Pflueger Supreme vs President – Which Reel Should You Buy?

Last Updated On: December 8, 2022

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The Pflueger Supreme XT and President XT are very popular Pflueger models.

Pflueger only has one more spinning reel sitting higher on the pecking order in the Patriarch, which breaks the 200 dollar mark.

Depending on size and supplier, there is about 20 bucks difference between the Supreme XT and the President which isn’t huge but will be a deciding factor for some budget-driven anglers.

It’s important to note prices can differ significantly between suppliers, so this price difference should be considered indicative only

The Pflueger XT’s are the top-shelf version of the Supreme and President.

Let’s have a look at the differences between the Supreme and the President. Is the price/feature difference enough for you to make an easy decision?

Which Pflueger is right for you, the Pflueger Supreme XT vs the President XT.

Let’s check the differences and see if we can make the decision process a little simpler.

Pflueger Supreme vs President – A Comparison

This table shows the key differences between the Supreme and the President.

While there are differences in most key specs, I have highlighted the critical differences that will inform your choice.

Model	President XT	Supreme XT
Frame Rotor	All Carbon	Magnesium Body, Carbon Rotor
Bearings	7(20) 10	11
Weight	5.6 to 10.1 Oz	6 to 8.2 Oz
Ratio	5.2:1 (20,25), 6.2:1 all others	5:2:1
Retrieve	22.4″ to 38″	22.8″ to 38.6″
Drag	8 to 14 lb	8 to 14 lb
Price	>Check Price on Amazon<	>Check Price on Amazon<

Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel, Size 20...

Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel

Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Differences in Features Between the Pflueger Supreme and President Series

Weight Difference

For a lot of modern lure anglers, fractional weight differences make all the difference. If you’re casting all day, there’s a lot to be said for a lighter reel and outfit generally.

Across the series, the Supreme is lighter than the President, starting at a difference of about half an ounce in the smaller reels up to just under 2 ounces difference in the 40 size.

This weight difference is attributable to the Supremes’ magnesium body. A magnesium body is considerably lighter than carbon and arguably tougher.

You’ll probably realize already that the lighter the reel, the higher the price.

This is usually because of the advanced construction materials which are often high-tech alloys or synthetics.

A couple of ounces makes absolutely no difference to me for general inshore outfits. However, if lighter is your thing, then the Pflueger Supreme is your reel.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for the lightest reel, the Supreme covers this metric. But does a difference of 2 ounces really matter to the average weekend angler? I’m pretty sure an average of 1-ounce difference across the series makes zero difference to your ability to catch fish.

Differences in Frame/Body Construction

In my opinion, this is the most significant difference between the reels.

The magnesium body construction of the Supreme is a compelling feature for those looking for extra strength and rigidity while keeping things very light.

This feature is responsible for the bulk of the price difference.

Importantly, it’s debatable as to whether this feature will help you catch more fish, yet there’s a compelling argument that strength and rigidity are your best friend when the fish get big.

Big fish or not, it has such a good feel that the Supreme is likely to provide you with a more enjoyable fishing experience.

Bottom Line: With the exception of extended big fish arguments, a magnesium body doesn’t mean more fish more often. It’s a budget choice. For me, carbon bodies or frames are way down the desirable list, so I’ll pay a modest extra few dollars for the feel and rigidity of the mag.

Differences in Size

The President offers one extra size choice. For those looking for a 20 (2000) the President is your only choice as the Supreme series starts at 2500.

The difference between the two is minimal, however, so if you prefer the added features of the Supreme, you’ll only have to cope with an extra .4 of an ounce.

Bottom Line: I can see no benefit to the 20 President over the 25 Supreme apart from the more affordable price. As far as rods are concerned, both reels are interchangeable.

Differences in Gear Ratio

There is very little between the two reels with both series being 5.2, and only the President sizes above 25 having a faster ratio of 6.2.

However, this translates to a negligible difference in retrieve rates or power. In my opinion, ratio between the two reels is unlikely to be a determining factor for most anglers.

Bottom Line: At this reel size and difference, there’s little in it. If you’re really refining your rig, go slower for cranking and faster for working quicker lures, flipping, and pitching. There’s a negligible difference in cranking power.

Differences in Speed

See ratio. The speed difference, i.e. retrieve rates are negligible between the two reel series in practical terms, however, the President is discernibly faster.

There will be some benefits for flipping and pitching with a faster speed.

Bottom Line: See gear ratio. It’s the same rationale to reach the bottom line.

Differences in Drag Power

There is a 1 pound drag pressure difference between the size 40 President and Supreme, otherwise max drag is identical between the reels.

1 pound of drag pressure in one reel size has no impact on the decision process if max drag is a key consideration for you.

Bottom Line: There is virtually no difference in drag power between the two series, and therefore irrelevant.

Bearing Count Difference

The bearing count is a key consideration for many anglers. These days we want as many bearings as we can get for the money.

The Supreme has 10+1 through the series, the President has 7 in the 20, and 9+1 in all other sizes.

There is really very little difference between the feel of each, and I challenge anybody to put on a blindfold and identify which is which.

Bearing support contributes to a lightweight crank, and a reduction in unwanted movement between gears and moving parts when under heavy load.

This can be advantageous in a lengthy battle with a big fish. It is also advantageous for longevity, as rotating and moving parts last longer when supported by bearings.

In this case, where there is little between the two, the difference compared to price might be considered negligible.

Bottom Line: More bearings are always better for a host of reasons as outlined above. If the budget permits, go for more bearings.

Pflueger Supreme and President – Review

Most Pflueger fans will be aware that the President and the Supreme have two variants, the standard, and the XT.

The XT is the top-shelf version of the reels as they have a few extra features. And that’s what this is all about. How much more should you pay for each extra feature?

This is what the decision process comes down to, because when compared with each other, these reels, size for size, have the same application, and one reel is not better placed to catch more fish than the other.

All four of these reels are very useful for a broad spectrum of inshore fishing applications. From bass to flounder, trout, and walleye, these reels, by and large, do the same thing.

If I were to fish a 40 President, next to an angler fishing a 40 Supreme XT, I can guarantee you it won’t be our reels that will make the difference in our catch rates.

The subtle difference between each reel doesn’t amount to any significant measurable fish-catching superiority.

Under extreme conditions, such as fighting a huge fish that stretches the capacity of your reel strength, the rigidity of more expensive models may be of assistance.

However, the greatest benefit for the more expensive models is longevity, with sealed drag systems, greater bearing counts, and more rigid, durable bodies providing the potential for much longer working lives.

All four of the reels are great for the average angler, and my advice is always to buy the best you can afford while remaining true to your application(s).

These 4 reels in the Pflueger spinning reel range are priced and marketed to the average recreational angler, or the more serious angler with significant budget restraints

And the average recreational angler is not going to care so much about 2 bearings difference, a 5.2 versus 6.2 ratio, or 1 pound extra max drag.

Subtle differences in reels are usually more relevant to serious, every other day anglers and pros, who invest significant sums in reel purchases.

The bottom line is that these two reel series and their variants are ideal for the average recreational inshore angler.

The more bells and whistles you can afford, the better. If money weren’t an issue, I’d buy the Supreme XT. If I were on a budget fitting out the five kids, I’d embrace the standard president with no concerns at all.

Here’s a feature list of all four reels.