The new Patriarch XT weighs in at only 6.8 ounces

 
Patriarch XT Casting Reel: It probably started two or three years ago when manufacturers saw the demand for lightweight low profile casting reels. That's when every reel company under the sun tried to come out with a lightweight model. Pflueger joins the game by taking their top of the line baitcaster resulting in the Patriarch XT. This reel is only 6.8 ounces compared to the original Patriarch that weighs 8.4 ounces. The weight reduction comes from a few different design features, one of them being the use of a carbon fiber handle with EVA knobs and a soft-touch thumb bar spool release.

A Carbon Fiber handle contributes to the light overall weight

The Patriarch XT is made from a rigid aluminum frame, and sideplates, you might have guessed one side would be graphite to reduce weight but that's not the case. The casting reel has titanium coated aluminum sideplates for a super strong construction.

EVA knobs are used

Additional features include a machined double anodized aluminum spool that's ported for more weight reduction. You won't lose any smoothness with the reel as it still uses 9 double shielded stainless steel bearings, one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing, precision cut aluminum gears that produce a gear ratio of 6.4:1 speed, carbon fiber drag system, and the Ultimate Brake System that uses both centrifugal and magnetic brakes with the ability to make external adjustments, and a titanium line guide.

Palming the Patriarch XT

The new lightweight Pflueger Patriarch XT low profile reel will be available around October 2009 and will retail for only $249.95. Sorry Cal it only comes in a right handed version. Perhaps next year we'll see the lefty.

 
Patriarch LPL Lefty Casting Reel: FINALLY!!!!! We are probably not the only ones screaming that. The Pflueger Patriarch has been a popular reel especially after it was redesigned, but what was missing was a left hand model. Pflueger is finally filling this gap that has been missing for years.

Cal approves the new lefty Patriarch LPL

Introducing the new Pflueger Patriarch LPL, a left-handed version of the original Patriarch casting reel. It has all the goods of the right-handed model. Details can be seen in the full in-depth review of the right-handed Patriarch. The price will be the same, $199.99, and the lefty reel will be available in October 2009....finally.

Redesigned Echelon and Criterion Casting Reel: Two low-profile reel series from Pflueger that won’t break the bank yet provide exceptional performance at a value price are the Echelon and Criterion baitcasters. The reshaped body on both reels gives a better fit in the hand providing the angler comfortable fishing for extended periods. The new vibrant red color on the Echelon and rich blue on the Criterion give both of the reels a bold look.

The Echelon and Criterion completely redesigned for 2010

 
The 8.0-ounce Echelon features a slightly faster retrieve gear ratio of 6.4:1 and includes the popular operation and construction elements of the original. The 5+1 bearings include 5 double-shielded stainless steel bearings and a one-way clutch IAR bearing. The frame and sideplates are made from reinforced graphite. The reel’s multi-disc main gear applied star drag remains smooth and the adjustable magnetic brakes allow for controlled casting. MSRP for the Echelon is $59.95.

 
In addition to a new shape and color, the 7.7-ounce Criterion now is equipped with adjustable magnetic brake control. The reel retains all the proven features with a 6.3:1 gear ratio. Bearing configuration is 4+1 including 4 double-shielded stainless steel bearings and a one-way clutch IAR bearing. The one-piece lightweight graphite frame is joined with a machined and anodized ported aluminum spool, Soft-Touch handle knobs provide comfort and control. Retail price for the Criterion is only $49.95. Both reels will be made available in October.

The Pflueger Arbor Combo won ICAST Best of Show for Combos
 

Arbor Spinning Reel: Spinning anglers who prefer a wider spool on a spinning reel have another option to try in 2010. The new Pflueger Arbor features an oversized large arbor spool that winds the line onto the reel in larger loops. This reduces line memory and the large arbor allows the line to come off the spool more smoothly when casting braid, fluorocarbon, or monofilament fishing lines.

A closer look at the ICAST Winner

The Arbor spinning reel frame is made from a combination of aluminum and graphite, houses 7 stainless steel bearings plus one clutch bearing, graphite rotor, Sure-Click bail, aluminum bail wire, and a double anodized aluminum spool. Another advantage of the large arbor spool is the ability to support a smooth sealed drag system that incorporates a larger than typical carbon fiber washer. The bigger the washer the smoother and cooler the drag will run.

Wide large arbor spools still remain in production and offer benefits when it comes to both casting and retrieves

Two Arbor models are offered. The 8.5-ounce Model 7430 has a maximum drag of 10 pounds and can be loaded with 160 yards of 8-pound test braid or 120 yards of 6-pound test fluorocarbon or monofilament. Model 7440 weighs 11.2 ounces and can be spooled with 250 yards of 15-pound test braid or 150 yards of 10-pound fluorocarbon or mono. Both reels sport a 4.3:1 gear ratio and can be configured n either right or left hand retrieve. The new Arbor spinning reel retails for $79.95 and will be available in November 2009.

Conclusion: We aren't kidding when we said Pflueger is stepping it up this year. They took the "Best of Show" for "Combinations" with their Arbor spinning reel combo. With the introduction of the lightweight, 6.8 ounce Patriarch XT we have yet another lightweight option, and other release of a lefty in the proven Patriarch will expand the reel's popularity. It has been an exciting ICAST for Pflueger and we're glad to see them moving up in the game, the more choices the better for consumers, especially in such a hotly contested space.