Pflueger reel is one of the brands that are manufactured and sold under the umbrella corporation Pure Fishing, which includes major brands such as Shakespeare, PENN, Berkeley, Abu Garcia, and Stren. Because they are manufactured using the same, or similar, components as other reels on the market, Pflueger reels offer high-quality products at an affordable price.
Two of their most popular models in the Pflueger product line up are the Pflueger Trion and the Pflueger President. The Pflueger President spinning reel is one of their best selling models. The secondary reel on their best seller list is the Trion. Both fishing reels are high quality with great features. We are going to compare these two reels side by side so you can decide which is the better spinning reel for you.
Intro to the Pflueger Spinning Reel Range
Pflueger spinning reels are designed for sport fishers, but the company offers fishing gear the dedicated angler would be proud to own. Pflueger reels are perfect for light spinning applications all the way up to dragging world record trophy fish out of the brush piles.
Pflueger Trion vs President: Key Differences
The Pflueger reel series is designed for performance and all models have broadly the same applications. Both the Pflueger Trion and the Pflueger President have a sturdy, lightweight graphite body, aluminum spool and handle, and are offered in the same size range from a size 20 to a size 40 spool.
There are few major differences between the models, but the President series does have some features that dedicated anglers will appreciate.
Ball Bearings: The President Series reels have 10 stainless steel ball bearings in all models except size 20, which has 7. The Trion Series reels have stainless steel ball bearings 7 ball bearings in all models except size 20, which has 5.
What this means: The President Series reel has more ball bearings for smooth retrieving.
Appearance: Both reels have a graphite body and rotor, but the President looks more upscale, with its dark blue body and dark bronze spool compared to the uniform white body combined with the silver spool of the Trion.
Drag Systems: The President Series has a sealed drag system. The Trion Series has a stainless steel disc and oil felt drag system.
What this means: We all know better drag performance and hold can be the deciding factor between catching medium sized fish or large fish. The higher quality drag system of the President model maintains more consistent pressure with limited slip. The drag power on the Trion is less reliable because oil felt drags tend to wear out over time.
Gear Ratios: The reels have a gear ratio of 5.2:1, which is a medium reel speed. The exception is the Triton size 40 which has a gear ratio of 5.2:4.
Reel weight: The Pflueger President and Trion Reels span the same weight range. The differences are mere fractions of ounces.
Spools: Both the Pflueger President and Trion reels have aluminum spools, but the President reel has a braid ready spool while the Trion does not.
What this means: You can tie braided line directly on to the spool of the Pflueger president fishing reel. With the Trion, you will have to wind a backer of monofilament before attaching braided line.
Shared features: Both spinning reels have a standard anti reverse feature and an adjustable drag. Both models also offer an adjustable aluminum handle with a soft, comfortable knob.
Pflueger Trion vs President: Key Stats
| Trion | President | |
|---|---|---|
| Size range | 2000 to 4000 | 2000 to 4000 |
| Number of ball bearings | 7 to 10 | 7 |
| Drag system | Sealed drag | Oil felt drag |
| Braid ready spool | Yes | No |
| Material of body and rotor | Graphite | Graphite |
| Maximum drag pressure | 6 to 14 lb | 6 to 14 lb |
| Gear ratio | 5.2:1 | 5.2:1 |
| Anti-reverse switch | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 6.20 to 11.50 oz. | 6.30 to 11.30 oz. |
The Pflueger Trion spinning reel is the classic workhorse reel. It is a great reel for the money. It has an adjustable drag and 5.2:1 gear ratio for quick hook setting and line retrieval. Stainless steel ball bearings , an adjustable drag system, and an anti reverse switch are standard features on this easy to use fishing reel. Trion reels cost around $50.
- Large capacity aluminum spool
- 7 ball bearings
- 5.2:1 gear ratio
- Oil felt drag system
Overall thoughts on the Trion: This is a good quality spinning reel at an excellent price.
The Pflueger President spinning reel is a step up from the Trion. A sealed drag system and braid ready spool set the Pflueger President apart from its competition. The 5.2:1 gear ratio is adequate for most fishers, whether they are trout fishing or bottom fishing. The anti reverse switch is a great feature. The Pflueger President has 10 ball bearings, which is top of the line quality for an inexpensive spinning reel.
- Braid ready spool lets you tie on braided line without a backer
- Fully sealed, adjustable drag system
- Lightweight, graphite body and rotor
- Attractive, classy look
Overall thoughts on the President: This fishing reel offers features that are usually only found on more expensive reels.
Final Thoughts on Pflueger President vs Pflueger Trion
If you are in need of a new spinning reel, you can’t go wrong with the Pflueger President or the Pflueger Trion. Both fishing reels offer great gear ratio, stainless steel ball bearings, lightweight graphite bodies, and features like anti-reverse.
The Pflueger President spinning reel has a few features that put it a step ahead of the Trion, such as a sealed drag system and a braid-ready spool, but don’t discount the Trion as a great reel.
Like all Pflueger products, the price point on these fishing reels is great for a sport fisher or hobby angler. The Pflueger Trion spinning reel costs approximately $50. President reels cost approximately $60.
No matter which fishing reel you choose, you will have a great experience with a Pflueger spinning reel.
