When it comes to freshwater fishing, having the right spinning reel can make all the difference. One popular option among anglers is the Pflueger President. Despite being affordable at around $59, this reel offers numerous quality features, making it a great value for money. In this review, we will go over everything you need to know about this spinning reel and why it could be the best option for your next fishing trip.
Introduction to the Pflueger President
In the autumn of 2011, Pflueger President reel underwent a comprehensive redesign and was subsequently reintroduced to the market. The modifications made to the reel were aimed at improving its performance and enhancing its overall efficiency.
The Pflueger President reel is widely recognized among anglers for its exceptional quality and reliability. As a result, Pflueger decided to overhaul the reel to meet the ever-increasing demands of fishing enthusiasts.

The new design of the Pflueger President reel incorporated innovative technologies and materials that significantly enhanced its functionality. The reel’s lightweight construction and precision engineering not only improved its casting distance but also made it more comfortable to use for extended periods.
The Pflueger President spinning reel is known for its smooth performance, durability, and lightweight design. It is made from high-quality materials and is suitable for a range of freshwater fishing applications, from trout fishing to bass fishing.
If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a decent reel, the Pflueger President could be an option to consider. However, if you’re planning on fishing in saltwater, it might not be the most practical choice, and here’s why.
Key Features
Graphite Body and Rotor: At the core of this reel’s design are its lightweight graphite body and rotor, which provide both durability and ease of use.
10-bearing system: The Pflueger President has a 10-bearing system that ensures a smooth and consistent performance. It is important to keep in mind that the bearing system in your reel is not sealed, therefore, it is necessary to ensure that you thoroughly rinse it after every use in saltwater. Failure to do so may result in corrosion and damage to your equipment.
Lightweight design: The spinning reel is made from lightweight materials, making it easy to handle and reducing fatigue during long fishing sessions.
The use of graphite, a strong and lightweight material, makes this reel less cumbersome and easier to handle during use. The reel’s lightweight construction also reduces the amount of fatigue you might experience during extended periods of fishing, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
In addition to being lightweight, the graphite body and rotor are highly durable. Graphite is known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion, which is especially important for fishing equipment that will be exposed to saltwater and other harsh environments.
Braid-ready spool: The spool is designed to accommodate braided lines, which are becoming increasingly popular among anglers. With this spool design, you can tie braid directly to the spool using a set of vertical rubber grommets. These grommets create a secure grip on the slippery braid, eliminating the need for a mono backing.
Traditionally, anglers have had to add a mono backing to their spool before tying on braid. The mono backing serves as a base layer to prevent the braid from slipping and spinning on the spool. However, with this spool’s unique design, the need for a mono backing is eliminated.
The vertical rubber grommets provide enough friction to grip the braid and prevent it from slipping, even under heavy loads. This feature not only saves time and hassle but also allows for more line capacity on your spool.
Aluminum Handle: Crafted from high-quality aluminum alloy, the handles of Pflueger President reels are built to last. This material is known for its strength, durability, and lightweight nature.
Soft touch knob: The inclusion of a soft touch ergonomic knob on this reel is a simple yet effective design choice that enhances the user experience. The knob’s unique dimpled texture and shape provide a comfortable and secure grip, reducing strain on your fingertips and allowing for extended use without discomfort.
Anti-twist line roller: The line roller helps to prevent line twists and tangles, ensuring that you can cast and retrieve your line smoothly.
Smooth drag system: The drag system is reliable and consistent, which is important when fighting strong fish. The drag system is one of the most crucial features of a fishing reel, and the President doesn’t disappoint. It features a sealed drag system, which ensures that the drag stays smooth and consistent, even in harsh fishing conditions. The reel has a maximum drag of 6-12 pounds, depending on the model you choose.
Corrosion-resistant: The spinning reel is made from corrosion-resistant materials, which is essential for freshwater fishing.
Specifications Model Chart Comparison
Reel Model | Braid Capacity (yds./ lb. test) | Mono Capacity (yds./ lb. test) | Bearings | Max. Drag (lbs.) | Gear Ratio | Line Recovery Inches/ Turn | Weight (oz.) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PRESSP20X | 180/4 125/6 100/8 | 200/2 100/4 80/6 | 6+1 | 6 | 5.2:1 | 20.7 | 5.9 |
PRESSP25X | 200/4 140/6 110/8 | 220/2 110/4 90/6 | 9+1 | 6 | 5.2:1 | 22.4 | 7.2 |
PRESSP30X | 275/6 190/8 160/10 | 225/4 145/6 130/8 | 9+1 | 9 | 5.2:1 | 25.2 | 8.3 |
PRESSP35X | 250/8 220/10 160/14 | 230/6 185/8 155/10 | 9+1 | 10 | 5.2:1 | 27.4 | 9.9 |
PRESSP40X | 320/10 280/14 220/20 | 285/8 230/10 195/12 | 9+1 | 12 | 5.2:1 | 30.2 | 10.9 |
Price and Value
Pflueger President
- Pflueger President delivers fair value for money
- 10 Bearing system
- Lightweight
- Smooth predictable drag system
- Cheaper look and feel
- Not sealed for saltwater
Comparison with other spinning reels
When compared to other spinning reels in the market, the Pflueger President spinning reel stands out due to its affordability and high-quality materials. While other spinning reels may offer similar features, they often come with a much higher price tag. The Pflueger President spinning reel is an excellent choice for anglers who want a high-quality spinning reel without breaking the bank.
Customer feedback
The Pflueger President spinning reel has received positive feedback from customers. Many customers praise the reel’s smoothness and durability, as well as its affordable price. Customers have also noted that the reel is easy to use, even for beginners.
I went with the 25 over the 20 for the additional line capacity. I threw it on a 7′ Ultralight TFO Trout Panfish Rod with 10lb braid, and HOLY MOLY is this an awesome reel!! Obviously I’m using it for Trout, and I honestly don’t think you can get a better reel for the money. Dollar for dollar, this is it. This Pflueger President reel is a big money reel at a low end price.
For starters, the thing looks sharp! Looks aren’t really as important to me as functionality, but I had to mention the craftsmanship. It’s gorgeous! It is very light weight as well, and built with quality parts. This thing is durable, quiet, smooth, and handles everything I throw at it. Caught five fish my first day out, and they came in smooth as silk.
Do yourself a favor and just buy it… It’s kinda feels like finding $100 laying on the ground. It’s that good in my opinion!
A Few Alternatives To Consider
I would like to suggest a perfect alternative to you, which is the Daiwa Revros LT. This exceptional product is designed based on Daiwa’s Light and Tough concept, incorporating a solid framework composed of a lightweight composite material. The Revros LT comes equipped with precision-cut DigiGears and the renowned Air Rotor from Daiwa, which enhance rotation efficiency while minimizing the overall weight of the product.
Conclusion
The Pflueger President spinning reel is a top-performing fishing reel that offers smoothness, durability, and affordability. It is available in different sizes, making it versatile for various fishing needs. The reel’s high-quality materials and excellent performance have earned it positive feedback from customers. Compared to other spinning reels in the market, the Pflueger President spinning reel is a top choice for anglers who want a high-quality spinning reel without the high price tag. If you are in the market for a new spinning reel, the Pflueger President spinning reel is definitely worth considering.
FAQs
- Q: How does the Pflueger President spinning reel compare to other spinning reels in the market? A: When compared to other spinning reels in the market, the Pflueger President spinning reel stands out due to its affordability and high-quality materials. It is an excellent choice for anglers who want a high-quality spinning reel without breaking the bank.
- Q: Is the Pflueger President spinning reel durable? A: Yes, the Pflueger President spinning reel is highly durable, thanks to its corrosion-resistant body, graphite rotor, and solid aluminum bail wire.