Most of my gear is kinda light and I have lost a couple big fish lately. I’m reel shopping and looking for a good value that will last 20+ years (most of my gear has). Trying to decide between a Daiwa BG and Penn Battle II in a 2500 series size as a spinning reel for bass. Thoughts between these two? Both are right around $99.

I notice both of these seem to be considered 'salt water' reels by tackle shops. Is there anything about them being designed for salt water that would make them less suited as a freshwater bass reel? I would only think they have increased corrosion resistance, or possibly a tad more weight for more solid construction?

Will work just as good in fresh water fishing.  My only Penn reel is an old 430SS.  I like it a lot.  Last year I bought the BG 1500 and a MC Benkei for Ned Rigs.  The reel feels like a little tank and personally I am a fan of its looks.  Unfortunately I only got out once with it last year as 1) I am working 2 jobs 2) rained a lot and 3) I spent a lot of time even on good weather weekends catching up on sleep.

 

The BG is not a light reel, but seems to be very well built.  The Okuma RTX is lighter and a few on here use it.  I've only read good things about it.  Penn is a brand seldom mentioned on this forum.  Doesn't make it a bad reel, tho.  I like Pflueger baitcast reels and they seldom get mentioned either.    I know a lot of saltwater guys like Penn reels.

I have a BG 1500 and several Penn Battle II's (3000, 2000, 1000). Performance wise, they're both good, well constructed.

 

Some very minor differences, Penn's handle knobs are bigger (longer and flat) and to me more comfortable. The BG's drag knob is plastic and feels flimsy compared to the Penn's. 

 

BG feels slightly smoother, maybe due to the oversized gears (digigear system), and heavier but balances well on spinning rods just fine.

 

The Battle II had line lay problems on their larger reels, I don't think it is a problem on the 2500.

 

Both can be had for about $80 on Amazon or Ebay. Both have great customer service and I don't think you can go wrong with either one for the long term unless you abuse the reel.