Jim,
I've never been told this, so there is no confirmation, but my observations of Pfluegers business practices regarding their product has kept to some fairly steady trends.
The first reels they made when they came back out with bass equipment were the Trion series, in both round and low profile. The round series were first offered in 46, 56, and 66 sizes. They now have a left hand version of the 66 size. The LP model of the Trion expanded to a left handed offering, as well as a cranking version (4.8:1, which changed to 5.2:1), and a narrow spool version. In recent years, a saltwater version of the LP Trion also became available.
The President low profile reel was quickly followed by a wide spool version and a left handed version.
The Supreme was introduced and followed up with a left handed version as well.
The Purist came out with a right and left handed version available.
Following these trends over the years (new offerings, followed by expanded models), I fully expected to see a left handed version of the Summit offered this year. The reel is available in two versions - wide and regular spool. However, no left handed version yet. I can only surmise that their must be a reason they didn't make it in left handed versions yet, although I cannot determine why, as I think it is one of the most awesome reels I've ever used.
Knowing the Patriarch, Asaro, and Cetina were new this year, I didn't expect to see left handed versions yet, and I was right. However, I think the new offerings are covering a wide range for the consumer right now, even though I would agree that left handed versions would be a big plus.
The Patriarch is Pfluegers flagship offering. My first cast with this reel was a huge "Wow!" I actually was amazed at how far it cast, and how smooth it did so. That is not an exaggeration. I have never used a reel that casts as far, and as smooth as the new Patriarch. It simply is an amazing piece of equipment.
The Asaro seems to me to be a high quality, but less expensive variation of the Summit offering, with a nice bright paint job that has been said by many customers to mimic that of the Daiwa Sol offering. I can't deny that it does look very similar, especially in the color department. I don't know if that was intentional, but I can say that if it was, it is definitely working as planned - because it is one hot reel this year. At $120 retail for this 8 bearing offering, it is very enticing to customers, considering the Daiwa Sol they compare it to has 7 bearings and sells for $230. Again, that is not in any way saying the Sol is not a fantastic piece of fishing equipment, because I know it is. I'm simply pointing out selling standpoints from customers comments and points of view. Past the comparison of color and basic design, the two reels are actually quite different - particularly in the realm of backlash control. I've sold a bunch of Asaro's working shows so far. The other day at BPS Hampton, we sold every one of the wide spool models, and were down to 3 regular spools when I left Sunday evening. The main difference between it and the Summit is that it has centrifugal backlash control only, instead of the dual centrifugal / magnetic system (UBS - Ultimate Braking System) of the Summit.
The Cetina is Pflueger's value packaged reel for those looking for something with a high bearing count and the high speed gear ratio of 7.1:1. It has a graphite frame vice aluminum, and centrifugal backlash control only. At only $90 retail, this reel fills a gap in the market. I've sold quite a few of these at shows also.
I've received plenty of requests for left handed reels - and not only from lefties. I'm seeing a larger trend towards right handed users buying left handed reels lately. It was a concept that tried to catch on years ago, and didn't really gain momentum, but it seems to be revived with a veneganc