Reviews: Key Opinions on the Penn Wrath II 4000 Saltwater Fishing Reel
The Penn Wrath II 4000 is a popular and affordable saltwater spinning reel that punches above its weight in terms of performance. Anglers love its smooth operation, sturdy build, and modern aesthetics. Despite having only 3 ball bearings, it rivals more expensive reels in smoothness.
However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations: a lower drag force (6.8kg) and a lack of sealing that necessitates more diligent maintenance.
It’s a great value for money, especially for those seeking an entry-level saltwater reel from a trusted brand like Penn.
Dive into our comprehensive review of the Penn Wrath II 4000 saltwater fishing reel, where we condense angler opinions and provide a thorough examination of its strengths and weaknesses.
Editorial Review: Our Opinion on the Penn Wrath II 4000 Saltwater Fishing Reel
Product Type / Mono Line Capacity / Gear Ratio
The Penn Wrath II 4000 is a saltwater fishing reel with a line capacity of 159 m / 0.35 mm and a gear ratio of 6.2:1. This places it in the upper-mid range for gear ratio and the mid-range for line capacity among the reels we’ve discussed.
A higher gear ratio facilitates faster retrieval of your line, which is beneficial for techniques like spinning and float fishing. The saltwater fishing reels we’ve looked at have gear ratios ranging from 4.6:1 to 7.0:1. If you’re seeking the fastest retrieval, the Penn Battle IV 4000 HS boasts a 7.0:1 gear ratio.
The Penn Wrath II 4000 has a line capacity of 159 m / 0.35 mm, placing it in the mid-range of our comparison. This line capacity is adequate for many saltwater fishing applications. For anglers needing a higher line capacity, the Penn Battle IV 4000 HS offers a higher 206 m / 0.35 mm capacity.
To ensure accurate comparisons, we’ve used a line calculator to convert line capacities that weren’t originally specified for the 0.35 mm line size.
Number of Ball Bearings / Type of Brake / Drag Force
The Penn Wrath II 4000 features 3 ball bearings, a front drag system, and a maximum drag force of 15 lbs (6.8 kg).
The saltwater fishing reels we’ve compared have anywhere from 3 to 8 ball bearings. A higher number of ball bearings generally contributes to smoother reel operation.
With 3 ball bearings, the Penn Wrath II 4000 sits at the lower end of our comparison in terms of bearing count. If smoother operation is a priority, consider alternatives with a higher ball bearing count like the Penn Spinfisher VII 4500 (6 ball bearings).
A robust drag system is crucial when battling strong saltwater fish to prevent line breakage and ensure a successful landing. We generally recommend reels with front drag systems as they offer larger brake discs at the front of the spool, resulting in increased drag power.
The drag force of the reels in our comparison ranges from 6 to 11 kg. With a drag force of 15 lbs (6.8 kg), the Penn Wrath II 4000 falls within the lower-mid range of drag forces in our comparison. This drag force offers sufficient power for handling a variety of saltwater species.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative with very high drag force, we recommend the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL (10.9 kg) and the Shimano Sedona 4000 XG (11 kg).
Weight / Material
The Penn Wrath II 4000 is constructed from graphite and weighs 366 g.
While reel weight might be less critical for bottom fishing where the rod is typically placed in a rod holder, it becomes more significant for active fishing styles like spinning, jigging, and float fishing where the rod is held for extended periods.
The weights of the saltwater fishing reels we evaluated range from 220 g to 405 g. Weighing in at 366 g, the Penn Wrath II 4000 is positioned in the mid-range when compared to the other saltwater reels we’ve reviewed.
If a lightweight reel is a priority, consider the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL and the Shimano Sedona 4000 XG (both 295 g) as budget-friendly alternatives. Penn utilizes graphite in the construction of the Wrath II 4000. Graphite offers a balance of durability and lighter weight compared to full metal construction.
Saltwater Resistance / Baitrunner
The Penn Wrath II 4000 is specifically designed for saltwater fishing and does not include a baitrunner function.
The Penn Wrath II 4000 is built with saltwater resistance in mind. To protect the reel from saltwater, it features a corrosion-resistant body and an anodized aluminum spool.
Like most saltwater fishing reels, the Penn Wrath II 4000 does not have a baitrunner function. This is because saltwater fish tend to be more aggressive biters, making a baitrunner less necessary.
However, if you’re a dedicated bottom fisherman who prefers a baitrunner function, we recommend the Okuma Avenger ABF 6000 Baitrunner Reel, which offers this feature along with saltwater resistance.
You can explore more saltwater-resistant reels equipped with a baitrunner function in our dedicated baitrunner reel comparison.
Customer Reviews: Summary of Feedback from Product Owners
The Penn Wrath II is a hit with anglers, achieving an impressive 4.6-star rating on Amazon based on over 1950 reviews.
Here’s what users are saying about this well-loved reel:
- Silky smooth operation and can’t beat the price. Penn makes great reels.
- Smooth and great value. This performs at a level of higher dollar spinning reels.
- Sturdy fishing reel and good value. Holds up well to heavy use and has a very smooth drag system for those bigger fish.
- So far it works amazing. Smooth drag, built really strong and casting really smooth.
- This is my go to reel for light tackle. Because it isn’t sealed you have to baby it a little. Keep it clean and greased. But a great reel for the price.
Reviews from other countries
- Not too expensive for a saltwater reel. The mechanism seems robust. I’ve used it a few times and I love it.
Anglers consistently praise the Penn Wrath II for its smooth operation, especially considering its affordable price. Many highlight its exceptional value, with performance comparable to more expensive reels.
The reel is described as sturdy and capable of handling heavy use, with a smooth drag system that’s ideal for battling larger fish. Users appreciate its strong build and smooth casting. While some note that it requires a bit of care due to not being fully sealed, they still consider it a great reel for the price.
International anglers also confirm its suitability for saltwater fishing, praising its robust mechanism and overall quality.
The Penn Wrath II features a modern, black and gold design with a matte finish. This gives it a robust yet elegant appearance that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The Penn Wrath II is the most affordable fishing reel in our saltwater fishing reel comparison. Despite its low number of ball bearings (3), it offers a smooth operation, and its drag force of 6.8 kg can keep up with more expensive models.
If you’re looking for an affordable saltwater reel from a reputable manufacturer, you can’t go wrong with the Penn Wrath II.
Pros and Cons of the Penn Wrath II 4000 Saltwater Fishing Reel
The Penn Wrath II 4000 is a popular and affordable saltwater reel with a surprising level of performance for its price. Anglers appreciate its smooth operation despite having only 3 ball bearings.
However, it has a lower drag force (6.8 kg) and isn’t sealed, requiring a bit more maintenance.
Pros
- Reviewed by over 1950 customers (4.6 of 5) on Amazon
- Very good value for money
- Smooth despite only having 3 ball bearings
Cons
- Only 6.8 kg of drag force
- Not sealed
The Penn Wrath II 4000 offers a compelling blend of affordability and performance. With over 1950 customer reviews on Amazon and an average rating of 4.6 stars, it’s clearly a popular choice among anglers.
Users consistently praise its smooth operation, which is surprising considering it has only 3 ball bearings. This, coupled with its very reasonable price point, makes it a great value for money.
However, it’s worth noting that the Wrath II 4000 has a drag force of just 6.8 kg, which might be a limiting factor for some anglers. Additionally, it’s not a sealed reel, so it requires a bit more care and maintenance to ensure longevity.
FAQ: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Penn Wrath II 4000 Saltwater Fishing Reel
Is the spool of the Penn Wrath II 4000 suitable for superline?
Equipped with a braid-ready spool, the Penn Wrath II 4000 lets you spool your favorite braided line directly, saving time and money.
Does the Penn Wrath II come with a spare spool?
While the Penn Wrath II doesn’t come with a spare spool, you can purchase one separately. This can be useful for anglers who like to have different lines readily available.
Does the Penn Wrath II 4000 have an automatic or manual bail?
The 4000 model has an automatic bail. It closes when the handle is turned.
- Amazon
- Own experience