To say Lew's is back in a big way would be an understatement. They have a large prostaff. Their reels are gaining a reputation for being good quality reels, that last and now they've released more than 100 new rods and reels across more than 20 different series.
The flagship of the new launch has to be the release of the 21st century version of their original BB1 Speed Spool. This is the reel that guys like David Fritts made famous for cranking. The reels are simply put, amazing. They are 10 ball bearing reels and the BB1 features a multi-stop anti-reverse just like the old reels that enables a crankbait fisherman to feel the bait much better in his hand because of that added freedom in the anti-reverse. But the reel is not the reel of yesteryear. This reel is low profile, great braking systems, clickable tension knobs, solid cranking handle, and the line guide is set further away from the spool to give anglers a much improved casting distance which is paramount to a good crankbait reel.
The best part is the reel is $159. It comes in 5.1:1, 6.4:1 and 7.1:1 gear ratios with three right hand models and three left hand models.
The next reel that blew us away was the Team Lew's Pro Speed Spool. It's the high-end model in the Lew's baitcasting line-up at $299. It has 11 bearings, a one piece aluminum frame and sideplates, frictionless titanium line guide, dual braking systems a lighter bowed handle with EVA grips all in a package that only weighs 5.9 ounces. A lot of the pros were excited about that new reel.
They also introduced a Super Duty Speed Spool for flipping, pitching, frogging and other heavy power techniques with a heavy-duty handle, braid ready spool, solid brass gears, soft touch rubber paint on the sides to keep a good grip and more features for a $179.99 reel.
On the spinning reel side they released a Speed Spin, Laser and Laser Lite at $59.99, $39.99 and $29.99 respectively. The Speed Spin comes in five sizes from 100 to 450 size bodies and spools. They feature a soft touch armor finish for slip resistance, drilled forged aluminum spool, Oversized line roller, one way clutch bearing and their speed lube for smoothness.
On the rod side, the Team Lew's Speed Stick had the Lew's pros really excited. This their top of the line tournament driven series of rods with 9 casting actions, a flipping stick, 3 crankbait rods and 6 spinning rods at a $179.99 price point. The rods are 85 million modulous rods with Fuji KR Concept Micro guides. The feature cork split grip handles, skeletal graphite reel seats and a multilayered, multidirectional blank.
The rods looked great and felt very light in your hand.
We'll be following back around on more Lew's product later but that's some of what we really liked from this massive 100 product introduction.
