Penn 1612614 Spinning Reel Review
Our verdict
The Penn 1612614 spinning reel costs $170, more than three times the $44.99 Shimano SC2500FG, yet it holds a 4.6-star average across 233 reviews, the same rating as that cheaper reel. If you want a 4500-size reel with anti-reverse and don't mind paying for the Penn name, it earns its keep.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anglers who want a larger 4500-size reel for bigger freshwater or light saltwater targets, and who are willing to pay $170 for the Penn brand and its anti-reverse system rather than shop the budget tier.
Skip if
Skip this if you fish mostly light freshwater with smaller reel sizes, since a 4500 is heavier at 0.78 pounds than you likely need, or if $170 is more than your budget allows for one reel.
- Material Fiberglass
- Weight 0.78 Pounds
- Technique Spinning
- Size 4500
- Color Black/Gold
- Pieces 1.0 Count
- Priced 270% above the category median ($45.98 across 92 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 233 owner ratings
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Popularity1.6/5
233 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other fishing gear and tackle we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
A 4500-size spinning reel like the Penn 1612614 is built for anglers targeting bigger freshwater fish or light inshore saltwater work, not panfish on a pond. At $170, it sits well above the budget tier, and Penn is asking buyers to pay for the brand and the anti-reverse system rather than just raw reel size.
The reel weighs 0.78 pounds and comes in a single count, colored black and gold, with an anti-reverse feature that keeps the handle from spinning backward under load. The listed fiberglass material spec likely refers to a component rather than the full body, since most reels in this price bracket lean on aluminum or graphite frames. Either way, the spec sheet points to a reel built for durability over the long haul rather than shaving ounces.
At $170, the Penn 1612614 costs nearly four times the $44.99 Shimano SC2500FG, which carries the identical 4.6-star rating across a much larger pool of 1,418 reviews. The Shimano is a smaller 2500 size, so it is not a direct swap, but it shows that a strong rating is available well below $170. Anglers set on a 4500-class reel and the Penn name will find the price defensible. Anyone open to a smaller size or a different brand has cheaper, equally well-rated paths to the water.
Pros
- 4.6-star average across 233 reviews, matching pricier competitors
- 4500 size suits bigger freshwater and light saltwater targets
- Anti-reverse feature prevents handle back-spin under load
- Black and gold finish with a straightforward single-reel package
- 0.78-pound weight keeps a larger reel from feeling like dead weight
Cons
- $170 price is nearly 4x the $44.99 Shimano SC2500FG with a comparable rating
- 233 reviews is a smaller sample than the 1,418-review Shimano or 1,700-review IX reel
- Bought last month reads 0+, a lower recent demand signal than competitors showing 200+
- 4500 size may be more reel than casual freshwater anglers need
Specifications
| Material | Fiberglass |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.78 Pounds |
| Technique | Spinning |
| Size | 4500 |
| Color | Black/Gold |
| Pieces | 1.0 Count |
| Feature | Anti-Reverse |
Performance notes
The 4500 size designation puts this reel in the range anglers reach for when line capacity and drag strength matter more than shaving weight, think surf fishing, big cats, or light saltwater species rather than trout on 4-pound test. At 0.78 pounds, it is heavier than compact 2500-size reels like the 0.58-pound Shimano SC2500FG, which tracks with the larger spool and gearing needed to handle bigger fish and heavier line.
The anti-reverse feature is a mechanical safeguard, not a performance upgrade, it stops the handle from kicking backward when a fish surges, which protects hooksets on longer fights. The single-count packaging and black and gold color scheme are cosmetic details rather than functional ones. Nothing in the spec sheet suggests this reel behaves differently from any other 4500-class spinning reel beyond its build materials and finish.
What buyers say
A 4.6-star average across 233 reviews is a solid, if unspectacular, review base for a reel priced at $170. It matches the rating of the $44.99 Shimano SC2500FG and the $19.99 IX reel, both of which have far larger review counts, 1,418 and 1,700 respectively, suggesting those cheaper reels have simply been on the market longer or sold in greater volume. The bought-last-month figure of 0+ is the lowest recent-demand signal among the four reels compared here, where the Shimano and IX both show 200+ purchases. That gap does not mean the Penn is a poor reel, but it does suggest slower recent turnover relative to its cheaper peers.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Penn 1612614 worth $170 compared to cheaper spinning reels?
It depends on what you need. The Penn 1612614 shares its 4.6-star rating with the $44.99 Shimano SC2500FG, so the extra cost buys the larger 4500 size, the anti-reverse feature, and the Penn name rather than a meaningfully higher review score. If a 2500-size reel suits your fishing, the Shimano covers similar ground for less.
What size fish is the 4500 reel size suited for?
A 4500-size reel is built for bigger freshwater species and light saltwater use, holding more line and heavier drag pressure than a compact 2500-size reel. At 0.78 pounds, it carries noticeably more heft than a 2500-class reel like the 0.58-pound Shimano SC2500FG, which suits anglers chasing larger targets rather than finesse fishing.
Does the anti-reverse feature matter for casual anglers?
Yes, in a practical sense. Anti-reverse stops the handle from spinning backward when a fish pulls hard, protecting your hookset during a fight. It is a standard safeguard on many spinning reels at this price point, so it should be viewed as a baseline expectation rather than a standout upgrade unique to this reel.