Shimano Will HATE This. Penn Slammer 4 Review (Teardown) 

This vs saltist mq vs gosa

I like all three penn, shimano, and dawia. I've caught 100lb fish on all of them. I love shimano drag clicker I love that penn comes with carbon fiber drag and I love how daiwa makes low gear ratio reels small and lightweight 👍🏼

Dude… killer video! I truly appreciate you taking the time for your reel reviews. Thank you!

Thank you for mentioning the lowest drag setting, crucial for me and exactly what I needed to know .

Appreciate your takedown review. Always had Penns and got my slammer 4s for like 149 each on black friday but am only loyal to quality so if they fail me will be quick to find something better. Thank you for honest opinions on everything it helps future buys

I've bought Penn Spinfisher IV 2500 and a Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500 at the same time. I fished them both equally off a jetski and gave them the same after use rinse. The shimano stradic had to go for repairs (under warrantee) then it died the following season and is now in a landfill somewhere. The Penn Spinfisher is still perfect and hasn't even had a service yet. I was so impressed with Penn Spinfisher that I went out and bought 3 different sizes of the next model up (Penn Slammer). I've been so impressed with them that I've now sold my Daiwa Saltist 4000 LTD and Shimano Saragosa to get a Penn Authority. I fish a lot here in New Zealand and I like Shimano, I have Talica 8ii and I've even just bought a Beastmaster 9000A electric, but when it comes to spinning reels, I now only fish Penn IPX rated reels. I also had a Shimano Stella 2500 FE which cost me over $500 in servicing in 3 years!! WTF. Sold it! I'm told it was an older fresh water reel, but never again. I'd rather have a slammer than a stella

I agree with you about the gear smoothness, all my Penns with brass gears have smoothed out over use. They become butter smooth after wearing in.

Love the narration about all the hidden bits and features you don't see just by picking up a reel in a store. I do wish the lighting was better though, it's very hard to see in some shots and dark in many others.

That's awesome that they realized the drag. Love the Slammer but the need for another setup for live bait is pain. Great review!!

Best reel reviews on RU-vid I’m excited to see the comparison video. Keep up the good work man

About the back up anti reverse on this slammer 4: honestly it doesn't matter much, sure, if you fish a 6500 with 20lb braid and just 5-10lb of drag it will help, but it will fail VERY quickly and I mean within just a part of a serious fight at heavy drag, a heavy duty reel like this with a ton of drag needs a stainless steel dog that engages in a stainless steel rachet anti reverse mounted on the pinion like in big Gosas, Stella's as well as medium and big Saltigas and Certate SW.

I've used a penn slammer , and saragosa before but found your page just about 2 weeks ago.love the content and I've been looking around for a strong big game reel and these reviews were very key in my search for purchasing a new reel

Can confirm the backup drag on the 5500. Should be about the same construction as the 6500 body and geartrain wise just with a smaller spool! Killer reviews, love the disassembly as I’m also a gearhead and the construction/engineering perspective is important to me!

Great review Ryan. I have never been a big Penn fan boy but will check out thanks

Nice review, but you skipped the seal they added in this model. You lifted the whole assembly out at 15:05 where if you separated the pieces you would see the two plates with the hydrophobic coating. It's a pretty innovative way of sealing without adding spinning resistance.

Awesome reviews mr Morie! I really enjoy them! I wanna watch a 21 twin power sw review as well! 😅

Wow.. I still have my 650S, All metal beast Amazing changes penn has made over the years. 💪

Absolutely fantastic review I now have a much better understanding of my slammer working conditions,my slammer continues be be faultless after 5 years of salt water fishing , I recently opened it up after my Alaska summer , I was worried that i hadn’t really serviced since new, well to my surprise it was as new inside perfect..very impressive..shall I upgrade to authority, I don’t think I NEED to but I might like to choose to, all brass seems to doing just fine on the slammer thanks for thx insight and education

love my old slammer three im glad to see that they fixed the high starting drag and made more usable drag like you said

I actually like the folding handle. Yes I don't store it with it dangling, but when I go on trips, I usually have my reels in a bag together and prefer the dangling over the actual removal of the handle. Only bc I don't want dust or dirt to get in the exposed hole. Just easier for me to travel with and so far, I haven't had any issues with them, as they are weaker to a solid handle.

The only question I have with the stainless steel version is how bad does/will it gall up? Granted if you keep it greased up well, it shouldn't be a problem.

Used Penn slammer III 8500 hs for 2 seasons of tunas fishing, I'm a believer, n ordered 10500 size today. It's a bit heavier than others competitors, but I will see how it works, the last slammer 3 caught over 4 dozen of tunas , some serious size n sharks as well. Still performing perfect with all my neglects and abusiveness, mim going out in 5 hours with the same reel for some more tunas again

Definitely remember my 6500hs coming undone that day, on a dink tuna while ebing no less. (16:40) Penn fixed it under warranty, easy day. Unfortunately the side plates coming loose has been an ongoing issue, I think exacerbated from the high speed weighted jigging handle. The regular 6500’s don’t seem to have as much of a problem, but I check the screws quite often and find them loose a lot. I’m curious if the slammer 4’s have the same issue. Anyways I have 9 slammer 3’s and they get fished hard on the charter boats every weekend, going strong with just routine servicing. Love the slammers series!!!

I am a penn, shimano, and an okuma guy now, I like my Vanford for finesse fishing for lighter stuff but you can go wrong with the old as dirt slammer 2: 760 live liner for very heavy live bait fishing. I recently caught a 55.5 pound blue catfish in a tournament with my 760 LL, pulled it in like nothing, I have also started using okuma Coronado cdx’s as well would very strongly recommend the reels I’ve mentioned

Awesome review, after watching the video in its entirety I am happy I went with the Saragosa. A $380 piece of equipment and they can't put a $2 bushing between some of those metal on metal parts imo is cheaping out. I have a Penn Battle II that hasn't been really tested yet and looking to get both of these on the water to see the difference between the two. The Battle I'll use for smaller fish obviously but I wanted something that I could take on a boat so I went with the Saragosa. As a previous mechanic anytime I hear metal on metal I cringe, sooner or later that will fail.

Hello, you are the best. Thank you for your wonderful videos, all of them are useful and educational. My opinion on reels in general is that all brands could make only one single model that could last forever year in and year out... but the true is: they put price tag on fisherman's fishing sessions by making their reels last for a certain period of time, and that is what I call it pricing your activity, example Peen lower grade reels can last so many times per fishing session but the next upgraded version will last a bit more. this is the case with all of them. See Daiwa makes so you can't even service their reels anymore. I have Saltiga, Stella, as well as Penn spin fisher V in sizes 20000, Okuma cheap one as well as expensive one, all of them but every time I look at them it's kind of annoying, it is kind of like these manufactures are asking me or anybody who wants to go fishing: okay, how many times fishing??? and that is exactly how many times their reel can last, and it has been designed very carefully in that way....one time fishing? two times fishing?? or three times fishing??? or maybe perhaps few times fishing per year????. You get my point? It is the same with all manufactures these days. Once up on a time you could buy a Penn reel as well as Abu Garcia reel and it could be passed on to your next loved one, but it is not the case anymore. Anyway, like I said you are the best and I really love your vocabulary as well as contains of your videos. Thank you. And lastly to make Shimano and Penn more irritated, I am hoping both of these Companies really deserve you such a nice person that spend your valuable time on their products. Amen.

BTW, Penn rules the east coast, and I have 2 Penn pursuits and, living in Wisconsin they don't get much ocean time, but they work really good with no problems. My dad caught a 33in muskie, and there under 100$

Best part of the penn 4 is I got my penn 3 for $100 off!

Have they fixed the bail screw loosening and falling out which the pen 950 is renowned for ? I’ve had it happen a few times on different pens

Great video bro. Penn seems to be upping their game even in the lower model. I recently tore down a pursuit 4 and was surprised at the upgrades. The down side to penn is that they are heavy 😂😂😂

nice vid Ryan! I always enjoy these

On the point of a folding handle , that is very useful if you are surf launching kayak fishing and you normally have to fold the handles in to get them in the hull ,as rods and hooks are not the best if the surf wants to dish out what surf dishes up, also on the side plate screw coming loose ,,, ? all spin reels have the option of left and right handle mount , the load from the handle is transferred through the bearings and into the sideplate,enter stage left gear case ORING, the design should be that the dowels on the side plate bottom out allowing for enough crush on the seal to stop water ,while allowing the plate to be fully in contact stopping flex ,keeping gears aligned, and holding the plate solid , The other is that the dowels do not bottom out and you screw the retaining screws down to full plate body contact ,,,hope you get my drift.

I'm at home with anything made by Penn, I have many, just got a pursuit 4 4000 lc which is super light weight. I also own a few Shimano's and they're great quality. I dnt think you can go wrong with either brand, it's about preference.

I believe that metal disc should be facing down, the one that makes the clicking metal sound. So yours seems to be upside-down... not sure if it makes any difference but, could be that the reason of you have that tight bail clearance that you showed. I've fully loosened the drag knob, just catching the first lap on the shaft tread, and still reasonable clearance to flip the bail open. Great video mate, thanks for that.

Good video Ryan, I’m a Saragosa & van staal guy but I was able to get a penn 6500 dx model online from tackle world shipped to me

I'm a bigger guy and don't mind the added weight of the Penn. I'll take that extra weight for how solid the all aluminum body feel. The Slammer 3 & 4 have been good to me. It's not the Saltiga I go to in 8000 size and above but if does well. Going to try the authority.

I like the text on the reels because after about a week the box if there was one it is long gone Also I have a tendency to take my uncle’s reels and fish with them and the text is very helpful I am now considering buying a few of these

What is penn short with to compete shimano n daiwa is 1- using heavy cheap alum grade 2- low tolarence 3- lower QC 4- locomotive along with accute spool lip angle . Still i like them for the overall good quality vs price.

Hola muy buena review!! Existen repuestos de guiahilos en el mercado para este modelo de carrete penn?

Ryan would love to see you do a review on the new penn authority

Never had a problem with backing screws on the side plate of my slammer 3 since I bought it way back 2019. Did 2 pms on it already and surprisingly it is a lot smoother 🤣

I’ve been waiting for this review for months

Hello,I'm looking to purchase a slammer,what rod do you recommend, and braid or mono,and which one,thank you.

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?

they are great reels my mate got 12 them and 4 penn slammer 4 dx 8500 they are great jig reels we have got 45kg GT on them no issues so far

Great video. I'll definitely go with the 7500

what is the weight??? and how many cm is the winding in one turn…

Iam choosing to either buy saltist mq, slammer, or the gossa can some people tell m what they prefer please

Can’t wait for comparison video

When will they start putting a bearing on the bottom of the main shaft.

how much line does a penn slammer 4 holds?

Is the clicker plate backwards?

I love the reel reviews though they are very helpfull one more thing you will find is that most of those sealed bearings are bone dry when you flip the seals off, ONE of the main things on all spin reels is that highly neglected line roller ,personally i cant understand why they have never just integrated the line roller into a bearing, when you really take the time and study how spin reels work the only time the roller is not working is when the bail is open , the profile has to be small to match the oscillation ,but for the size of that roller its like having skateboard wheels on your boat trailer ,,,if you get my drift.

Will you be doing a review on the DX model?

Hi Ryan, thanks for another informative video. I was looking at the specs for this reel and was thinking about getting the 5500 but after comparing the price and weight i kinda lean towards the 6500 which is only 2 oz heavier at the same price. in what scenario can 5500 be more advantageous over the 6500? thanks in advance

What size is this slammer if you dont mind me asking

I’ve been using a Penn Slammer 5500 in the Fla keys for a year now it’s the best.

Hi Ryan! Appreciate your reviews! Was wondering if you have got the chance to use the Penn Authority yet? I am looking at buying a couple Spinning reals for Off Shore kayak fishing. The reals are going to be pretty heavily exposed to Salt water. Considering Saragossa's, penn slammer, Penn authority

Ryan, great review brother.

What is the best gear ratio with a 15:32 4500?

Recived my penn slammer 4 3500 and .... the line on the spool is concentrated on the bottom, try to remove the plastic shims but no joy, i sent the reel back.

the spool shaft is made with some titanium coating like the slammer 3 and actually not the best material apprently. The shaft screw can be easily stripped overtime when adusting the drag knob. i had mine replaced twice within 3 years of use on my slammer 3 back in the days of fishing. I wish they made it in stainless steel. otherwise it is one of the top bang for buck reel. I was hoping for something new for the shaft on the slammer 4.

Even in penn lower model reel like the pursuit 4 have the backup anti reverse

When are you taking apart that vs250? 👀

Crab Snaring from Shore. Monster Pole; Ugly Stik Bigwater10', 6-12 oz lures. Need affordable "Monster" Reel? Any ideas??

I'm one of those odd balls. I am a Penn and Shimano guy. Penn is great for budget friendly to mid grade stuff and Shimano for the mid to high end stuff. Can't go wrong if you stick to that formula.

What best reel penn or gosa or mq?

Great review. Thanks for sharing.

Have one and very satisfied, thanks for sharing.

For300 bucks what is warranty and do they have customer service or just lip service

the only penn I've ever had get destroyed was a old 6/0 senator the got smoked by a 800lb plus Maco that ate my fish i had coming up. i fish 5-6 days a week and their spinning reels have been reliable ... been thinking of trying other brands but my penns just keep fishing on

Hey I’m looking to start a new arsenal of fishing rods what reel do u recommend daiwa saltist mq or shimano saragosa swa

avec la vidéo, on a une idée de la qualité des toutes les pièces et de leur emplacement à l'intérieur du moilinet sans se risquer de l'ouvrir aveuglement la première fois. Avec mon Penn Slammer IV 4500 Hs c'est vraiment un bonheur d'avoir fait le bon choix de manier un tel bijou. minute 25.22 👍 Merci ! from Morrocco

You should have a look at Spinfishers VI 7500 and bigger, really not much different to the Slammers but way cheaper. Same sealing apart from at the line roller, and no power handle but I prefer no bearings in the handle. Big bronze gears and big drag numbers, super smooth after some use. The drag in the Spinfisher completely destroys the Spheros drag, not even comparable really. I've tested both side by side.

As again another banger of a video I noticed that if that’s the actual orientation of the clicker cup it’s flipped from the slammer iii my slammer the cup is flipped the other way so maybe that will help with the noise it makes I also have noticed on my slammer the side plate screws backing out and I’ve caught it before anything happened otherwise tank of a reel I treat my slammer like a van staal

Right on the outside is the weakest link of Penn reels. The bail arm. It looks to be the same as the Slammer 2. I've see many a broken Penn bail arms I wonder if they know about it.

I would like to know which is the strongest Penn reel (not conventional reels) max drag force, thanks

I Always like to open up, and clean and re-grease or and oil my reel components As needed. Once you understand the basic mechanics of a reel, it's nothing too complex. However, i Have always worked as a tool and Die Machinist, so mechanically inclination comes natural to me.. lol

My bell hit my spool like that bc I have my drag very lose for sharks and it dose that bc I flip the bell then titened the drag so the shark fills no presher then I can hook set it

I believe the part you are calling back up anti-reverse, actually holds the rotor in place when casting, preventing the rotor from spinning and closing the bail mid-cast.

Most reel manufacturers use a brass alloy gear which is much stronger and not pure brass. I am not too sure about Penn gears. Daiwa now manufactures their new Saltiga gear with a proprietary duralumin. Actually having both main and pinion gears in stainless steel in my opinion is a bad idea. If your gears are not greased properly they eventually bind and seize.

Honestly, I like all three I own mostly penn cause that’s what I’m familiar with but they all definitely have there pluses and minuses just depends on your preference

I guess I'm a weirdo, but I do unscrew my handles and let them fold in when carrying them in a backpack for travel or to consolidate them in storage boxes.

So number 1 is saragosa and in case you can’t find it, get yourself a slammer. I think that penn still have to get 1 step further in rotor sealing which is an expensive task.

Great information thanks

Yo Ryan I’m thinking about buying a bailess slammer for sight casting cobia off the pier think I should get a new slammer or save my money for a vsx250

Great video Ryan keep up the good work. Great review on the Penn slammer 4. I'm a Daiwa guy myself. Penn still is a long ways before they can match Daiwa smoothness.

Because of this coming out I scored a slammer 3 6500hs for 150 new in box, looks like the 4 is a solid upgrade but I’m happy with the 3 so far as well. I really like the Daiwa reels I have and Shimano, Penn isn’t too far behind these days it seems.

Im still trying to kill my 2012 penn spinfisher 10500. After all those years catching fish I open it up last week and blue pen greese inside. Reel got dunked many times. I live in the caribbean we have no fishing season. The paint at bottom of the spool seems to be swelling though. Working perfect otherwise. Might get a slammer in a 6 or 8000 for jigging.

I have a pean reel frozen up on me never go back on it I like how looks but never go buy one because of what happened to my reel frozen up on me

aluminum handle ... rubber seal ... completely hollow ... opens with a coin ... i see what you did penn. thank you for thinking not just of the fisherman, but the fishermans friend too :)

A new line roller bearing is litterally less $2 just keep them on hand and swap them when you clean the reel.

Good & Honest Review

Penn is doing stuff that Shimano forgot about years ago. They have still have a long way to go to come close to Shimano's level of smoothness and power. Not to mention the weight factor too

Can you review the dx

love my penn slammer 3

Weight is the only issue I suppose?

Never had a problem with the slammers. Built like a tank with the drag to back it up. Yes they have some weight then again some guys lotion their hands. Pair with St Croix rods and not much gets away

Which one size is the same with shimano 8000?

Penn needs to step up one major area... increase size of main gear! Brass is cool and all, but hard to beat superior geometry. Seeing all these oversized gears in Daiwas and Shimanos makes it hard for me to consider buying a Penn