Reels

PENN Clash 2 Spinning Reel Review

Not every reel can be a good choice for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, but the Penn Clash 2 Spinning Reel can. This reel has a great drag system and is easy to use. It has a great line capacity and holds up well after extended use. The Penn Clash is an excellent spinning reel if you are looking for one.

Well Designed Multi-Use Spinning Reel

Rating
4.8/5
A couple of Penn Clash 2 spinning reels on rods mounted on the side of a boat.

Size: 2500
Ball Bearings: 9
Anti Reverse Bearing: Yes
Max Drag: 12 lbs
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Retrieve Rate: 33″
Spool Material: Aluminum
Braid-Ready: Yes
Handle Material: Paddle Aluminum

We Like

We Don't Like

Our Thoughts

A common question I get asked is “What’s the best spinning reel on the market?” While there are a lot of great options out there, a very versatile option is the Penn Clash II.

I’ve been using the Clash II for the past year, and it’s quickly become my go-to reel for both inshore and freshwater fishing. I’ve put it to the test in a variety of different environments, and it’s performed flawlessly every time.

One of the things I love about the Penn Clash is its versatility. It’s available in a wide range of sizes (1000 to 5000), so you can choose the perfect size for your fishing needs. I’ve also been impressed with its durability. I’ve fished it in fresh, brackish, inshore, and everything in between and I haven’t had any issues with salt, dirt, or grime messing with the gears.

Another great feature of the Clash is its drag system. It’s smooth and reliable, which is exactly what you need in a spinning reel. And finally, the Clash II has a large line capacity, so you can fish with confidence knowing that you have plenty of line on your reel.

All in all, the Clash II is an outstanding spinning reel. It’s perfect for bass fishing, whether targeting stipers, largemouth, or another variety. It’s packed with features and handles exceptionally well.

If you’re in the market for a new spinning reel, are looking for something tough, highly capable, and have the budget for it, I highly recommend giving the Penn Clash II a try.

Reviewer Analysis

Without a doubt, PENN produces some of the finest fishing reels on the market. I’ve had the pleasure of using many of their products over the years, and the Penn Clash II Spinning Reel is no exception. This reel is a great choice for diehard anglers and weekend enthusiasts alike. It’s available in sizes from 1000 up to 5000, with the 2500 best for largemouth bass fishing and the 4000 for striper. The 2500 size reel is priced around $220.

How I Tested the Reel

I’ve been using the Clash 2, 2500 model, for the last year and have tested it in a number of different bodies of water, though so far my longest stint with it has been a weekend fishing trip in the California Delta. I’ve been very happy with how well the Clash 2 performs. The casts are smooth and accurate, and the retrieves are even, zero oscillation and trouble-free.

Reel Components

When you’re fishing for game fish, you need a reel with a strong drag system. The Clash 2 has a drag system that ranges from 12-15 lbs, depending on the model size, is easy to adjust, and handles large fish very well.

It features eight sealed stainless steel ball bearings. This reel has a hydrophobic line roller bearing that prevents saltwater from entering and damaging the reel.

The handle on the Clash 2 is comfortable and easy to use. The handle is made of aluminum and has a soft touch EVA power knob. The power knob is easy to grip and provides a comfortable grip for your hand.

The spool on the Penn Clash is made of aluminum and is braid-ready. The spool has line capacity rings and a knurled band in the center that lets you go straight to the water with braid. The spool is sealed to prevent saltwater from entering and damaging the reel.

The gears on the Clash are made of aluminum and brass. The gears are precision machined and provide smooth and accurate casting. The retrieve rate on this reel is 33 inches per turn.

Conclusion

While it’s not the cheapest reel on the market, the Penn Clash 2 is a great choice for anglers who want a quality product that will last and easily transition between inshore and freshwater fishing. The Clash II is well-made, with precision machined gears and a smooth drag system. It’s also comfortable to use, with a soft touch EVA power knob.

I would recommend this reel to anyone looking for a quality spinning reel.

Man holding up a fish he caught with the Penn Clash 2.

Features

XCR Ball Bearings for Smooth and Easy Function

An XCR bearing is a type of ball bearing that is designed for smooth and easy function. The bearings are made of stainless steel and are sealed to protect against saltwater corrosion.

XCR bearings are important in a fishing reel because they provide smooth and easy function. The bearings are sealed to protect against saltwater corrosion.

The PENN Clash II has 9 ball bearings.

Sealed Carbon Drag for Smooth Performance

A carbon drag system is a type of drag system that uses carbon fiber washers in order to create a smooth and consistent drag on the reel. This type of drag system is often used in fishing reels in order to provide a smooth and consistent drag throughout the life of the reel.

A carbon drag system works by using carbon fiber washers in order to create a smooth and consistent drag on the reel. The carbon fiber washers are placed between the spool and the body of the reel, and they work to prevent friction between these two parts. This allows for a smoother and more consistent drag on the reel, which can help to extend the life of the reel.

There are many advantages to using a carbon drag system in your fishing reel. One advantage is that it can help to extend the life of your reel by preventing friction between the spool and body of the reel. Another advantage is that it can provide a smoother and more consistent drag on your reel, which can be helpful when you are trying to land fish.

Machined Aluminum Main Gear for a Lightweight Feel

Machined aluminum is created by taking a block of aluminum and using computer-controlled machinery to cut it into the desired shape. This process results in a final product that is extremely precise and has a very smooth finish.

Cast aluminum is made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold. This process is less precise than machining and results in a rougher surface on the final product. Cast aluminum is heavier than machined aluminum.

The benefits of machined aluminum include its precision, smoothness, and light weight. These characteristics make it an ideal material for use in products like the PENN Clash 2, where precision and light weight are essential.

Slow Oscillation for a Smooth, Even Pattern

Oscillation is the movement of a object or substance back and forth at a regular interval. In terms of spinning reels, oscillation refers to the way the spool of the reel rotates.

The purpose of oscillation is to create a smooth, even pattern when casting a line. A reel with good oscillation will result in less line being lost during a cast, and will help to prevent wind knots.

Slow oscillation is important because it allows for a more even distribution of line on the spool. This results in longer casts and fewer wind knots.

The Clash II has an impressive 10 oscillations per minute. This slow rate ensures that your line will be evenly distributed on the spool, resulting in fewer wind knots and longer casts.

Aluminum Handle for Maximum Strength

Aluminum is a material that is widely known for its strength and durability. It is often used in high-performance products, such as the PENN Clash 2 spinning reel, because of its ability to withstand wear and tear.

The carbon handle on the Clash II is designed for maximum strength and durability. The handle can withstand a lot of force without breaking, making it ideal for use when fishing for large saltwater fish.

Superior Strength & Quality with Titanium Main Shaft

Titanium is a strong, light-weight metal that is often used in high-end products due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Titanium is known for being one of the strongest metals available, while being much lighter than other metals such as steel. This makes it ideal for products that need to be both strong and lightweight.

Titanium is often seen as a superior choice to other materials due to its strength, light weight, and resistance to corrosion.

Skeletonized Spool for Weight Reduction

A skeletonized spool is a type of fishing reel that has had its solid body material removed in order to reduce its overall weight. This type of reel is typically made from aluminum or other lightweight materials.

A skeletonized spool works by having its solid body material removed in order to reduce the overall weight of the reel. This type of reel is typically made from aluminum or other lightweight materials, which helps to make it easier to handle when out on the water.

9 Bearing System for a Smooth Ride

A bearing system is a series of bearings that are placed in strategic positions within a spinning reel. The purpose of the bearings is to provide support and reduce friction as the reel rotates. A well-designed bearing system will result in a smoother and more efficient operation of the reel.

The PENN Clash 2 has 9 ball bearings. This includes 2 bearings on each side of the drive gear, 1 bearing that stabilizes the pinion shaft, and 1 bearing in the spool.

The purpose of bearings in a fishing reel is to provide support and reduce friction as the reel rotates. This results in a smoother and more efficient operation of the reel which makes for a better fishing experience.

Lightweight Carbon Arbor

An arbor is a support structure that is used to hold or secure something in place. In the case of the PENN Clash II Spinning Reel, the arbor is used to support the reel and keep it in place while you are fishing.

The purpose of an arbor is to provide support and stability for whatever it is that you are using it for. In the case of the PENN Clash 2, the arbor provides support and stability for the reel so that you can fish without worrying about the reel moving around or coming loose.

Carbon is used for the arbor because it is a lightweight material that is very strong and durable. Carbon is an ideal material for use in an arbor because it will not add a lot of weight to the reel, but will still be able to provide ample support.

Man showing of a fish he caught using the Clash 2 spinning reel.

FAQs

The line capacity of the 2500 model for mono line is 140 yards of 10 lbs line. It is 220 yards of 15 lbs test for braid.
The Clash II fishing reel is good for inshore and freshwater fishing.
The Clash 2 reel features XCR ball bearings, a aluminum body, and a aluminum rotor. Precision and smoothness are provided by the machined aluminum main gear and slow oscillation, while power and durability come from the skeletonized spool and sealed carbon drag.
The max drag of the 2500 model is 12 lbs and goes up to 20 lbs for the largest model.
Depending on the size. The reel weighs 7 oz to 16 oz. The 2500 weight 8.8 oz.
The retrieve rate ranges from 22″ up to 38″ depending on the size. The 2500 has a retrieve rate of 33″.
There are different gear ratios available, depending on the size of the reel you select and if you choose a high speed option. The start at 5.2:1 up to 7.0:1.
The spool is made out of aircraft grade aluminum.
It is equipped with an aluminum constructed handle with an EVA paddle knob.
No, the Clash 2 is a spinning reel, and does not contain any braking system.
Up close image of the Penn Clash 2 fishing reel.

Conclusion

The PENN Clash II is an excellent spinning reel that is well-suited for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. The reel is easy to use and has a great drag system. The line capacity is large, making it possible to fish for big fish. The reel is also covered by a great warranty, making it a good choice for those who want a durable reel that will last.

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