Penn Authority 4500HS Spinning Reel

The Penn Authority 4500HS is a high-speed, premium spinning reel designed for the serious angler who needs top-tier performance in a compact, yet powerful package. Part of Penn’s flagship Authority series, this reel is engineered to deliver a new level of durability, sealing, and smoothness. The “HS” designation signifies “High Speed,” making it an ideal choice for techniques that demand a rapid line retrieve, such as working fast-moving lures.

Key Design and Construction Features

• Submersible IPX8 Sealed Body and Spool: This is a defining feature of the entire Authority series. The reel is independently certified to be submersible, resisting water ingress for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. This provides unparalleled protection for the reel’s internal components—gears, bearings, and drag—from the damaging effects of saltwater, sand, and other debris. This is a crucial benefit for anglers who fish in demanding environments like the surf or from a kayak.
• Full Metal Body, Sideplate, and Rotor: The reel is built with a rigid, all-metal body, sideplate, and rotor. This construction eliminates any frame flex under heavy loads, ensuring that the precision-machined gears stay in perfect alignment. This translates to maximum power transfer and a solid, smooth feel during a fight.
• CNC Gear Technology with Stainless Steel Main and Pinion Gears: The Authority 4500HS utilizes Penn’s most advanced CNC Gear Technology. Unlike many other reels with brass gears, the main and pinion gears are precision-cut from a solid piece of stainless steel. This material offers superior strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, making the reel capable of handling tough, hard-fighting fish.
• Sealed Slammer® Drag System with Dura-Drag™: The drag system is a fully sealed Slammer® drag with Penn’s proprietary Dura-Drag™ carbon washers. The drag is also bearing-supported, providing a consistently smooth, powerful, and reliable drag output without any hesitation, even at high settings. The max drag of 30 lb (13.6 kg) provides more than enough stopping power for a variety of inshore and light offshore species.
• 12+1 Stainless Steel Bearing System: The reel operates on a top-of-the-line 12+1 stainless steel bearing system. This high number of bearings contributes to an exceptionally smooth and effortless retrieve, providing a level of precision and refinement suitable for a top-tier reel.
• High-Speed Gear Ratio (“HS”): With a gear ratio of 6.2:1, the reel has a very fast retrieve rate. This is ideal for techniques such as high-speed jigging, working fast-moving lures like stickbaits and poppers, or quickly picking up slack line after a cast or during a fish’s run.
• Leveline® Slow Oscillation System: The reel incorporates a Leveline® slow oscillation system. This ensures that the line is laid onto the spool in a slow, even, and compact manner. This tight line lay improves casting distance and reduces the chance of line dig-in or wind knots, especially with braided lines.
• Hydrophobic Line Roller Bearing: The line roller features a specialized hydrophobic bearing that actively repels water. This prevents corrosion in this highly exposed component, ensuring smooth line lay and longevity.

Specifications (ATH4500HS)

• Reel Size: 4500HS
• Weight: 15.6 oz (442g)
• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Retrieve Rate: 40 inches (102 cm) of line per turn of the handle.
• Max Drag: 30 lb (13.6 kg)
• Bearing Count: 13 (12+1 stainless steel bearing system)
• Drag Material: Dura-Drag™ Carbon Fiber
• Drag Type: Sealed Slammer® Front Drag
• Bail Trip: Automatic
• Line Capacity (Mono m/mm): 280/0.31, 215/0.33, 175/0.36
• Line Capacity (Braid yd/lb): 360/15, 280/20, 200/30
• Retrieve: Right/Left interchangeable handle position
• Color: Silver/Black/Gold

Intended Use

The Penn Authority 4500HS is a premium reel for anglers who demand the best in terms of performance and durability in a compact size. Its high-speed retrieve makes it ideal for casting lures for pelagic species like tuna, bonito, and kingfish. Its IPX8 sealing and robust construction also make it an excellent choice for a variety of heavy-duty inshore saltwater applications, such as targeting striped bass, redfish, or snook. It’s a fantastic option for those who fish from a boat, kayak, or the shore and need a reel that can handle fast-paced action and the unforgiving saltwater environment.