Choosing a perfect spinning reel can be confusing, especially if you are doing it for the first time. Penn is a distinctive brand that has stood the test of time. Being in existence since 1930 and it remains a favorite to many tells a lot about the strength, quality and ability to catch fish.
Battle II and Battle III are two of the most popular spinning reels in their lineup. They are perfect for anglers looking to catch heavier fish species. The two are pretty similar in application and construction, and that is why people are caught in between choosing the better one. The decision of the better reel lies on the angler since every angler has their preferences.
More About Penn Battle 2
Penn Battle II spinning reels are rated for saltwater fishing. These spinning reels are made with an angler’s satisfaction in mind. They are made of high quality and durable materials. The spinning reel features a metal body, metal side plates and rotor, and five stainless steel ball bearings, plus an anti-reverse bearing that gets rid of backlash.
This spinning fishing reel also has an incredible HT-100 Versa-Drag carbon fiber drag system that provides an angler with the maximum drag. The drag washers also come with an exclusive grease that ensures the washer’s durability.
You can use a braided line even without a monofilament backing, as the spool is fitted with a rubber gasket, so your superline will not slip under pressure. The line capacity rings are marked at 1/3, 2/3 and full capacity.
Their sizes range between 1000 to 10,000. The 1000 and 300 series is the most popular due to their size, gear ratio and drag combination. The gear ratio of the 1000 to 5000 series remains 6.2:1. However, the 6000 and 8000 series have different gear ratios, with the 6000 series having a 5.6:1 gear ratio and the 8000 series having a gear ratio of 5.3:1, making them perfect for larger fish species.
Pros
- They are extremely durable
- Offers a smooth drag
- They have a sturdy build and firm side plates
- They are ideal for medium and big fish
- The anti-reverse bearing ensures there is no pullback
- They feature a soft-touch knob that ensures the anglers’ comfort
- The metallic body maintains precision gear alignment
Cons
- The 5000 to 8000 sizes feel a little heavy
- Some anglers experience rough retrievals
- The spool may loosen after sometime
More About Penn Battle 3
Penn Battle III spinning fishing reels like any other Penn reel are built with quality and durable materials. Penn outdid themselves in the third battle. The sizes of these reels range from 1000 to 10000. These reels maintain the smoothness and strength of Penn reels, making them perfect for saltwater applications.
The body and side plates of these reels are metal so that you can be assured of utmost strength. Additionally, the Battle III reels are powered with CNC gear technology that ensures maximum precision when fishing. The 1000 to 5000 series are equipped with brass pinion gear and aluminium main gear. The gear ratio of the battle II reels is 5.6:1, making them ideal for heavier and more powerful fish.
The powerful drag system of these reels allows you to work with the fish and withstand 100 miles of the line without damaging or wearing the washers. The Battle III reels also let you use a braided line without any backing due to the tailored rubber gasket. The five stainless steel gears and an anti-reverse ball bearing improve the power and speed during retrieves. The battle III reels also come with line capacity reels to identify how much line is left.
Pros
- They have an outstanding size range
- They are ideal for large fish species
- They feature a powerful drag
- The spool capacity is amazing
- The reels have a sturdy build and extreme durability
- The CNC gear technology increases the accuracy and precision
Cons
- The reels feel a little heavy
- They are not fully sealed
Penn Battle 2 vs Battle 3: What’s the Difference
1. Gear Ratio
The Penn Battle II spinning reels have a gear ratio of 6.2:1, especially for sizes 1000 to 5000, while the Penn Battle III reels have a gear ratio of 5.6:1. However, bigger Penn Battle III reels have gear ratios of 4.7:1 and 4.2:1.
2. Types of fish
Penn Battle II reels can be used for moderate and large fish since the smaller sizes are not very powerful. However, Penn battle III reels are very powerful, and they are built to only deal with large and heavy species.
3. CNC Gearing
The Penn Battle III features a CNC gear technology that improves the reel’s accuracy and precision. In contrast, Penn Battle II gears do not come with this technology making them less precise.
4. Max Drag
The maximum drag of Penn Battle II and Battle III spinning reels vary. Battle III reel is more powerful as the battle II spinning reel has a drag of 30lbs, while the Battle III reel offers a maximum drag of 40lbs.
Penn Battle 2 vs Battle 3: Head to Head Comparison Table
Final Impression
Penn spinning reels are perfect for anglers with varying experiences. Whether you are a beginner or a pro angler, you can be assured that a Penn reel will not disappoint. Choosing the best battle reel can be challenging. This article will help you make a decision on which reel to choose.
The Penn Battle II reel is perfect for anglers looking for moderate and big fish. It can be used in both saltwater and freshwater application and works perfectly for beginners. On the other hand, the Penn Battle III spinning reel is more powerful and is best suited for heavier fish species. In addition, it has a powerful drag and also has CNC gear technology included.
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