Lighter Alternative To Pflueger President

[hooah212002]

I had the 6935 and decided it was way too big, so I recently acquired a 6930 and I still find it rather heavy. I stopped at DSG and handled some random Okuma (I want to say the Stratus CS since that is the cheap model listed on the website, but I am not positive) that seemed nice and light (cheap, too), but I am unsure of the different models of those reels. I like how smooth the President is and it appreciate the quality build, but I want/need something far lighter and in similar price range. Even a tad smaller in actual size would be acceptable since the 6930 still feels a bit large for my taste. However, since there is no conformity between reel manufacturers in regards to reel sizing, this task is rather difficult.

 

I don't need my spinning reel to do all that much: the occasional drop shot, shaky head and small spinnerbaits is really about all I use my full size spinning reel for (as opposed to my U/L which gets A LOT of use). My BC reels get all the heavy lifting, leaving either spinning rig for light finesse work (I currently have a 7' St. Croix Eyecon, but am considering something lighter in weight as well as action because even that is rather stiff).

 

$60 is the most I am currently willing to shell out unless I can manage to find a $300 reel for a $80 or something. "just spend a little more" has gotten me to $60 and I am confident I can get a sufficient reel for this price because this reel will get relatively little use.

[Hyrule Bass]

well i was going to suggest a pflueger supreme, but its out of your $60 price limit, but really light weight. you should check out the pflueger trions or the abu garcia cardinals. both are about $40 i believe. i have one of each and never had a problem in several years of owning them.

[hooah212002]

well i was going to suggest a pflueger supreme, but its out of your $60 price limit, but really light weight. you should check out the pflueger trions or the abu garcia cardinals. both are about $40 i believe. i have one of each and never had a problem in several years of owning them.

 

My U/L reel is a Trion but I never considered just getting another larger one. Thanks.

[VolFan]

What he said or grab a Shimano Sahara 2500.

[hooah212002]

What he said or grab a Shimano Sahara 2500.

 

That appears to be heavier than a President.

 

According to Bass Pro, the Sahara is 9.2 oz and the President is 8.3 oz.

[iabass8]

8.3oz isnt very heavy for a lower end spinning reel in the 2500/30 size. Its actually not that heavy of a spinning reel in general. If you really want something lighter weight you're going to need to go down to the 1000/25 size (these are still more than adequate) or go above the 50-70$ price tag.

[hooah212002]

8.3oz isnt very heavy for a lower end spinning reel in the 2500/30 size. Its actually not that heavy of a spinning reel in general. If you really want something lighter weight you're going to need to go down to the 1000/25 size (these are still more than adequate) or go above the 50-70$ price tag.

 

It doesn't seem like it should be that heavy, but something about it makes it feel like a tank. I've weighed it against similarly sized reels and it does feel substantially heavier. I am fine dropping down a bit in reel size. I am looking now at the 25 series Trion (the second smallest) which is 7.1 oz.

 

I work on computers and have been for some time and I think I am beginning to get carpal tunnel, so saving my wrists/thumbs for as long as I can is important. At the same time, I can't afford to plunk down $100+ on every reel I buy and I am currently without a regular size spinning reel (the one I have now belongs to my dad).

[Cgrinder]

The white Okuma Stratus that Dick's sells is actually a pretty serviceable reel for the $30. 

[SirSnookalot]

Echoing the previous posts 8.3 oz is not heavy, but if it you think it is I would suggest just checking every reel in your price range on the internet.

I would not use a size 25 unless I was putting it on a light power rod.  I have a set up like that and I use it as "toy", it's not suitable as an every day do it all set up.

[Tywithay]

If you can find a previous model Cabelas Prodigy, it'd be a fit. Magnesium reel that was selling for about $60 on closeout.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Ive used the 20 size flooger for a few years now its doing well. Ive caught 2-4# catfish and hundreds of bass 10"-16". For lightweight presentations not a workhorse reel it should work for you. 1/8-3/16 spinnerbaits, SK bitsy minnows, Rapala MFR-3 cranks,nightcrawlers. Its been on croix 7'6"  M/f and croix 8' ML/M.  It has the same drag as the 25 size and just 10yds less line capacity(100yds/8# braid) weighs 5.9oz. Buy one from Gander mountain and you have 90 days to try it out return if not satisfied. I return my BB1 Pro after 80 days no problem.

 

.http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/Pflueger%C2%AE-President%C2%AE-Spinning-Reel/1280293,default,pd.html#start=8

[21farms]

to the OP, i'd be very careful here...lighter is not always better. i went down the same path and got a pflueger patriarch XT in the 30-size. i chose it specifically because of its 6.3 oz. weight to replace an 8.8 oz. daiwa on my 4.1 oz. dropshot rod. although the reel itself is wispy light, when mounted on my rod, the combo actually felt heavier because it didn't balance on the rod was well as the heavier daiwa. nevertheless, i decided to keep it. on my very first outing dropshotting with it, i developed severe tendinitis in my right elbow...and it was bad, really bad. i dropshot A LOT and have never had any issue whatsoever before. i sold that reel and specifically chose something heavier and life is good again.

[hooah212002]

Ive used the 20 size flooger for a few years now its doing well. Ive caught 2-4# catfish and hundreds of bass 10"-16". For lightweight presentations not a workhorse reel it should work for you. 1/8-3/16 spinnerbaits, SK bitsy minnows, Rapala MFR-3 cranks,nightcrawlers. Its been on croix 7'6"  M/f and croix 8' ML/M.  It has the same drag as the 25 size and just 10yds less line capacity(100yds/8# braid) weighs 5.9oz. Buy one from Gander mountain and you have 90 days to try it out return if not satisfied. I return my BB1 Pro after 80 days no problem.

 

.http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/Pflueger%C2%AE-President%C2%AE-Spinning-Reel/1280293,default,pd.html#start=8

 

Those are precisely the sort of things I plan on doing with it because, as I said, I can throw most anything (and prefer to) with my Citica because, well, that can throw anything I want this side of 1/16oz.

[hooah212002]

the combo actually felt heavier because it didn't balance on the rod was well as the heavier daiwa. 

 

I hadn't actually considered that it was simply not balanced well because I do agree with most of you that it shouldn't be as heavy as it feels. But it does feel uncomfortably heavy nonetheless and I would like to fix that if possible. Perhaps I will just try the reel on a different rod and see if that be where the problem lies.

 

Also, I know lighter is not always better. That is not the goal. I just want similar in value AND lighter. I understand that the President is pretty much the best bang for your buck spinning reel under $100, but there are others in this price range that are nearly as good.

[F14A-B]

If you can find a previous model Cabelas Prodigy, it'd be a fit. Magnesium reel that was selling for about $60 on closeout.

If I may ask, who made that reel for cabelas?