Chris Walton 
Pflueger is an undisputed leader in the fishing accessory market, and with a high-performing lineup of reels — they become worth considering for innumerable reasons. If you are on the lookout for Pflueger’s affordable offering — the President XT, then you have stumbled upon the right article.
We take you through the nitty-gritty and USPs of the product that is worth discovering before laying your hands on this powerhouse of a reel.
Also Read: Lowrance Hook2 9 Fishfinder: The Complete Fishfinding Device
Pflueger President XT Reel: Review
Coming from the house of antique reels and rods, the Pflueger President XT Reel is a power-packed machine with features that give many top-end models a run for their money. The ‘XT’ in the name refers to this model being an improvised version of the previous President spinning reels.
This elegant and stylish reel has more to talk about than just the brand value and price point. Read on to learn more about the product, and how it is a suitable option to consider in your battle against most species of fish.
Design
The President XT brings to the reel a fresh and modernistic approach — something that was missing out on the previous President models. The durability and resilience of the reel are enhanced courtesy of the strong aluminum frame and exquisite side handle. The appealing side handle houses a soft-touch knob. The handle is lighter than most handles, while at the same time is corrosion-resistant.
The shape of this reel is perfectly balanced to sit comfortably on your pams. Anglers with medium to large-sized hands may find the reel the best fit they could ask for. At just 8-ounces, the reel has the solid and weightless feel that most anglers appreciate for all-day use. Overall, the entire reel oozes style and modishness with easy-to-use configurations.
Features of Pflueger President XT Casting Reel
The reel comes with an anodized aluminum Spool that boasts of machine ported sidewalls that are durable yet less in weight. The reel has three different braid setups; the first setup features a line with a capacity of 17lbs and 100 yards for a standard spool. The second setup is having the line with 14lbs and 135 yards of capacity. While the last setup features a line with the capacity of 12lbs and 145 yards.
The Pflueger President XT has a sealed drag system enclosed in a graphite body that ensures superior protection against elements such as dust, sand, and saltwater. Moreover, the drag system is well-equipped to resist overheating even as you cast the reel onto a larger fish. The multi-disc gear applied drag system is smooth, reliable, and comes with a long-lasting performance guarantee.
The President XT sports bearings that many high-end models feature to make casting an enduring experience. The inclusion of 9 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings provides protection against rust and corrosion. The reel comes with a one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing that prevents the line from unwinding.
The reel is available in both left and right reel handle positions — with the EVA handle featuring rubber cork knobs, offering anglers the comfort of anti-slip and easy-to-hold grip. Lastly, the gear ratio of 7:3:1 with 31-inch retrieve per crank seems to be adequate for a plethora of fishing techniques, and helps in quickly plucking your prey out from the water
Pros & Cons of Pflueger President XT Reel
President XT is another one of Pflueger’s incredible lineup of well-crafted products that have been lauded by anglers worldwide. With the most praise-worthy features discussed above, the time we share some of the product’s flaws as well. Following is a quick overview of President XT’s benefits and downsides of using:
Pflueger’s President XT boasts of features that are enough to tout this wholesome feature-rich reel ‘one-of-a-kind’. This reel comes with superior performance and durability that no other product in Pflueger’s series of budget-friendly reels can match.
The brand’s loyal fanbase has made this their go-to fishing gear for all expeditions. Nevertheless, the thing that is beyond every angler’s hand is the availability of the product. In the following sections, we discuss some of the closest alternatives to President XT.
Alternatives to the Pflueger President XT Reel
1. Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Reel
The product that comes closest to outperforming the President XT is Abu Garcia’s Revo Rocket Reel. This powerhouse of a reel features 9 stainless steel HPCR (High-Performance Corrosion Resistant) and a single roller bearing coupled with a whopping gear ratio of 7.0:1; all of which provide the smoothest casting experience at an inexpensive price tag.
The notable part about this exquisite gear is the ball bearing system, which is created specifically for saltwater conditions. The reel is loaded with a best-in-class line management system and spool lip design — both of which assist in eliminating issues like wind knots and improve the casting distance.
All in all, the Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Reel is an excellent alternative to President XT. The feel and look of the machine is something that contributes to this decision of ranking this one higher than other candidates in the market.
2. Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Spinning Reel
Shimano is another seasoned angler’s preferred brand for the quality and sturdiness they offer in all fishing conditions. The Stradic Ci4+ has a Magnumlite Rotor that offers a light and ultra-smooth feel once you start reeling.
The CoreProtect 360-degree coating, this spinning reel has great protection against rust and corrosion. The Stradic Ci4+ reel comes with innovative features like the X-Ship gear that improves performance and eliminates the risk of wear and tear.
Unlike the nine steel ball bearings on the President XT, this reel is equipped with 6 S A-RB shielded stainless steel ball bearings. If you are looking for an expensive alternative option, then Shimano’s Stradic Ci4+ is the suitable option to go for.
Verdict
The President XT is a complete powerhouse from Pfueger; the build quality, the performance under conditions like saltwater — are some of the USPs of the product. The reel is endowed with all the necessary features that many high-end models tend to miss out on.
The characteristics and elegant design of the President XT are quite hard to find in other reels at this price point; however, we managed to pull down a few products that are good contenders when this reel runs out of stock.
FAQs
- How do I maintain my Pflueger President XT reel?
Most brands recommend different approaches to keep the reel fine and sturdy. Although the following steps are not from the manufacturer, they are widely practiced by the anglers.
- Have the reel stored by loosening the drag
- Clean the spool using a quality solvent.
- Have the reel rinsed after every saltwater use.
- Do no overdo lubricant on the reel.
- Is the Pflueger President XT Reel good for fishing in saltwater?
Yes, it is. However, you need to pay extra care and maintenance after using the reel in saltwater. As you prepare the reel for such conditions, also prepare yourself for regular maintenance so it withstands the adversities of saltwater. Pflueger’s President XT works smoothly in both salt and freshwater if taken care of responsibly, and also has the reel assembled after every session.
