Pflueger Spinning Reels

[Crookedneck]

I have used Pflueger spinning reels for years. The President series is all I have ever used and have no complaints. My question is the step up to the supreme or supreme xt worth the cost for those of you who have used both.

I know the big differences are going to be weight savings & upgraded components. I Guess I am asking about fit and function. Thanks

[Djman72]

I've had my President for about 2 years and i love it. I recently went and picked up a Supreme from Cabelas and the reel is a little lighter and smoother than the President. Casts like a dream too. I'd say it's worth it to pick one up if you like your President, the Supreme is a good value.

[fishguy613]

ive got a couple presidents, arbor, supreme xt. the supreme xt is a fantastic reel, and so are the others. The weight savings, aesthetics, components, spare spool make it worth the extra money.

[I.rar]

Had presidents in the past and feel they are a value at their price. I recently replaced a saros with a supreme XT but have not fished it yet. So far I can say that it's very smooth, light and well put together.

[McAlpine]

Have presidents, supremes and 1 supreme xt. The entire line is incredible for the money. The supreme is s very nice step up from the president. The XT is incredible for the price. I really want a patriarch but just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

[Hogsticker]

The President is the best 50 dollar spinning reel ever made IMO. With that being said, each step up from that point is an improvement and worth the money. Pflueger does it right with spinning reels.

[ww2farmer]

IDK, never had one higher than the President (which are great reels), but I have gone lower then the Pres. with the Trion, and honestly, I don't think there is any thing better for the money in that price range either.

[Bluebasser86]

I had 2 Supreme XT's. Stripped gears in both of them when they slipped during a hookset. Loved the reels but can't stand to buy another if it's going to fail on me like that. I have 2 Supreme MGXs also. One of them makes a clicking noise and has a noticeable catch during the retrieve, the other is perfect. 

[Hyrule Bass]

i have a supreme mgx and love it. smooth and light weight.

 

i also agree with ww2farmer, the Trions are good reels also.

 

never had a problem out of either of my 2 pflueger spinning reels, have yet to even try the president though

[SirSnookalot]

Why I have bought anything other than a Pflueger is starting to become a mystery to me.  I own 5 of them, 2 supreme mg strictly for bass, 1 supreme mg for snook and other inshore fish, a medalist and arbor both used for barracuda, that fish will put some wear and tear on a reel.  None have seen a repair or service shop for any reason, other than a drop of oil nothing is needed for these reels to perform like new.

[new2BC4bass]

Pflueger does it right with spinning reels.

 

I think they do a pretty good job with their baitcast reels as well.  Love my Patriarch XT.  The Trion isn't pretty, small or light, but will cast like a champ.  Haven't use the regular Patriarch, Supreme or President b/c reels, but reviewers (including TT) seem to like them.

[jerzeeD]

I currently have a President, Purist, 2 Medalists, a Supreme, and a Patriarch. All of them are great. The Supreme MG is a good reel. Try to find another reel made from magnesium for $100. Never had any real problems from any Pflueger.

[primetime]

pound for pound it is hard to beat the president, and the supreme is also very nice and light, but for $50 more, I would rather buy 2 presidents, or step up and spend some money on an abu garci orra sx, or any abu spinning reel, even the orra s is a fantastic reel for the $69 retail price....

I know see that Abu is selling the Revo SX which seems to be the Orra S as far as color, weight, gear ration etc..I picked it up at dicks, and it felt like my orra s spinning reels which I purchased as a backup and now reach for it ahead of my Presidents, and even my stradics...I now have a few orra s, and got a deal on the new mitchell 300 which is a nice spinning reel for the money as well......

I don't feel the supreme is worth the extra money and I returned it after one trip since I noticed the light weight, but it also felt like it didnt have the same quality feel as the president, even though it was smooth....

President spinning reels are a steal for the money whether a begginner or experienced angler, and the abu orra s is another reel that is much better than the price would indicate. People also bash the Sabalos however, I find it to be a nice reel as well.

[Crookedneck]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback

[Fattygreens]

Love all my Pfluegers, the Supreme Xt is definitely worth it for longevity. Presidents have been great but after a year of consistent fishing they do start to lose their tightness. I would expect that out of most any reel in that range though. My XT is still running as tight and smooth as the day I bought it.

[AK-Jax86]

I started with the pflueger presidents and loved it. I ended up breaking it while reeling in a fish then I switched to an Abu Garcia Orra. Had that for a whole had some extra cash laying around and decided to get the Pflueger Patriarch. Glad I did! The second I first used it I realized how much I missed Pflueger! I use that as my heavy duty reel for froggin and I use my Orra and Quantum Smoke for cranks and other lures.

[Basshammer]

 

 

 

 

I have a Pflueger Trion for spinning that works for me very well.

[MacP]

All my spinning set-ups are Pflueger.  I love them.  If you can find the old Red ones, XTs, they are salt rated and very nice.

[deputybc]

When it comes to Pfluegers just pick one you like, they are all great.

[WormWasher]

Bumping this thread in the hopes some of you with experience can help clarify some of the differences (similarities) between Pfleuger models.

 

I am interested in the sub-$100 non-magnseium models. (I dont have interest in a magnesium frame as I plan on using the reel in both freshwater and lite bay/surf fishing.  Mg + salt seems to be begging for corrosion.)  

 

So, I am looking at the following:  President, President XT, Purist, Arbor, and Medalist.  

 

Are they the same except with some differing features for marketing purposes, or are there substantial design differences?

 

 Was the now discontinued president XT merely a sealed + Aluminum frame president, or were there other differences?  

 

Is the Purist the same as the president XT except with hybrid part Al, art graphite frame?   

 

Where do the medalist and arbor fit in?  

 

I'd like something more substantial than all graphite, I prefer sealed drag and the reliability and smooth quality (and $price!)  of the president.    

 

Purist?

 

Thanks very much in advance.

[MCS]

Bumping this thread in the hopes some of you with experience can help clarify some of the differences (similarities) between Pfleuger models.

I am interested in the sub-$100 non-magnseium models. (I dont have interest in a magnesium frame as I plan on using the reel in both freshwater and lite bay/surf fishing. Mg + salt seems to be begging for corrosion.)

So, I am looking at the following: President, President XT, Purist, Arbor, and Medalist.

Are they the same except with some differing features for marketing purposes, or are there substantial design differences?

Was the now discontinued president XT merely a sealed + Aluminum frame president, or were there other differences?

Is the Purist the same as the president XT except with hybrid part Al, art graphite frame?

Where do the medalist and arbor fit in?

I'd like something more substantial than all graphite, I prefer sealed drag and the reliability and smooth quality (and $price!) of the president.

Purist?

Thanks very much in advance.

President XT is a sealed CARBON(key word) drag where the president is a felt washer drag. Purist replaced this model.

Arbor is a wide spool spinning reel made for fresh/salt.

Medalist has a following, fished one once. Fished like any other pflueger. Don't know the stats on it.

I own an a president, president XT and Templar. The XT is by far my favorite and well made.

Never fished a purist.

Hope it helps a little

[WormWasher]

President XT is a sealed CARBON(key word) drag where the president is a felt washer drag. Purist replaced this model.

Arbor is a wide spool spinning reel made for fresh/salt.

Medalist has a following, fished one once. Fished like any other pflueger. Don't know the stats on it.

I own an a president, president XT and Templar. The XT is by far my favorite and well made.

Never fished a purist.

Hope it helps a little

 

MCS thank you.  

 

It's been tough tracking down what the actual differences are between models, as opposed to marketing hype and simple name changes.   Also, its useful to hear from guys who have used them and made a choice, as opposed to just brand loyalty/dislike.  Appreciate your post.  

 

UPDATE

Shortly after the above posts I ended up purchasing 2 purists on deep sale from Bass Pro (or Cabelas?).   The Purist 35 has quickly become my go-to for light fluke on the surf.  I like the size, looks, feel, and price & performance of this little reel a lot.   It fits the bill perfectly for what i was looking for.     

 

For what I bought it for, the purist 40 is too large.  It doesnt balance well on any of my lighter bass or fluke rods.  Bear in mind, if i am going to need larger reel I tend to reach for either my stradic or 712z, both of which offer advantages in their own way.  I suppose it would fit the bill, but its redundant so its only gotten 15 minutes of use.   I'll probably trade it off for a smaller model. 

 

I then purchased a rather heavily used Medalist 35 from a (different) forum, as well as a president 30.

 

Its been fun putting them through their paces for the past year, everything from sunnies-bass-fluke-snapper blues.  

 

When I have more time I'll give my take on pro's & cons.  Maybe a new thread.  Until then, I appreciate the comments and experiences... keep em comin if you have them!

[Cmiller]

I own three presidents, and one supreme. The biggest noticeable difference is the flex in the stem of the president, it has a very slight flex under heavy load, where the supreme does not. I would assume most people on here are using these reels for finesse purposes so it really shouldn't be too much of a concern. 

[Random Tackle]

I've never felt the need to upgrade from my Trions.  Wonder if I'm missing out but the value on Trion is soo good.

[the reel ess]

IDK, never had one higher than the President (which are great reels), but I have gone lower then the Pres. with the Trion, and honestly, I don't think there is any thing better for the money in that price range either.

I'm gonna buy another 30 size Trion if my other BPS spinning reel breaks. It's kinda worn and I stepped on the bail this spring but it just keeps landing good bass.