My original intention was just to write review solely based on Penn Conflict: its features, pros and cons and just to introduce this spinning reel to people who are looking for a new one. However, knowing that I have recently reviewed very popular Penn reel named Battle II I decided to create this review as comparing one to see how Conflict matches up to the Battle second version.

They can be considered quite similar reels, both are primarily made for inshore, technical anglers, but both can come in sizes that are suited to offshore angling too. Conflict costs a bit more, but overall they stay in mid-price category ( $100 or slightly more).

We all know that Conflict remained and was designed to be better reel than original Battle, but does it fit to the mix after the second edition of it was launched?

Conflict Models & Sizes

Like Battle II, it comes in sizes between 1000 and 8000. They added the in-between version 2500 too. Covering light freshwater category up to off-shore action reels. 7+1 bearings in each of them. Gear ratios:

• Smallest version 5.2:1
• Medium sized 6.2:1
• Three biggest ones: 5.6:1 and 5.3:1

Max drag 9-30 same as Battle II. Weight starts as light as 7.80 to as high as 29.10. Beating Battle in its well-known weight problem.

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Conflict Main Selling Points

Techno – Balanced Rotor

Reinforced graphite rotor available to 1000-4000 version. Aluminium rotor on 5000-8000 sizes. Balanced rotor technique eliminates problems with torque and drag pressure. Bigger Conflicts(5000+) have a rotor brake, Battle series don`t.

Reduced Weight

Like I already mentioned in reel models section, Conflict weighs 3-10% less than Battle 1&2. The difference is biggest in smaller sizes and it is tied to the fact that Conflict small version bodies are made from graphite.

Sealed Bearings

Not shielded, but sealed. Original Battle didn`t have it, but II has.

Line Capacity Rings and Braid ready spool

Considering Conflict was launched in 2013 I must say for that time it was way ahead of competition with this technology. Now others have caught up and almost any new spinning reel has line capacity rings to keep an eye on the line during busy fight and braid only spool.

Opinions and Thoughts

Conflict shines mostly in rotor and line management including line lay. It remains light even compared to nowadays standards. It has all the features like Braid Ready Spool, full metal body to keep itself relevant in today`s market too.  Other thing I like is the handle which is EVA foam knob. Very comfortable to fish even in colder day

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In addition, the whole stealth black looks great and can be buying factor for those who value bling.

Now, there is one small aspect that should be improved. Instead of anti-reverse roller bearing, it has a bushing. This little flaw can decrease the overall corrosion resistance a bit.

When getting back to the original comparison mission I must say that the updated Battle is pretty much identical to Conflict. Yes, the latter has slightly lighter weight and reinforced rotor for more reliability when fishing for stripers, redfish or especially tuna, but on average it costs 20 bucks more too.

It`s eventually your choice whether you value or even need those extra features for $20 bucks. If you do, then by all means go with Conflict. If not, then you already should know which one to buy, unless you love wasting money.

Click Here To See Where Conflict Ranks in our 13 Reel Comparison Table

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