Penn Torque Schematics

Need Parts? Check here!

Penn Torque Reels: Uncompromising Power and Precision for Serious Angling

The Penn Torque series stands as a flagship line of fishing reels, engineered for anglers who demand uncompromising strength, precision, and durability. Built to tackle the most formidable game fish, Torque reels, available in both spinning and conventional configurations, represent a pinnacle of Penn’s manufacturing prowess, with many models proudly made in the USA using domestic and imported components. These reels are designed from the ground up to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty angling and provide the power needed to conquer powerful adversaries.

A Legacy of Strength: The Evolution of Torque

The Penn Torque series made its debut with a clear mission: to provide a reel that could handle extreme fishing situations. The initial offerings included robust conventional star drag reels and, notably, the first generation of Torque spinning reels, which set a new standard for strength and sealing in Penn’s spinning lineup. These early models emphasized full metal construction and powerful drag systems.

Over time, the Torque family has evolved. The Torque Lever Drag 2-Speed conventional reels have become a mainstay for offshore anglers, offering the versatility of multiple retrieve speeds and the steadfast power of Penn’s advanced drag technology. These reels are built with an open-top design from machined and anodized aluminum for the body and sideplates, housing stainless steel main and pinion gears.

The spinning reel lineup saw the introduction of the Torque II spinning reels. These reels were designed for heavy-duty fishing from both boat and shore, incorporating significant advancements such as an IPX6 sealed system for the body and spool, ensuring critical components remain protected from water intrusion.

Unyielding Construction: The Foundation of Torque Reels

The hallmark of every Penn Torque reel is its incredibly robust construction. Key materials and design philosophies contribute to their legendary durability:

Full Metal Body, Sideplate, and Rotor (Spinning Reels) / Machined Aluminum Body and Sideplates (Conventional Reels): This all-metal construction provides a rigid framework that prevents twisting and flexing under immense pressure. This ensures that the gears remain perfectly aligned, even when battling the largest fish, translating to consistent power and longevity.
CNC Gear™ Technology: Penn utilizes precisely machined gears in the Torque series. This technology ensures that the drive, pinion, and oscillation gears (in spinning reels) are cut to exact tolerances from premium metals, resulting in exceptional durability, smoothness, and precision. Conventional Torque models feature robust stainless steel main and pinion gears.
Lightweight Forged Aluminum Spools: Despite their strength, Torque reels often feature lightweight forged and machined aluminum spools, designed to handle the stresses of heavy braided lines and provide excellent casting performance (in applicable models). Line capacity rings are a common feature, allowing anglers to quickly gauge how much line is out or remaining.

Advanced Drag Systems: Control When It Counts

Penn Torque reels are equipped with sophisticated drag systems designed to provide smooth, consistent, and powerful pressure throughout a fight:

Dura-Drag™ System: Predominantly featured in the Torque Lever Drag 2-Speed conventional reels and the Torque II spinning reels, the Dura-Drag™ system is engineered to virtually eliminate hesitation, even under extreme drag settings. This proprietary material provides a smooth startup and consistent performance, crucial when fighting powerful, fast-running fish.
Sealed Slammer® Drag System (Torque II Spinning): The Torque II spinning reels incorporate the Sealed Slammer® drag system with Dura-Drag™ material. This fully sealed system protects the drag washers from saltwater intrusion, ensuring longevity and reliable performance in harsh marine environments.
Versa-Drag™ System (Original Torque Spinning): The first-generation Torque spinning reels featured Penn’s patented Versa-Drag™ system, which allowed anglers to configure the drag washers in multiple ways to customize the drag curve to their specific needs.

Key Technologies Across the Series

Beyond the core construction and drag systems, Penn Torque reels incorporate several other advanced features:

IPX6 Sealed System (Torque II Spinning): This high level of sealing protects the gearbox and drag system from heavy seas and spray, making the Torque II spinning reels exceptionally reliable for surf, kayak, and boat fishing where exposure to water is inevitable.
Quick-Shift™ 2-Speed System (Torque Lever Drag 2-Speed): This feature on the conventional models allows anglers to effortlessly switch between a high-speed retrieve (for quickly picking up line or presenting baits) and a low-speed retrieve (for increased power when fighting stubborn fish).
Shielded Stainless Steel Ball Bearings: High-quality, shielded stainless steel ball bearings are used throughout the Torque series (e.g., 9+1 in the Torque II spinning reels, 6 in the Torque Lever Drag 2-Speed conventional reels) to ensure smooth operation and corrosion resistance.
Instant Anti-Reverse: This feature, often backed up by a silent double-dog system in conventional models or a ratchet in spinning models, eliminates rotor back-play, ensuring solid hooksets and preventing line slack.
“Made in USA” Pedigree: Many Penn Torque reels are proudly manufactured in Penn’s Philadelphia facility using domestic and imported components, a testament to their commitment to quality and durability.

Designed for a Multitude of Angling Challenges

The Penn Torque series is built for anglers targeting powerful fish in demanding conditions. Their applications are diverse, reflecting the versatility of the different models:

Torque Lever Drag 2-Speed Conventional Reels: These are go-to reels for offshore trolling, live baiting, and deep-drop fishing. They excel in battling large pelagic species such as tuna, marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and big sharks. The 2-speed functionality is invaluable for adapting to the different stages of a fight. Narrow spool options (e.g., TRQ15XNLD2, TRQ25NLD2, TRQ40NLD2) are popular for jigging and casting applications where reduced reel wobble and better line lay with braid are advantageous. Larger sizes like the TRQ60 offer immense line capacity for the biggest game.
Torque II Spinning Reels: These reels are powerhouses designed for heavy-duty spinning applications. They are well-suited for casting large poppers and stickbaits to species like giant trevally, tuna, and roosterfish, as well as for heavy surf fishing, jigging, and live-lining from boats. Their robust sealing and powerful drag make them reliable choices when encountering large, aggressive fish.

Performance on the Water: Angler Acclaim

Anglers who choose Penn Torque reels consistently praise their incredible power, smoothness, and durability. The drag systems are frequently highlighted for their ability to handle long, blistering runs without faltering. The solid feel of the all-metal construction inspires confidence, and the precision gearing provides a smooth yet powerful retrieve. For the Torque Lever Drag 2-Speed models, the ease of shifting gears and the reliability of the quiet double-dog anti-reverse system are often commended. The Torque II spinning reels earn high marks for their sealing, keeping them performing smoothly even after exposure to saltwater spray and waves. While they represent a significant investment, users often view them as long-term tools built to endure season after season of hard fishing.

In conclusion, the Penn Torque series represents the upper echelon of fishing reel design and manufacturing. Whether opting for the versatile power of the Lever Drag 2-Speed conventional reels or the sealed, heavy-duty performance of the Torque II spinning reels, anglers are investing in a piece of equipment built with an unwavering commitment to handling the toughest fish and the harshest angling environments.