Penn Clash II Spinning Reel - Lightweight Saltwater Shore and Kayak Fishing Reel for Lure Fishing - Sea Fishing Reel for Bass, Pollack, Cod, Wrasse

I own several (spinning) reels of different brands in this price range (and less) and these Penn Clash reels are in my top 3 favorite that I currently own (Shimano Stradic, Abu Garcia Revo Premier, both in the same price range are my “current” favorite ones I use a lot). Let me also be clear that I’m “mostly” bass fishing in fresh water (very little inshore fishing in both brackish and salt water even though I believe these Penn Clash reels perform well for what they call inshore fishing) I have both the Clash1 and 2 (size 2500) reels and both are nice performing reels. Yeah, they are expensive, to me, being a middle class worker. But for the most part, I do think these reels from these reputable companies ( Penn, Shimano, Abu Garcia, Quantum to name a few) usually hold up well if fairly taken care of. My Clash1 is on a 7’ Lews custom speed stick and it’s frigging awesome (that may be my fav.). I’m not the biggest fan of Lews but I do like that rod. My Clash2 is on a 7’ GLoomis E6X and I’m pretty please with its performance also. The Clash2 feels a bit heavier than the previous model but it may have ramped up the durability. I have a Shimano Stradic 2500 on a 7’ St.Croix Moho Yak rod and an Abu Garcia Revo Premier 30 on a 6’’9” Johnny Morris(Bass Pro brand, really good rods, not cheap either) and I like these Penn Clash 1&2 2500 reels just as well. I do also own the lesser lines of Penn reels, the Conflict1&2 and Battle2 and those are also good performing reels. I’m telling you now, if you can get these at a deal, $150 or less, that’s a pretty good deal for this reel in my opinion ( FYI, date review written Dec. 2024). I paid full price when it first came out and I don’t regret it. That’s because I liked the Clash1 so much. Bottom line, if this reel is in the price range of reels your looking at, from my experience with my Penn reels, buy it. They all ( Battle2, Conflict1&2, Clash1&2) perform very well for the price at which I paid for them. When I mention performance, just to name a few, I’m talking about smoothness of reel operation. Such as casting, reeling it in, the drag, bail tripping, etc…And as for a flimsiness feeling, none, feels solid. There are a few light weight reels that sort of have that feeling. Even though the ones I have hasn’t failed. Just the feeling it gives. BTW…I do own a Quantum Smoke 30 on a 7’ St.Criox Moho Bass and I do like that set up, It also performs well also. These are all Spinning reels I am talking about by the way!!! But if these are too expensive, look at the Conflict or Battle line of reels. They do really well for their price point. Shimano and Abu Garcia reels in the $100ish price range also perform well for the $$$ I found. I have a few. It does suck that I read reviews of grinding and crap, due unsatisfactory manufacturing most likely, which obviously sometimes happens. At the cost of the consumer unfortunately. But normally these products I mentioned in my honest opinion are well made, well performing products. KEEP IN MIND THAT IT HELPS TO MATCH THE REEL WITH THE PROPER ROD. It helps with things like wind knots and simply performance ( putting too much line on spinning reels will cause things like that. Not saying individuals with these issues did not do any of these things I’m mentioning, I sure ain’t no rocket scientist, not even close, nor any smarter than the average Joe). Read the reels recommended amount of line recommendation. You want the reel in-line with the rod/eyelets in a proper location or sweet spot. (Look it up online, there’s a few articles about it). I’m just hoping this helps cause at this amount of money this, and others I mentioned, line of reels cost, I personally would want someone’s HONEST advice. I do not work with ANY fishing company or have I received anything for free or at a discount. I’m someone that has probably WAY too many rods and reels that just like to fish. Good luck!!!

I am in love! this is the nicest spinning reel I have owned. The action is so smooth, and the build quality is outstanding. Incredibly light and gives the rod a great feel. I can cast a mile, and the retrieval rate is perfect for me. The reel is past what I usually pay for reels, so for me, this was an expensive reel. But I am really pleased with the quality, and it was a significant investment. Casts and reels like butta! Highly recommended it!

My most trusted reel. Smooth and powerful. Hauled up many a tautog/blackfish, small bluefish, schooled stripers, and porgies. Looking to buy a larger size now.

I love this reel have caught so many big fish with it and it’s comfortable to use all day long definitely keep up with the greese of your fishing the salt

Buena calidad.

This review is about 60 days in the making...... bought this at the end of August 2021 and wanted to put some ample time for testing this before leaving a modest review First off, the reel is light as a feather, and as smooth as butter! I was really impressed with the Gen III line of reels for Penn, particularly the Battle and Clash models. I have used a Clash 4000 for over 4 years and since it needed some repairs, went with overall upgrading to the newer Clash II 4000. So far it has been spectacular. Has been great handling some mid-larger class fish, including a 35 inch striped bass from shore. It is spooled with 15lb power pro super slick v2, and has been a delight to fish with. I was especially impressed with the larger EVA knob option that they provide, along with the stock handle. That way you don't need to spend an extra $20-40 bucks on a larger knob handle, or Slammer III handle Small con I do have, is with the line roller. Seems as though if it is not slicked up enough, it will make a scratching noise upon retrieval when there is resistance on the line (even something as simple as retrieving a lure through the current). Little bit of oil seems to have helped, but drew some concerns given that I have not even had this reel for a couple months. Also $230 is a bit of a steep price jump, whereas the Battle reels are about $100 less and also viable options for light tackle fishing. Even the older Clash models were in the $150-180 range..... so hopefully the price can come down a bit in due time when newer reels are made available With the line roller, and price in mind, I unfortunately have to knock it down a star. Hopefully the line roller is the only flaw I observe with this reel..... otherwise it is a solid buy

Blacked out set up paired with a carnage 3 looks and feels amazing

Great reel