PENN Slammer III Spinning Fishing Reel review and price compare 2025
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Product overview
Brand
Penn
Material
Stainless steel;Metal
Hand Orientation
Ambidextrous
Color
Black Gold
Handle Material
Stainless Steel
Item Weight
1 Pounds
Bearing Material
Stainless Steel
product features
Full Metal Body, side plate, and rotor
CNC Gear technology
IP6 Sealed body and spool design
Sealed Slammer drag system with Dura-Drag
6+1 stainless steel bearing system
product description
The PENN Slammer III is back by popular demand. Built for heavy duty fishing from either boat or shore, and trusted by charter captains all over the world. The Slammer III reels feature our new IP67 Sealed System which keeps water out of the gear box and drag system. We're also using our updated Slammer Drag System which now utilizes our proprietary Dura Drag material.
product details
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
Product Dimensions : 6 x 6 x 4 inches; 1 Pounds
Item model number : 1403982
Date First Available : October 18, 2016
Manufacturer : Pure Fishing
ASIN : B01IDEP2DE
important information
you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you
Questions about PENN Slammer III Spinning Fishing Reel
Q:
Are these the newer models that have a bearing in the line roller or the older ones that have a line roller bushing?
Answer: Just got mine in if you are still wondering, it had the bearing so it is the new model
Answer: He said yes but there 2 questions I wonder which he is saying yes to ?
Answer: Yes...
Q:
Whats the best rod (length&action) for the 3500 ???
Answer: 6-7ftdepends what your targeting. Can’t go wrong with the carnage II rods.
Answer: It really depends on what you are trying to do, are you on a boat, shore, freshwater, saltwater, etc...
Q:
can you use this reel for saltwater and freshwater both?
Answer: Yes, these reels will work in freshwater and saltwater, just make sure you select the appropriate size for your intended use.
Answer: Yes, you can use the reel for both, just keep in mind the size of the reel vs the type of fish you are targeting, a 6500 is a overpower reel for trout or bass in freshwater, just an example.
Answer: Unless you surf fishing.,,, there is no point to spend over $240 on reels. I started surf fishing 3 months ago, only Fish fresh water before.,
Answer: Someone obviously failed to read the product description, or simply doesn't understand how fishing reels work. If you actually do a little research and READ, it's amazing the information and knowledge you can gain. READ PEOPLE!!
Q:
What is the difference between 5500 and 6500
Answer: Drag is higher in 6500 and line capacity. I purchased 7500 as I use it for trolling, but 5500 is good enough for inshore trolling, kayak... The 5500 drag is 40lbs... 6500 Reel phisical size is also bigger than 5500
Answer: Drag and line capacity
Answer: weight & line capacity.
Q:
Why are they red now I want a gold 4500?
Answer: The 4500 only comes in black and gold. Only the two high speed reels: 6500HS and the 8500HS have the red and black color scheme.
Q:
Have had this reel a few months and it makes a clicking noise when I reel. Anybody else have this?
Answer: Sounds like the bail trip is hitting on the rotation the clicking is in the same spot when you reel remove the spool and see if the trip is sitting properly look at the Schematic of the reel then put your spool back on and is sitting level
Answer: Mines not that old and it makes noises as well, I’ll stick with daiwa and shimano, penn is surviving off there name nowadays
Answer: The reel should be smooth when you turn the handle. It's probably a factory defect.
Answer: Take it to a penn authorized dealer, a spring may have broken in a gear
Q:
What is the best rod I can use with 10500 ? , coz it is 60 lb drag , so it means that I can catch more than 300 lb fish , so I need strong small rod
Answer: 7'6" carnage
Q:
Wanted to use the 10500 for fresh water cat fishing is this a good reel
Answer: A 10500 size reel is usually reserved for the ultimate fish targets, giant GT's, Big Sharks, Marlin, etc.. etc.. Not blue cats. 10500 is not needed for your application. If a slammer is on your buy list I would recommend nothing over the 4500 series.
Answer: It is a big reel don't know of any catfish that would need bigger than a 6500, unless you are trying to speed reel in a 60 lb catfish with 200 lb line and the full 60 lb drag in which case be ready to yell duck as you rip that 60 pound fish out of the water. This reel is over kill for anything smaller than a 6 foot shark assuming you want to play the fish some. I own 4 10500's they are huge and heavy but a great reel none the less. If bigger is always better to you, you will love the 10500.
Answer: 10500 for catfishing wth!
Answer: Hi
Answer: Great reel but seems way to big
Answer: I use the 6500 it’s plenty, definitely shouldn’t need more than that
Q:
What size reel do you recommend for an 11 ft St Croix mojo surf spinning rod?
Answer: I own 3 st. croix rods but my slammer III 400 is mounted on a Tsunami Air Wave 12' fast action rod with 4-6 oz lure weight. I Honestly see No problem putting your Slammer III on your 11' Mojo rod. The Slammer III is a Fine reel. Tested at Assateauge, Md., Delaware and OBX N.C. Go for it!
Answer: Depends on your target species. Blues/Bonitos? Try a 4500 with 20 lb braid. Big stripers? Get a 6000 with 30 lb braid. An occasional shark? Go big. You can also size your reel depending on your lure weight. Down here in FL, my set-up is a 9'6" shore jigging rod with a 4500 Slammer III
Answer: 6500 is good all around surf rod size it depends on what line weight your trying to run and fish you're chasing
Answer: 5500 is plenty tough for most species. I use the 7500 exclusively for land based shark fishing. It’s a tank.
Q:
does the 5500 come with the gold knob ??
Answer: I think they have both black rubber and gold knobs if it’s newest version you are buying
Answer: Yes
Q:
How are you selling them for so cheap?
Answer: CHEAP???
Answer: Once or twice a year they run discounts on these reels but not all of the time.
Q:
¿Cuándo estará disponible el tamaño 4500 y 5000?
Q:
why is my reel making noise out of box?
Answer: I put mine back in the box and it stopped. A little hard to cast but no noise.
Answer: Try removing bail handle then reinstalling. It’s possible bail handle was not seated correctly. After reinstalling and if noise persists, box it up and return immediately for a replacement. Do not just wish noise will go away - it wont.
Answer: Not sure what kind of noise the reel in making, my reel does not make any noise and operates smoothly.
Q:
can it be left hand or rght hand or both
Answer: Left and right
Q:
Why is it red?
Answer: High speed Models are red. More line reeled in per crank
Answer: Because Penn used red paint on the fishing reel. Red paint looks red. Hope this helps. Right
Answer: No idea my penn slammers are gold.
Answer: Because it's the High Speed version with a faster retrieve but less touque
Q:
does the 5500 come with the gold knob ??
Answer: I think they have both black rubber and gold knobs if it’s newest version you are buying
Answer: Yes
Q:
Do you ship to Mexico?
Answer: no
Q:
Which specific size is this for $199? 3500? I can't seem to find the answer in this listing.
Answer: 3500
Answer: 3500 is the size it’s in the middle
Q:
Can i get an extra spool for the 7500 and change lines easily?
Answer: You have to order that through Penn/Pure Fishing, but sure, why not.
Q:
How much of 40 lb braid does it take?
Answer: Over 400 yrds. of 40 lb braid
Answer: Model 5500 holds 335 yds of braided line
Answer: Bit over 500 yrds
Q:
Can i use this slammer 3 4500 to fish for sharks?
Answer: Really small ones, sure...maybe casting to Lemon Sharks on the flats. If you're targeting Blacktips, Spinners, or anything that size or bigger, I'd go for the 7500 at least. Sharks test heavy gear and destroy light tackle. The 4500 would be considered "light tackle".
Answer: I have not used the The Slammer 4500 to fish for sharks. But is has been ideal when casting for Mahi.
Answer: I used a bigger reel for my shark and sturgeon fishing from 5500-8500.
Answer: Most certainly you can 4500 has 30lbs of drag. paired with the right rod perfect!
Answer: Big sharks? Well, no Heather, you might want to upsize a few notches.
Answer: Yes, I've used it for sharks, however the 6500 would probably be better for medium sized sharks.
Answer: Yes I have landed some up to 60 lbs I can't attest to larger ones because if I see they are 7, 8 ft I cut the line because it will take me an hour to get them tired out. I have to say I'm very satisfied with the reel. I have also landed so 40lb cobia with the reel.
Answer: depending on your tackle,sure ! 100lbs or less,its a great reel
Answer: Probably not I would go up two sizes!
Q:
Is this a 10500?
Answer: Depending on what you have selected...i purchased the 4500 and it has been perfect for me...when you press the image it will give you an option to select any model ..
Answer: I order one and is a 4500 when you select the item it will ask you wich one you want they have all models look for the one you want to send it to your cart ...the one i have it has be excelent
Answer: Yes it is.
Q:
Will this item be eligible for monthly payments again soon?
Answer: never
Q:
Whats a good size for offshore yellowfin in the gulf of mexico
Answer: There is a wide span of size of these tuna - there are 40 pounders and 200 pounders. A basic outfit would be this slammer and 50 or 60lb line on a 60 lb rod. That'll cover most. For heavier fish, farther offshore, I'd recommend a heavier trolling rig, or a downrigger.
Answer: 6500 and upwards dependant on the size of the quarry.
Answer: I'd say the bigger the better for yellow fin tuna. The more line you can put on the better you'll be, but bigger is heavier.
Q:
Does the reel have brass gears
Answer: Yes for the main gear. You have to do so digging because nothing is published only CNC Gear Technology. Part number 1418972 is the main drive gear for a Slammer III 3500 which when you look at it in a schematic it shows it as brass gear. Hope this helps if you need anything at all when it comes to Penn Reels please let us know.
Q:
What size cover do I buy for this reel
Answer: I bought a medium, it has plenty of room because I store mine with the handle loose.. Small is snug and fits perfect.
Q:
Is this Penn reel authentic?
Answer: yes it is 100% authentic reel.i brought 2 reels works prefect.
Answer: Yes smoothest drag ever
Q:
I need the 4500
Answer: Yes it’s the best
Q:
what manufacturing this reel?
Answer: The reel is made from China, great reel, it’s worth the money spend
Q:
Is the 6500 good for sturgeons?
Answer: I've had shark to 100lb an amberjack to 65lb. Sturgeon will be no problem.
Q:
I took my real fishing in Canada and every time the spool was in the up position the bale would get caught on it. Is that supposed to happen?
Answer: Which model do you own, I have the 6500 model and you need to flip the bale manually.....!
Answer: I never had that happen to me could be a defect, they should replace it no problem.
Answer: I would say no i use mine a lot and don't have any problems
Q:
Is the slaiii6500 a high speed reel?
Answer: I consider it high speed as I got it for fishing poppers and catching wahoos for fast retrieve
Q:
Is the 5500 the equivalent of a 5000?
Answer: A little better in line capacity. The drag is much better on the slammer. Able to set by 1/4 lb per click. 90" 65lb sail handled no problem on the 7500. Great reel.
Answer: I can tell you the drag in my reel is not right. I put line on it, and will have to contact Penn to get this right. Bought a gosa a week later and its perfect. Regret my slammer III right now
Q:
How much lbs. Of drag on the 8500?
Answer: 50 pounds
Q:
What road should I use fo the 4500 reel
Answer: What kind of fishing are you going to be doing? I own 4 slammer III's. Great reels
Answer: 6 1/2 foot. penn
Answer: 7 foot medium to medium heavy rod
Q:
What is the difference between the 3500 and 4500 is the drag and gear ratio are the same? Why does the line capacity of 10 pounds mean?
Answer: Yes the drag and gear ratios are the same. The 4500 can accommodate up to 10 Lb. test line and the 3500 6 Lb. test line. The 4500 weighs about .5 lbs. more
Answer: 3500 is a little lighter and smaller than 4500. I have both sizes, and both are solid reels. 320yds/10 lb is the amount of monofilament fishing line the 4500 can hold.
Answer: It will take up to 30 pound Braid
Answer: How much you could put on the reel
Q:
We’re my stuff? I have not received nothing
Answer: the rod mount broke because its made from pot metal
Q:
How many spool included with this reel?
Answer: 1 spool
Answer: Mine had one.
Q:
Has anyone had these checked to assure authenticity ?
Answer: I’ve order two Penn reels, the 450 and 550 Slammer reels. I have maybe six other Penn reels including Ss and international models. They are definitely authentic.
Q:
Can i get one thats made in usa
Answer: These reels no longer made in USA ????????
Q:
What model has the most drag
Answer: Both 9500 and 10500 have that same 60 lb drag. They have exactly same specs this the exception of line capacity.
Answer: 10500
Q:
Also what would be a great rod to match with the 10500?
Answer: Depends on what you are fishing for. It has serious drag and you can fight a pretty heavy fish. In the boat a thick stand up rod works well. I just fought a goliath grooper with a smaller clash with a diawa beefstick and the pair did great.
Q:
Would this be a good with the a st.croix tide master?
Answer: Yes I have 3500 slammer on tidemaster medium light . And 4500 on tidemaster medium. But I recommend spending extra money on st croix avid inshore medium with 4500 I use for everything from bass to juvenile tarpon
Answer: Sorry but I have no experience with that rod or what you application is. Reel is awesome. If you are looking for a featherweight reel for inshore fishing, might be heavier than you want. I have 2 4500s and a 3500, and I love them.
Answer: I love my tidemaster, paired with a 3500
Answer: depends on the length of the rod and the action of the rod and your style of fishing I usually will check a rod in person to see how i feel the balance is on my hand
Answer: Depends on what species you’re targeting, and size of reel.
Q:
What weight line is recommended for the penn slammer lll?
Answer: It depends, Slammer III comes in several sizes I have the 6500 and I put 50# braid line on it.
Q:
Difference between penn slammer111 Nd oenn saltist??
Answer: Not sure if you meant to write “penn saltist” ?? Only brand that sales a model “saltist” would be Daiwas and the slammer out performs that times 10.
Q:
The Penn Slammer 3 was revised in the past, which revision is this? The bar code on the box should state the revision number.
Answer: Its a good reel brother, but it.
Q:
What reel size would you get for summer for fluke/sea bass fishing off a boat in NJ.
Answer: 3500 easily but get a 4500 for more versatile applications and other species. flounder can be caught on a zebco.
Q:
Anyone have any problems with these slammer 111., these prices are really low??
Answer: Not sure about this model, but my Penn Slammer III's with Carnage II rods and 65lb braid are mean machines. With 50lbs of silky smooth drag, same Dura-Drag system as their International's, whether jigging, casting, trolling or bottom dropping, get the hookup and there isn't much out that it can't bring home
Q:
Is this the new version which has the line roller bearing
Answer: I would think so because they were all sold out at the time on Amazon. I purchased mine in August 29, 2018 and confirmed it has the New line roller bearing and not the bushing. Thanks to Tackle Advisor YouTube. ????
Q:
What’s the best length rod for the 10500?
Answer: Minimum 10-12ft length rod, especially if you're on-shore.
Answer: Depends on what you are fishing for and where you are fishing. It’s a big reel. That first eyelet on the rod needs to be large and far enough away not to stress your line when reeling in. So, that being said, it will take a 12’+ rod easily. A heavy boat spinning rod will work well to.
Product reviews of PENN Slammer III Spinning Fishing Reel
DWinFL : “Reel” Deal!
Just need to trust your instinct, this is the “reel” deal! Stop scrolling, and get it heading your way!
Yucky808 : Penn Slammer III 4500, Perfect Size for Everyday Fishing
This reel is amazing!!! This reel replaced my Spinfisher V 4500 and it’s a GREAT replacement!!! Nice weight, light enough to handle a nice whipping session and you can just feel the power for such a small reel. Line spoiled perfectly even, not ever the slightest cone shape. I believe this reel will last long, even with daily saltwater fishing!!!
RUDYAKAHALIBU77 : Cast it over a hundred throws in 2 hours
Number one, the Bell never closed on me yet. The size of this reel is 6500 and does not have an automatic bail trip it is manual which makes it ?% accident proof. Some reels have a automatic bail trip so you can start reeling line right away. If you throw lures and plugs on shore you'll know what I'm talking about. The bail automatic trip will engage soon as the handle starts turning. Some people as they throw their lines hard the handle is free to move which causes the automatic trip to engage causing lines to snap and lures donation. Finally caught my first striper on this reel , it's always hard for me to break in New gear, got the skunk off now it's time to play. The reel is very smooth and the dual drag is nice and tight. Love that they included the foam knob for cold weather . I like the aluminum knob much better for now looks and feels awesome.
Hica : Penn SLAIII5500 solid and beautiful
The Penn Slammer SLA5500 is solid and beautiful reel. The combination of the colors black and gold makes it very pleasant to the eyes. Feel strong in the hands. This reel with the appropriate service will give many years of use. The only things that don’t like if not relate to reel itself, but I had son hesitation to keep the reel because I think that the reel was returned for someone to Amazon; means that it was a open box or returned reel sell as a new.
Josh Frazetta : Best Reels
These are the best reels we have ever owned. We love these. We’ve caught some huge meals with them.
SJB : Worked great first time out
Bought 7500 for offshore jigging / popper fishing out of Texas. Worked great first time out, no problems. Caught lots of red snapper in the 10 - 15 pound range. Pulled them up quick and easily out of 100+ feet of water tossing a Williamson Vortex 7 oz jig spooled with 65 lb depth hunter braid and 50 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Steven M. : You Get What You Pay For.
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. “
Ken Suzuki : Bought a reel and ordered replacement still messed up.
I ordered a replacement reel as the first one had grinding noise when i reeled my line in and the drag was so tight even when i had it so loose. The replacement reel i received is still messed up. I don't understand how a $250 reel would be doing all of this. I'm very disappointed. I don't think i will be staying as a Penn customer because of this. I'm missing good fishing because of this.
Sharphew : Built like a tank for surf fishing
I have used this reel for surf fishing and wading in the surf during pretty rough conditions. After heavy usage, not a single drop of water has been found even under the drag knob. I have dunked the reel too. Still the reel operates flawlessly. Onl drawback is the drag knob is little tight when using light lines under 20lb
Junkman1231 : one of the best 2500 reels I have ever used
one of the best 2500 reels I have ever used. I bought 2 more . remember you get what you pay for. a little more $ and a lot more function and less headaches!
kannan : Product did not lasted long from seller Sports man Outfitter
I got a Penn slammer III 5500 April 2018 from US. Then I brought it to India through my friend. Initially the reel was silky smooth and with in few months I see some roughness while cranking on an off. I took it for only few fishing trips in 1.5 yrs. All of a sudden the reel did not crank properly when the fish was on few days ago. And the line was not striping out of my reel. Apparently my reel handle got broke due to this effect. Very much disappointed Penn is producing reel with such manufacture defect. The reel life comes to an end in just 1.5 yrs with few fishing trips.
Brian Allyn : Great Penn Reel
During our recent move, one of my reel got broken. After spending a lot of time researching for a quality saltwater reel, i chose this one. This reel has been great so far. Was a littler bigger than I expected, but after 4 months of use I am very happy with the reel.
Gregg R. Goldstein : Used Reel
The reel looks used and put back in the box. Water drops on reel. Update...kept reel. Cleaned and tested. Great product.
Cindy Goodwin : Great reel
Bought this for my husband for his birthday. He loved it. Penn is excellent quality and durability. Can’t wait to eat some fish from his efforts .
Josh Frazetta : Best Reels
These are the best reels we have ever owned. We love these. We’ve caught some huge meals with them.
Relentless : Awesome, Amazing, Great!
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!
Amazon Customer : It takes a good size fish to take line off with drag on ...
5 stars except for one big complaint. The drag is way too tight even at the lowest setting on th 3500. I occasionally back off the drag when I leave my reel unattended so than it isn't drug in to the water. This would never work with this reel. It takes a good size fish to take line off with drag on minimum. I'm apparently not the only one with this complaint. I found a message board online that said taking out the lower seal fixed the problem. Although I was a bit nervous taking about doing surgery on this beautiful new reel, i did it. Taking out the lower seal was a piece of cake and completely fixed the issue. The real is now perfect, perhaps a work of art, except for the fact the drag is no longer water tight. I fish mostly freshwater and don't plan on dunking it so it's no big deal. Its now comparable to my spinfisher 3500 which I love as well. Its still frustrating. Penn boasts about a 30lb max drag, and even with the seal gone, I can tighten it to where it's quite hard to turn. But why would anyone need a 30lb drag on such s small reel? This drag system seems appropriate for a bigger reel but not the 3500.
Minus the lower seal, I love this reel. Albeit no longer water tight. Its is smooth, ore
B & L : Great high value Eggbeater option
It’s no secret, there may be one other spinning reel on the market that can hold its own in this reels price category. Half the price of the cheapest Van Stall reel, and smooth as a Stella. I am very pleased with this reel
kannan : Product did not lasted long from seller Sports man Outfitter
I got a Penn slammer III 5500 April 2018 from US. Then I brought it to India through my friend. Initially the reel was silky smooth and with in few months I see some roughness while cranking on an off. I took it for only few fishing trips in 1.5 yrs. All of a sudden the reel did not crank properly when the fish was on few days ago. And the line was not striping out of my reel. Apparently my reel handle got broke due to this effect. Very much disappointed Penn is producing reel with such manufacture defect. The reel life comes to an end in just 1.5 yrs with few fishing trips.
Ken Suzuki : Bought a reel and ordered replacement still messed up.
I ordered a replacement reel as the first one had grinding noise when i reeled my line in and the drag was so tight even when i had it so loose. The replacement reel i received is still messed up. I don't understand how a $250 reel would be doing all of this. I'm very disappointed. I don't think i will be staying as a Penn customer because of this. I'm missing good fishing because of this.
Patrick Gibbons : Penn’s Stradic Series
I’m a huge fan of the Shimano Stradic Series, but I’m also a huge fan of Penn durability. this reel is like a combo of both. Don’t be afraid to downsize to the 3500. It holds more line and has 6 pounds more drag than the 4000 Stradic. I could go on, but this reel is a better, more efficient Stradic. You will want to replace all your inshore reels with this series.
Gregg R. Goldstein : Used Reel
The reel looks used and put back in the box. Water drops on reel. Update...kept reel. Cleaned and tested. Great product.
Michael Aksionczyk : Be sure to look at the reel.
The slammer 3 is an amazing reel. I have 3 of them. But this was some kind of sick joke. Some one put a penn fierce 8000 in a slammer 3 9500 box. Obviously I am returning this reel, but seriously.... how did this happen?
Amazon Customer : It takes a good size fish to take line off with drag on ...
5 stars except for one big complaint. The drag is way too tight even at the lowest setting on th 3500. I occasionally back off the drag when I leave my reel unattended so than it isn't drug in to the water. This would never work with this reel. It takes a good size fish to take line off with drag on minimum. I'm apparently not the only one with this complaint. I found a message board online that said taking out the lower seal fixed the problem. Although I was a bit nervous taking about doing surgery on this beautiful new reel, i did it. Taking out the lower seal was a piece of cake and completely fixed the issue. The real is now perfect, perhaps a work of art, except for the fact the drag is no longer water tight. I fish mostly freshwater and don't plan on dunking it so it's no big deal. Its now comparable to my spinfisher 3500 which I love as well. Its still frustrating. Penn boasts about a 30lb max drag, and even with the seal gone, I can tighten it to where it's quite hard to turn. But why would anyone need a 30lb drag on such s small reel? This drag system seems appropriate for a bigger reel but not the 3500.
Minus the lower seal, I love this reel. Albeit no longer water tight. Its is smooth, ore
Kelly Mcdougald : Penn slammer III
Simply a solid reel. Does have some heft to it, but it is a really solid and well built reel. I’ll buy another before long! I absolutely love it.
Ken Suzuki : Bought a reel and ordered replacement still messed up.
I ordered a replacement reel as the first one had grinding noise when i reeled my line in and the drag was so tight even when i had it so loose. The replacement reel i received is still messed up. I don't understand how a $250 reel would be doing all of this. I'm very disappointed. I don't think i will be staying as a Penn customer because of this. I'm missing good fishing because of this.
Amazon Customer : Worth it for saltwater environments
Worth the extra money to get this model if you think you’ll get it in the water. Especially saltwater. I use mine on the jetty rocks and wading in surf. It’s gotten dunked in ocean while I was grabbing fish. I open it up every few trips (easy to do). Never seen water or salt deposits. grease it up real good while you’re in there and you’ll never have an issue. O-ring material seals are throughout reel. good for kayak, jet-ski, or surf/rock/inlet fishing. Gotta love the handle too! It comes with a soft rubber one also. Easy to change. No auto-bail bar return. Once you cast, you have to flip the nail with your hand. Reeling the handle won’t flip it. Awesome reel. Worth this price if you have the need for a sealed body. Little extra bonus is that it uses the same drag system as the Penn International reels.
Trevor P. : Love this reel
I have no complaints. Love the reel, the handle, everything is wonderful about this reel. Spend the money, the quality compared to lesser Penn models night and day. The spinfisher 6 is a very close 2nd if you are trying to pinch a few pennies. The fierce and battles don’t even come close.
El bicho : Buena compra
Muy buen carrete el lanzamiento velocidad de recojida muy buena y se mira muy bonito la palanca para la recojida se siente tan cómoda que vale la pena lo que se paga por el carrete
Alan : A Beast of a Reel
An all around beast of a reel. Drag those Heavy Grouper, Amberjack off the bottom or that Red off the flats. This reel checks off boxes off for me. Fresh water, saltwater, it will do it all and not break a sweat! Like any tool, you get what you pay for!
An Phu Danh : Used Reel
I bought the reel thinking it was a brand new reel. The box was open and bent out of shape without the factory seal. The reel handles showed clear signs of previous use. If I'm going to spend this kind of money on a reel, I would expect the description to match the product advertisement.
Spencer J. Lazara : Line gets caught in side of reel
My braid gets caught in the side of the reel and causes unwanted problematic friction. Very disappointed with this expensive reel.
Healbone : Ready for the shore!
This is a heavy duty reel (6500) It weighs more than other brands of the same size, but this isn't necessarily a reel that you will casting lures with all day. I bought it to pair with a 10ft surf rod for fishing on the Gulf of Mexico. Very smooth gears. We'll see how it does in a month.
Rob F. : Best bang for your money
Great reels Would put them up against my torque’s Best bang for your money
J.Kaveri : For a 3500 size reel the minimum drag is crazy strong
Who runs 50+ lb braid on a 3500 reel? I want to put 20lb on this and I think the line will snap before the drag gives an inch. On the bigger reels that level of drag makes sense but on the 3500 size its way too much.
carmenagain : Fishing reel
My son loves it. He said it's so smooth. He's the avid fisherman and he's very happy with his new reel.
Ismael Rivera : Best Reel I own!!! 100%
Although my package got lost in delivery and I was forced to buy them elsewhere, the reel is amazing! I definitely recommend you buy this reel. Light weight and waterproof! I ended up getting my refund for the lost package but this price you can’t beat! You won’t regret it.
Junkman1231 : one of the best 2500 reels I have ever used
one of the best 2500 reels I have ever used. I bought 2 more . remember you get what you pay for. a little more $ and a lot more function and less headaches!
white dove release : One wish off the dream bucket
A great fishing rail from Penn always wanted one now I got it who's the man now look out everybody
Southernrecon : Best on the market
Want the best on the market? Here it is. There are monsters below us, and this with a Chad Ferguson rod will handle them.
Doug N : Love the Slammer III
Excellent reel! Use it for grouper fishing in 100-200ft of water. Reels like butter, drag is king! Running 80# J-Braid.
Amazon Customer : Worth it for saltwater environments
Worth the extra money to get this model if you think you’ll get it in the water. Especially saltwater. I use mine on the jetty rocks and wading in surf. It’s gotten dunked in ocean while I was grabbing fish. I open it up every few trips (easy to do). Never seen water or salt deposits. grease it up real good while you’re in there and you’ll never have an issue. O-ring material seals are throughout reel. good for kayak, jet-ski, or surf/rock/inlet fishing. Gotta love the handle too! It comes with a soft rubber one also. Easy to change. No auto-bail bar return. Once you cast, you have to flip the nail with your hand. Reeling the handle won’t flip it. Awesome reel. Worth this price if you have the need for a sealed body. Little extra bonus is that it uses the same drag system as the Penn International reels.
Avid Outdoorsman : Received 2 both defective the out of the box
Do not buy a reel from this company first reel I received supposed to be brand new the bail will not flip over so I send it back an they sent another one on it's place when I receive this one it has the same malfunction the bail won't flip over either has a broken bail spring or it popped out of place just very odd that two brand new reels have broken bail spring right out of the box I own close to 20 penn reels an never had problems. Now this will end up wasting 2½ weeks of my time an I still have to go buy another reel only plus is at least I get my money back
Include the details : Great, smooth big game reel
Very impressive reel and built like a tank! I was surprised to feel how smooth it is being such a large reel (6500). I'll be using this paired with a heavy fast St Croix rod on Muskies but purchased it mainly for Great Lakes salmon & trout because of its tremendous spool capacity for those runners. Was first impressed when the handle smoothly rolled to the bottom when I picked it up. The dual set of bearings in the grip are so smooth they spin like a top. Mega powerhouse drag system is very smooth. I have a ton of rods & reeds in my arsenal but this is the best addition I've added in years.
Ismael Rivera : Best Reel I own!!! 100%
Although my package got lost in delivery and I was forced to buy them elsewhere, the reel is amazing! I definitely recommend you buy this reel. Light weight and waterproof! I ended up getting my refund for the lost package but this price you can’t beat! You won’t regret it.
Katrina Tohm : Gears failed
Gears blew up after 1 year and 2 weeks. No commercial exposure and it seems like Penn doesn't want to warranty it. That's unfortunate because I have thousands of dollars in Penn reels and now I'll be switching to either Shimano Saragosa or the Quantum Cabo. Sorry Penn but the truth hurts. A $200+ reel should be backed by your company. Tight lines.
Jason L : Penn Slammer lll 8500
It's a Penn Slammer. There's not much else to say. Tough as nails and it has more usable drag than you will ever need. I got the 8500 and paired it with a Penn Carnage ll jigging 80200. Pulls big reef donkeys off the bottom with ease. I would definitely recommend to anyone.
Henry R : Better than expected
The Penn Slammer 3 is one of the best fishing reels out there. Very balanced, smooth, very strong shafts and gearing , water proof, which is extremely important in a salt water environment. It's a great reel for my light tackle fishing. The reel came neatly packaged, on time. And Amazon shipping was fantastic.
Rafael : Small reel = monster fish
Beast of a reel. Caught some nice tarpon with it. Even the 4500 i purchased can handle some monster fish with ease. Fantastic reel
Josh Frazetta : Best Reels
These are the best reels we have ever owned. We love these. We’ve caught some huge meals with them.
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