Peux Fulgor Fly Reel Review
Did you find this video insightful? We've reviewed hundreds of Fly Rods & Reels just for you. Subscribe to Trident's YouTube channel and always make the right gear choice!
Trident Fly Fishing is a full-service fly shop. We spend a lot of time testing gear and writing reviews to give you all of the tools to make your next trip a success. We are not a blog or a review site. 100% of our funding comes from your gear purchases, so if this blog post helps you on your next fly fishing adventure, please support us by buying your gear from us.
The Peux Fulgor is unlike any reel we’ve reviewed. Built in Switzerland by a company rooted in precision mechanics, the Fulgor is the result of decades of refinement in a niche corner of fly fishing: semi-automatic reels. Peux was founded in the 1990s by Francis Nydegger, a Swiss machinist and fly angler who set out to design a reel that could recover line faster than anything else on the market. That mission led to the creation of high-end, lever-operated reels like the Fulgor, which combine fast retrieval, fine craftsmanship, and innovative design in a compact package. Semi-automatic reels have long had a loyal following in European nymphing circles, but they remain a curiosity to many anglers elsewhere. The Fulgor takes this niche concept to a whole new level. To learn more about its quirks, features, and who it’s really for, keep reading.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast line retrieval with smooth trigger operation
- Excellent build quality and Swiss craftsmanship
- Full-cage frame prevents line slippage with thin euro leaders
Cons
- Very expensive compared to other Euro reels
- Drag knob placement is awkward and not user-friendly
- Reinstalling the spool requires two hands and some finesse
Who It’s For
The Peux Fulgor is built for a very specific kind of angler. If you’re a dedicated euro nympher, competitive trout angler, or someone who simply values fast, one-handed line retrieval, this reel is right in your wheelhouse. It’s also a smart option for anglers who struggle with line management or have limited hand mobility, thanks to its easy-to-use trigger mechanism. And while its high price and unique design won’t appeal to everyone, gearheads and collectors will find a lot to admire in the Fulgor’s engineering and craftsmanship. This isn’t a reel for the casual weekend warrior, it’s for anglers who want something specialized, efficient, and a little different.
Weight
At 6.3 ounces, the Peux Fulgor 1 with the Euro spool is surprisingly heavy for its size. But in the world of euro nymphing, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The extra weight actually helps balance out longer rods, which can reduce fatigue and make high-sticking more comfortable over the course of a long day. While it might feel bulky on a short 3-weight, it’s right at home paired with a 10' or 11' euro rod.
Drag
The Fulgor does feature a functional drag system, but it’s clearly designed with euro nymphing in mind rather than big fish or fast runs. The drag knob is positioned on the retrieve side, which makes it difficult to adjust during a fight. It offers about 2.2 turns of adjustability and generates a solid 3 to 4 pounds of pressure. That’s more than enough for trout fishing and protecting light tippet. The drag doesn’t appear to be sealed, and the internal components are exposed, so we don’t recommend using this reel in saltwater environments. It’s best suited for freshwater use where durability and tippet protection are the main priorities.
Sound
The Fulgor isn’t your classic clicker, but it still brings some personality to the table. On the incoming retrieve, you get a soft whirring sound instead of a traditional click. It’s subtle and not likely to turn heads, which some anglers will appreciate. On the outgoing, the reel delivers a crisp, audible click that’s both clean and satisfying. Sound is always a matter of personal taste, but we think plenty of anglers will enjoy the feedback the Fulgor gives when a fish starts peeling line.
Spool & Cage Design
The Fulgor 1 comes with a couple of spool options, but euro nymphers will be most interested in the “special nymph” spool. This enlarged arbor design allows for roughly 20 to 30 yards of backing with a standard euro line, while the standard spool fits around 50 yards of backing with a WF 4-weight. The euro spool measures 2.6 inches in diameter, 0.9 inches wide, and features a 1.8-inch arbor. It retrieves about 6.45 inches of line per turn - not especially fast, but given that the Fulgor is an automatic reel, the retrieval rate is less of a concern than with traditional designs.
The full-cage frame is another euro-friendly feature. It helps prevent thin mono leaders from slipping between the spool and frame, which can be a frustrating issue with open-cage reels. It also adds some welcomed weight to balance longer rods and gives the reel a bit more durability if it takes a tumble on a rocky riverbank.
Looks & Ergonomics
There’s no question the Fulgor stands out in the looks department. Its exposed gear components and uniquely shaped retrieve lever give it a mechanical, almost steampunk aesthetic that’s both functional and stylish. The anodized aluminum finish is clean and sharp, and with twelve color options available, you can match it to just about any rod in your quiver.
Ergonomically, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The retrieve lever feels great - nicely machined, smooth in motion, and long enough to accommodate a wide range of hand sizes. The optional handle is comfortable too, though we wish it were a touch longer, especially since it shares space with the drag knob on the same side of the reel.
And that drag knob is where things get weird. Because it’s located on the retrieve side, it’s awkward to access mid-fight. You can’t palm the reel for extra resistance either, thanks to the full-cage frame. To make matters more confusing, loosening the drag requires holding the spool in place while turning the knob, since the knob rotates the spool as well. It’s not exactly intuitive and can be a bit of a hassle in the heat of the moment.
Swapping spools is a two-part story: getting the spool off is quick and easy, just a firm pull. Getting it back on takes two hands and a bit of finesse to press the locking mechanism and seat the spool correctly.
One standout ergonomic feature is the optional line guide on the frame. It’s a thoughtful addition for euro nymphing that completely eliminates the risk of line slippage, building on the full-cage concept and ensuring your leader stays perfectly in place. It’s an add-on detail that euro anglers will appreciate.
Warranty
Value
Price: $1,085.00
At $1,085, the Peux Fulgor is one of the most expensive freshwater reels on the market. That price tag alone will limit its appeal to a small group of anglers, but for the right user, it might be worth every penny. Competitive euro nymphers will appreciate the semi-automatic retrieve and the finely machined Swiss construction, which delivers a level of precision you won’t find in most reels.
It’s also worth considering for anglers with limited hand strength or dexterity, as the assisted retrieve makes line management easier and more efficient. And for gearheads and collectors, the Fulgor’s mechanical beauty and unique design offer something that’s both functional and display-worthy.
That said, there are far more affordable semi-automatic options out there. Vivarelli and JMC both offer reels in this category at a fraction of the price. But if you want top-tier engineering, standout aesthetics, and a reel built to last, the Fulgor is in a class of its own.
Conclusion
The Peux Fulgor is a niche reel with a bold personality. It isn’t designed to suit every angler, but for euro nymphers, competition anglers, and fans of precision engineering, it brings something special to the table. The semi-automatic retrieve, full-cage frame, and distinctive aesthetics make it a standout in both form and function. While the drag system and some ergonomic quirks may take getting used to, those who value innovation and craftsmanship will find a lot to like. The Fulgor earns its place as a high-end, purpose-built reel for serious freshwater anglers.
Buy it with Free Shipping Here
Questions?
Feel free to call us at 888-413-5211 or email us at [email protected]
Bill Henry