Penn Slammer III 8500 Spinning Reel
The Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel is back by popular demand. This reel is built for heavy-duty fishing from either boat or shore and trusted by charter captains all over the world. The Slammer III Spinning Reel features the new IPX6 Sealed System which keeps water out of the gear box and drag system. The updated Slammer Drag System now utilizes PENN's proprietary Dura-Drag material. Features: Full metal body, side plate and rotor. CNC Gear technology. IPX6 Sealed body and spool design. Sealed Slammer drag system with Dura-Drag. 7+1 stainless steel bearing system. Sizes 3500-5500 have automatic bail trip. Sizes 6500-10500 have manual bail trip.
The Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel is back by popular demand. This reel is built for heavy-duty fishing from either boat or shore and trusted by charter captains all over the world. The Slammer III Spinning Reel features the new IPX6 Sealed System which keeps water out of the gear box and drag system. The updated Slammer Drag System now utilizes PENN's proprietary Dura-Drag material. Features: Full metal body, side plate and rotor. CNC Gear technology. IPX6 Sealed body and spool design. Sealed Slammer drag system with Dura-Drag. 7+1 stainless steel bearing system. Sizes 3500-5500 have automatic bail trip. Sizes 6500-10500 have manual bail trip.
The Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel is back by popular demand. This reel is built for heavy-duty fishing from either boat or shore and trusted by charter captains all over the world. The Slammer III Spinning Reel features the new IPX6 Sealed System which keeps water out of the gear box and drag system. The updated Slammer Drag System now utilizes PENN's proprietary Dura-Drag material. Features: Full metal body, side plate and rotor. CNC Gear technology. IPX6 Sealed body and spool design. Sealed Slammer drag system with Dura-Drag. 7+1 stainless steel bearing system. Sizes 3500-5500 have automatic bail trip. Sizes 6500-10500 have manual bail trip.
The Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel is back by popular demand. This reel is built for heavy-duty fishing from either boat or shore and trusted by charter captains all over the world. The Slammer III Spinning Reel features the new IPX6 Sealed System which keeps water out of the gear box and drag system. The updated Slammer Drag System now utilizes PENN's proprietary Dura-Drag material. Features: Full metal body, side plate and rotor. CNC Gear technology. IPX6 Sealed body and spool design. Sealed Slammer drag system with Dura-Drag. 7+1 stainless steel bearing system. Sizes 3500-5500 have automatic bail trip. Sizes 6500-10500 have manual bail trip.
in 22 offers
The lowest price for Penn Slammer III 8500 Spinning Reel right now is $249.00 at Davo's Tackle, compared across 5 retailers.
The all-time low was $209.00 on 23 Feb 2026 — today's price is 19% above the lowest ever. That's a little above the best price we've seen.
Prices last updated 7 June 2026.
Last updated at 07/06/2026 15:39:51
PENN Slammer III Spinning
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel, 4500
Free delivery
Penn Slammer III High Speed Spinning Reel, 6500HS
Free delivery
Penn Slammer III 3 3500 Spinning Fishing Reel
Free delivery between 12–17 June
Penn Slammer III 3 4500 Spinning Fishing Reel
Free delivery between 12–17 June
Penn Slammer III 3 5500 Spinning Fishing Reel
Free delivery between 12–17 June
Penn Slammer III 3 6500HS 6500 High Speed Spinning Fishing Reel
Free delivery between 12–17 June
Penn Slammer III 3 8500HS 8500 High Speed Spinning Fishing Reel
Free delivery between 12–17 June
Penn Slammer III 3 7500 Spinning Fishing Reel
Free delivery between 12–17 June
Penn Slammer III 3 8500 Spinning Fishing Reel
Free delivery between 12–17 June
originally posted on store.purefishing.com
I purchased this reel in the 6500 last fall for an offshore trip. I paired it with the Carnage II 7' 40-80 MH rod. What a combo. The reel is one of the smoothest I've ever owned. I have owned a Shimano Stella and Stradic as well as several Fin-nor offshore reels. I have also quite a few others from Penn, Shimano, Okuma and other brands. This reel is almost as smooth as the $1k Stella but has more drag and is about 1/3 the price. It is lightly smoother than the Fin-nor offshore reels, has more drag and a higher line capacity than every reel I own in this same size range. I am tire of paying the high price of some of the others and getting equal or less drag and capacity. I plan to buy another set up just like I have now (6500 SlammerIII reel/7' MH 40-80 Carnage II ... MoreI purchased this reel in the 6500 last fall for an offshore trip. I paired it with the Carnage II 7' 40-80 MH rod. What a combo. The reel is one of the smoothest I've ever owned. I have owned a Shimano Stella and Stradic as well as several Fin-nor offshore reels. I have also quite a few others from Penn, Shimano, Okuma and other brands. This reel is almost as smooth as the $1k Stella but has more drag and is about 1/3 the price. It is lightly smoother than the Fin-nor offshore reels, has more drag and a higher line capacity than every reel I own in this same size range. I am tire of paying the high price of some of the others and getting equal or less drag and capacity. I plan to buy another set up just like I have now (6500 SlammerIII reel/7' MH 40-80 Carnage II boat rod) as well as a 7500 to put on a Carnage II 7' H 50-100 boat rod for slightly heavier fishing. Penn hit a home run with this reel and with the Carnage II rod. The perfect setup.
originally posted on store.purefishing.com
I was in Cuba 2 months ago where I have fished many times previously in 32 visits and although I have Saltiga's, Stella, and Accurate reels as well as the more mid range Cabo's, saragosa and Fin-Nor I bought the Penn Slammer III 5500 and a Spinfisher V 8500 live liner to try whilst out there. I'd intended to compare the 2 Penn offerings to those mid range reels.Firstly, the 8500 spinfisher V which impressed me with both it's robust construction and the finesse of the baitrunner system. I had maybe 25ish Barracuda to 18lb as well as Kingfish, Cuberra & Mutton Snapper. The baitrunner is strong enough to troll a dressed ballyhoo at about 7 knots and is really entertaining to hear what a fish runs. When engaging the main drag the reel suddenly snaps into a real ... MoreI was in Cuba 2 months ago where I have fished many times previously in 32 visits and although I have Saltiga's, Stella, and Accurate reels as well as the more mid range Cabo's, saragosa and Fin-Nor I bought the Penn Slammer III 5500 and a Spinfisher V 8500 live liner to try whilst out there. I'd intended to compare the 2 Penn offerings to those mid range reels.Firstly, the 8500 spinfisher V which impressed me with both it's robust construction and the finesse of the baitrunner system. I had maybe 25ish Barracuda to 18lb as well as Kingfish, Cuberra & Mutton Snapper. The baitrunner is strong enough to troll a dressed ballyhoo at about 7 knots and is really entertaining to hear what a fish runs. When engaging the main drag the reel suddenly snaps into a real powerhouse of a machine. The drag is really smooth and there are no heart stopping peaks in the resistance of the washers. At 59 years old I would expect those model to outlive my grandkids. I underestimated the power of this reel and should have opted for the more compact 6500.The Slammer 3.....Outstanding, fabulous, superb, unbelievable at the prices........ I'd better slow down. After landing a very good amberjack of 60lb plus? I looked down at this little reel and promised myself a 6500 as soon as possible. The drag was every bit as good as my Saltiga and smoother than my Stella. After a 100yd run the reel drag was as consistent and cool as any other reel I've ever handled. The fish made 6 or 7 other lesser, but still powerful runs and I truly was more in awe of the reel than the fish. Later my wife wanted to fish and being all of 5ft, Lorraine asked me to set her up a light bottom fishing outfit, so reluctantly I handed over the Penn jigging rod and the slammer 3. Mid water (maybe 100m) she hooked up with a Shark that turned out to be a Bull Shark of an estimated 120lb. The fish made numerous runs of 50yds and after a 28 minute fight was lost on the surface, which was a bitter sweet outcome.I've tried to enhance our experience of the reel with the day's exploits purely to make this review more interesting but I cannot praise this reel highly enough.I have my 6500 now and I'm salivating at the thought of a 7500.Where will it all end........?
originally posted on store.purefishing.com
I purchased the Penn Slammer III 6500 at the beginning of last season (2019) for my Kingfish rig and as a backup bottom fishing rod. This weekend (3-15-2020), the handle snapped off while fighting a red snapper. The break happened where the handle connects to the part that screws into the reel and it looks like the way the handle is fastened is just not strong enough to handle the loads put on it. The fact that this broke is not the worse part. When I called Penn to send me a new handle, I was presented with the option of sending the reel back to them for evaluation and potentially warrantying the part (company's discretion), or paying $54 for them to send me a new handle. The company does not stand behind their products! I own multiple Penn conventional and ... MoreI purchased the Penn Slammer III 6500 at the beginning of last season (2019) for my Kingfish rig and as a backup bottom fishing rod. This weekend (3-15-2020), the handle snapped off while fighting a red snapper. The break happened where the handle connects to the part that screws into the reel and it looks like the way the handle is fastened is just not strong enough to handle the loads put on it. The fact that this broke is not the worse part. When I called Penn to send me a new handle, I was presented with the option of sending the reel back to them for evaluation and potentially warrantying the part (company's discretion), or paying $54 for them to send me a new handle. The company does not stand behind their products! I own multiple Penn conventional and spinning reels, but I can tell you that I will be shifting all of my future purchases to Shimano based on the lousy construction of the Slammer matched only by the terrible customer service I received in dealing with this issue.
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Hand Orientation | Right Hand |
| Handle material | Stainless Steel |
| Bearing material | Stainless Steel |
| Style | Slammer Iii |
PENN Slammer III Spinning
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel, 4500
Free delivery
Penn Slammer III High Speed Spinning Reel, 6500HS
Free delivery
Penn Slammer III 3 3500 Spinning Fishing Reel
Free delivery between 12–17 June
Penn Slammer III 3 4500 Spinning Fishing Reel
Free delivery between 12–17 June
I purchased this reel in the 6500 last fall for an offshore trip. I paired it with the Carnage II 7' 40-80 MH rod. What a combo. The reel is one of the smoothest I've ever owned. I have owned a Shimano Stella and Stradic as well as several Fin-nor offshore reels. I have also quite a few others from Penn, Shimano, Okuma and other brands. This reel is almost as smooth as the $1k Stella but has more drag and is about 1/3 the price. It is lightly smoother than the Fin-nor offshore reels, has more drag and a higher line capacity than every reel I own in this same size range. I am tire of paying the high price of some of the others and getting equal or less drag and capacity. I plan to buy another set up just like I have now (6500 SlammerIII reel/7' MH 40-80 Carnage II ... MoreI purchased this reel in the 6500 last fall for an offshore trip. I paired it with the Carnage II 7' 40-80 MH rod. What a combo. The reel is one of the smoothest I've ever owned. I have owned a Shimano Stella and Stradic as well as several Fin-nor offshore reels. I have also quite a few others from Penn, Shimano, Okuma and other brands. This reel is almost as smooth as the $1k Stella but has more drag and is about 1/3 the price. It is lightly smoother than the Fin-nor offshore reels, has more drag and a higher line capacity than every reel I own in this same size range. I am tire of paying the high price of some of the others and getting equal or less drag and capacity. I plan to buy another set up just like I have now (6500 SlammerIII reel/7' MH 40-80 Carnage II boat rod) as well as a 7500 to put on a Carnage II 7' H 50-100 boat rod for slightly heavier fishing. Penn hit a home run with this reel and with the Carnage II rod. The perfect setup.
I was in Cuba 2 months ago where I have fished many times previously in 32 visits and although I have Saltiga's, Stella, and Accurate reels as well as the more mid range Cabo's, saragosa and Fin-Nor I bought the Penn Slammer III 5500 and a Spinfisher V 8500 live liner to try whilst out there. I'd intended to compare the 2 Penn offerings to those mid range reels.Firstly, the 8500 spinfisher V which impressed me with both it's robust construction and the finesse of the baitrunner system. I had maybe 25ish Barracuda to 18lb as well as Kingfish, Cuberra & Mutton Snapper. The baitrunner is strong enough to troll a dressed ballyhoo at about 7 knots and is really entertaining to hear what a fish runs. When engaging the main drag the reel suddenly snaps into a real ... MoreI was in Cuba 2 months ago where I have fished many times previously in 32 visits and although I have Saltiga's, Stella, and Accurate reels as well as the more mid range Cabo's, saragosa and Fin-Nor I bought the Penn Slammer III 5500 and a Spinfisher V 8500 live liner to try whilst out there. I'd intended to compare the 2 Penn offerings to those mid range reels.Firstly, the 8500 spinfisher V which impressed me with both it's robust construction and the finesse of the baitrunner system. I had maybe 25ish Barracuda to 18lb as well as Kingfish, Cuberra & Mutton Snapper. The baitrunner is strong enough to troll a dressed ballyhoo at about 7 knots and is really entertaining to hear what a fish runs. When engaging the main drag the reel suddenly snaps into a real powerhouse of a machine. The drag is really smooth and there are no heart stopping peaks in the resistance of the washers. At 59 years old I would expect those model to outlive my grandkids. I underestimated the power of this reel and should have opted for the more compact 6500.The Slammer 3.....Outstanding, fabulous, superb, unbelievable at the prices........ I'd better slow down. After landing a very good amberjack of 60lb plus? I looked down at this little reel and promised myself a 6500 as soon as possible. The drag was every bit as good as my Saltiga and smoother than my Stella. After a 100yd run the reel drag was as consistent and cool as any other reel I've ever handled. The fish made 6 or 7 other lesser, but still powerful runs and I truly was more in awe of the reel than the fish. Later my wife wanted to fish and being all of 5ft, Lorraine asked me to set her up a light bottom fishing outfit, so reluctantly I handed over the Penn jigging rod and the slammer 3. Mid water (maybe 100m) she hooked up with a Shark that turned out to be a Bull Shark of an estimated 120lb. The fish made numerous runs of 50yds and after a 28 minute fight was lost on the surface, which was a bitter sweet outcome.I've tried to enhance our experience of the reel with the day's exploits purely to make this review more interesting but I cannot praise this reel highly enough.I have my 6500 now and I'm salivating at the thought of a 7500.Where will it all end........?
I purchased the Penn Slammer III 6500 at the beginning of last season (2019) for my Kingfish rig and as a backup bottom fishing rod. This weekend (3-15-2020), the handle snapped off while fighting a red snapper. The break happened where the handle connects to the part that screws into the reel and it looks like the way the handle is fastened is just not strong enough to handle the loads put on it. The fact that this broke is not the worse part. When I called Penn to send me a new handle, I was presented with the option of sending the reel back to them for evaluation and potentially warrantying the part (company's discretion), or paying $54 for them to send me a new handle. The company does not stand behind their products! I own multiple Penn conventional and ... MoreI purchased the Penn Slammer III 6500 at the beginning of last season (2019) for my Kingfish rig and as a backup bottom fishing rod. This weekend (3-15-2020), the handle snapped off while fighting a red snapper. The break happened where the handle connects to the part that screws into the reel and it looks like the way the handle is fastened is just not strong enough to handle the loads put on it. The fact that this broke is not the worse part. When I called Penn to send me a new handle, I was presented with the option of sending the reel back to them for evaluation and potentially warrantying the part (company's discretion), or paying $54 for them to send me a new handle. The company does not stand behind their products! I own multiple Penn conventional and spinning reels, but I can tell you that I will be shifting all of my future purchases to Shimano based on the lousy construction of the Slammer matched only by the terrible customer service I received in dealing with this issue.
I use this reel for vertical jigging, flat lining dead baits, kite fishing live baits and for surf fishing in SE Florida. The high speed retrieve is perfect for vertical jigging and getting lures to dance quickly across the surface. The 40 pounds of drag really helps to slow down Permit, Tuna, King Mackerel and Amberjack on their intial runs. I installed 200 yards of 20 lb mono backing with 300 yards of 20 lb braid giving me 500 yards total. Ordering a couple of spare spools for quick changes for various applications. Pair with a 9' foot CTS blank and cast poppers, spoons or hydro-pencil plugs beyond the 100 yard range from the beach. Works good for kite fishing Kings and Sailfish but a bait runner or live line feature would be nice combined with the high speed. All ... MoreI use this reel for vertical jigging, flat lining dead baits, kite fishing live baits and for surf fishing in SE Florida. The high speed retrieve is perfect for vertical jigging and getting lures to dance quickly across the surface. The 40 pounds of drag really helps to slow down Permit, Tuna, King Mackerel and Amberjack on their intial runs. I installed 200 yards of 20 lb mono backing with 300 yards of 20 lb braid giving me 500 yards total. Ordering a couple of spare spools for quick changes for various applications. Pair with a 9' foot CTS blank and cast poppers, spoons or hydro-pencil plugs beyond the 100 yard range from the beach. Works good for kite fishing Kings and Sailfish but a bait runner or live line feature would be nice combined with the high speed. All in all, a great innovation by Penn that every angler should have in their aresenal.
I have been fishing for 20 years now and almost all of those years were fishing artificial baits. I always hated Penn reels. I hated the way they looked and I hated they way they felt. I started fishing again after about a 2 year break. Before the my break I was using Daiwa Coastals and Ballistics for my light inshore and Quatum Bocas and Cabos for my heavy inshore/ inlet fishing. I love my Cabos they are smooth with loads of drag for the inlet I figured nothing could compare in that price range. I was in the market for a new 40/50 size spinning reel and stumbled across a sexy looking black and gold reel with a stock power knob. Much to my surprise it was the Penn Slammer 3. I thought about buying the slammer for a while, comparing other reels in the price range. ... MoreI have been fishing for 20 years now and almost all of those years were fishing artificial baits. I always hated Penn reels. I hated the way they looked and I hated they way they felt. I started fishing again after about a 2 year break. Before the my break I was using Daiwa Coastals and Ballistics for my light inshore and Quatum Bocas and Cabos for my heavy inshore/ inlet fishing. I love my Cabos they are smooth with loads of drag for the inlet I figured nothing could compare in that price range. I was in the market for a new 40/50 size spinning reel and stumbled across a sexy looking black and gold reel with a stock power knob. Much to my surprise it was the Penn Slammer 3. I thought about buying the slammer for a while, comparing other reels in the price range. Again to my surprise it looked like it was "the best bang for my buck." I have been using my Slammers, that's right I have more than one already, I am thoroughly impressed. The drag is buttery smooth and strong enough to stop those monster snook in their tracks. The line coming of the spool is poetry in motion. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this reel. Penn knocked this one out of the park and if they continue with this quality of product they will have another customer for life.
I have been fishing Penn Slammer reels for years and have been pleased with the performance and durability of them. Many years ago I decided to purchase and use only Penn reels. Almost all of my fishing is done in salt water. I share my gear with my sons and grandson. I had the need to purchase more reels, so naturally I went with the Slammer III series. There was a change in design that requires the spool to be shimmed for proper line lay on the Slammer III series. I find this to be an annoying inconvenience especially since my reels get cleaned externally after every use. The shims sometimes come off with the spool and get misplaced. This is not the case with the older model Slammers.I understand that the newer version Slammers have stronger drag systems and are ... MoreI have been fishing Penn Slammer reels for years and have been pleased with the performance and durability of them. Many years ago I decided to purchase and use only Penn reels. Almost all of my fishing is done in salt water. I share my gear with my sons and grandson. I had the need to purchase more reels, so naturally I went with the Slammer III series. There was a change in design that requires the spool to be shimmed for proper line lay on the Slammer III series. I find this to be an annoying inconvenience especially since my reels get cleaned externally after every use. The shims sometimes come off with the spool and get misplaced. This is not the case with the older model Slammers.I understand that the newer version Slammers have stronger drag systems and are sealed to prevent water from entering etc., but I don't understand why I should have to shim a reel that is considered to be a high quality reel.Other than that, I am pleased with the Slammer III.
My wife got me this reel for Christmas because she knew I wanted it for a long time. I have trusted Penn for a long time and have bought many of their cheaper model reels like the pursuit and the fierce and I loved them so much I wanted my first high end spinning reel to be a Penn as well. I’m just going to get right down to it, this reel is an absolute pain. Even after getting the washer stack correct the reel still does not lay line evenly. The only way I can get it to lay line in a bearable manner is if I hold my rod directly up in the air and impart no action on the bait. Very dissatisfied with this product and Penn in general. I don’t have the heart to return it as it was a gift to me. For an almost $300 reel, laying line correctly should be the last thing the ... MoreMy wife got me this reel for Christmas because she knew I wanted it for a long time. I have trusted Penn for a long time and have bought many of their cheaper model reels like the pursuit and the fierce and I loved them so much I wanted my first high end spinning reel to be a Penn as well. I’m just going to get right down to it, this reel is an absolute pain. Even after getting the washer stack correct the reel still does not lay line evenly. The only way I can get it to lay line in a bearable manner is if I hold my rod directly up in the air and impart no action on the bait. Very dissatisfied with this product and Penn in general. I don’t have the heart to return it as it was a gift to me. For an almost $300 reel, laying line correctly should be the last thing the customer should have to worry about.
I love Penn Slammer reels. Slammer III was discontinued in late 2021. I bought several Slammer III 4500s at that time and got a great deal, but could not find any more for sale after Feb of 2022. When West Marine had them again in November of 2022 I picked up two more because they were still cheaper than the Slammer IV.Unfortunately, both reels has had clicks and noises when reeling.I think this last batch of Slammer IIIs in late 2022 must have been refurbs from Penn.Thankfully West Marine took them back no problem and i coughed up a few more bucks for the Slammer IV.
I bought the 6500 H S Penn spinning reel 3 years ago . Smooth strong drag , hi speed for popping ,surface lure , and spoon fishing. Excellent water sealing features. Have had no issues with the reel. I service it myself, and would like to recommend that you put a bearing at the back of the pinion gear that goes into the housing as well as have 4 screws on the cover plate to stabilize the main drive gear , which by doing both will secure and stop any wear and tear and play and back lash on the gears under load. To date I have not replaced any bearings or gears. Fish that been caught are lots of big cob , Garrick and shad. Biggest cob over 12 kgs , Garrick 6 - 8 kgs , shad 3- 9 kgs .
I got a 4500 on a st croix mojo inshore. I have been using it for all species I can find in the chesapeake bay. I have that one set up with 15# braid and had a decent sized rock fish pull drag out underwater after I dropped the rod from my kayak. thank god for rod leashes. but it got no water in it and I landed the fish. I have caught a lot of blue fish specs and rock fish on this set up. after that dunking incident I decided to replace all my spinning gear with these reels. I just picked up the 3500 with 10# braid and will be picking up some of the bigger sizes to use on amberjack this summer. these things are awesome when you need a really durable reel. They really work well for things like kayak fishing when your gear is going to get soaked. however there are ... MoreI got a 4500 on a st croix mojo inshore. I have been using it for all species I can find in the chesapeake bay. I have that one set up with 15# braid and had a decent sized rock fish pull drag out underwater after I dropped the rod from my kayak. thank god for rod leashes. but it got no water in it and I landed the fish. I have caught a lot of blue fish specs and rock fish on this set up. after that dunking incident I decided to replace all my spinning gear with these reels. I just picked up the 3500 with 10# braid and will be picking up some of the bigger sizes to use on amberjack this summer. these things are awesome when you need a really durable reel. They really work well for things like kayak fishing when your gear is going to get soaked. however there are better choices when your primarily fishing inshore from a boat. the small sizes have more drag than you need and are pretty heavy. if youre just pulling in specs and you don't beat up your gear you would be fine with the clash or even the battle. These reels fit my needs perfectly though and they are the sexiest looking spinners in my opinion. decent price also. I have been a loyal penn customer my whole life and will continue to buy. If you do similar kind of fishing as I do I definitely recommend these.
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Hand Orientation | Right Hand |
| Handle material | Stainless Steel |
| Bearing material | Stainless Steel |
| Style | Slammer Iii |
