3 yrs ago I bought my son in law a Phlueger President spinning reel for Christmas. He's had great luck with the reel, and it's caught quite a few bass for him. Before Christmas this year, I purchased a new Pflueger President reel also. I kept it for 1 week. The reel felt grindy. They must have changed this model, as it looks different from the older ones, and doesn't feel as smooth. I asked my wife to return it for me, at our local Academy. She instead exchanged the reel, for a Shimano 2500fi spin reel. Even though I've been a back reeler for almost 40 yrs, I'm sure I can get used to not having an anti reverse switch. The Sahara feels super smooth, and lightweight at 8.8 oz. From what I understand the newer Shimanos have an excellent drag. I've spooled it with 8lb Trilene XL mono line, and giving it a test run Friday afternoon on a smaller clear quarry lake that I fish with my grandson. So far, it seems like a great reel. Is anyone else using the newer Sahara? I'm excited about giving this one a test drive

I have about a dozen of them, mostly in the 1000 size. I really like them and recommend them pretty much all the time. I tend to find them on sale around $60-$65 a few times over the summer. 

I have a 2500FB, which is 14 years old this month and 3000HG a year old, both spooled with 8lb mono and they have been bullet proof for me.  I am sure you know the only difference in the 2500 and 3000 is the spool size.

I have the C 3000 reel. Spooled with 7 lb Shooter. Haven't used it yet, waiting on getting a new rod for it. I really wish these reels had the anti-reverse switch, my old Sahara had it. 

6 minutes ago, Hammer 4 said:

I have the C 3000 reel. Spooled with 7 lb Shooter. Haven't used it yet, waiting on getting a new rod for it. I really wish these reels had the anti-reverse switch, my old Sahara had it. 

Yes. That's the only complaint I've heard about them. Most guys seem to like the switch. Otherwise, I've heard only good things about these reels

Hope your new reel works out okay for you. I need to replace a couple of my spinning reels. Still trying to figure out what I want. I thought about the Sahara but I can't talk myself in to getting a reel with a carbon graphite composite body. I still like an aluminum body reel.

I’ve been replacing my spinning reels with Pflueger Trions. Great reel for the money in my opinion. 

34 minutes ago, AC870 said:

I’ve been replacing my spinning reels with Pflueger Trions. Great reel for the money in my opinion. 

NO argument here - was so impressed with my Trion-30 last year that I added a Trion-35 this year.