498]

what size is this?

[@BULLISHGUY-fg3so]

I love Penn reels ! They are like TONKA!

[@Saltstrong]

Absolutely!

[@alexpadilla9870]

hello, one question, there are some penn slamer iv in alie express at a good price, they are original

[@___-rt9xv]

How much is the price of Ben Spinfisher Vl8500 and is there shipping to Saudi Arabia

[@ioijiopjkiopjkp]

Everyone says these reels are not as smooth as other reels. This is true when it's new but once run in they become butter smooth. It took about 3 months for my SSVI6500 to smooth out and now it's smoother than my BQ MQ and Spheros reels.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the info!

[@bidhanjoshee4542]

Can you swap handle to the right?

[@bornfree8073]

Yes

[@David-fu2bp]

Hola, son compatibles las bobinas del ssv y las del ssvi? Gracias

[@brickcity9mm327]

I'm a owner of a 💩 load of penn's old and new and they all work seamlessly without any issues. And as in design and weight it doesn't bother me at all. Built to outlast your lifespan.

[@TimNye850]

Good review.

[@tallguy312]

Can this reel be dunked in saltwater? Or should I get a different reel for surf fishing?

[@Saltstrong]

We don't recommend dunking any reel in saltwater, but it happens! Just rinse them off after every trip.

[@Backlashed]

00:24 "The Vee Eye series, some people call it 6". lol, yes those that read roman numerals call it six.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@classifiedsincebirth]

can I replace a standard spool with a longcast spool on the spinfisher 6 6500? \

[@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.

[@alifishing2493]

Wish to have penn reels.

[@dennisquealy1803]

Good job!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks!

[@emilianoortiz3417]

Song at the end ?

[@christopherharris5209]

Can I order one from you

[@finrunnerfishing]

Nice reel

[@japinoybettajapan]

Simple but strong

[@paulhuval]

I do like there slammer series reels a little pricey but worth every penny when you need a dependable reel

[@brickcity9mm327]

News breaks, all Penn are dependable regardless of the price and series. As long as you take care of them.

[@vmorn85]

Are they still made in the USA

[@alucardhellsing1037]

Made in China. Like 90% of brands out there.

[@dailyhunter752]

Battle 3 dx or spinfisher vi

[@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.

[@lanaihunter2086]

I think as for the weight, most fishing applications where the Spinfishers would be used, weight is not a factor, as surfcasters cast then places the reels/poles in a sand spike or rod holder. Most wont spend $100 more on a reel for just lightness when buying a PROVEN reel line the Spinfisher. Boat spin fishing "now" is a whole different animal LOL.

[@jacobclark89]

I wish they made the bail wire from stainless like the old ones or better yet titanium .

[@Saltstrong]

👍

[@Thebankfisher]

The only benefit of the spinfisher over the new battle 3 dx is the seals....if you soak your reels all the time then it's a good choice but for the money the battle 3 dx has brass gears, and spring cushioned drag system ...much smoother drag than the spinfisher ...

[@dartfrogger]

all of the guys complaining about "heavy reels" need to remember Matthew 21:17

[@leonotthelion]

Hahahahahaha nice

[@rraborn]

Why not buy only completely waterproof reels? Getting reels wet inside must be completely possible.

[@edwingill4725]

there is no waterproof reel.

[@rraborn]

@@edwingill4725 Why not? The technology has been here for years

[@edwingill4725]

@@rraborn it is impossible to completely seal the main shaft. Yes, there are ways to implement seals on a main shaft, however, in order for the main shaft to have proper movement, it can never be fully sealed. All fishing reels are susceptible to water corrosion and exposure. This is why there is no such thing as a waterproof reel. If you can invent one, let me know 😂

[@Machster10]

There is a difference between water resistant and water proof. A water proof reel is kind of a myth but you can get a fully sealed reel if you plan on submersing it. No need for that though and all those seals make a reel less smooth

[@ryankane9424]

Just picked up 2 6500s for 250!

[@Saltstrong]

Awesome!

[@dutruong6560]

Ship về VN giá sao

[@wilbertbenjamin9928]

That is funny I can throw a houndred yards with any reel no matter what reel it is

[@Saltstrong]

Good stuff

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Nice but expensive

[@R1Kyle]

Yeah pretty eye candy junk or something that will not let you down when you need it. That is a no brainer for me because gear breaking under pressure wrecks a fishing trip.

[@calebrabion]

I want functionality and durability, everything else is extra.

[@jakefromstatefarm9721]

Looks like someone in the parts department ordered way to many Penn reels and now has to make a video to reduce inventory.

[@aco2518]

Way too subjective of a review

[@sheenadigital2019]

Sounds like a Penn hater

[@ethanmarema2291]

First

[@THEKING-mh4uw]

Hi can you send one to me as gift

[@nicholassabella8338]

Nobody wants a pretty reel

[@kevinmunro5560]

How much bullsict you are saying Penn reels are the best in the game