Pflueger Supreme 8–10 Weight Fly Reel Review
Updated: Nov 1, 2021
Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship
When thinking of classic fly reels, the Pflueger Medalist is likely to be one that immediately pops into your brain. Fly reel design has changed, well, drastically over the years, but Pflueger hasn't gone anywhere. They're still very much here and still making fly reels as well as spinning and baitcasting reels for conventional anglers. Heck, even the Medalist is still part of the lineup, though it looks quite a bit different (in a good way) today!
As the name indicates, Pflueger's current flagship fly reel model is the Supreme. Including several models which cover line weights from 2 thru 12, we grabbed the 8–10 model to get a handle on what this reel has to offer.
Reel Size: 8/9/10
Measured Weight: 8.4 ounces
Diameter: approx 4 1/4 inches
Machined/Cast: Machined
Spool Width: approx 1 1/2 inches
Arbor: Large
Backing Capacity: WF9F / 200 yards (20lb)
Drag: Rulon
Tested Max Drag: Approx 3 pounds
Spool Release: Twist-off center cap
Reel Pouch Included: Yes
R/L Interchangeable: Yes
Spare Spool: $99.00
Reel Price: $209.96
Machined from 6061 bar stock aluminum, the spool and frame boast tons of porting which gives the reel a nice weight of just 8.4 ounces. The reel has more of a satin tone to it without a lot of shine — something I like. It's an attractive piece and the neutral color scheme means it'll match with just about any rod it's attached to.
Considering the price point, there's little to be disappointed about. Both the finish and machining were perfectly clean, nothing was loose or found to have bad tolerances, and everything functioned as it should.
Testing
Just like my recent Fenwick Fenlite Salt 9 weight fly rod review found right here, these reels are sale priced — at least on the Pflueger website — which could indicate a potential closeout. Because of this, I wanted to waste little time in publishing this review so that anyone that's interested can take advantage of the lowered prices going on at the moment.
Armed with a Rulon drag system, there's a hint of startup inertia when the drag first ramps up. Once the line starts flowing the drag is quite smooth and consistent, however for a reel of this size it's not very powerful; I measured maximum pressure at only around 3 pounds. While this wouldn't be a problem whatsoever for a smaller reel, for a larger reel like this that is likely to be used for bigger saltwater game, it's quite weak.
The drag knob is relatively basic and not super tall, but easy enough to use. It turns with noticeable detents and a nice crisp clicking sound. About two full turns is what it takes to run from minimum to maximum drag, but as with many reels, you'll have to use a little muscle to squeeze out those last few precious clicks of drag power.
The handle has a gentle taper and is on the large size which makes sense for a reel like this where some solid cranking power may be needed. I like that the handle connection to the spool has almost zero play/wiggle which makes for a nice solid feeling while cranking. Clicking sounds are mild but sound pretty good when line is both coming and going.
Twist off the screw cap on the center of spool to separate spool and frame. I had zero complaints or difficulties when removing or re-seating them both.
Conclusion
Pflueger's Supreme fly reel comes in five sizes from 2‒12 weight and typically costs $209.96 but now can be found for much less. Spare spools can also be had well under the regular $99 pricing. No other colors are available in the Supreme.
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