jlsch1, I worked at a reel and rod repair store in San Diego for many years before moving back to Texas and you are 100% right on if a reel and rod can hold up in saltwater(inshore) it sure will hold up in freshwater. Also I am also in the service business (Xerox tech) and I deal with many upset customers but I hope I don't come off the way you seem to be. I truly feel like you are so dedicated and proud of your trade that you are coming off the wrong way. But it does make me proud you stand by your work and word.

tennessee john....well said, I got curious about some of the previous post, so I went back and checked, 11-28-05 post from member, I got a pflueger reel as a gift, had problems. went to several local reel repair shops and no help. then this members story changes.

I did receive the reel as a gift for my birthday from my Nephew who is little and does not understand why I don't use the reel which he saved up for. That was alot of money for him and he was very proud that he could buy me a reel. What is important to him is very important to me since he is my newphew but I can't tell him he bought junk.

Academy sold him the reel not the shop I use to own. Sold it in April 2005 but I do go back to help my former partner in reel repairs. Since I sold the shop they don't have anyone that likes to deal with Pflueger due to problems with getting parts from Pflueger, not worth fixing, tired of changing springs in mostly every reel they sold, serious corrosion issues for inshore use, and Pflueger changing parts every time you turn around when parts get worn such as return pawls and springs they don't have the part you need. Some models like Solara they don't even carry parts for anymore. Presidents been changed a few times since 2004 due to problems bet people did not know that. How about the Solara take off the market due to reels problems engaging. Another issue is all reels break sooner or later and the avaliability of parts is going to be the difference between a $100-$159 reel or paperweight.

Very poor service out of Shakesphere and very poorly made product for $59-$159. Atleast basspro will take their reels back when they break after a year since they can't say you didn't buy it from the. In two to three years it will be no better than a paperweight with lack of parts support. People sponsored by products are using the product due to a free or discounted use of product which I don't blame them but they have motive to promote their product. Ask them why the same company Shakesphere or K2 that owns Pflueger owns Allstar and only gives 3 year warranty on some of the models others only a year warranty. They still want you to pay the same amount for their rods some $100 and over as you would for a rod that does have a limited lifetime warranty. Ask major repair shops Southwestern parts or others why they don't carry Pflueger parts or repair the reels. They probably will tell you what I am telling you. That's all I have to say.

the story just keeps getting better and better.

Hey jlsh1, I ordered parts from Shakespeare last thursday 3/2/06 and got them today 3\6\06. Horrible customer service huh!

kevin01...that guys story has changed so much that he can't remember what fabrication he has told. he got a reel as a gift, went to several reel repair shops and couldn't get fixed (now remember he owns a reel repair shop) it bothers me not in the least that "anyone voices their opion" but this guy needs to wake up and smell the roses....

tool-chest, I agree with you. I do get my rods and reels free form Pflueger and All-Star but I would buy them if I did'nt. Everything mechanical has its problems but to call them paperweights is a bit harsh. They are some of the smoothest reels I have fished with and I did have one go bad and it was replaced by Pflueger in 10 days. They have been nothing but helpful and willing to accomodate.
Kevin

I have had a Pflueger President for a year and fished with it at least once a week with no problems. I bought a new Shimano Citica and it is binding after 4 trips. I'll be taking it back and trading for a President.

Hey LumberKat, I think that President is pretty nice too. If you have not had a chance to try a Supreme, check one of those out. Pflueger sent me one these this year, and I was highly impressed with it. It does have a hefty price tag on it. I finally replaced all of my Shimano reels with Pflueger's. I still think Shimano makes a fine reel and the problem you are having with the new citica is something they will fix. I believe I read somewhere on here that all the new ones were having a problem, but Shimano would fix the reel at no charge.
Kevin

slim

my opinion is you do not want the purist....why because its a graphite frame....it will flex when you set the hook.....my brother can tell you what he thinks about them....I know he reads this forum I dont know if he posts....he had two repaired when the third messed up it got pulled off and lobbed into the lake he was fishing....beware of cheaper reels....know what you are buying graphite frames save on weight but they have no backbone....its not just pfluegers its all of them....the lower end reels tend to be graphite frames...

thats my two cents

BTW I would like to add....I have reels rebuilt at southwest parts in Dallas like alot other people here...and they will be the first to tell you they will not service Pfluegers because it is too hard to get parts for them...I have Pfluegers Presidents and Trions that I use as back ups if one of my Shimanos dies on me until I can get it fixed or rebuilt...I think you should buy whatever your taste is....after all you are the one using it

twiztidtexan..I see you are fairly new to the TFF...welcome to the TFF family of anglers.

I like your statement and you are right on...
I think you should buy whatever your taste is....after all you are the one using it

And yes, stear away from low end reels, like everything else, you get what you pay for (in most cases).