The new king of saltwater spinning reels

The PENN Authority 5500 IPX8 Spinning Reel sets a new standard for hardcore saltwater spinning. A truly refined premium reel that delivers smooth and powerful performance. Designed for the serious angler who demands a high-end reel that answers to the toughest situations.

With an IPX8 sealed body and spool, the Authority takes long runs in heavy seas or the pounding of big surf in its stride. Beefed up by ultra-durable CNC machined stainless steel main and pinion gears, the patented Dura-Drag technology enforces obedience, eliminating hesitation even under the most extreme settings. A 12+1 premium stainless-steel bearing system combines with Leveline slow oscillation to ensure enduring smoothness and precision, behind all that trademark PENN power. The new Authority in saltwater spinning reels is here. Let the battle begin!

IPX8 Sealed Body, Spool, Drag Assembly and Handle
Independently verified by the International Ingress Protection Rating, the Authority is approved for ZERO water ingress during 30 minutes of submersion at 1 metre of depth whilst reel components are stationary.

12+1 Sealed Stainless Steel Premium Bearing System
PENN’s smoothest reel yet with maximum bearing support for the heaviest of drag loads.

Full Metal Body, Sideplate and Rotor
Tough from the inside out, the Authority’s full metal body, sideplate and rotor keeps gears protected and in alignment. Eliminating any flex, the Authority’s frame is as close as you’ll get to bulletproof in a fishing reel.

Stainless Steel CNC Main and Pinion Gears
An ultra-durable stainless steel gear train combines with a fully supported pinion tail and spool shaft to withstand the heaviest loads. State of the art Computer Numerical Control technology machines gears out of a solid piece of metal, ensuring exact alignment, smooth long-term performance and cranking torque rigidity when trying to get that last wind on a hard fighting fish.

Bail Trip
To prevent inadvertent bail closing in heavy casting applications, sizes 2500-5500 have automatic bail trip functionality if desired, simply crank the sturdy handle after casting to close the bail.

Hydrophobic Line Roller Bearing
High grade sealed stainless bearing with a special coating that helps to bead water away from this highly exposed and crucial part of any spin reel for dependable long-term performance.

Braid Ready
To eliminate slippage and the need to use monofilament backing before spooling, the Authority features a textured ring at the base of the spool to tie your braid directly onto.

Sealed Slammer Drag System with Dura-Drag
Silky smooth Dura-Drag carbon fibre washers eliminate hesitation even under extreme drag settings, and are impregnated with a Phenolic bonding agent to reduce wear and water intrusion.

Machined Aluminium Power Knob
No matter the adversary, grab on and crank with confidence with the Authority’s machined aluminium power knob, with spare Hypalon handle knobs also included across the range.

PENN Authority 5500 IPX8 Spinning Reel Features: