PENN Slammer IV: sizes, drag ratings and how it compares
Illustrative image, not the exact model.
PENN calls the Slammer IV its ultimate workhorse reel, built on an IPX6 sealed body and spool. It came out for the 2021 season and is now listed in 12 models from 2500 to 10500, with 8+1 stainless bearings, max drag from 20 lb to 60 lb, and prices from $299.95 to $469.95 on pennfishing.com.
In PENN's spinning lineup it sits above the Spinfisher VII and below the Authority. The sections below explain how the drag and bail system change through the sizes, what the HS and bail-less models are for on paper, and how the Slammer compares with its neighbors.
PENN Slammer IV sizes and specs
| Model | Size | Gear ratio | Line/turn | Weight | Max drag | Bearings | Mono (lb/yd) | Braid (lb/yd) | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLAIV2500 | 2500 | 6.2:1 | 33" | 11 oz312 g | 20 lb9.1 kg | 8+1 | 6/255, 8/175, 10/140 | 10/240, 15/220, 20/160 | $309.95 |
| SLAIV3500 | 3500 | 6.2:1 | 37" | 13.9 oz394 g | 30 lb13.6 kg | 8+1 | 6/360, 8/285, 10/220 | 10/310, 15/270, 20/220 | $329.95 |
| SLAIV4500 | 4500 | 6.2:1 | 40" | 15 oz425 g | 30 lb13.6 kg | 8+1 | 8/425, 10/320, 12/235 | 15/390, 20/320, 30/250 | $329.95 |
| SLAIV4500HS | 4500 | 7.0:1 | 46" | 15 oz425 g | 30 lb13.6 kg | 8+1 | 8/425, 10/320, 12/235 | 15/390, 20/320, 30/250 | $329.95 |
| SLAIV5500BLS | 5500 | 5.6:1 | — | — | 40 lb18.1 kg | 8+1 | 10/430, 12/330, 15/230 | 20/500, 30/380, 40/335 | $299.95 |
| SLAIV5500 | 5500 | 5.6:1 | 39" | 22.2 oz629 g | 40 lb18.1 kg | 8+1 | 10/430, 12/330, 15/230 | 20/500, 30/380, 40/335 | $349.95 |
| SLAIV6500 | 6500 | 5.6:1 | 42" | 24.2 oz686 g | 40 lb18.1 kg | 8+1 | 12/390, 15/345, 20/205 | 30/485, 40/410, 50/335 | $379.95 |
| SLAIV6500HS | 6500 | 6.2:1 | — | — | 40 lb18.1 kg | 8+1 | 12/390, 15/345, 20/205 | 30/485, 40/410, 50/335 | $379.95 |
| SLAIV7500 | 7500 | 4.7:1 | 38" | 28.7 oz814 g | 50 lb22.7 kg | 8+1 | 15/490, 20/330, 30/220 | 40/530, 50/440, 65/400 | $409.95 |
| SLAIV8500 | 8500 | 4.7:1 | 42" | 30.7 oz870 g | 50 lb22.7 kg | 8+1 | 20/455, 30/310, 40/260 | 40/730, 50/600, 65/555 | $409.95 |
| SLAIV8500HS | 8500 | 5.3:1 | — | — | 50 lb22.7 kg | 8+1 | 20/455, 30/310, 40/260 | 40/730, 50/600, 65/555 | $409.95 |
| SLAIV10500 | 10500 | 4.2:1 | 43" | 42.9 oz1216 g | 60 lb27.2 kg | 8+1 | 30/435, 40/360, 50/255 | 50/845, 65/780, 80/540 | $469.95 |
Slammer IV sizes by fishing type
PENN's Reel Size Guide covers sizes from 1000 to 10500 in steps of 500, so every Slammer size has an entry. Read against the Slammer's drag and weight, the range falls into three groups.
- 2500 to 4500 (11 to 15 oz): inshore through pier and nearshore. PENN's guide lists redfish, jack and snook, adding cobia at 3500 and tarpon and barracuda at 4500.
- 5500 and 6500 (22.2 and 24.2 oz, 40 lb drag): nearshore and offshore, with mahi, shark and tuna entering PENN's species lists.
- 7500 to 10500 (28.7 to 42.9 oz, 50 to 60 lb drag): nearshore, surf and offshore for very large fish, with sailfish from the 8500 class and trophy fish at the top. The 10500 is rated for 50 lb braid at 845 yd.
Bail trip, HS and BLS: reading the model list
Two published details change between the small and large Slammers. The 2500 uses HT-100 drag while every larger size gets the bearing-supported Dura-Drag, and the bail trip switches from automatic (2500 to 5500) to manual (6500 to 10500). If you are choosing between a 5500 and a 6500, that bail change is one of the few differences beyond capacity and weight, since both share a 5.6:1 ratio and 40 lb of drag.
The HS models raise the gear ratio within a size: the 4500HS runs 7.0:1 against 6.2:1 and picks up 46 in per turn against 40 in, with the same 15 oz weight in retailer specs. The 6500HS (6.2:1) and 8500HS (5.3:1) follow the same pattern. The bail-less SLAIV5500BLS shares the 5500's ratio, drag and line ratings and lists for less than the standard 5500.
Slammer III vs Slammer IV
The Slammer III, from 2016, used the IPX6-sealed body that the IV carries over. The IV brought that body back with a completely revamped Dura-Drag that PENN says lets in less water and offers more usable drag, added a hydrophobic line roller bearing, and uses all-brass CNC gears with stainless bearings. Ocean Blue Fishing reports the IV's all-metal body is lighter than the III's. A Slammer IV DX with a higher bearing count appears at some retailers but is not on pennfishing.com.
Slammer vs Spinfisher, Clash and Authority
The Spinfisher VII is the reel most often weighed against the Slammer. It uses the same size numbers and line ratings but has IPX5 rather than IPX6 sealing, 5+1 bearings and lower drag in each size, for less money. The Battle vs Spinfisher vs Slammer page lines all three up.
For inshore-only fishing, the Clash II ($259.95 to $309.95, 2000 to 5000) shares the 8+1 bearing count and hydrophobic line roller bearing and adds the Leveline Slow Oscillation System; PENN calls it the ultimate inshore reel. Above the Slammer, the Authority ($609.95 to $719.95) uses the same sizes and Dura-Drag, with an IPX8 sealed body and spool, stainless main and pinion gears and 12+1 bearings.
Slammer generations (US model codes)
| Code | US year | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| Slammer III | 2016 | Debuted in 2016 per Ocean Blue Fishing; its IPX6-sealed body is the platform the Slammer IV carries over. |
| Slammer IV | 2021 | Brought back the IPX6 body with a completely revamped Dura-Drag that lets in less water and offers more usable drag. Added a hydrophobic line roller bearing; all-brass CNC gears and stainless bearings. Ocean Blue Fishing reports the all-metal body is lighter than the Slammer III. |
Official videos
Where to buy the PENN Slammer IV
Related comparisons
FAQ
Is the PENN Slammer IV waterproof?
PENN rates the Slammer IV body and spool IPX6. Within PENN's spinning lineup, only the Authority (IPX8) carries a higher published rating; the Spinfisher VII is IPX5.
Slammer IV vs Spinfisher VII: which should I buy?
On line capacity they are identical size for size. The Slammer adds IPX6 sealing, Dura-Drag with more max drag, 8+1 bearings and a hydrophobic line roller bearing. If those matter for the fish you target, the Slammer is the stronger spec; if not, the Spinfisher costs less.
What size Slammer IV is best for tarpon?
PENN's Reel Size Guide includes tarpon in the 4000 to 4500 row and again for the 5000 and 6000 classes. On the Slammer that points to the 4500 through 6500, which carry 30 to 40 lb of drag.
What does BLS mean on the Slammer IV?
BLS marks the bail-less model, SLAIV5500BLS. It shares the 5500's gear ratio, 40 lb drag and line ratings, and lists at $299.95 against $349.95 for the standard 5500.
What is the difference between the Slammer III and IV?
Both use an IPX6-sealed body. The IV adds a revamped Dura-Drag that PENN says lets in less water and offers more usable drag, plus a hydrophobic line roller bearing, and Ocean Blue Fishing reports a lighter body.
Sources (2)
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.