I'm thinking about getting one of these and was wondering if anyone on the forum has any experience with it, either good or bad.

I had one I bought in 2009.  It worked just fine but seemed a bit on the heavy side so I sold it.  The 2010 models are supposed to be lighter.

I have had a couple.  They are quality reels that will last a long time if you take care of them. 

I bought the wide spool version off a forum member... It is one of the smoothest reels I own... puts my Fuego to shame.  If I find another one for the same great price I got this one at I won't hesitate to ****** it up.

Really good reels, I have two and will be keeping at least one if I ever thin out the arsenal, maybe two.  The dual braking comes in hand for quick adjustments to the mag brake.  Alone each brakeing system is more than adequate.  The weight is in no way something to worry about, they are 8.4 oz, that's .4oz less than a zillion  and .5oz less than the Revo STX/SX and you don't hear many people complaining about them, well, maybe the zillion.  The only thing I don't like about them is the screw on handle and that has since been changed.  There have been a few for sale here for some great prices.

a patriarch narrow spool is 8 0unces not 8.4.the wide spool is 8.4.when comparing to most other reels use the narrow spool weight because most other reels do not come in wide spool versions.another 50 for the xt gets u to 6.8 oz. .

a patriarch narrow spool is 8 0unces not 8.4.the wide spool is 8.4.when comparing to most other reels use the narrow spool weight because most other reels do not come in wide spool versions.another 50 for the xt gets u to 6.8 oz. .

The wide spool version was referenced due to line capacity, even though it is more, it's closer to the revo and zillion than the narrow spool. 

I haven't used the regular patriarch,  but I'm thinking about trying one.  I have the new pat. xt and I REALLY like this reel!!!

bought a nib pflueger summit for 75 bucks at last years bm classic and love it.  so i decided that i would ask for a patriarch for christmas and see how much better it is.  i just gotta find a rod to put it on now.

I had the 64 wide spool and loved it, awesome reel. Then it fell in the lake never to be seen again, at least by me. So then I bought the xt, and at first my combo seemed unbalanced because of the lightness of the xt, but after I got used to it, I absolutely love it! I just wish they had it in the widespool version, now when they do come out with that I will have to buy another reel.

I have the regular and xt models they are both really smooth and cast very well you can definatly tell the difference in weight but if you want a high speed reel the regular one is available in 7.1 and 6.4 gear ratios the xt is only available in 6.4 I also have 3 of the summits tyey are very nice to

agreed, I have a summit and they are super light and a very nice high speed reel.