Penn Torque II Spinning Reels

Torque Spinning Reels represent a significant improvement upon their earlier generation. They’re lighter, will prove more capable and much nicer pieces to fish.  We have received all three of the new models in depth, have had time to get acquainted, and consider them very good reels to own long term. They’ve got some serious competition, but these USA made spinning reels offer top level performance and deserve serious consideration. 

Penn’s new second generation Torque spinners took some of the features from their earlier production, dropped a feature or two, and incorporated some new thinking into the designs.  Penn left off the switch under the spool, used for selecting manual verses auto bail. The larger sizes are manual, the 5500 has an auto-trip bail. Like all Torque/International reels from Penn, these are made in the USA.  The Torques make use of Penn’s new IPX6 Sealed Body and Spool design, their Sealed Slammer Drag System with Dura-Drag. You have 10 bearings, all stainless steel, all good quality, and an instant Anti-Reverse bearing with silent back up ratchet (dog). These robust all machined aluminum reels are made for heavy duty fishing, from boat or shore.  As in the prior series, there are three models in the line, 5500, 7500 and 9500. 

We’re stocking the reels in silver, but they are also available in gold. Penn also produces a BLS version, bail-less design. I have to say that my first impression is that these reels feel a lot “tighter” than the older models. Almost a Van Staal-like feel when cranking, and I’m thinking that this has to do with the sealing and saltwater intrusion resistance. The older Torques felt more Japanese when you turned the handle, felt more like Daiwa and others rather than Van Staal type tightness.  I’ll try to gain more insight and post information as it becomes available.

The PENN Torque II is designed for heavy-duty fishing from either boat or shore. The Torque II reels feature our new IPX6 Sealed System which keeps water out of the gear box and drag system. We’re also using our updated Slammer Drag System which now utilizes our proprietary Dura-Drag material. Designed and built in the USA using domestic and foreign components.