The Pflueger President reel was completely redesigned and re-released in the fall of 2011. This reel, although inexpensive, still provides many quality features at a very affordable price point, starting at around $59.
While the Pflueger President would not be my first choice for someone looking to assemble their first saltwater fishing kit, it is certainly not a bad choice if you have a limited budget.
The main reason that I say it would not be my first choice for saltwater is that none of the components are sealed; thus, this reel will need to be meticulously maintained if used in a saltwater environment.
With that said, if you do have a limited budget of, say, $100 for a rod and reel combination, I would recommend that you pair the Pflueger President Model 6930X with a Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Model USSP702M in a 7′ Medium Fast for good all-around setup that is going to cover most of your inshore fishing needs and will cost you just about $100.
The Bottom Line
- This is a very popular spinning reel for freshwater, and for good reason
- A very smooth reel with a 10-bearing system delivers a good experience
- It has quality construction and is lightweight, with a graphite body and rotor
- It is a great reel but not my first choice for using in saltwater due to the lack of seals around the main shaft and bearings
The Pflueger President is a quality reel and is available here
The first thing that Pflueger did when they redesigned the President was to reduce the body weight by about 10%, making for a lighter yet still durable reel. The advantage of having a lighter-weight reel is that you can fish longer without wrist and hand fatigue.
Speaking from experience, when I switched from a heavier reel that I love, the Penn Battle II in a 3000, which weighed in at 12.3 oz., to the lighter-weight Shimano Stradic FK 3000, which weighs just 8.3 oz. in the 3000, I was shocked at how I did not have any forearm fatigue after 4-5 hours on the water.
A few ounces might not seem like much, but it was a third lighter in this case and made a huge difference.
The Pflueger President reel comes in 5 sizes, ranging from a size 20 to a size 40; it just so happens that the size 30 weighs the same 8.3 oz. as my Shimano Stradic FK 3000 series.
Features
10 Bearing System
Corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings are used in the 10-bearing system, providing a smooth retrieve. Note that this is not a sealed bearing system, so you must rinse your reel after every saltwater use.
Graphite Body and Rotor
The lightweight graphite body and rotor are at this reel’s foundation, making it both durable and light.
Braid Ready Spool
The braid-ready spool is made out of solid aluminum and is ported. This spool allows the braid to be tied directly to the spool using a series of vertical rubber grommets that allow the slippery braid to grip the spool without mono backing.
Sure-Click™ Heavy Duty Aluminum Bail
Pflueger’s Sure Click™ bail is constructed of heavy-duty aluminum and should be stronger than previous models. The Sure Click™ provides a nice audible click that lets you know the bail is open and ready to cast. As I have said in other reviews, I recommend that you use your hand to close the bail after you cast to provide a longer lifespan for the reel.
Stainless Steel/Oil Felt Drag
Consistent drag pressure and corrosion resistance.
Soft Touch Ergonomic Knob
The soft-touch ergonomic knob makes it easier for you to grip the knob. I like the way Pflueger has used this simple but effective dimpled knob design to make it easier on the fingertips; it just fits well.
Aluminum Handle
Aircraft grade aluminum, extreme durability
Features at a Glance
- Instant Anti-Reverse One-Way Clutch Bearing
- Sure-Click Bail System
- 10 Bearing System
- Graphite Body & Rotor
- Stainless Steel oil Felt Frag
- Backed by Pflueger’s Limited One-Year Warranty
I think the Pflueger is a very smooth reel in the lightweight fishing reel category. When checking out the drag system, I was impressed with the smoothness of such an inexpensive reel.
The drag can be easily adjusted in micro increments, making it fairly precise. I have not owned the reel for a long time, so I am interested in seeing how it holds up, especially after being fished in saltwater.
Honestly, this reel was more than I expected for a reel in what I would classify as the cheap category.
Pflueger also offers the President in a combo package for around $79.99. The rod is not bad, but I would prefer to spend a few more dollars and get the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Model USSP702M in a 7′ Medium Fast for about $20 more.
Amazon Reviews
When looking at what other fishermen had to say about the Pflueger President on Amazon, it is quite apparent that most people feel that you get your money’s worth for the price point.
76% of reviewers gave this reel a 5-star rating, followed by 15% with a 4-star rating, leaving only 9% giving it a three or less. This is quite impressive for a reel that falls into the cheap category, starting at under $50.
“Great bang for buck quality reel. It’s smooth and works great. Fit and finish are very nice, and the reel looks great on many rods.”
– Mike L.
Pros
- Price point
- 10 Bearing system
- Lightweight
- Good third-party reviews
- Easy to switch left to right hand retrieve
Cons
- Cheaper look and feel
- Reported drag issues
- Not sealed for saltwater
Alternatives
Trying to stay at the same price point and getting a reel that will be good for saltwater is a difficult task. The challenge is that you really want sealed bearings and a carbon drag system for saltwater.
Staying with the Pflueger brand, I would say that you would be well served to spend the extra $25-$30 and move up to the Pflueger Purist if you are fishing in saltwater. I say this as it has a sealed carbon drag system and will be more durable.
If you can stretch the budget a bit more, I recommend that you check out the Daiwa Fuego LT, which can be had for about twice the price (typically $99). I say this because you will be getting a reel with better build quality, sealed bearings, and a carbon drag system.
While you will spend twice as much, you will have a reel that will not need to be replaced after a year or two.
In Conclusion
Overall, if you have a very limited budget or are just getting started and do not want to spend much money on a reel, then the Pflueger President is not a bad choice.
As I said earlier in this review, it would not be my first choice as this is a freshwater reel and will have to be extremely well maintained if you expect to get any life out if it fishing saltwater.
If you choose to get this reel, read our article on Caring for Your Saltwater Fishing Gear.
Smooth performance plus toughness – a great value! The Pflueger® President® Spinning Reel's lightweight graphite body houses a rugged, corrosion-resistant stainless steel main shaft and components.
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Ty Parker
Monday 17th of October 2022
I have eight Presidents from the 25 to the 35. Some of them are ten years old and I use them fresh and salt water. I have never had a problem with any of them. In my opinion they are great reels.