Penn International VSX Series Reels

Penn International VSX Series Reels

by Penn
$529.95 - $1,299.95
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Price Match Guarantee
Model
TD Code
Mono Capacity
(yds/lb)
Braid Capacity
(yds/lb)
Max Drag
@Strike/@Full
Gear
Ratio
Line Retrieve
Per Crank
WeightPrice
12VSX
PEN-0954
360/30
300/40
220/50
750/50
625/65
525/80
24 lbs/36 lbsHigh: 5.0:1
Low: 2.5:1
High: 38 in
Low: 19 in
33 oz$529.95 USD
16VSX
PEN-0354
1075/16
700/20
480/30
825/65
700/80
600/100
30 lbs/42 lbsHigh: 4.3:1
Low: 1.7:1
High: 36 in
Low: 15 in
41 oz$549.95 USD
30VSX
PEN-0669
525/30
320/50
280/60
775/80
650/100
550/130
38 lbs/50 lbsHigh: 3.8:1
Low: 1.6:1
High: 37 in
Low: 15 in
60 oz$599.95 USD
50VSX
PEN-0670
550/50
440/60
330/80
875/130
775/150
650/200
44 lbs/56 lbsHigh: 3.1:1
Low: 1.3:1
High: 34 in
Low: 14 in
76 oz$649.95 USD
130VSX
PEN-0709
975/130
850/150
525/200
3650/150
2975/200
2475/250
80 lbs/100 lbsHigh: 2.2:1
Low: 1.2:1
High: 38 in
Low: 21 in
176 oz$1,299.95 USD
Penn International VSX models are constructed to achieve the extreme drag ranges expected by anglers fishing with super-braids. Unlike other products that advertise their high-potential drag settings but fail to inform you that these drag settings result in drag curves that are anything but angler friendly, and have a high potential to pop lines, pull hooks, and result in lost fish, Penn VSX models have been engineered to achieve these extreme drag settings while maintaining an appropriate and smooth drag curve throughout the entire range of the drag-lever. Simply put, Penn Engineering at its finest.
5 Stars based on 9 reviews
By Capt A.
Merritt Island, Fl
Moving up
October 13, 2020
New boat, new reels. Dusky 278/ twin Suzuki 300
Going from Squall VSW to the VSX series'. 16VSX(4), 12VSX(2).
I'll purchase two more of these reels at a later date
Pros
  • After fishing with the two speed Squalls and then fishing with the VSX reels, wow these are such nice reels! And the drags are amazing! Everything about these reels are PRO!
Cons
  • I couldn't afford to purchase anymore reels lol!
  • I will be purchasing a few more at the first of the year to complete my trolling spread.
By Kai
Carpinteria, CA
Not as much line capacity as 12LT
July 31, 2017
I purchased a 12VSX recently, and had it spooled with 80lb braid. I was a little shocked that it holds less line (about 75 yards) than my old Penn International 12LT. The 12VSX is a super nice reel, just whish they gave it a deeper spool given it's overall size. Probably should have gotten the 16VSX for slightly more line capacity.
By Eric D.
Boca Raton, FL
Penn International VSX12
March 3, 2017
One if the best reels I have used. I have it in a Crowder ESU7030 20-50lb ppole with Power Pro 8 slick 80lb blue braid. Great for deep drop on the reef or light trolling for Mahi, tuna or kingfish. Penn is the only way to go!
Pros
  • Smooth, heavy drag when you need it. Light weight reel for the long fights. Not as wide as other international like my sw50 so it's easier to guide the line back on.
Cons
  • Price is a little high, but we'll worth it. Take care of a Penn and you will pass it on to your kids!
By Scott b.
United States
why buy anything else
August 8, 2016
I didn't need the full size 50 and this was perfect plus you cawhy buy anything elsen't go wrong with an international
Pros
  • It's an international what else can you say
Cons
  • There is none
By Randall H.
La Porte Texas
Awesome Reel
April 7, 2016
I first used these reels in Cabo , after fishing off different boat and using different tackle , I really liked these the best . With Breaded lines there is not need for double wide reels and it is easier to guide the line when fighting a really big fish ! With a large live bait they deck hands could cast out to the Marlin coming into the spread . Which were reeled to the boat , Have a nine foot striped blue marlin full body mount hanging from my ceiling to as proof there reels can whip the beast of the sea to the boat ! I had shopped around and the price at Tackle Direct is off the hook , Great service, fast shipping , friendly people to talk to on the phone and they even filled the reels with line for free with the promotion code !
Pros
  • These reels are built like a tank and loaded with features , awesome reels
Cons
  • I just got two and your trying to decide ! Break open the wallet and make the purchase !
By Gary
Acton, CA
West Coast Long Range
December 30, 2015
This is a solid 80# line class tuna reel fishing polyester braid, a topshot and live bait, with enough metal to dissipate the heat. It casts. It's topless. It has all the features the pickiest of fishermen want. Don't believe me, call Cal Sheets who has been a Penn mechanic and machinist for more than 20 years. He loves these reels too. Twenty years ago you would have had to use a 50W to get this kind of drag and the same capacity with nylon mono.
Pros
  • Improved drags, drag profile, shifter
Cons
  • Pro and con, lots of metal.
By Cecil
Fort myers florida
Built like a battle ship. Made for a lifetime. Aircraft aluminium body, forged spool. A joy to fish with
April 8, 2015
I fish for big grouper, Kings, Amberjack and sharks 70 times or more a year. Shift to low gear and enjoy the fight. Bought a two speed torque for my wife because of the lighter weight. Need to choose a rod with the reel on it to get the balance you like. Once I switched to two speed reel it is hard to fish with a one speed on the bigger fish.
Pros
  • Rugged, built for a lifetime, quality, American made, smooth drag, high drag ratings, can choose VSX or VS if you have a preference for braid or mono. Very smooth reel body for those who like to palm the reel in the left hand while fishing. Easy to keep baits on in strike zone in a verity of fishing situations.
Cons
  • Weighs more than torque two speed, more expensive than granite models.
By LIly
Jersey
Great product
December 28, 2013
I highly recommend this product
Pros
  • reliable
By Elias
Rethymnon, Crete
A very good reel
August 7, 2012
One of the two top saltwater reels. Yes you guessed right, the other one is Japanese. I own a 30VSX, equipped with 400 yards, 100 lb Powerpro, plus 60 yards monofilament. I have caught, several Bluefins and a lot of Greater Amberjacks. Great reel, no problem, after 8 years of heavy use.
Pros
  • Smooth retrieve
  • The drag never fails
  • Durable clicker with beautiful sound
  • satisfactory capacity, for braid line
Cons
  • It could hold more line
3 Questions & 3 Answers
Kim Hasselbalch
from 98604 asked:
February 10, 2022
Do the VSX reel

ls come left handed models 

1 Answer
Kim, at this time Penn International reels are only available in right hand retrieve. Please let us know if we can assist with anything else.
Submitted by: Brian - TackleDirect Customer Service on February 11, 2022

Michael
from Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa asked:
November 20, 2016
Hi there, I am from South Africa and Unfortunatly dont get the vsx 12 here, so it is hard to determine the actual size of the reel.. Is it about the same size as the torque 40 star drag? Or a lot bigger? Could you perhapse give the dimensions or even photos for comparison purposes? I am really interested in buying a set and shipping them here. In addition to the above what penn rod combination would you suggest for this reel if you were trolling and drifting with live baits for tuna, wahoo, dorado etc? Many thanks.
1 Answer
Sorry that we could not provide pictures. The Penn VSX 12 is noticeably bigger (11 ounces) and the Penn Ally Boat Rods would pair well with Penn VSX 12.
Submitted by: Donald on December 1, 2016

Mike
from Gainesville, FL asked:
December 31, 2014
What would be the best rod match with the vsx12 for Florida Gulf bottom fishing for mainly grouper and snapper?
1 Answer
There are many rods that will work well with that reel. We suggest you check out the Penn Blue Water Carnage (PEN-0986). It is light, powerful, and designed exactly for the kind of fishing you want to do.
Submitted by: Customer Service on January 5, 2015

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