Has anyone had a chance to handle the new Purist spinning reel yet? Looks interesting.

Just figured I'd start this one up again since no one seems to have any info on this reel yet. Anyone?

Was looking at them on tackle warehouse, stumbled upon them looking at supremes. Looks like a good deal for $80 bucks. Other than that website I can't find much else myself not even pflueger fishing's website.

It looks as if Pflueger has replaced the President XT with the Purist. Similar build materials and stat line, except the Purist shaves around 2 oz. off of the weight in 35 size. Price is the same as well. Might pick one up before spring for my 6'6" M/F Avid.

Yep, looks like the new version of the President XT. I can't speak for the Purist, but my XT has been rock solid. I've had it well over a year, and fished it a lot in that time, it still feels just like the first day I got it. Not bad for a reel I paid about $55 for on ebay.

I handled one yesterday. It was very smooth. The bail trip was very positive and very little wobble during a fast spin retrieve. It should be a good seller. If I needed a spinning reel at that price point it would get serious consideration.