Penn Authority 8500HS Spinning Reel

Description

The Penn Authority 8500HS is a flagship, high-speed spinning reel designed for the most extreme saltwater fishing conditions and the most powerful game fish. It is the pinnacle of Penn’s engineering, built to provide unparalleled durability, power, and smoothness. The “HS” designation signifies “High Speed,” making this reel a top choice for techniques that require a rapid line retrieve, such as high-speed jigging and casting to fast-moving pelagic species.

Key Design and Construction Features

• Submersible IPX8 Sealed Body and Spool: This is the defining feature of the Authority series. An IPX8 rating signifies that the reel is certified to be fully submersible, resisting water intrusion for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. This level of sealing provides the ultimate protection against the corrosive effects of saltwater, sand, and other debris, ensuring the internal mechanisms remain pristine even after a dunk in the waves.
• Full Metal Body, Sideplate, and Rotor: The reel is built with a rigid, full metal body, sideplate, and rotor. This robust construction eliminates frame flex under extreme pressure, ensuring that the precision-machined gears stay in perfect alignment. This results in maximum power transfer and a smooth, solid feel when fighting a large fish.
• CNC Gear Technology with Stainless Steel Main and Pinion Gears: The Authority 8500HS utilizes Penn’s most advanced CNC Gear Technology. The main and pinion gears are precision-cut from a solid piece of stainless steel. This material provides superior strength, durability, and corrosion resistance compared to traditional brass gears, making the reel capable of handling the toughest battles with large fish.
• Sealed Slammer® Drag System with Dura-Drag™: The reel features a fully sealed Slammer® drag system with Penn’s proprietary Dura-Drag™ carbon washers. The drag system is also bearing-supported, providing an incredibly smooth and consistent drag output. With a formidable max drag of 50 lbs (22.6 kg), this reel has the stopping power required to subdue the most powerful fish.
• 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 provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless retrieve, contributing to the reel’s premium feel and performance.
• High-Speed Gear Ratio (“HS”): The 6.2:1 gear ratio provides a very fast retrieve rate, which is essential for certain applications. This allows you to quickly pick up slack line, work lures at high speeds, and rapidly gain ground on a running fish.
• 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 and ensures smooth line lay and longevity in this highly exposed component.
• Manual Bail Trip: The 8500HS model is equipped with a manual bail trip. This is a deliberate design choice on larger reels to prevent the bail from accidentally closing during a powerful cast, which could lead to a line snap-off.

Specifications (ATH8500HS)

• Reel Size: 8500HS
• Weight: 30.7 oz (870 g)
• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Retrieve Rate: 49 inches (124 cm) of line per turn of the handle.
• Max Drag: 50 lb (22.6 kg)
• Bearing Count: 13 (12+1 stainless steel bearing system)
• Drag Material: Dura-Drag™ Carbon Fiber
• Drag Type: Sealed Slammer® Front Drag
• Line Capacity (Mono m/mm): 455/0.46, 310/0.56, 260/0.61
• Line Capacity (Braid yd/lb): 730/40, 600/50, 555/65
• Retrieve: Right/Left interchangeable handle position
• Color: Silver/Black/Gold

Intended Use

The Penn Authority 8500HS is a premium reel for anglers who target the largest and most powerful saltwater species. Its high-speed retrieve makes it ideal for casting poppers to giant trevally (GT), jigging for tuna and amberjack, and battling other fast, hard-fighting pelagic fish. The IPX8 sealing and robust construction also make it an excellent choice for heavy-duty surfcasting, where the reel will be constantly exposed to waves and sand. This reel provides the confidence to fish in the most extreme conditions and the power to handle the biggest fish in the ocean.