Penn Battle 3 High Speed Review

Is it just me, or is this a cool-looking reel!

I love how Battle 3 High-Speed version reel matches the Penn brand colours and the boxes the reels come in.

I bought the regular Penn Battle 3 previously and have reviewed that elsewhere – here and here.

But for this article, we’ll focus on the High-Speed version, I have the 4000HS version.

I bought the high-speed version because I often go fishing with lures on my kayak or off the beach for fast-paced species, for which you need a fast retrieve and wanted to see how it performs.

Let’s get into this Penn Battle 3 High Speed Review!

Penn Battle 3 High Speed Overview

Just like its other Penn brothers and sisters, the Penn Battle 3 High Speed is built to last.

You can feel it in your hand. The feel of a Penn reel in the hand is why I keep coming back to them – I’ve bought 4 different models in the past and will continue to upgrade through the ranks of these great reels.

Similar to the standard Battle 3, Penn has packed the HS version with a ton of great, reliable branded features:

• The body is made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing.
• CNC-cut gears provide a smooth and reliable performance
• HT-100 carbon fiber drag system has a water seal built in to protect it somewhat from splashes – but it’s not fully sealed / submersible.
• The bearings are also sealed.
• The 4000HS reel has a rapid gear ratio of 7.0:1, and retrieves 6 more inches of line with every crank turn compared to the standard 4000 model (43in vs 37in, respectively).

If you’re looking for a list of the best high-speed spinning reels – click here!

Who should invest in the Penn Battle 3 High-Speed version?

This is a tough little reel that’s great for saltwater use, if taken care of.

The Penn Battle 3 HS gives you extra pace on your cranking and retrieval so it’s a solid choice for anglers looking to go lure fishing for fast-moving predatory species.

This type of fishing is fast-paced, action packed and the BAttle 3 HS reel will stand up to those situations.

It’s an incredibly versatile reel too. Much like the Daiwa BG, it comes in a variety of sizes to suit different applications and I like that the HS version scales between 4000 up to the 8000 size for taregting different sized species.

Want to read a deeper comparison between the Penn Battle 3 and the Daiwa BG? Click here!

Penn Battle 3 High-Speed Rating Score

Penn Battle 3 High-Speed Specs at a glance

• Best for: Saltwater fishing where you have a need for speed. Are you targeting bonefish, bluefish or tuna? The higher gear ratio and faster retrieve rate will help get lurs up to speed through the water to get fast-moving predators to strike.
• Sizes: 4000, 6000, 8000
• Drag: 15lb in the 4000 and below, 25lbs in the 6000, 30lbs in the 8000.
• Line capacity: 295yds/20lb braid on the 4000HS
• Weight: 12.8oz on 4000HS vs 12.20z on the standard 4000.
• Bearings: 6 bearings across all sizes
• Gear ratio and retrieval: 4000HS is 7.0:1 and 43in retrieval with every crank.
• Handle side: Right / Left

Key Features

As an avid angler, I have tested the Penn Battle 3 High Speed reel and found that it is packed with features that make it a great addition to any fishing setup.

Here are some of the key features that I think make this reel stand out:

Full Metal Body and Sideplate

The Penn Battle 3 High Speed reel boasts a full metal body and sideplate, which provides the reel with a sturdy and durable construction.

This feature not only makes the reel feel solid in your hand but also helps to ensure that it can withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing.

CNC Gear™ Technology

The CNC Gear™ Technology used in the Penn Battle 3 High Speed reel ensures that the gears are precisely cut and mesh together perfectly. This results in a smooth and seamless operation, which is essential when reeling in big fish.

HT-100™ Carbon Fiber Drag System

The HT-100™ Carbon Fiber Drag System in the Penn Battle 3 High Speed reel provides a powerful and smooth drag that is essential when fighting big fish.

The carbon fiber drag washers are durable and can handle the heat generated during long battles with fish.

Superline Spool

The Superline Spool in the Penn Battle 3 High Speed reel is designed to handle braided line without the need for backing. This feature not only makes it easier to spool the reel but also ensures that you can fit more line on the spool.

Sealed Bearings

The Penn Battle 3 High Speed reel features sealed stainless steel ball bearings, which help to keep saltwater and debris out of the reel. This ensures that the reel operates smoothly and reliably, even after extended periods of use.

Line Capacity Rings

The line capacity rings on the spool of the Penn Battle 3 High Speed reel make it easy to see how much line is left on the spool. This feature is particularly useful when trolling or when using a downrigger.

Performance as a Saltwater Spinning Reel

I chose the he Penn Battle 3 High Speed for my saltwater surf fishing and kayak fishing.

It has a high line capacity, and a strong and smooth drag system, which is typically what I look for when picking a reliable saltwater reel that I want to last a good few years.

One of the things that I like about this reel is its versatility.

It can handle a wide range of saltwater fishing applications, whether I’m in the surf, on the kayak trolling, bait fishing or jigging, or casting off rocks.

I like having the higher gear ratio too, which is helpful when I need to quickly reel in my line to avoid snags or to match the pace of fast-moving fish.

Have a look at our perspective on the top fastest spinning reels on the market today.

Durability and Quality

When it comes to fishing reels, durability and quality are two of the most important factors that I consider. And typically Penn doesn’t disappoint in these areas.

One of the key features that makes the Penn Battle 3 High Speed so durable is its construction.

The reel is made from a mix of materials – some aluminum and some graphite, which makes it both tough and lightweight.

The aluminum body and side plate provide added strength and durability, while the plastic rotor and spool with sections cut out help to keep the weight of the reel down.

The reel is equipped with a sealed drag system that helps to keep dirt and debris out of the reel, which can help to prolong its lifespan.

The reel also features sealed stainless steel bearings that are designed to provide smooth operation and long-lasting performance.

Value for Money

When it comes to purchasing a spinning reel, particularly for saltwater use, one of the most important factors to consider is the value for money.

The last thing I want is a reel to be ruined by the harsh fishing that can befall a reel when used in the surf or on a boat or kayak.

For its price, you are getting a lot of reel for your money. Like the Daiwa BG, Penn has brought some really premium and reliable construction and features to this reel.

If you’re wondering where to put your money on a high speed spinning reel, you’re pretty safe with the Penn Battle 3 High Speed.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The Penn Battle III High Speed spinning reel is a great choice for anglers who want a high-quality reel that is built to last. Here are some of the pros of this reel:

• Smooth operation: The CNC-cut gears make for a smoother, more durable reel. This means that you’ll be able to reel in bigger fish without worrying about the reel failing.
• Great drag system: The HT-100 carbon fiber drag system is well-sealed to prevent saltwater from getting in it. It’s also very powerful, which means that you’ll be able to reel in big fish with ease.
• High speed: This reel has a high gear ratio, which means that you’ll be able to reel in your catch quickly. This is especially useful if you’re fishing in deep water or if you’re trying to catch a fast-moving fish.
• Versatile: This reel is great for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. It’s also suitable for a wide range of fishing techniques, including casting, trolling, and jigging.

Cons

While the Penn Battle III High Speed spinning reel has many great features, there are also some cons to consider:

• Loose bail arm fixing: I noticed on my reel that the connection between the rotor and the bail arm is a bit loose and needed tightening.
• Price: This reel is not cheap. It’s a high-end reel that is designed for serious anglers, so it may not be the best choice for beginners or casual anglers.
• Weight: This reel is a bit heavier than some other spinning reels on the market. This may make it less comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
• Line capacity: This reel has a relatively low line capacity compared to some other spinning reels, like the Daiwa BG. This may make it less suitable for certain types of fishing, such as deep-sea or big game fishing with larger reel sizes.