Pflueger President XT® Spinning Reel vs. SHIMANO SYMETRE

[Vinny Chase]

Which one of these spinning reels would you guys recommend?

This setup is going to be my go to rod/reel so i want it to be the best it can be for under $100

BTW i am pairing it with a Fenwick Eagle GT 6'6

[RoLo]

Shimano Symetre hands-down, it's the best value in the Shimano house.

Roger

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I've never fished the XT but for a reel recommedation I usually say the regular president, great reel, solid, smooth, and can hold up to abuse.  If the xt is anywhere close...it's a good choice.  

[roadwarrior]

Shimano Symetre hands-down, it's the best value in the Shimano house.

Even the guys who ride with the Posse argue this point:

Symetre vs. Stradic...a winner either way!

8-)

[SirSnookalot]

If I were short a few bucks for the stradic fi, I'd pawn my vintage Wille Hoppe billiards cue, or buy a supreme.

The xt and symetre do not have sealed drags and that's a turnoff for me.

Don't ask me what it means I just want it.

[21farms]

IIRC, the president XT has a three-piece body, featuring an aluminum stem, an aluminum sideplate and a composite body. i, for one, want the stem and body to be one-piece aluminum for the most rigidity and dependability. plus, even with this weight-saving measure, it still weighs over a full ounce more than the symetre (comparing the 6735 to the 2500-size reels).

another thing to consider is the difference in line recovery...the XT's 27" versus the symetre's 35" per turn of the handle is a HUGE difference. slower is better for some techniques but faster is better for others; choose the one that will work best for you.

[dodgeguy]

as far as i know the handle side cover is graphite while the rest of the body is aluminum.i would buck up the dough and go with a supreme.

[21farms]

nope, i just checked...here's the cabela's description:

If bass and freshwater fishing are your fort é, then the President XT reel[ch8200]will serve you with reliable performance at a solid value. It's designed with a lightweight aluminum stem and side cover and graphite body to reduce flex and weight.

i remember seeing a diagram too showing that the stem is a separate piece from the body.

[Flywatersmallie]

I've got a President XT. The stem is indeed a seperate piece from the body.

That said, I also have a Symetre.... I will say this, if you go the Shimano route, get the Sahara. VERY close in performance and feel to the Symetre and you can save yourself 20 clams.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I say the regular president