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You are looking at a spinning vs fly rod and reel combo comparison. Both options offer complete setups for anglers starting out or upgrading. The PENN Wrath II is a heavy-duty spinning combo built for power and corrosion resistance. The Redington Crosswater is a fly fishing outfit designed for portability and ease of use. They differ significantly in rod construction, intended fishing style, and portability features. You need to choose based on your target species and how you transport gear.
Rod Type
Spinning
Fly
Pieces
2-piece
4-piece
Rod Length
12'
9'0"
Rod Power
Heavy
not listed
Gear Ratio
5.3:1
not listed
Weight
3.14 pounds
not listed
Choose the first if
- You need heavy power for large freshwater or saltwater species like catfish or bass.
- You want a corrosion-resistant setup with a graphite composite rod and aluminum spool.
- You prefer a longer 12-foot rod for casting distance and line control.
Choose the second if
- You prioritize portability with a rod that breaks down into four pieces for travel.
- You are a beginner looking for a medium-fast action graphite rod that is easy to cast.
- You want a complete kit including a pre-spooled fly line and leader ready for immediate use.
Verdict
Choose the PENN Wrath II if you require brute strength and durability for heavy fishing tasks. Pick the Redington Crosswater if you value compact storage and a user-friendly fly fishing experience. Your decision should hinge on whether you need raw power or travel convenience.
Spinning vs Fly Rod Combos
Rod Type and Style
Edge: Tie
The PENN Wrath II is a spinning rod combo designed for casting lures and bait with a reel. It uses a 12-foot graphite composite blank with moderate fast action. The Redington Crosswater is a fly rod outfit built for casting a weighted line. It features a 9-foot graphite blank with medium-fast action. Spinning rods let you cast light lures easily. Fly rods require learning a different casting technique. Your choice depends on whether you prefer lure casting or fly fishing methods.
Portability and Pieces
Edge: Redington Crosswater 5WT 4-Piece Fly Rod
The PENN Wrath II comes as a 2-piece rod. It measures 73.2 inches in height and weighs 3.14 pounds. The Redington Crosswater breaks down into 4 pieces. This allows it to pack smaller for travel. The Redington includes a zippered travel case for storage. The PENN combo is heavier and longer in one piece. If you plan to backpack or store gear in tight spaces, the 4-piece design of the Redington offers better portability.
Reel Specifications
Edge: PENN Wrath II 12ft Heavy Combo
The PENN Wrath II includes a Size 8000 spinning reel. It has a 5.3:1 gear ratio and recovers 44 inches per turn. The reel has 2 shielded stainless steel ball bearings plus 1 anti-reverse bearing. The Redington Crosswater includes a matched Crosswater fly reel with a smooth disc drag system. It is pre-spooled with RIO Mainstream WF5F fly line. The PENN reel offers higher retrieval speed. The Redington setup is ready to fish with line included.
Power and Drag
Edge: PENN Wrath II 12ft Heavy Combo
The PENN Wrath II is rated as Heavy power with a 20-40lb line rating. It features a felt front drag with a max drag of 25lb. It handles large freshwater and saltwater species. The Redington Crosswater is a 5WT fly rod. This rating suits smaller to medium fish in freshwater. It lacks specific drag poundage in the data. The PENN combo provides more brute strength for heavy battles. The Redington is lighter and better for delicate presentations.
Target Use and Audience
Edge: Tie
The PENN Wrath II is an all-rounder for crappie, bass, and catfish. It works in both freshwater and saltwater environments. The Redington Crosswater is designed specifically for beginners and travel. It includes a travel case and is easy to cast. The Redington is ideal for new anglers learning fly fishing. The PENN is better for experienced anglers needing durability. Your decision rests on whether you need a rugged saltwater tool or a beginner-friendly fly kit.
Choose the right combo for you
Anglers needing heavy power for large fish
Our pick: PENN Wrath II 12ft Heavy Combo
The PENN Wrath II features heavy power and a 12-foot graphite composite rod. Its 5.3:1 gear ratio recovers 44 inches of line per crank. The 25-pound max drag handles strong pulls. This setup suits you if you target bass or catfish with heavy lines. The corrosion-resistant construction supports saltwater use.
Travelers wanting compact and portable gear
Our pick: Redington Crosswater 5WT 4-Piece Fly Rod
The Redington Crosswater breaks down into four pieces for easy storage. It comes with a zippered travel case for safe transport. The 9-foot medium-fast graphite rod offers balanced casting. This option suits you if you backpack or store gear in small spaces. The included line and leader simplify setup for trips.
Beginners seeking a ready-to-fish fly outfit
Our pick: Redington Crosswater 5WT 4-Piece Fly Rod
This kit includes a matched reel, RIO fly line, and leader. The medium-fast action graphite rod aids casting performance for new users. The smooth disc drag system provides reliable control. This combo suits you if you want a pre-rigged setup. The design focuses on ease of use for learning fly fishing techniques.
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PENN Wrath II 12ft Heavy Combo | Long-distance casting and heavy game fish | |
| 2 | Redington Crosswater 5WT 4-Piece Fly Rod | Beginner fly fishing and travel |
PENN Wrath II 12ft Heavy Combo
Best for: Long-distance casting and heavy game fish
- Rod Type
- Spinning
- Rod Length
- 12'
- Pieces
- 2-piece
- Rod Power
- Heavy
- Rod Action
- Moderate Fast
- Blank Material
- graphite composite
This spinning rod and reel combo features a 12-foot graphite composite rod with heavy power and moderate fast action. The 8000 size reel offers a 5.3:1 gear ratio and 25 pounds of max drag. It is built for freshwater and saltwater use, handling line ratings from 20 to 40 pounds. The design includes corrosion-resistant materials and Dura-Guides for durability. You get a versatile setup for battling larger fish species.
- 12-foot rod length provides extended casting distance
- Heavy power handles 20-40 lb line ratings
- 25 lb max drag capacity for strong fish
- Corrosion-resistant graphite reel casing and aluminum spool
- 5.3:1 gear ratio with 2+1 ball bearings
- 25 lb max drag is lower than typical fly outfit capabilities
- 12-foot length and 3.14 lb weight add bulk for transport
- Moderate fast action offers less sensitivity than fast action rods
- You need a long rod for casting heavy lures
- You target larger freshwater or saltwater species
- You require corrosion resistance for saltwater use
- You prefer lightweight gear for all-day wading
- You need high sensitivity for subtle bites
- You want a compact rod for easy travel
Verdict: PENN Wrath II 12ft Heavy Spinning Combo delivers heavy power and long reach for anglers targeting large fish in corrosive environments. It suits those who prioritize casting distance and drag strength over portability and sensitivity.
Redington Crosswater 5WT 4-Piece Fly Rod
Best for: Beginner fly fishing and travel
- Rod Type
- Fly
- Rod Length
- 9'0"
- Pieces
- 4-piece
- Rod Action
- Medium-fast
- Blank Material
- Graphite
- Use
- Travel, Beginners
This Redington Crosswater outfit is a 4-piece fly fishing combo designed for beginners and travel. It features a 9-foot medium-fast action graphite rod and a pre-spooled reel. The kit includes RIO Mainstream WF5F fly line and a leader. It breaks down into four pieces for easy storage in the included zippered case. This setup is ideal for anglers who need a portable, ready-to-fish solution for backpacking or road trips.
- 4-piece graphite rod breaks down for compact travel storage
- Medium-fast action offers excellent casting performance for beginners
- Includes pre-spooled reel, RIO fly line, and leader for immediate use
- Comes with a zippered travel case for safe transport
- 9-foot rod length is shorter than the 12-foot spinning rod option
- 5WT rod power is lower than the 8000-size spinning reel capacity
- 4-piece construction may feel less robust than a one-piece rod
- You prioritize portability and easy storage for backpacking trips
- You are a beginner looking for a pre-rigged fly fishing setup
- You need a lightweight outfit for road trips or trunk storage
- You require a long-reach spinning rod for heavy surf fishing
- You prefer a one-piece rod for maximum durability
- You need a high-power fly rod for large game fish
Verdict: Redington Crosswater 5WT Fly Combo is a practical choice for beginners who value portability. It fits anglers who want a complete, pre-rigged setup that packs down small for travel.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | PENN Wrath II 12ft Heavy Combo | Redington Crosswater 5WT 4-Piece Fly Rod |
|---|---|---|
| Rod Length | 12' | 9'0" |
| Pieces | 2-piece | 4-piece |
| Rod Power | Heavy | – |
| Rod Action | Moderate Fast | Medium-fast |
| Blank Material | graphite composite | Graphite |
| Gear Ratio | 5.3:1 | – |
| Bearing Count | 2+1 | – |
| Use | – | Travel, Beginners |
| Rod Type | Spinning | Fly |
| Combo Type | – | Fly Fishing |
| Dimensions | 7.87 × 5.51 × 73.2 inches | – |
| Weight | 3.14 pounds | – |
| Size | 8000 Size Reel – 12' – Heavy – 2pc | 5WT 9\'0" 4PC |
| Color | Black/Gold | Blue |
| Model | WRTHII8000122H | 5-5045K-590-4 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between spinning and fly combos?
Spinning combos use a reel mounted below the rod to cast weighted lures or bait. Fly combos use a specialized reel on the butt to cast the weight of the line itself. You choose spinning for heavy power and distance. You choose fly for delicate presentations and lighter tackle.
Which combo is better for casting long distances?
The spinning combo is superior for long-distance casting. The PENN Wrath II features a 12-foot rod and heavy power. This setup allows you to throw lures far out into open water. Fly rods generally focus on accuracy and line control rather than maximum casting distance.
Is a fly combo easier to transport?
Yes, fly combos are often more portable. The Redington Crosswater comes in a 4-piece design. It packs down small for travel or storage. The spinning PENN Wrath II is a 2-piece rod that is longer and heavier. It is less convenient for frequent travel.
Do I need a special reel for fly fishing?
Yes, fly fishing requires a specific reel type. The Redington Crosswater is a fly reel designed to hold the heavy fly line. Spinning reels, like the one on the PENN Wrath II, are built to hold monofilament or braided line. The mechanisms and drag systems differ significantly.
Which rod is heavier and more powerful?
The spinning combo is heavier and more powerful. The PENN Wrath II weighs 3.14 pounds and has heavy power. It is built for large game fish. The fly rod is lighter and designed for finesse. It lacks the brute strength needed for heavy-duty game fish.
Can I use a fly rod for saltwater?
You can, but spinning combos are often preferred. The PENN Wrath II is built for corrosive environments. It offers heavy power and strong drag for saltwater species. Fly rods can be used in salt, but you must ensure the reel and line are corrosion-resistant.
