Penn Slammer III Spinning Fishing Reel

This feedback is based on initial assessments as a true review could take months of use. I just got mine last week. But I want to share some info I think is important. It is well built; it is smooth; and it does have a lot of drag. That said, like most things, it isn't perfect. First off, the elephant in the room...yes, it is the current 7+1 version. Penn stated in a forum post on Stripers Online website that all reels made starting September 2017 were made with the line roller bearing. As you will see from the photo (L18) that mine was manufactured in December 2018, and it IS the 7+1 model. I first purchased one from my local shop and returned it when I found out it was the older model. FYI, the sticker with the code is on the reel after you take off the spool. Pros: 1. Well built, including all machined brass gearing 2. Well sealed - IPX6 rated. I actually like that there is a 3rd party verification and rating system used here. I am not a fan of Shimano's "X" ratings and "Core" ratings. It's just marketing names. 3. Smooth drag; I admit I haven't used it in full practice yet, so take that with a grain of salt 4. Smooth action; it is smooth, but not as good when put next to Daiwa. Those are ridiculously smooth. The Slammer feels very slighly geary next to those. But not enough to complain about it. Cons: 1. Minimum drag - same complaint as everyone else; you can remove the drag cap and still not go very low. It's odd. I will say this one I have from Amazon is better than the 2 year old one I initially purchased from my local shop. Drag feels a little lighter. In practice it will likely be fine matched up with the 20 lb braid I'm currently running. According to Tackle Advisors, the minimum he experience was about 1-2 lbs. It feels close to that, but didn't bother to measure. Value: Well, value is subjective and personal. I will say I think the jump from the Spinfisher VI to this is appropriate. You primarily gain 2 extra bearings, a brass main gear and what I feel is a better handle. If you don't care about the little extra smoothness from more bearings, and the handle isn't important to you, the Spinfisher VI is better deal, especially at 6500 and above (where the main gear becomes brass like the Slammer). According to Tackle Advisors, the sealing in the VI (not the live liner models) is the same as the Slammer. In that case, you nearly get a Slammer for 2/3rds the price. For me, I noticed the extra smoothness of the extra bearings, and I like the handle so much better that I was going to put the Slammer handle on the Spinfisher VI anyway. Even with the current cost (as of today) of the Spinfisher VI 4500 at $142 and the cost of the Slammer handle at $65 on Ebay, that's $207. That's better than the $250 of the Slammer III 4500...except I got the Slammer III 4500 for $187 on Amazon. Soooo, that's a no brainer for me. I think I got a good version of a good reel. I think will work perfectly for my inshore Florida needs. And I believe at $187, it is a great value.

I have two Penn Slammer III 7500's paired with a Penn Carnage II medium/heavy 7 ft 50/100lb rods, both spooled with 65lb PowerPro braid. With 50lbs of drag, using the Dura-Drag system, the same silky smooth indestructible drag system as Penn International's, you will NOT find a better spinning reel combo for the money. This is an awesome general all purpose rig! Whether you are bottom fishing, high speed or slow pitch jigging, trolling, or casting, from Snapper, Cobia, Amber Jack, Kingfish, Mahi, to Grouper, Blackfin or Yellowfin, this rig won't disappoint! Infinitely better drag system and more line holding capacity then any other in this class such as the Daiwa BG. If you are looking for a general purpose, all around offshore spinning rod / reel combo, look no further!

I have fished these two reels head to head for over 2 years. The Penn is far better than the Shimano Stradic as far as construction and durability. This reel will not let you down. It has been in the mud, immersed in saltwater many a time and is as smooth as the day it came out of the box. Worth the money

Best reel I’ve owned! Super smooth. The 4500 series Slammer is light enough that even an old guy like me can cast all day long with it. Has plenty of muscle for the Colorado River stripers I’m chasing and is light enough to use for big smallies. Sorry but this is the only reel I own that friends and guests cannot use! That’s selfish but this reel fits my hand perfectly. It’s “fishing destiny”

Solid reel. Performs as expected. Smooth, durable and a joy to use all day. This is my second Slammer III, and I’m very satisfied with both. You can chalk this up to Franklin’s adage that “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. “

I cannot be more satisfied with the product. I had this on my wish list for a while... After lots of reviews, I finally bought it. This will become my boat casting, trolling and jigging reel. I will write a detailed review after a fishing trip in a couple of weeks to Costa Rica Central Pacific tour... Will share pics and review. Pura Vida! Just to give you a sense of what you can catch with it... I pulled it with no effort, this reel is a monster!

According to the prices I've seen, I got a really great deal on my reel. It came nicely packages and the line spooled on it evenly. I haven't had the chance to test it in the water yet but I'm really looking forward to it. I paired it with my 7'6 star rod and ascetically it may be one of the best looking combos I have to date.

Reel arrived within 2 days. Packaged exactly as if walked in store to buy. Opened up to find it was well greased and ready to go right out of the box. Everything was as expected, nice quality built reel. Heavy at almost 15oz for a 4500 reel but it's a Penn Slammer 3. Happy and excited to have added this to my collection of Penn's. Thanks to Amazon and Penn for making this product obtainable.

Its reach faster then expected. The reel is in good condition. The only bad thing is its deliver to your doorstep but not inform lucky im back in time to take it. Overall its a good buy.

Excelente calidad, un poco pesado pero por su uso se requiere que sea robusto. De estética 10👌🏻

Moulinet excellent, excellent rapport qualité prix, très bonne prise en main , Moulinet très bien équilibré... attention à bien choisir le taille en fonction de la canne et son type de pêche...

Sin dudas el mejor carrete que eh tenido, lo utilizo tanto para jigging porque es muy suave pero es extremadamente fuerte. Tunas, Jurel yellowtail, mahis, cabrillas, baquetas, pargos, huachinangos, de todo eh capturado!

Encore un bon moulinet penn, juste un peu lourd mais au moins on sait qu'on peut aller au charbon avec !