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 to be a solid choice in a mid-priced spinning reel.
The Supreme XT is equally good for both freshwater and saltwater fishing if you are looking for a mid-sized quality fishing reel.
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.
The reel comes in 4 sizes ranging from a 25 (2500) with a 5.2:1 gear ratio to a 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 that is excellent for both 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 what they call 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 makes sure 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
- Very lightweight reel due to magnesium body and rotor
- Smooth with 10-14lbs. 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 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.
The Pflueger Supreme XT spinning reel is packed full of features that will provide you with many years of enjoyable fishing. From the lightweight magnesium body and rotor to the sealed carbon inlay drag system, this reel just feels solid, yet at the same time lightweight in your hands.
Magnesium Body and Rotor – At the heart of the reel is the magnesium body, rotor, and sideplate which are extremely lightweight and durable and should stand up to many years of fishing the saltwater as long as it is 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 the weight. Pflueger seems to be able to accomplish this without sacrificing any strength or durability.
The spool itself is set up for 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 when coupled 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.
I found that 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 itself is made of solid aluminum and incorporates and anti-twist titanium line roller.
I really like the solid snapping sound that it makes when the bail is opened preparing to cast. I was also impressed with how smooth the line winds onto the spool.
10 Bearing System – The Supreme XT incorporates a total of 10 stainless steel ball bearings which are corrosion resistant and provide a very 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, always smooth
- Carbon Handle – 21% lighter when compared to aluminum and corrosion resistant
- EVA Knob – High density EVA, lightweight comfort
Field Test
For this test, I coupled the Pflueger Supreme XT with my favorite 7″ Star Stellar Lite rod and headed on out to the Matlacha pass in SW Florida. The first thing I noticed was how incredibly lightweight this combination felt in my hand, it was extremely well-balanced and almost felt closer to a fly fishing set up then 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 really 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 all the way 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 seem to be a perfect match and provided a very smooth retrieval experience. I’m really looking forward to giving this set up a work out with a nice bull red or juvenile tarpon in the not too distant future.
For those of you who want all the details I have provided the chart below.
| Model | Mono Cap (yds/lb) | Braid Capacity (yds/lb) | Bearings | Max Drag (lbs) | Gear Ratio | Line Retrieve (in) | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUPXTSP25X | 220/2 110/4 90/6 | 200/4 140/6 110/8 | 10 | 8 | 5:2:1 | 22.8 | 6 |
| SUPXTSP30X | 255/4 145/6 130/8 | 275/6 190/8 160/10 | 10 | 10 | 6:2:1 | 31.8 | 6.8 |
| SUPXTSP35X | 230/6 185/8 155/10 | 250/8 220/10 160/14 | 10 | 12 | 6:2:1 | 33.8 | 8.0 |
| SUPXTSP40X | 285/8 230/10 195/12 | 320/10 280/14 200/20 | 12 | 14 | 6:2:1 | 38.6 | 8.7 |
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Smooth, sealed carbon drag system
- Anti-reverse
- Braid ready aluminum spool
Cons
- Braided line can get caught inside bail roller
- A bot more complex than some reels to breakdown for cleaning
- Port holes in spool 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. Read the full Pflueger Patriarch spinning reel review HERE.
Pflueger has fortified its top-of-the-line reel, the Pflueger® Patriarch® Spinning Reel, to enhance its extreme light weight, toughness, and durability.
If you are looking for something a bit less expensive, then I would recommend that you check out the Daiwa Fuego LT which is a quality reel with superior drag and very similar weight. The Daiwa Fuego LT can be had for about $50 less than the Pflueger Supreme XT. Read the full review of the Daiwa Fuego LT HERE.
These Magsealed reels boast Daiwa's Carbon Light Material Housing LT Concept, and a Machined Aluminum Screw-In Handle.
For a reel that is a step up from the Dawa Fuego LT and the Pflueger Supreme XT, I would recommend taking a look at the Shimano Stradic FK, which is a high-quality reel that still does not cost a fortune.
The reel is made of high-quality materials around the Hagane design elements that incorporate cold forged gear drives. Read the full review of the Shimano Stradic FK HERE.
The Stradic spinning reel utilizes Shimano's latest technology while also drawing on ways of the past and every part has been designed to improve the angler's experience on the water.
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 certainly would not classify it as expensive.
The quality is apparent from the moment 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 seemed to keep 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 is sure to last for many years, I certainly would consider the Pflueger Supreme XT when comparing different models.
I know the Shimano fans are going to disagree with me when I say that 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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