Penn Battalion Solid Hybrid Boat Rod

How well is it built?

The Battalion showcases Penn's premium quality, featuring their Solid Spiral Armor blank technology, a construction that is unique to Penn. This gives the rod an incredibly slim blank with unbelievable power for its diameter, while keeping the weight to a minimum.

The attention to detail extends to every component, from the Fuji saltwaterproof guides fitted with Fuji Alconite rings to the DPS reel seat and the high density EVA handle that gives you a controlled grip when everything is wet.

I really like the length of the handle too, as it makes the rod comfortable to fish with either a multiplier or a fixed spool reel, which is where the hybrid name comes from.

It's a two piece rod so it packs down sensibly for the boat's rod rack, and that slim blank certainly sets it apart on any deck.

How well does it cast and feel?

What I like about the Battalion is how much feel you get from such a slim blank.

The fast action and supple tip section effectively cushion the non-elastic properties of braided lines while maintaining outstanding bite detection, so you feel the lead touch down and every knock from a fish.

The 7ft 6in 6-12lb is the one I'd pick for lighter work and flicking baits uptide away from the boat, and the tip recovers quickly so you can read bites straight after the cast.

How does it perform when playing fish?

The mid-section provides a progressive power increase that proves invaluable during the critical lift phase, while the powerful butt section delivers the leverage needed when controlling specimen fish near snags or wrecks.

The 12-20lb model particularly excels at versatile fishing scenarios, from working lures over wrecks for pollack to drifting for plaice and turbot, while also having the backbone for species like tope and rays.

Step up to the 20-30lb and you have a rod for bigger conger and heavier tides, and Penn say the heavier versions are even capable of stopping huge blue sharks and halibut.

Is it good value for money?

While positioned in the premium price bracket, the Battalion justifies its investment through exceptional versatility and performance.

The Fuji guides ensure smooth line flow even under maximum pressure and will last season after season in saltwater, and one rod covering both multiplier and fixed spool fishing saves you buying two.

However, this is a rod best suited to anglers who fish from a boat regularly enough to appreciate its refined characteristics and premium features.

Available in three different class ratings (6-12lb, 12-20lb and 20-30lb), each model maintains the same design principles while catering to different fishing scenarios and target species.