In this Pflueger Supreme XT spinning reel review, I will tell you why it is one of the lightest spinning reels in its class and why I would consider it a solid choice for a mid-priced spinning reel.
The Supreme XT is equally good for freshwater and saltwater fishing if you want a mid-sized, quality fishing reel.
The reel comes in 4 sizes, ranging from 25 (2500) with a 5.2:1 gear ratio to 30 (3000), 35 (3500), and 40 (4000), all with a 6.2:1 gear ratio.
The Supreme XT spinning reel is super light with a magnesium body and rotor. The aluminum spool comes ready for your favorite braided line, with rubber ridges on the spool to grip that slippery braided line.
At the top of the spool, you will find a sealed carbon fiber drag system excellent for freshwater and saltwater inshore fishing conditions.
One of the things that makes this reel unique is its use of a lightweight carbon fiber handle coupled with an EVA handle knob, which provides a smooth and almost effortless retrieve.
Pflueger has a Sure-Click bail design, which makes a solid snap sound when the bail is fully opened and ready to cast. The bail incorporates an anti-twist titanium line roller that ensures the line lays evenly on your spool as you retrieve it.
Another nice feature is the instant anti-reverse, which allows for a quick and solid hookset every time.
The Bottom Line
- It is a very lightweight reel due to the magnesium body and rotor
- Smooth with 10–14 lbs. of carbon fiber drag
- Sealed drag for superior saltwater performance
The Pflueger Supreme XT is a lightweight performance reel and is available here.
Features
The Pflueger Supreme XT spinning reel has features that will provide many years of enjoyable fishing. From the lightweight magnesium body and rotor to the sealed carbon inlay drag system, this reel feels solid, yet at the same time lightweight in your hands.
Magnesium Body and Rotor
At the heart of the reel are the magnesium body, rotor, and side plate, which are extremely lightweight and durable and should stand up to many years of fishing in saltwater as long as they are cared for after each trip with a quick freshwater rinse.
Aluminum Spool
The aluminum spool is double-anodized for corrosion resistance and features machine-ported sidewalls to reduce weight. Pflueger seems able to accomplish this without sacrificing strength or durability.
The spool is set up for a braided line right out of the box with rubber ridges, so there is no need to back the spool with mono.
Sealed Carbon Drag
Sitting on top of the spool is Pflueger’s lightest drag system. The carbon fiber drag system is fully sealed to assist in keeping out the grime and saltwater and will not overheat when you latch on to that big one.
I feel the compact knob design is a little difficult to adjust, particularly on a cold day when I’m wearing gloves, as you have to use more of the tips of your thumb and forefinger vs. the sides of your fingers.
Carbon Fiber Handle
One of the first things you will notice about the Pflueger Supreme XT is its carbon fiber handle, which gives it a unique look, especially with the contrasting black and orange.
The carbon fiber handle is 21% lighter when compared to your standard aluminum handle of a similar size and is corrosion-resistant. The retrieving mechanism is finished off with an EVA knob that incorporates dimples on either side for an easier grip.
Switching the reel from left to right-handed retrieve was a quick and painless process.
Sure-Click Bail Design
Pflueger’s sure-click bail design incorporates several features. The bail is solid aluminum and includes an anti-twist titanium line roller.
I like the solid snapping sound that it makes when the bail is opened, preparing to cast. I was also impressed with how smoothly the line winds onto the spool.
10 Bearing System
The Supreme XT incorporates ten stainless steel ball bearings, which are corrosion-resistant and provide a smooth overall feel.
Features at a Glance
- 10 Bearing System – Corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings
- Magnesium Body and Rotor: Lightweight design
- Braid Ready Spool – Allows braid to be tied directly to your spool
- Sealed Carbon Drag – Sealed system, always lubricated, consistently smooth
- Carbon Handle – 21% lighter when compared to aluminum and corrosion-resistant
- EVA Knob – High-density EVA, lightweight comfort
Field Test
I coupled the Pflueger Supreme XT with my favorite 7″ Star Stellar Lite rod for this test and headed to the Matlacha pass in SW Florida. I first noticed how incredibly lightweight this combination felt in my hand. It was highly well-balanced and almost felt closer to a fly fishing setup than a spinning rig.
To start things off, I hit one of my favorite spots with a 4″ jerk bait and a weighted hook. The casting was incredibly easy, and the line left the spool smoothly with no wind knots.
The first strike was a nice 2 1/2 lb. red that gave the drag a mild test. After about 20 minutes, I hooked into a nice 26″ Snookie that engaged the drag and made that ever-so-beautiful zing sound as the line played off the reel smoothly without any stutter.
I was very pleased with how the drag engaged after the initial strike and felt as though the fish was secure back to the boat, with a handful of good runs from strike to finally landing the fish.
The combination of the carbon fiber handle and the EVA knob seems to be a perfect match and provides a very smooth retrieval experience. I’m looking forward to giving this setup a workout with a nice bull red or juvenile tarpon in the not-too-distant future.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Smooth, sealed carbon drag system
- Anti-reverse
- Braid-ready aluminum spool
Cons
- A braided line can get caught inside the bail roller
- It is a bit more complex than some reels to break for cleaning
- Port holes in spools can attract dirt and grime
Alternatives
The Pflueger Supreme XT fits in between the Pflueger Supreme, which is not as lightweight a reel but runs about 2/3rds the price, and the Pflueger Patriarch, which is an even lighter weight and better quality reel that weighs a tad less and features some superior components like a titanium main shaft.
If you are looking for something a bit less expensive, I recommend you check out the Daiwa Fuego LT, a quality reel with superior drag and a very similar weight. The Daiwa Fuego LT can cost about $50 less than the Pflueger Supreme XT.
For a reel that is a step up from the Dawa Fuego LT and the Pflueger Supreme XT, I would recommend looking at the Shimano Stradic FK, a high-quality reel that still does not cost a fortune.
The reel comprises high-quality materials around the Hagane design elements that incorporate cold-forged gear drives.
In Conclusion
All in all, I have to say that I am very impressed with the Pflueger Supreme XT reel. While this is not an inexpensive reel, I would not classify it as expensive.
The quality is apparent when you pick up the reel and turn the carbon fiber handle, as it seems to flow effortlessly. I was equally impressed with the sealed carbon fiber drag system, which kept the saltwater and debris out of the gear mechanism even after I accidentally submerged the reel when fishing from my kayak.
The lightest Pflueger reel in its class, this spinning reel features an ultralightweight magnesium body and rotor that offers superb rigidity without burdening your rod with excess weight.
If $150 is in your budget for a quality reel that will last for many years, I would certainly consider the Pflueger Supreme XT when comparing different models.
I know the Shimano fans will disagree with me when I say this reel is extremely close to the Shimano Stradic FK in quality, fit, and finish, but I think it is. Plus, the Pflueger Supreme XT matches my Orange Monster dive watch.
Pflueger Supreme XT Next to Seiko Orange Monster
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