Pflueger President Reel
- Low profile
- Stainless steel ball bearings
- Carbon drag system
★★★★★
Pflueger Purist Reel
- The body is made from graphite
- 7 ball bearings made from stainless steel
- Affordably priced
★★★★★
Pflueger is a noted brand and its spinning and baitcasting reels are extremely popular. Two of the brand’s most popular reels are Pflueger Purist and Pflueger President. When you look at the two reels, you may think that they are similar. However, there are subtle differences between the two. Understanding these differences will enable you to make an informed buying decision.
Related article: Plueger President review
Pflueger Purist and President are quite popular but the President is the preferred spinning reel and is used by beginners as well as seasoned anglers. So, this can make it a little overwhelming to choose one that is right for you. That is why it is essential to compare the two reels so that you can then see which one is a better choice.
Like any other comparison, when comparing Pflueger Purist vs President, make sure you take a close look at the features. While price is important, do not let that be the sole criterion for choosing the reel. Instead, look at performance as well as other features, including the weight, durability, and gear system. That will ensure you select the right-fit spinning fishing reel for your next fishing expedition.
Pflueger Purist vs President
Key Features at a Glance
Pflueger Purist
- Combination of aluminum and graphite
- The bearings are stainless steel
- The drag system is made from carbon
- Line roller is titanium coated
- Anti-reverse that is instant
Pflueger President
- Graphite body
- Ambidextrous
- Handle made from stainless steel
- Sealed drag system
- Bail made from aluminum
Overview of Pflueger President Reel
This Pflueger is a baitcasting reel that comes with a low profile. It is designed for right-handed anglers and comes with an anti-reverse bearing that does away with the back play. The frame is made from graphite as also the side plates. However, the spool is made from anodized aluminum. It comes with a gear ratio of 7.1:1.
The reel comes with a single spool and can be used with mono or braided lines. The magnetic cast is adjustable and that ensures you do not have to contend with backlashes. It has five stainless steel ball bearings and the gear system has multiple discs that ensure smooth functioning of the system.
Although the line roller is made from brass, it is coated with titanium. As a result, it ensures that the line slides very smoothly over it and you do not have to worry about twists and tangles. The bail system offers an audible click when it trips. It is an indication that the bail is closed and you can begin fishing. It is prudent to remember that the bail system clicks automatically when you turn the handle. You can manually do this if you are worried about wearing out the bail.
Pros
- Low profile
- Lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- Smooth retrieve
- The drag system is sealed
- Accurate casting
Cons
- It can be a little challenging to adjust the spool tensioner
Overview of Pflueger Purist Reel
Compared to Pflueger Purist, this one is designed for an ambidextrous retrieve. That makes it the perfect choice for left-handed anglers as there are not too many reels on the market that are designed for them. The body as well as the rotor is made from graphite, making it lightweight. However, the handle is made from stainless steel. It has a gear ratio of 5.2:1 and 7 stainless steel ball bearings make a huge difference to the performance of the reel.
It is lightweight and comfortable to grip. You will find that it does not slip even if your hands are wet. The drag system is sealed and this helps to reduce the twisting of the line. The washers are sealed and hence, they always operate smoothly without losing their lubrication.
The spool comes with a braided line and since you get just one spool, you will want to invest in another one if you want to switch between braided and mono lines. Just like the Purist, the President too has an anti-reverse that is instant. It minimizes backlashes.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comfortable to grip
- Smooth retrieve
- Sealed drag system that makes it resistant to corrosion
- Offers long casting distance
Cons
- Some users complained of the line twisting on the reel and coming off the spool
Winner: Pflueger Purist
Both offer fast and smooth retrieve. However, since the Pflueger Purist has a higher gear ratio of 7.1:1 compared to the 5.2:1 of the Pflueger President, it is faster and smoother. You will find that the Purist tends to perform more smoothly and ensures better casting accuracy. Also, the Purist, due to its higher gear ratio, has a bigger spool compared to the President and this affects the retrieve rate – it makes it faster.
You will find Purist is lightweight compared to the President and this affects the performance, especially if you do a lot of casting. Undoubtedly, Pflueger Purist wins in the performance department and that makes it a worthwhile investment.
Both the reels come spool ready and that means you can start fishing the moment you receive either Pflueger Purist or President. The retrieve of the Purist is quicker and that can work wonders for your catch ratio.
Price
Winner: Pflueger President
Very often price is a deciding factor when choosing a reel. So, if you are finicky about pricing and are not interested in shelling out too much, you will be happy with both the reels. Both are economical and do not cost a bomb for the durability and quality that they offer. However, when you take the price of Pflueger Purist vs President, you realize that the President is more affordably priced.
The lower price of the President may be on account of the gear ratio, which is less than that of the Purist. So, if you are willing to sacrifice the speed of retrieve for the price then the Pflueger President is a perfect choice. On the other hand, if you want speed, the Purist will be better suited for your fishing needs. Also, if you are a beginner, it is better to go with the cheaper of the two until you can hone your angling and casting skills.
Weight
Winner: Pflueger Purist
Weight plays a major role when you are casting the line. If the reel is heavy, you will not be able to cast the line too far and it will also lead to fatigue, especially if you do a lot of casting. So, when it comes to weight, Pflueger Purist is a clear winner. Its hybrid aluminum and graphite construct makes it extremely lightweight.
You will find that you can cast the Pflueger Purist quite accurately. Also, the long casting distance enables you to reach parts of the river or lake that you may not be able to reach with Pflueger President.
While the Purist is lightweight, the President offers a more ergonomic grip. The handle will not slip even if your hands are wet and this can make the retrieve and cast smoother and seamless.
Drag System
Winner: Pflueger President
Both have identical but Pflueger President is the clear winner. That is because its drag system is sealed and that prevents water from reaching the gears and washers. Hence, you never have to worry about the system getting corroded.
On the other hand, Pflueger Purist does not have a sealed drag system but it is resistant to corrosion. The ball bearings are made out of stainless steel and that reduces the chances of corrosion. Nonetheless, if you are fishing in saltwater, it is advisable to wash the Purist well so that the salt cannot wreak havoc. If you look after your Purist, you do not have to worry about corrosion, though Pflueger does mention that it is resistant to corrosion.
Conclusion
When it comes to Pflueger Purist vs President, the differences are minor. Of course, the gear ratio can have an effect on the performance. The good thing is that both Pflueger Purist and President can be used by beginners as well as seasoned anglers.
If you enjoy long-distance casting and baitcasting, the Purist is a perfect choice. Its smooth performance, lightweight frame, and automatic tripping of the bail when you turn the handle of the rod make fishing a fun and enjoyable experience. That does not mean that the Pflueger President is inefficient. It is not. It is great for those who are seeking casting accuracy and long-distance casting. The 5.2:1 gear ratio is fine and works hard to ensure an optimal result. It is sturdy, durable, and long-lasting. Given the ruggedness of the Pflueger President, it is the perfect choice for those who value affordability and durability.
Updated: May 14, 2021
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