Anyone tried the Penn Battle combos? I was looking at possibly getting the 3000 setup for trout, flounder, and reds (this would primarily be my lure rod, casting about 1/8oz jigs and lures). I know the fierce combos didn’t get good reviews so I was just wondering if the battle combos had the same negative ■■■■■■■■ or not, thanks guys.
I have it. Bought it at Haddrells a couple years ago. I’m not a guide so I don’t use it every day or anything, but I have had zero problems with it. I would buy it again. I bought a 5000 combo too. Don’t use it quite as much though.
The Battle is an excellent reel for the money. I have 3 of the 3000’s and have caught everything the local waters have to offer on them…from big reds to bonnet heads out in the harbor. Great drag on that reel. Can’t speak on the combos as I don’t have that rod…One of mine is on the Penn Legion rod, which is a great match to the reel.
The Battle will do you well for all of the inshore species - bait fishing and for tossing artificials - although if you want something a bit smoother for all day casting trips may have to step up to the next pricing tier (not that the Battle isn’t sufficient)…caught some reds on top water plugs in the 28-30 inch range over the last few seasons in the Wando and the reel held it’s own just fine.
I bought one last fall (2000 series), was initially impressed with it and still am as far as the reel goes. The only thing I have had happen was the riveted handle broke and I am not exactly sure how. I just went to move it one day after fishing and then rubber part was laying on the floor of the boat. Granted, I did have three combos laying horizontally in the floor of the boat rather than in rod holders.
Talked to Penn, they offered me to send it in, explained they would look at it and determine cause of failure and replace if within a year and I had proof if purchase and receipt. Unfortunately because it didn’t come with a box, I didn’t keep the receipt so I bought a new handle for $15.
Caught some toads on it last fall sight fishing though!
I have the 3000 and my handle broke in the first year. IT sits in a rack and is handled carefully so it was not abused. Other than that it has been fine.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
It is what it is. Its a 99$ reel in a 120$ combo. That doesn’t leave much for the rod…
For throwing artificial you want smooth and light. For sure! The penn battle is a great 100$ reel, but a 20$ rod is just that. Go feel a shimano symetre 2000 compared to a battle 2000, pick which one you like better. I would pick a 2 over a 3k reel any day for fishing plastics. Keep in mind both are workhorse reels for their price point. Load it up with 10-20lb power pro. Then try them on a shimano teremar, star stellar lite, or St. Croix mojo inshore. In a light or medium light 7’ fast tip. Figure what you like best, put 235$ down and you have a BA price point combo! Shimano and Star do a lifetime over the counter warranty replacement too
14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”
quote:
Originally posted by yakman72It is what it is. Its a 99$ reel in a 120$ combo. That doesn’t leave much for the rod…
For throwing artificial you want smooth and light. For sure! The penn battle is a great 100$ reel, but a 20$ rod is just that. Go feel a shimano symetre 2000 compared to a battle 2000, pick which one you like better. I would pick a 2 over a 3k reel any day for fishing plastics. Keep in mind both are workhorse reels for their price point. Load it up with 10-20lb power pro. Then try them on a shimano teremar, star stellar lite, or St. Croix mojo inshore. In a light or medium light 7’ fast tip. Figure what you like best, put 235$ down and you have a BA price point combo! Shimano and Star do a lifetime over the counter warranty replacement too14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”
Right on, Yak. Well said.
“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”
Thanks for the advice guys! So I figure I should probably get a different setup, from what I’ve heard I think I may get a 2000 instead as this will be almost all artificials, would the pen fierce suffice or should I really pay the extra for the battle (note I don’t go fishing nearly as much as most of you)? And I was also thinking about getting a Penn Allegiance of some sort to match the reel, something around 1/8-1/2oz and then fill it with 15 pound braid, I really appreciate the advice guys! Also I’m welcome to more advice, just know I’m in the ~$120 range but will spend a little more if need be.
WS Tarpon 140
I see you want a Penn. Penn reels are great reels, as are shimano. But the name doesn’t make a cheap reel better. 100% go with a battle over fierce. The fierce has less drag, less bearings, heavier, and won’t hold up. A penn battle 2k will hold up well, and is all around a better reel than a fierce. Spend as much or more on the rod as you would on the reel. A 120$ combo isnr something you’ll be greatly impressed with throwing arties IMHO. But since your budget is pretty tight, the battle combo could suffice for the time bring. But you’ll want to replace the rod after a while, or after you fish somebody’s nicer rig. Which could eventually cost you more in the long run.
It’s ultimately up to you. The best advice I can give you is go into one of our LOCAL stores and get a feel for their old girl… see what you like
14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”
Bought the 4000 & 6000, $49 for each reel. So far they have been great.
The Penn Battles are the best for the money. I have 2 Penn Battle 4000s and a 3000. I acutually have one of the peen combo reels on the 4000 still and it works great. Good luck.
Did Yak really recommend we go into a local store and feel their old girl? What have they been teaching at Hadrells? Have the Battle 3000 on Stellar Lite and love the set-up. About to buy another Battle reel. Have a rod to put it on for now but will be matching it up later with another Stellar Lite. Go with the Battle, it will serve you well. As Yak noted, you can always upgrade the rod later as a next step if you feel the need.
Battle 4000 combos $99 right now at Haddrells
Free Power Pro also with a Battle 3000 purchase also at Haddrells right now
Great reel/combo. Got several. Those conflicts are even better!
Sundance K16
quote:
Originally posted by yakman72It is what it is. Its a 99$ reel in a 120$ combo. That doesn’t leave much for the rod…
For throwing artificial you want smooth and light. For sure! The penn battle is a great 100$ reel, but a 20$ rod is just that. Go feel a shimano symetre 2000 compared to a battle 2000, pick which one you like better. I would pick a 2 over a 3k reel any day for fishing plastics. Keep in mind both are workhorse reels for their price point. Load it up with 10-20lb power pro. Then try them on a shimano teremar, star stellar lite, or St. Croix mojo inshore. In a light or medium light 7’ fast tip. Figure what you like best, put 235$ down and you have a BA price point combo! Shimano and Star do a lifetime over the counter warranty replacement too14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”
yakman, please do not recommend the St. Croix Inshore Mojo…I have 4 and had a hard enough time finding those. The less people that know about them the happier I will be because hopefully I will be able to find them easier…thanks
quote:
Originally posted by DownLowDid Yak really recommend we go into a local store and feel their old girl? What have they been teaching at Hadrells?
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>I was thinking the same thing!
I love my Battle 2000…it’s a sweet, sexy, little thing…and like yak said, do yourself a favor and get a good rod with it…no need to put spinners on a pinto…
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
Penn legend is a good match for it. I also have two battles on St. Croix rods. Good luck.
Sundance K16
I actually have 4-4000s, 1-3000, 2-6000s. Two of the 4000s were combos, I did it just to save on the rod at the time. They have not disappointed. The 3000 and the other two 4000s are combined with St. Croix rods which really makes the reel that much better. The 6000s are for cobia and offshore, so I just went with beef at the moment. I have had the 4000 combos for a year now, and again, have had no problems and they have held up well, even when I have gotten under a dock or two and snagged the rods standing up in the back of the yak.
Sea Hunt BX22 Br
WS Tarpon 140
Go with the 2000 for artificials. Top it off with invisibraid.
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
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the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
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that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
quote:Hahaha sorry! Its my civic duty to help the public. I special order mine through haddrells. Takes a couple weeks but well worth it
Originally posted by Mericaquote:
Originally posted by yakman72It is what it is. Its a 99$ reel in a 120$ combo. That doesn’t leave much for the rod…
For throwing artificial you want smooth and light. For sure! The penn battle is a great 100$ reel, but a 20$ rod is just that. Go feel a shimano symetre 2000 compared to a battle 2000, pick which one you like better. I would pick a 2 over a 3k reel any day for fishing plastics. Keep in mind both are workhorse reels for their price point. Load it up with 10-20lb power pro. Then try them on a shimano teremar, star stellar lite, or St. Croix mojo inshore. In a light or medium light 7’ fast tip. Figure what you like best, put 235$ down and you have a BA price point combo! Shimano and Star do a lifetime over the counter warranty replacement too14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”
yakman, please do not recommend the St. Croix Inshore Mojo…I have 4 and had a hard enough time finding those. The less people that know about them the happier I will be because hopefully I will be able to find them easier…thanks