Help with spinning reel selection

[Selmer]

I'm putting together a new spinning combo for smallies and big bluegills. I'll be using the Fenwick EliteTech smallmouth ML 6'9" rod, a little heavy for gills, but will crossover well. The next conundrum is the reel to put on it. I'm torn between the Abu Garcia Orra SX at $90 or the Quantum Energy PTi at $140, and maybe the Pflueger Supreme at $100. I'm a Quantum guy, but the reels seem possibly overpriced, though I know they've made many advancements in the last 5-7 years. The Orra seems like a lot of reel for the money, but I've never had an Abu Garcia reel before. I've got a Pflueger Arbor reel that is quite nice, but not as good as the used Quantum Catalyst CT40PTi-A that I picked up for $35 on hsolist in good condition. It's a bigger reel than I like, but it was a great deal, but heavier than this combo is calling for. Thoughts from those of you that have used the Abu, Q, or Pflueger offerings? Thanks!

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I like the Quantum reels. Have been using them for years.

The PTI in in the E05 size should work very well on a light to medium light pan fish rod. It will also work great on your ice rods.

You should be able to get one cheaper then you have listed if you shop around.

Cliff

[mnviking28]

I have a couple Pti's ...love them. I have one on a 6 ft medium light Cabela's XML and a bigger one on a 7 ft med heavy for pulling lindy's. The 6 ft is my favorite rod for jigging, pitching small cranks for big panfish and also jig spinners. They have a really nice drag, the titanium bail wire and the fact that they don't have a bail spring to stretch and wear make them a pretty indestructible unit. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

[Nick Kuhn]

The Supreme is a very nice reel. I have a SupremeXT and I think the only difference is the drag system. Been very good to me the 2 seasons I've had it. The 8030 would probably make a nice reel: it's very light, and has a good gear ratio to help pick up line to set the hook.

[FM_Mike]

I too have been partial to the Pflueger Reels. Many from a performance vs cost comparison. I have used many reels over the last 20 years and ALL the reels you listed will work well. Shimano used to be my reel of choice but the cost has skyrocketed in the last 5 years. The Pflueger President and President XT for the price and performance can't be beat IMO.

Either way you go with what you mentioned you'll be fine.

Mike

[harvey lee]

I always wanted a very nice, high quality reel and I purchased a Shimano Stradic for one of my eye rods.

All I can say is this is hands down the nicest reel I have ever owned. I know it is not cheap in price but had to try one.

[fish_eat_sleep]

Go with the Pflueger Supreme.. More value at a good price. You"ll be happy with it. Iv seen them on sale at various online stores for $79.99 which makes it a pretty nice reel for the price. Even at $100 i would buy a few if i had the extra cash. best deal out there as far as mid range (for me) performance and price.

[itchmesir]

Pflueger President.. love this spinning reel.. got it matched on my 6'6" St Croix ML

[Grum]

Has anyone tried the Pflueger President XT ($80)?

It's got some of the same features as the more expensive Pflueger Supreme XT ($150) but about 2 oz heavier due to the aluminum/graphite hybrid body instead of the Magnesium body and rotor.

I've been wanting the Pflueger Supreme ($100) for what seems like years but held off until now because there was still life in my old Mitchell, but an angry carp did it in last week.

[fish_eat_sleep]

Cabelas had sale a few weeks ago. Buy the new 6900 president, get a tourney trail rod free. so i have a few of those now. No complaints with the presidents or the new supreme. plus they hold more line than the old ones i think... the handle design is improved too. and iv been out fishing quite a bit this spring. Both are great.

[Eric_Kruger]

try the new Abu! You wont be depressed I now have two of the orra s reels and love them, the sx is a step up from them even. For as long as I can remember Ive been using abu reels, and recently started running okumas as well after having some pfluegers that the drags have gone out on.

[FM_Mike]

Has anyone tried the Pflueger President XT ($80)?

Have used them for the last year and a half. It is a sweet reel for the money. Bought 3 last year when I found them on sale for 59.00.

I have no complaints at all. I only wish I would have bought a couple more for some of my family members that always seem to have equipment problems.

Mike

[Grum]

having some pfluegers that the drags have gone out on.

What models did you have a problem with the drags?

From what I can find the President has stainless steel and oiled felt washers. The Supreme just says "sealed drag" and the XT's have the sealed carbon fiber drag system.

I guess if I had to choose between a good drag and reel weight, the drag is more important to me.

[fish_eat_sleep]

I had one plfueger with a defective drag. The thing you tighten on the front had a bad thread. literally $2 to fix. The other 5 are perfect. The XT is a great reel. Almost all reels by any name brand are good. Just pick one you like! Warranties are there for a reason. Regardless of brand.

[Selmer]

Drags are a top priority. Smooth reeling and casting next, then weight, then looks, etc. That's why I've looked hard at the Quantum and Abu Orra - they have reputations for solid drag systems and good mechanics. I've got a used Quantum Catalyst CT40PTi-A that has impressed me so far, but is heavier than I'd like for this rig. I think I'll be going with the Orra SX - it will leave me money in my budget ($165) to upgrade my UL spinning reel and outfit them with good line. Has anyone tried the Berkeley Nanofil? I'm a Fireline fan, but this looks like the "improved" version. The other spool always gets Trilene XL for slip bobber fishing.

[Shane Z]

I am a strong advocate of Shimano reels. I've got a Stella 6'5 Fenwick Techna, Sustain 6' Fenwick Techna , Stradic Fe 7' Fenwick Techna, and Stradic Ci4 with a 6'5 St Croix Avid.

My Stella was bought in 2003 and it's still an excellent reel. Two years ago I shipped it in and for 18 dollars, they replaced old gaskets and replaced a few worn out bearings. The reel runs like new to this day!! With that being said my Ci4 2500 reel is VERY comparable. I can't say enough about the reel other than awesome. The reel unbelievably light weight, low profile but doesn't compromise in line capacity. I've been very happy with Shimano's customer service and never had drag problems in heavy rain situations (which a lot of reels do). I'm not dissing on any other brands out there, but I have yet to get rid of ANY of my Shimano reels, unfortunately my buddies using other brands can't say the same .

[NCLaker]

Too bad you didn't get the deal they had at the Northwest sportsman show ... had that rod with the Pflueger Supreme for $159.

All those reels would probably be fine. I personally would mount each reel on that rod and see what feels/balances the best to your taste. I've gone the Pflueger route for most of my spinning reels (fish mostly walleye/panfish). Great bang for the buck, especially the Supremes - hard to find a reel in that weight class for under $100. I have some Shimano spinning reels, but mostly use those for rods dedicated for casting crankbaits (when not using my casting combos). They are heavier at comparible price points, have to spend $200 to get to a Stradic Ci4 to get simalar weight reel of the Supreme.

[dan z]

love my presidents. I have 5 now. great reel for the $$$ and there pretty light too

[Eric_Kruger]

The models where the president in the 25 and 30 size