Product Review: Penn Clash
Clash, the lightest weight spinning reel released to date by Penn, is loaded with features the discerning angler will appreciate. The lighter weight allows a size larger reel to be used and retain the same feel. The 2000 size reel weighs in a scant 8.2 oz., and the 5000 is an impressive 16.8 oz. They use a rigid resin rotor (RR 30 carbon) designed to cut weight.
Penn’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers are used in all of the Clash line. The drag system includes seals on the top and bottom to inhibit saltwater penetration.
Standard features include 8 sealed stainless steel ball bearings, including an instant anti-reverse bearing. The sealed bearings resist any water from entering and increase the life of the reel. Adding to the out-of-the-box smoothness is Penn’s CNC gear technology. The entire drive and gear train on the size 2000-6000 reels feature machined aluminum parts. This offers long term durability and smoothness that die-cast gears cannot compare to.
The entire line offers a full metal body. The 6000-8000 size gets its additional strength from an all aluminum rotor. The larger reels utilized machined brass drive and pinion gears for greater cranking power.
All Clash reels, though, have a strong tubular aluminum bail for long life and a rotor break to prevent unwanted bail trip when casting.
The Wave Spring drag system offers a much fuller range of drag than traditional coil spring reels. The greater range allows for more precise adjustments to the drag while playing fish, at all stages of the fight.
The level line oscillation system offers much greater casting distances, and the slower oscillation rate results in fewer wind knots. Penn has included fill rings on the spool to make filling line to the proper level easier, and the Clash includes Penn’s superline spool that eliminates the need for backing due to the rubber gasket on the hub.
The Clash is offered in 2000-8000 sizes, and they will handle everything from speckled trout to hard charging jacks and tarpon. The Clash series of reels retail from $180-260.
Anglers can check them out in person at Penn dealers or visit www.pennfishingstore.com to learn more.
