PENN Battle IV: sizes, specs and Battle 3 vs Battle 4
Illustrative image, not the exact model.
The PENN Battle IV was announced in July 2024 and reached stores that September. It keeps the Battle's core recipe of a full metal body and sideplate, CNC Gear Technology and HT-100 carbon fiber drag, and adds Hydro Armor sealing. PENN lists 12 models across nine sizes from 1000 to 10000, at $144.95 to $194.95.
PENN's own launch text for the previous Battle III described it as ideal for inshore, surf and select offshore use, and the Battle IV covers the same ground. If you are deciding between PENN's three best-known spinning reels, start with Battle vs Spinfisher vs Slammer.
PENN Battle IV sizes and specs
| Model | Size | Gear ratio | Line/turn | Weight | Max drag | Bearings | Mono (lb/yd) | Braid (lb/yd) | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTLIV1000 | 1000 | 5.2:1 | — | 7.8 oz221 g | 10.8 lb4.9 kg | 5+1 | 4/140, 6/110, 8/95 | 8/125, 10/110, 15/100 | $144.95 |
| BTLIV2000 | 2000 | 6.2:1 | 30" | 9.4 oz266 g | 10 lb4.5 kg | 5+1 | 4/240, 6/180, 8/125 | 8/210, 10/180, 15/165 | $154.95 |
| BTLIV2500 | 2500 | 6.2:1 | 33" | 9.7 oz275 g | 12 lb5.4 kg | 5+1 | 6/255, 8/175, 10/140 | 10/240, 15/220, 20/160 | $154.95 |
| BTLIV3000 | 3000 | 6.2:1 | 35" | 11.6 oz329 g | 15 lb6.8 kg | 5+1 | 8/200, 10/165, 12/120 | 15/250, 20/180, 30/130 | $164.95 |
| BTLIV4000HS | 4000 | 7.0:1 | 43" | 12.8 oz363 g | 15 lb6.8 kg | 5+1 | 8/305, 10/250, 12/185 | 15/410, 20/295, 30/210 | $164.95 |
| BTLIV4000 | 4000 | 6.2:1 | 37" | 12.1 oz343 g | 15 lb6.8 kg | 5+1 | 8/270, 10/220, 12/165 | 15/360, 20/260, 30/185 | $164.95 |
| BTLIV5000 | 5000 | 5.6:1 | 36" | 18.8 oz533 g | 25 lb11.3 kg | 5+1 | 12/225, 15/200, 20/135 | 20/420, 30/300, 40/240 | $174.95 |
| BTLIV6000HS | 6000 | 6.2:1 | 47" | 20.8 oz590 g | 25 lb11.3 kg | 5+1 | 15/365, 20/250, 25/230 | 30/535, 40/425, 50/365 | $174.95 |
| BTLIV6000 | 6000 | 5.6:1 | 41" | 20.8 oz590 g | 25 lb11.3 kg | 5+1 | 15/335, 20/230, 25/210 | 30/490, 40/390, 50/335 | $174.95 |
| BTLIV8000HS | 8000 | 5.3:1 | 44" | 27.7 oz785 g | 30 lb13.6 kg | 5+1 | 20/370, 25/335, 30/250 | 50/515, 65/420, 80/375 | $184.95 |
| BTLIV8000 | 8000 | 4.7:1 | 38" | 27.7 oz785 g | 30 lb13.6 kg | 5+1 | 20/340, 25/310, 30/230 | 50/475, 65/390, 80/345 | $184.95 |
| BTLIV10000 | 10000 | 4.2:1 | 43" | 38.8 oz1100 g | 40 lb18.1 kg | 5+1 | 30/395, 40/330, 50/230 | 50/770, 65/710, 80/490 | $194.95 |
Choosing a Battle IV size
PENN's Reel Size Guide matches each size to a fishing type, and it lines up with the Battle IV's sizes almost one for one.
- 1000 and 2000: light inshore and small fish such as pinfish, trout, flounder, snapper and sheepshead. Max drag is only 10 to 10.8 lb.
- 2500 and 3000: inshore trout, flounder, redfish, jack and snook. The 3000 adds braid ratings up to 30 lb.
- 4000: inshore, pier and nearshore, with cobia and tarpon added to PENN's species list.
- 5000 and 6000: larger inshore and nearshore fish (king mackerel, tarpon, barracuda, grouper), with the 6000 extending to surf and offshore species like mahi and tuna.
- 8000 and 10000: nearshore, surf and offshore for very large fish; PENN's guide puts the 10000 class in extreme surf. The 10000 is rated for 80 lb braid at 490 yd.
Standard vs HS: what the high-speed models change
Each HS model raises the gear ratio by one step within the same size: the 4000HS runs 7.0:1 against 6.2:1, the 6000HS 6.2:1 against 5.6:1, and the 8000HS 5.3:1 against 4.7:1. The 6000 and 8000 pairs weigh the same in retailer specs, and every HS model costs the same as its standard twin.
A detail the spec table shows: in all three pairs, PENN rates the HS spool for more line than the standard one. The 4000HS, for example, is rated for 10 lb mono at 250 yd versus 220 yd on the 4000. If you want speed and capacity, the HS is the better spec on paper; if you want more cranking power per turn, the lower standard ratio is the reason to choose it.
Battle III vs Battle IV
The Battle III (2020) introduced CNC Gear Technology to the series, added the 10000 size and three high-speed models, and kept the HT-100 drag, metal body, superline spool, line capacity rings and 5+1 sealed bearings. The Battle IV carries all of that over. The changes are sealing and the spool:
- Hydro Armor: extra seals at the handle, under the dust cap and beneath the spool on the main shaft.
- A redesigned spool with no through-holes in the spool body.
- Matte cosmetics, and dealer-exclusive DX models (2500 to 8000) that add one stainless bearing and a brass main gear. DX models are not on pennfishing.com.
Where the Battle sits in PENN's lineup
Below it, the Fierce V ($99.95 to $144.95) already has a full metal body and sideplate, CNC Gear Technology and HT-100 drag, with 4+1 bearings. The Battle adds Hydro Armor and its 5+1 sealed bearings. Above it, the Spinfisher VII starts at $209.95 with IPX5 sealing and a brass main gear. PENN also still sells an older 'Battle Spinning Reel' tagged as the Battle II, so check for 'IV' in the name or the BTLIV model prefix.
Battle generations (US model codes)
| Code | US year | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| Battle II | 2014 | Five sealed bearings plus one anti-reverse bearing for better corrosion resistance. HT-100 drag with keyed carbon fiber washers used on both sides, raising maximum drag by 15 to 50 percent. Eight sizes from 1000 to 8000, adding a new 2500 size; MSRP $99.95-$129.95, available September 2014. |
| Battle III | 2020 | Added PENN's CNC Gear Technology (pinion and drive gears cut to exact tolerances). Range extended to a new 10000 size (1000-10000), with three high-speed models; MSRP $99.95-$149.95. Kept HT-100 carbon fiber drag, full-metal body and sideplate, superline spool, line capacity rings and 5+1 sealed bearings. |
| Battle IV | 2024 | Added Hydro Armor: extra seals at the handle, under the dust cap and beneath the spool on the main shaft. Updated spool design without through-holes in the spool body. Matte cosmetics; nine sizes 1000-10000; MSRP at launch $129.95-$179.95, available September 2024. Dealer-exclusive DX models (2500-8000) add one stainless bearing and a brass main gear. |
Official videos
Where to buy the PENN Battle IV
Related comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference between the PENN Battle 3 and Battle 4?
The Battle 4 keeps the Battle 3's CNC gears, HT-100 drag, metal body and 5+1 sealed bearings, and adds Hydro Armor seals at the handle, dust cap and main shaft, plus a spool with no through-holes. Prices on pennfishing.com are now $144.95 to $194.95.
What size PENN Battle IV is best for inshore fishing?
PENN's Reel Size Guide lists the 2500 for light inshore, the 3000 for medium inshore fish such as redfish and snook, and the 4000 for inshore, pier and nearshore fishing that can include cobia and tarpon.
Is the Battle IV 4000HS better than the 4000?
It is faster (7.0:1 versus 6.2:1) and rated for more line, at the same price and drag. Retailers list it as slightly heavier, 12.8 oz versus 12.1 oz. Choose the standard 4000 if you prefer more cranking power.
Is the PENN Battle IV waterproof?
PENN describes Hydro Armor as sealing critical areas against water intrusion. The PENN data we compiled lists no IPX rating for the Battle IV; the Spinfisher VII (IPX5) and Slammer IV (IPX6) are the PENN reels here with a published rating.
How much does the Battle IV weigh?
PENN does not publish weights. Retailer spec tables list 7.8 oz for the 1000 up to 38.8 oz for the 10000.
Sources (4)
Specs and facts on this page come from the manufacturers' published specifications and the pages below, checked on 2026-10-11. We have not hands-on tested these reels; this is a spec-based comparison.