Pflueger President XT Low Profile Reel review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Pflueger
Material	Aluminum
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Color	Silver, Multicolor
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	0.5 Pounds
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

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9 Bearing System: Corrosion resistant stainless steel ball bearings
XT Low Profile
Magnetic Breaking System: Externally adjustable break controls spool rotation and backlash
Aluminum Handle: Aircraft grade aluminum, extreme durability
Soft Touch Knob: Soft touch rubber knob provides excellent grip

From the manufacturer

product description

The President XT low profile baitcast reels are Light weigh tight and comfortable to hold. No detail was ignored during the development process. The C45 side plates make this reel Light weigh tight yet extremely durable while the 9 bearings make it exceptionally.

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.79 x 4.41 x 2.4 inches; 8 Ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ 1383404
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ September 6, 2016
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Pure Fishing
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01IDEOL04
Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ China

important information

Important information

Legal Disclaimer

This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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Questions about Pflueger President XT Low Profile Reel

Does it come in the left hand model?

Answer: To the best of my knowledge...no, if you want a left hand model you’ll have to step up to the supreme or down to the president.

Answer: Not sure, I was just needing a righty.

What is the gear ratio?

Answer: 7:3:1 31" retrieve per crank.

Answer: 7.3:1

Is this reel rated for salt water?

Answer: The user maintenance guide says wash this reel after use in saltwater then dry. This reel does have corrosion resistant components so it will resist rust better than others that don’t state that.

Answer: No it is not

Answer: Not recommended

Is the presxt73lpx pfl presxt lp 73 box 17 come with cork handles, because i think the website is displaying the wrong model when i select that model.

Answer: Yes it does

Can I use 8 pound test (mono)

Answer: If your using anything less than 40 lbs braid you are simply fishing for guppies.

Answer: yes, I use either 12 or 14 though.

Can this reel be used for BFS fishing- cast light lures 1/8-1/4 oz or lighter?

Answer: This is an excellent reel when used for what it is intended for. If you wanted to use it for bait finesse fishing then you will have to upgrade all the ball bearings and replace the spool with a much lighter and shallower customized one. Even after all that, this reel is not designed for very light 4 to 6 pound line. The thin line will get caught in between the spool and sides of the frame. Making it a real hassle. Also, by the time you pay for all upgrades it will cost about the same as an intended BFS reel.

Answer: No. This is not a BFS reel. You will be disappointed if you try to use this reel for ultralight finesse fishing. The best BFS reels you can get are the Shimano BFS reels. AbuGarcia also has excellent BFS reels.

Answer: I don’t know what BFS fishing is. Is it Bass fishing? I bought it to use with a side planer. I don’t think that helps

Answer: I used it for a 1/6 oz inline spinner and it did ok, but it's not ideal.

Answer: It's my understanding that they can be. You have two different speed and drag adjustments.

Does a level wind on these wheels go back and forth when you cast like it does when you real ?

Answer: Nope

Where is it made?

Answer: Korea

Answer: Made in China

Where is it made?

Answer: Korea

Answer: Made in China

or right hand retrirder....can you rely on the pic?

Answer: Right handed reel, mine didn’t last more than I season fishing.

Answer: reel is right hand retrieve only.

Answer: The picture is right.

How much line does it hold?

Answer: 150 to 170 yards

Does this orem come in a pflueger president box orbis it in plastic

Answer: Comes in a box

Does this model have a flipping switch?

Answer: No

Can you use a braid line on the President x. And can I buy this reel at Bass pro shop, or a Gander Mountain?

Answer: yes braided line can be used. I don't think it can be bought at bass pro shops and isn't gander mountain out of business ?

Left handed model?

Answer: NOT AVAILABLE

Is there a model for holding the pole with the right and retrieving with the left?

Answer: This is only a right hand retrieve. Many, even right handers, hold the pole with their right hand, cast, and retrieve with the right hand.

what is the drag.How much line capacity

Answer: 12 lb. drag, holds 145 yards. of 12 lb. test line

What’s mono line capacity on this reel?

Answer: Not sure, I have 15 lbs line on mine up to about a 1/8 " from the top of the drum.

Can you change the retrieval side

Answer: since the gear system is a drop down and the handle does not line up with the spool, the retrieval system or crank side is dedicated to either left or right hand for most casting reels at manufacturing as opposed to most spinning reels being interchangeable.

Answer: No you can't.

What’s the max drag power (in pounds) on this reel?

Answer: Plueger website states 12 lb max drag.

Answer: Don’t know how you would figure that out?

Can you switch the side

Answer: No

Does this reel have a bait clicker?

Answer: No it does not......... I am not sure if any of the bait caster reels do, I know some of the spin caster reels do though, but haven't used one in years

Answer: No, not that I have seen or used. It's a pretty standard reel: excellent braking and drag system.

Answer: Not sure what you mean!? More details!

are the knobs rubber or cork?

Answer: Knobs on reel are cork

Answer: The handles are cork. Love the feel of them. Same as the XT spinning reel.

Answer: they are cork, and I kind of like it more than plastic ones, grip well when wet

Answer: Cork, which I prefer. Big plus for me to purchase it. I like it

Answer: Cork

Answer: Mine are cork.

Is the frame made of aluminum

Answer: Yes

Can this reel handle a 2 to 4 ounce swimbait?

Answer: I would think not based on using a 3/4 ounce chatterbait.

Does this come as a Left handed baitcasting reel as well?

Is the spool easily removable to fix tangles?

Answer: You do not remove a spool to pick out a backlash. You work with the line to remove the overrun. I have. this reel and if it is set properly and your thumb is educated to help slow the reel down as the lure hits the water a backlash should never happen. It is that smooth of a reel.

What’s the weight of the reel?

Answer: This smooth casting reel weight is 7.4 oz.

According to a pflueger rep, this reel has an aluminum frame but, i see no mention of that in the "features" list. can anyone confirm?

Answer: this reel has a graphite frame

Does it come in left hand retrieve?

Answer: Previously answered- believe this is only offered in a right hand retrieve.

Learn how to make left hand retrieve more people are right hand dominant they should be holding the rod in there right hand

Answer: It's a good reel either way

Is this a alloy frame or graphite.

Answer: I believe it is alloy.

Is it better that kastking reels

Answer: I purchased a Phleuger president xt baitcaster and a KastKing royal legend baitcaster a few weeks ago. I have used them both several times now and caught bass on both. They are both, in my opinion, excellent reels. They cast great, retrieve great, handle fish great. I find no negatives on either. Your end result though will depend on other factors also: what type of rod you pair them up with, the line you use and baits for the rod/reel/line combo. As for the reels - both excellent. Maybe one looks better to your eye than the other? Hope this helps

How well does this reel cast lighter lures?

Answer: This reel cast light lures very well

How do you know if the reel you are ordering is a left hand retrieve or right hand retrieve? It doesn’t ask when you order....can you rely on the pic?

Answer: It’s right handed meaning you reel with your hand. This reel is awesome. You’ll love it.

Answer: You CANNOT rely on the pic. Either the description will say "left handed" or it will list the model number, which you can look up and verify. The model number is really the only sure way to know.

Answer: It's a right hand return. It's also a good reel.

How many yards of line and what lb test?

Answer: Braid185/20 lb,140/30lb/100/50lb Mono 145/12lb,125/14lb.100/17lb

What is the size rating for this reel? Is it comparable to a 30?

Answer: Few baitcasting reels come in sizes, so it's not like a spinning real. This is a nice, compact reel. Similar to a 100 size Daiwa makes. Easy to palm... decent spool size for braided line.

Doe this come in a box or sealed plastic?

Answer: It came in a box. Great reel too

What retirive is this reel?

Answer: Right Handed

Answer: 7.3:1

Will my reel get destroyed if I use 8 pond test (mono)

Answer: No, It won't destroy the reel. Match the reel with a rod that it rated for 8lb line and you should be good to go.

Answer: no

is it offered in left hand retrieve?

Answer: No

Is this a right handed reel?

Answer: I believe what you are saying by right handed is.....You hold the rod handle in your left hand and turn the crank handle on the reel with your right hand. I don't remember if this reel comes in a left handed version. A lot of reels do. Left handed would mean you are turning the handle and taking in line with your left hand.

Answer: Depends on which one you buy, but the one pictured is right handed.

Answer: Yes

Is low profile different

Answer: The low profile fits in your hand better, for better control of the reel

Answer: it just means that it is, usually, smaller and more streamlined than round, but also that it holds a more-than-adequate amount of line, and contains useful features like anti-backlash with a good drag system

Answer: It use to be but is now kinda standard with most baitcasters.

Is it really a "breaking" system or maybe a braking system?

Answer: A braking system. Funny. Its the smoothiest reel i own.

Answer: braking

Answer: What i can tell you is that I find it to be an awesome reel for the price. I purchased 5 of these reels this spring and would buy again >

Does it come in a 6.4.1?

Answer: no

What retirive is this reel?

Answer: Right Handed

Answer: 7.3:1

Is there an option for left hand retrieve?

Answer: No

Hi. Is this reel comes in left hand retrieve? Because no mention about this in product description and the picture show right hand.

Answer: I don’t know. It was purchased for my husband who is right handed. He’s very impressed with this reel. But then he’s only been fishing 70 years!!!

Answer: It's right hand

Answer: Not sure...got it for my son, try google or the manufacturer

does thus come with the extra Japanese bearings ?

Answer: no

How many bearing?

Answer: 9 bearings

Answer: NINE BEARINGS

Product reviews of Pflueger President XT Low Profile Reel

MIGUEL CUEVAS : Pair it with a fast action rod

The reel is slamming .It is very fast I paired it with a medium ugly and I find It was a no go. I went with a lews hank parker mh fast action and Its my go to rod and reel It just needs a fast tip to go with it.

Brian G. : Why pay more?

Haven't used it for long but seems to be made just as well as higher dollar reels

Ken B. : Smoooth, easy long casts, great value!

Been using baitcast reels for 38 yrs and so far this is the best casting and smoothest reel I’ve ever owned. Great value at this price, in my opinion, as good (if not better) than $200+ reels. Long casts with ease, nice looking reel. I have nothing negative to say about it, go ahead and pick one up!

Russell C. Larsen : What I expected and received we're two different things.

It's decent. But my Abu black max combo is way better. For the price this reel is finicky. Been using baitcasters for years and never had one as troublesome adjusting as this one.

Tracey Walton : Smooth

Very smooth cast.

A : I think its pretty good

I'm still learning how to baitcast, but seems like a solid piece.

Tracey Walton : Smooth

Very smooth cast.

Maxskully : It’s a Pflueger

I have several President XT spinning reels and love them. Thought I would give this one a shot. I put it on a Favorite defender 6’ medium heavy rod. Spooled it with fluerocarbon. Once adjusted, it casts and reels very well. I do still backlash on occasion, this is my first attempt at bait casting as an adult. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

R : Awesome reel

I bought this in preparation for a week-long fishing trip. It was my first bait casting reel after years of using spinning tackle. Once I got used to the different casting techniques used in baitcasting, this reel impressed me. Fast/smooth retrieval, and no issues with handling the 40" long-nose gar it landed!

DrK : Impressive

Was able to cast it way farther than my open face reel, which surprised the heck out of me. Smooth like butter. Really nice, to say the least. Very impressed, which for me, is saying a lot.

Ian : AWESOME REEL FOR PRICE!!!

Insane reel, looks so sick and the price for the quality is insane so smooth and I love the cork handles, my favorite thing is that I can cast light lures! I mean like 1/8 ounce! It’s so nice! And great drag system highly recommend!!! Please rate my review it is unbiased!

Doug McKinnon : Great reel for beginners

This is my first baitcaster and it is just awesome.Got it on a Berkeley Cherrywood rod with some 20lb power pro super slick. Once you get the brakes and tension set just right it will cast a country mile, especially with this line.

I have the XT spinning reel and it is equally awesome so that’s why I decided to try the XT baitcaster. If you’re just starting out with a baitcaster I highly recommend the President XT. You will not be disappointed.

Rmullins050 : Great for beginners

Took a little practice to dial it in but this is my first baitcaster. I dont have the expirence to tell you this would be better than others but I can say it does cast very well and will do great from 1/4 ounce and up. Easy to use braking controls and is very smooth. I have used mine quite a bit before reviewing and I am very happy with this reel. I purchased because of the reviews and am thankful that I did.

KNP : Five Stars

Great reel will buy again

Damian M. Cisneros : True perfect value!

There is no reel worth more for the price, period. The only issue you will have is once you go below 4 on the brakes we with a 3/8 oz weight or smaller, but this is the king of value reels. It should easily be $150 to $200. It's flawless and easy to master.

Bob L : Awesome budget baitcaster

As always, Pflueger makes excellent reels for the money and this is no exception. The President XT is very smooth on both the cast and retrieve. I have yet to put to it on the water, but casting around my yard with a 1/4oz sinker was great. The only fault I can find is the graphite frame, which may be an issue for those targeting larger fish such as steelhead and salmon, but I knew this prior to purchase. This reel feels smoother than my Abu Garcia Revo X, which is a fine reel in itself.

Joe : Good quality reel at a fair price

A Very smooth, long casting, bang for your buck reel. I’m entirely satisfied with my purchase.

Scott P. : This is a really good reel for the price

This is a really good reel for the price. I bought it for my wife so she could learn to throw a baitcaster on something that wasn't too expensive. She has done really well. I can't throw it quite as far as some of my more expensive reels, but most of those are over twice what I paid for this one, so that is understandable. I will probably order another one.

Bob L : Awesome budget baitcaster

Vincenzo : Spool shaft bearing broken after light use and a few weeks.

I loved this reel initially, however a few weeks into using it and fishing only once a week, the bearing on the spool shaft completely sh-t out, giving me only 7-10 yard casts, extremely rough retrieve and no free flowing action on the spool when I release it. Hopefully the seller sees this and is willing to ship me a new bearing, as it was not operator error, but I just went ahead and pulled the trigger on a new Lew’s Tournament MB speed spool. I’ll stick to Pflueger spinning gear. Their baitcasting gear is not up to even light use. Unfortunate as well, because I loved everything about this reel. Would not recommend from my experience.

James Slepica : Best casting reel under $100

This reel just 'feels right'. Like it's spinning equivalent, it's super light but rugged, super smooth, cranks and casts like reels much more expensive.

JILL P. : Nephew loves it

Got this for my nephew and its his favorite. He caught lots of pike and smallmouth as well as several sturgeon 52 inches was biggest.

Ryan G. : One of my keepers.

Out of the 10 reels I just ordered to check out, this was one of the keepers. I was purposely staying withint the $50ish price range (I am super hard on my reels) and this is going to be one of my workhorses.

The only bad thing about it, and this is minor is that I don't like the corks handles. I cannot put my reel covers on them and they just feel cheap. I know they are not but I do worry about them breaking down over time!

Hans Solo : Cheap low quality

Cheap. Not the pfluegar of past.

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

VERY VERY GOOD PRODUCT !! Thanks !!!

J.B. : Great Reel.

I've never owned a bait caster before and wanted to get into using these. This was one of the best rated reels in my budget and it has been fantastic! I did watch some YouTube videos on how to adjust the reel and I had it dialed in by the 3rd cast. I used it all day fishing for the first time ever and I've not yet had one backlash or birds nest. Apparently this is a great reel for beginners as well.

Brandon : Good reliable reel

I've had several versions of the president reels in the series. I've had a president on at least one rod in my boat for the last ten years and this new model is great. Not as good as the wlp 2 from a few years ago but a big step up from the 73lpx series. Good solid drag and I love the handles.

Ed : Five Stars

This is a very nice reel at a price that’s hard to beat

Danimal : Not the Pflueger quality I’m used to

If your used to the quality of the president spinning reels it’s bit quite the same although still a good reel it’s just not up to par you can spend 20 dollars more and get a super legit reel don’t get me wrong not a bad starter but there is better out there my shimano SLX is better in every way. Now don’t get me wrong I absolutely love Pflueger I have 14 Pflueger spinning reels I hope I forgot a bad president xt baitcaster cuz I hate talking bad about Pflueger good luck fellow fisherman!

Amazon Customer : Smooth and Long Casting

Have only used about 6 times, but am impressed at how smooth it casts and reels in. Per previous reviews, almost impossible to get any backlashes, even with light baits.

A : Recommended

Love it, made me cast like a pro!

Bob L : Awesome budget baitcaster

John Glisson : Awesome reel!

One of the best reels I’ve ever owned. I figured at this price I would be sacrificing something but I’ve put this real through torture and it’s still going fine. Very very smooth casting reel. Will be buying another in the future.

Chase : Mixed feelings but hopeful

I've ordered two of these and both showed up with fingerprints on the thumb bar, cast control knob and braking adjustment. I don't know if both happen to be open box returns, if they are refurbished or if they are at simply tested at the factory before they ship. At 9 bearings it feels like a 7 bearing reel. It's smooth for the most part but you can still feel gears as you turn the handle. I think it's average for the price point. I just hope it holds up like their spinning reels do.

Joe : Good quality reel at a fair price

A Very smooth, long casting, bang for your buck reel. I’m entirely satisfied with my purchase.

Jake : Best reel I own (under $100)

AWESOME reel it’s smooth it can make long cast but I can flip my bait it the tightest pockets. I have 30 lbs braid with 30 yards of 12 lbs mono backing and a fluorocarbon leader I have it on a favorite big sexy and it’s the nicest combo I have (under $100).

TonytheTiger : Best reel for the price

This is the best reel on the market for the $79 price; it compares more to the $120 reel competitors when looking at bearing count, smoothness, castability, etc..
Then, this is often on sale for $59 which is a steel.
The cork handles are very comfortable for all day cranking.
I had the XT spinning reel first, then bought the XT casting reel. Loved it so much, I bought a second.
My friend loved it so much he bought 2 XT casting reels himself and another friend just bought the XT spinning reel after trying mine.
Can't beat them for the price.

Dwight : Great reel

Really nice reel for the price. Using it on a cranking rod setup.

Amazon Customer : Great Product

Very smooth reel,great buy,will buy more Pflueger products.

Hans Solo : Cheap low quality

Cheap. Not the pfluegar of past.

dc-in-md : Great price, great reel

Super nice. Cast like a dream. very easy to adjust and very little backlash. cranks smooth as silk.

William H : Good Reel for the Price

This reel is a pretty good deal for the money. It’s not quite as smooth as my Daiwa Tatula CT but it’s a little cheaper also. The settings are a little touchy but all in all I think it’s worth the price.

Mark : Value and quality

Excellent bait cast reel

Travis & Callie : Incredible reel for the price, and great for beginners

I upgraded to this reel from an Abu Garcia Black Max, and I’m very pleased with it. The overall build quality is very nice, the cork grips feel really good (especially when they get a little wet), and the casting ease/distance is really good.

I put my equipment through some pretty heavy abuse through hiking to fishing spots, climbing all along rocks, etc. Whenever I start to feel like this reel is going to get all jacked up from sand or rocks in the worm gear, I just set it down for a bit, maybe rinse it off with some water, and it’s good to go.

If you’re looking for a well-made, inexpensive baitcaster then look no further. My only regret is that it doesn’t come in a left hand retrieve model, so hopefully at one point they start making that.

dana buckingham : Cant beat it for the money

Casted like a 300 reel. Pflueger never let's me down. That's my 34 reel from them

CHW : Amazing reel, long casts and very smooth.

I bought the reel Feb. 2020 for $49. I am amazed how well this reel casts and how smooth it is. Super easy to use. Pflueger really did a great job with this reel. Even at the current price of $79, I would buy it again. I also have the Shimano SLX DC and this Pflueger XT is not that far behind it in performance.

Maxskully : It’s a Pflueger

Kim Popow : Back into fishing

Great real at a great price
Couldn't pass it up.

Deborah G. : Bad reel

Had this reel les than 2 years and it broke
I have reels for over 10 years i paid less for and they are still working. Don't waste your money.

Donny King : Love them

Plunger LOVE THEM!!!

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you