Anyone used one? How are they? I noticed they're pretty dang light, even compared to the Shimano and Steez lightweight reels. I read the biggest gripe with them was the drag not being quite as strong as the Shimanos. Anyone with some real world experience with them? Looking to make it my next spinning purchase. Thanks.

don't have a patriarch but do have a supreme xt.same drag and it works fine.

I have the 9540 and the drag is all I need for bass . The 9525 and the 9530 have half the drag the 9540 has but still good enough for bass. Don't let the drag stop you from buying one , they are great reels.

Drag strength means squat when dealing with a bass reel. Drag SMOOTHNESS is what you want. What good is all of that alledged strength if the bass surges and snaps you off because your drag chattered ?

All Pfluegers have decent drags. The carbon fiber ones in the higher end models are really nice. Any drag can be greatly improved by polishing the metal plates on both sides with a dremel type tool and metal polish.

True that the Shimano drag of the comparable reel to the Plueger is stronger, but stronger does not mean better. Especially for bass fishing if your drag is set in accordance with your line test then the drags would be set about the same poundage, making it really a moot point. Both reels will perform perfectly.