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I just got back from my annual Boundary Waters fishing trip where I put two of the most popular budget-friendly reels, the Shimano Sedona and the Pflueger President, through their paces—and let’s just say, they had their work cut out for them. This was not some manufactured lab test; this was real-world abuse in the wilderness. I was casting, trolling, jigging all day, every day out in the elements. I caught walleye, crappie, smallmouth, largemouth, and pike! This was an incredible week of fishing with two incredible reels.

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Best Value Reel

The bottom line is that I loved the performance of both reels, in different ways. In this post, I’m going to explore these differences to help you decide which is best for you. The Sedona has the overall best performance. It’s lightweight, has the best drag, a quick recovery, holds the most line, and lives up to the Shimano brand. But the Pflueger President offers the best value by packing in 10 bearings that make it the smoothest retrieve of any budget reel I have used. It has an aluminum body that makes the reel durable. The slower retrieve gives the reel more torque, allowing me to handle larger lures more easily. Between the two, the President has a superior style and looks nothing like a budget reel. If you are looking for a tried-and-true budget reel, my recommendation is to buy the Sedona. But if you want to stretch your dollar, buying a Pflueger President is a great option and will be one of the smoothest reels in your inventory.

The most important reel characteristics are weight, drag, recovery per turn (gear ratio), smoothness, durability, line capacity, comfort, saltwater sealing, and style. The table below summarizes the differences between the Shimano Sedona 2500 vs. the Pflueger President 30. These two reels models are the most comparable.

Spinning Reel Definitions

Spinning Reel Weight:
When I’m fishing all day, having a lightweight reel is very important. Heavy gear will more quickly wear out your wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Lightweight is better.

Drag Performance:
Drag controls how much resistance a fish feels when it pulls on your line. A good drag system lets you fight strong fish without snapping your line — it should be smooth, adjustable, and consistent. The higher the max drag (in pounds), the more stopping power you have when it matters most.

Recovery Per Turn (Gear Ratio):
This tells you how many inches of line are retrieved with each full turn of the reel handle. A faster retrieve is useful when working lures quickly or picking up slack in a hurry. Slow retrieve offers more torque for fighting big fish. Choose based on your fishing style.

Smoothness:
Smooth reels feel effortless when reeling in. This is mostly driven by the number and quality of ball bearings inside the reel. A smoother reel makes your casts and retrieves feel cleaner and more controlled, which is especially important when finesse fishing.

Durability:
A reel should last more than one season. Look for solid build quality, quality components, and corrosion-resistant materials. Especially if you’re hard on gear or fishing in rough conditions, durability will save you money and frustration in the long run.

Spool Line Capacity:
This shows how much line the reel can hold — especially useful if you’re fishing deeper water or targeting species that make long runs. If you’re using heavier line, the total yardage will be lower. Match your reel’s capacity to your target fish and fishing location.

Comfort:
The way the reel fits in your hand, how the handle turns, and how it balances with your rod — all of these affect fatigue and enjoyment. A reel that feels awkward or off-balance will tire you out fast. Comfort is underrated but essential.

Saltwater Sealing:
If you plan to fish saltwater — even brackish — look for reels with proper sealing. Unsealed reels can corrode quickly in salt environments. Even for freshwater, sealing adds a layer of protection from sand and grime.

Spinning Reel Style:
It may not affect performance, but let’s be honest — you want your setup to look good. Style includes color, finish, and design. A good-looking reel that matches your rod can be a small joy every time you use it.

The Shimano Sedona

This is a solid reel that I have been using for several years. It’s smooth and reliable. The Sedona 2500 is the perfect size for bass and walleye angling. During the trip, I caught a 27-inch walleye, which was the most impressive fish I caught on the trip. The reel managed the fight beautifully. I like how the Sedona has a chamfered edge on the spool to let you know when to stop stringing line onto it. This helps prevent tangles and over-spooling your line. I also think the drag is better than the Pflueger. Not only does the Sedona have double the max drag, but I also like how the drag dial is large and easy to manipulate when a fish is on. One night, it rained hard on all of our gear. Despite the environment, the Sedona remained smooth and had a quality retrieve. The Sedona performs well on all of the functional characteristics that matter in a reel. I would recommend this reel and would consider buying it again.

The Pflueger President Spinning Reel

I brought two President reels on the trip. A PRES35 for pike and a PRES20 for panfish. Both performed well and were remarkably smooth. I have put more miles on my panfish President because it’s just so much fun to hook into anything 6 inches or larger. I found a Crappie hole with some big slabs. The President did a great job hooking these papermouths and getting them in the boat. After a heavy rain, I noticed that the panfish reel had lost some of its smoothness. After it dried out, I felt that the smoothness in the reel returned, but this was a little concerning to me. Overall, I love the President spinning reel, especially the PRES20 on my panfish setup. Here is a complete review of the PRES20 model if interested. The PRES35 was also fun to fish with. This probably had more to do with the braided line and the St. Croix rod, but I was able to cast this rig further than any freshwater setup in my inventory. The reel certainly plays a part. The President is very smooth with a tight build.  The President Spinning Reel is one of the best value buys for a reel under $100, and I highly recommend this for any budget angler looking for the most cutting-edge reel.

Final Verdict: Which Spinning Reel Is Right for You?

After putting both reels through real-world trials in the Boundary Waters, here’s the takeaway:

If performance is your top priority — especially things like drag strength, fast line retrieval, and smooth consistency even in tough conditions — the Shimano Sedona is the better buy. It’s a lightweight workhorse that performs well under pressure and can handle everything from bass to big walleye.

But if you want the smoothest retrieve and best value under $100, the Pflueger President is an incredible option. Its 10-bearing system makes every cast and retrieve feel premium, and it’s a great match for lighter setups or anglers who prioritize feel and finesse.

My advice?
If you can only buy one — go with the Sedona for overall versatility and power. But if you’re building a budget-friendly arsenal or want the best panfish reel under $100, the President deserves a spot in your lineup.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting a solid reel that will last for seasons to come. Tight lines!

What is your preferred reel? Please let me know in the comments below!