Penn 4300 SS: Instant Classic
The Penn SS series is known for longevity, consistency, and reliability, and the 4300 SS, the second-smallest reel in the line-up, is no different from its bigger brothers.
Sure, this reel’s design hasn’t been updated in a long time and it’s not exactly the latest and greatest on the market, but relatively low cost and the ability to survive saltwater abuse for years on end makes it one of my favorite spinners on the water. In fact, I have one that’s well over five years old and keeps plugging along, no matter what I throw at it. The reel’s rated for 200 yards of six-pound test, but spooled with 12-pound braid it can take on most any inshore saltwater gamefish. I’ve hooked up 42” stripers (won!) and 50-pound black drum (lost!) with this little spinning reel and it hasn’t failed me yet. Down-sides? The anti-reverse mechanism is low-tech, and this reel kicks back if you vertically jig with it.
The 4300 SS has a 5.1:1 gear ration, and weighs in at a meager eight ounces. The gold aluminum anodized spool and the graphite body can stand up to abuse without a problem, and the bail doesn’t seem to suffer from the same perpetual spring problems that effect some larger reels in the SS series. When you consider its cost, the 4300 SS is a hands-down winner, period.
Price: Just under $100.
The Highs: Small, light, and able to take saltwater abuse without missing a beat.
The Lows: Anti-reverse mechanism isn’t the greatest.
Who Wants It: Light tackle inshore saltwater anglers who need reliability.
Contact: www.pennreels.com
