Wow… what a choice you have to make eh?
It’s a tough one – so tough that I ended up buying both haha!
But, sorry, that’s not very helpful for you.
In this article, we look at the differences, similarities and performance and value comparisons between the Penn Spinfisher VI vs the Daiwa BG.
In other words… which one should you buy?
Well, in short, if you comfortably have the money for a Penn Spinfisher VI then I would say go for it.
The Spinfishers have been a solid, VERY popular spinning reel series and the Spinfisher VI is highly recommended by seasoned and professional anglers alike.
I love mine – it’s my go-to kayak fishing reel, and they also come with IPX-5 water protection, which adds to the durability and lifetime of the reel.
That said, the Daiwa BG is a fantastic reel packed full of value at that price.
I wouldn’t stretch yourself unnecessarily to get the Spinfisher VI – the Daiwa BG is incredible value.
The trade-off is a little less sealing and water protection. But there are many anglers using BGs for inshore and offshore fishing.
You just need to take good care of the reel.
Ok, intro over – let’s get into the detail…
Penn Spinfisher VI Overview
When it comes to saltwater spinning reels, the Penn Spinfisher VI is a top contender.
This reel is for serious anglers who want a reliable and durable option for their fishing needs.
As with most Penn reel, I love its all-metal body and CNC gear technology, the Spinfisher VI withstands the toughest conditions and the hardest fighting fish.
And it feels nice and solid in your hand.
This is a smooth reel but has the typical grunt and slight resistance of a Penn reel, but performs awesomely under pressure.
The all-metal reel handles the rigors of saltwater fishing, and makes it a great choice for those like me who take it to the beach, on the kayak or off the rocks.
All while withstanding the elements.
This brings me to another great aspect of the Spinfisher VI – its versatility.
This reel is suitable for a wide range of fishing applications, from shore fishing to live bait and everything in between.
It’s also compatible with a variety of rods, and is a great choice for anglers who want a reel that can be used in a variety of situations. I have it attached to its combo partner, a Spinfisher rod.
Check out our perspective on some of the top Penn reels for surf fishing.
Of course, like any reel, the Spinfisher VI has its pros and cons.
Some anglers may find that it’s a bit heavier than other spinning reels, which can be a drawback for those who want a lightweight option.
That said, it’s not as heavy as the Daiwa BG which is a couple of grams heavier between the 4500 Spinfisher (12oz) and the 4000 BG (14oz).
As mentioned at the top, too, the Spinfisher VI may not be the best value for anglers who are on a tight budget.
But for those that can cover the cost comfortably, the Spinfisher VI is definitely worth considering.
Daiwa BG Overview
As someone who loves shore fishing for saltwater fish, I’m always looking for the best value spinning reel that can handle live bait and a variety of fishing line.
That’s why I was excited to test out the Daiwa BG spinning reel.
The Daiwa BG is a great spinning reel for both freshwater and saltwater fishing – similar to the SPinfisher VI, you don’t miss out on versatility, even when going slightly cheaper here.
It’s built with a carbon fiber drag system that can handle big fish, and the CNC gearing provides a smooth retrieve.
One of the things I appreciate about the Daiwa BG is its size range.
It’s available in sizes ranging from 1500 to 8000, so you can find the perfect fit for your fishing needs.
And if you’re on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that the Daiwa BG is often discounted, making it an even better value.
In terms of build quality, the Daiwa BG feels solid and well-made.
The body is constructed with a mix of aluminum and black anodized machined aluminum, which gives it a sleek and durable look.
It’s also designed to be corrosion-resistant, which is important for saltwater fishing.
However, it lacks the sealing that the Spinfisher VI has.
Overall, the Daiwa BG is a reliable and affordable spinning reel that’s great for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. If you’re looking for a spinning reel that can handle live bait and a variety of fishing line, the Daiwa BG is definitely worth considering.
Comparing Features
Durability and Construction
When it comes to durability and construction, both the Penn Spinfisher VI and the Daiwa BG are solid options.
The Spinfisher VI boasts a full metal body and side plate construction.
The sealing helps prevent saltwater intrusion.
And there have been reports from skippers of charter boats that even after being dropped in the ocean, they still continue to perform unaffected. (But we’d advise against it!)
The Daiwa BG is also super-rigid with a solid aluminum body and frame. There is no feeling of give in this reel, even if reeling and stopping quickly, or under pressure.
It’s quite amazing for such a good value reel.
Drag System
The drag system is an important factor to consider when choosing between these two reels.
The Penn Spinfisher VI features Penn’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, which provides a maximum drag of up to 50 pounds (!!) on their largest 10500 model.
The Daiwa BG, on the other hand, has a maximum drag of up to 33 pounds on the largest 8000 size and features a sealed drag system to protect the drag from water.
Both drag systems sound epic – but I prefer the deeper ‘clicky’ noise of the Penn Spinfisher VI vs the more ‘tinny’ sound of the Daiwa BG.
Gear System
Gearing provides control and is what contributes to much of the smoothness of the reel in your hand when you’re casting, cranking, and fighting fish.
The Penn Spinfisher VI has brass gears and a 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball-bearing system.
The gears are CNC cut gears – which means the teeth mesh together with insane precision because they are aligned via computers to give the cleanest most matched fit they could achieve.
Similarly, the Daiwa BG gearing is pretty impressive too.
The BG’s gears are actually oversized, which gives the gear teeth additional depth and therefore stability, control and power to fight large fish.
In terms of gear ratio, the Spinfisher has a faster ratio of 6.2:1 vs the Daiwa BG which has a slower ratio of 5.6:1.
Spool Design
What’s interesting though, is because of the oversized gears and an oversized spool too, the Daiwa BG actually retrieves just as much line (40 inches) on the 4000 size BG as does the 4500 size Spinfisher VI.
This means the Daiwa BG is incredibly versatile and can be used in many different ways.
Handle and Bail
Both options vary between automatic vs manual bail trip as you increase in size:
Daiwa BG
- 1500-4000 has auto-bail trip
- 4500+ has a manual bail trip
Spinfisher VI
- 2500 – 5500 – automatic bail trip
- 6500+ manual bail trip
Both reels have solid metal handles with rubber knobs.
I prefer the rubber knob on the Spinfisher VI because it feels more comfortable in the hand.
The Daiwa BG’s feels too plasticky and tacky, and after a lot of winding and cranking becomes a bit uncomfortable.
Size Options
Both the Penn Spinfisher VI and the Daiwa BG come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs.
The Spinfisher VI is available in sizes ranging from 2500 to 10500, while the Daiwa BG is available in sizes ranging from 1500 to 8000.
Click here for a more detailed look at Penn Spinfisher VI and sizes
Click here for a more detailed look at Daiwa BG and sizes
Performance in Saltwater and Freshwater
When it comes to performance in saltwater and freshwater, both the Penn Spinfisher VI and the Daiwa BG are excellent options.
However, there are a few differences to consider.
Firstly, the Penn Spinfisher VI is designed specifically for saltwater fishing, while the Daiwa BG can be used in both saltwater and freshwater.
This means that the Penn Spinfisher VI is more corrosion-resistant and has better sealing than the Daiwa BG, which is important when fishing in saltwater environments.
That being said, the Daiwa BG does have an aluminum body that’s corrosion-resistant and a waterproof drag system that can handle the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing.
If you’re just fishing in freshwater, you don’t need the Spinfisher VI – the Daiwa BG will be a really great reel and will only require light care.
But if you’re expecting heavy saltwater exposure, splashing, and a risk of dunking then I’d urge you to go for the Penn Spinfisher VI.
Click here to read our opinion on the best Penn spinning reels for surf fishing now.
Conclusion: Penn Spinfisher VI vs Daiwa BG
In my opinion, both the Penn Spinfisher VI and the Daiwa BG are great spinning reels that offer excellent performance and durability.
However, there are some differences between the two that may make one a better choice than the other depending on your specific needs.
The Penn Spinfisher VI is known for its exceptional ability to withstand the harsh saltwater environment.
It features IPX5 sealing, which means that it can handle being sprayed with water from any angle without any damage.
The Spinfisher VI also has a full metal body and side plate, making it incredibly sturdy and durable.
But it does come at a higher cost – which is worth it if you can afford it.
On the other hand, though, the Daiwa BG is a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance and value for what you get – whether you’re chasing freshwater bass or monster stripers.
Happy fishing and good luck with the decision!
