PENN has built its reputation on producing tough, reliable reels, and the Battle IV continues that tradition.
I purchased the Battle IV 5000 as a dedicated casting outfit for the Solomon Islands, primarily for throwing smaller stickbaits, casting heavy metals into tuna bust-ups, and working lures across shallow coral flats for coral trout and other reef species. After plenty of hours on the water, it’s proven to be a solid performer.
The first thing that stands out is the construction. The full metal body and sideplate give the reel a reassuringly robust feel with no flex under load. It feels built to last, which is exactly what most anglers expect from a PENN reel.
The trade-off is weight. The jump between the 4000 and 5000 sizes is substantial, with the 5000 coming in nearly 200 grams heavier. If I was spending an entire day casting soft plastics for snapper, I’d lean towards the 4000. For tropical fishing, heavier lures and larger fish, the 5000 made sense and balanced comfortably on a 25lb-rated plastics rod.
On the water, the reel felt smooth and powerful. The CNC gearing provides a solid retrieve and the oversized handle gives plenty of leverage when a fish digs deep. I landed several quality coral trout on the setup with tight drag to avoid them digging into the live coral. The HT-100 carbon fibre drag never looked troubled. With 11.3kg of drag available, there was always plenty in reserve when things got serious.
Line capacity was another standout. I loaded the reel with 400 metres of 30lb braid, which provided more than enough insurance when casting offshore and targeting fast-running pelagic species.
One feature I wasn’t expecting to test was PENN’s Hydro Armour sealing system. During the trip I accidentally dropped the reel overboard. While I certainly wouldn’t recommend making a habit of that, I rinsed it thoroughly, pulled it apart for a check afterwards and was pleasantly surprised to find no signs of corrosion or saltwater damage. It’s not a fully sealed reel like PENN’s premium Authority range, but the extra protection clearly gives it a fighting chance in harsh saltwater environments if you look after your gear properly.
There’s also a High Speed version available, which would be well suited to anglers spinning metals for tuna and mackerel. I opted for the standard retrieve ratio, which better suited my fishing with plastics and smaller surface presentations.
At an RRP of $239.99, the Battle IV 5000 represents exceptional value. For a reel that offers a full metal body, strong drag, generous line capacity and the durability PENN is known for, it’s difficult to find a better package at this price point.
Pros
• Excellent value for money
• Strong full metal construction
• Smooth HT-100 carbon fibre drag
• Large line capacity
• Comfortable oversized handle
• Hydro Armour sealing adds useful protection
Cons
• Heavier than many competitors
• Significant weight increase from the 4000 to 5000 size
• Not fully sealed like premium models
More info at pennfishing.com.au.
