3 yrs ago I bought my son in law a Phlueger President spinning reel for Christmas. He's had great luck with the reel, and it's caught quite a few bass for him. Before Christmas this year, I purchased a new Pflueger President reel also. I kept it for 1 week. The reel felt grindy. They must have changed this model, as it looks different from the older ones, and doesn't feel as smooth. I asked my wife to return it for me, at our local Academy. She instead exchanged the reel, for a Shimano 2500fi spin reel. Even though I've been a back reeler for almost 40 yrs, I'm sure I can get used to not having an anti reverse switch. The Sahara feels super smooth, and lightweight at 8.8 oz. From what I understand the newer Shimanos have an excellent drag. I've spooled it with 8lb Trilene XL mono line, and giving it a test run Friday afternoon on a smaller clear quarry lake that I fish with my grandson. So far, it seems like a great reel. Is anyone else using the newer Sahara? I'm excited about giving this one a test drive
