Capt.Bob

I use a nut driver out of my driver set in a drill cordless if you have it, very handy. I find a nut driver bit that fits the center hole of an old empty spool that line came on, to get a tight fit you can take one or two wraps of tape to shim it up so it fits the spool snug, walk your line of like ClackerBuzz said - "if it's a spinning reel" - if its a bait casting reel, just have someone hold the rod and spool it on right off the reel, just spool it on the old line spool the same direction it comes off the reel. Takes all the effort out and works as good as a professional spooler. It wont be a hassle when you want to reuse it either!

Understand! As the years mount up, I found the eyes are just the beginning!!

Nice reel, but a Diawa rod?????? I just had to say that, It looks as good as the new Stradics!!! is it the same incandescent white they use on the Stradic? But really, it would look a lot better on a St. Croix LEC68MXF!!

Not sure where this is coming from but the Premier is maybe as good as the pro Qualifier, but it has a way's to go to catch up to the Lew's Tournament Pro!! which does weigh 6.7 oz. and has much better fit and internals than the pro qualifier. The PQ is a decent reel but I can tell you the Lew's is one of those reels that seem to need some use and time to break in, and as good as it is out of the box, it gets smoother and better with use! I have never found that to be a trait of the Pro Qualifier, lots of reels share the same frame, Shimano, Diawa etc, but there is a big difference in what they install inside them as far as the quality of the parts, and the tolerances. There is a big difference between the PQ and the TP!

I been watchin this thread and waiting to hear the prognosis!! Work em hard, we want the rest of the story!! Even if Jeannine doesn't want to hear it!

I use Shimano spinning gear, and run 10lbs test braid on my 1000 size reel's, 15 lbs test on 2500 size and 20 lbs test on 4000 size. I say this because if you were running Non it is made for spinning reels only! I think 10lbs test Fierline Tracer Braid, with a 6 or 8 lbs test Seguar Fluoro leader! try it and tell me it ain't what the doctor ordered! I take it this is gin clear water and smaller trout if your going with 8 lbs test nano?? The 10lbs is 2lbs mono is diameter and is like having a strike indicator every 29", I use a Blood Knot to join about 10'- 12' of leader for very clear water. The blood knot flows better than most knots as it is tapered at both ends, I like it much better than the double uni-knot. On other reels I go as heavy as 65lbs Braid on my Ct400B Calcuttas for pike and Muskie, and have had the same line on those reals for 4 years, you have to remember, Braid is unafected by UV rays, climate, cold or hot, dosn't absorb water and doesn't rot, has absolutely no memory so it is easy to run off and turn it around when it is getting frayed and it has to get really bad frayed to be week, I have another 3 - 4 years for this same line so for 30 dollars I have 150 yards of the best line on 2 reels that last for 6-8 years, kinda cheap if you think about it.

you won't hurt them if you run ceramics dry. Just most like J Francho said can't stand the noise. I think it makes the reel seem - not smooth - for lack of a better description. I would use them dry first, just so YOU KNOW the difference, and then add "ONE DROP" of the lube you choose, as .ghoti said and I earlier, opinions, and all work most at different times are better. I use Rocket Fuel T&Y mixed, and you will see for yourself. A word of advice if this is your first go with Hybrid Ceramics, take it easy the first couple cast and add a brake or two till you are sure your ready to unleash the beast!

Ya no surprise, it's an ok cold weather oil, but so thin that in the warmer climates guy's have complained about it being to thin and doesn't last, requires frequent relubing, a lot of guys don't lube their equipment once the season starts, for the avid Pro that lubes them every time they go out it's probably good for high speed bearings, everything else there is better stuff. I deal with guy's that want something that last a little longer, I found better for here in northern Ohio, and around saltwater it give's no protection from what I've been told. Like I say it just depends where how and what your doing, there aint no one, wonder lube , although I am testing some stuff that is pulling rave results everywhere, like everything we'll see, time will tell.

I use 20# on my finesse reel, I run 12 lbs test fluoro. leaders so I have never put a lot of pressure on the line in snags and stuff, but have had a few minor dig ins, I just amke a couple cast to get past the spots that cause trouble and am ok with it. I use 30 lbs my other reels and have no trouble with them at all. I tried 15 lbs braid once, got it off there in a hurry, the slightest pull on the line and it was digging in.

That would depend on what Boca bearings you got? they sell abec3 to abek7 maybe 9, they sell ceramic or stainless steel. the ceramic bearings can be run dry and are noisier, and really noisy if you choose to run them dry. The stainless steel all need to be lubed. the lube you use and the results you get with it totally depend on the environment you use it in. I'll put it this way, hot sauce might work for a guy in northern Michigan on a sping or fall salmon or Steelhead stream, but might not be ideal for a guy on okachobee Bass fishin in august,

I have had 5 months to use the Lew's reels now. I have serviced reels for customers and other charter services for the last 30 years. So since I have jumped ship, and away from the Posse ( low profile reels in bass size only) and took up with "Lew's and the hole in the wall gang" I was asked by one of our members to expose the inside story on the Lew's reels, since I have experience with others and had the TP down to the frame in search of inexpensive way's to improve it, (and out of curiosity mainly). First thing I saw when I removed the gear cover was a lot of plastic, much as I have when dealing with newer and newer brands of other top manufacturers new offerings, so as reels have improved and gotten better, so has the use of plastic. I think the first time I did this with a quality reel it was a Calcutta CT250, I had serviced Ambassadors and Penn's for years, which used stamped metal linkages and works with hardly any plastic other than level wind gears and a couple small bushings, I was astounded by this huge plastic bridge in front of me as I pulled the drive gear cover off and thought I had thrown my money at a reel that would never be around as long as my beloved noisy rough and rugged 5500's. Well if you have ever had any experience with any Calcutta, you know how wrong I was. So before I start I would like to say, as quality manufacturers, such as Lew's Shimano, Abu, Diawa, etc, have gone to these parts, we have seen lighter smoother faster and better longer lasting reels from all. Yes there are those no name, metal alloy gears "known as pot metal", and boo koo bearing "cheep no spec non stainless steel", with lightweight aluminum spool's "unbalanced and smaller than the hole they fit in, " along with lots of heavy grease to make them smooth, from no name Companies that don't last, or work. This is always going to happen when Those jump min to make a quick buck and scam everyone. I assure you the top companies don't and know they can't afford to try those tactics and Lew's as with the others, you don't have to worry about that. I am stating that now to assure all that, Plastic is widely used more and more by all manufacturers in there new top of the line reels. I'll start with a picture of the clutch plate and the workings of the Lew's TP. As you see, there is plenty of plastic, but I believe from all my inspection and experience with other reels, this design is solid, they have put the plastic in strategic places that reduce weight enhances smoothness, but doesn't compromise durability or strength. These reels cast with the best but as with all reels come with heavier lube than necessary to assure those who don't perform regular maintenance on their reels, smooth operation at the cost of better performance for a couple seasons of abuse. For those of us that do keep our equipment up to date with maintenance you will be astounded at the difference if you take time to degrease the bearings, and use a quality lightweight bearing oil. These reels are amazing, smooth quiet, and light, with plenty of POWER TO SPARE! If you are going to tackle this yourself, you must consider the climate and elements you will be using it in when considering the proper grease and oil's to use, there is no perfect lube for all conditions. In this picture above you can see, they didn't cut corners on sub standard quality drag materials, they use the same washers I get from Smooth drag when I upgrade drags for my customers "Carbontex". The one thing I did notice was locked down or on the upper end, the drag did leave a little to be desired, and on start up was a little jerky,I didn't notice this down at lighter poundage, so what I did was grease the drag with a high quality drag grease, just as I do on all my drags, and it did help it. It came dry from Lew's, I don't know if this was so it would meet it's rated Max poundage, but will assure you if you take the initiative to grease it with proper lubricants, it will make you shake your head as I did, and ask yourself, HOW DO THEY DO IT?? These reels perform as well as reels from top manufacturers charging twice as much (Street Price). So although it is good from the factory, it is definitely much better when greased, maybe one corner I have noticed that they may use to keep cost down. There was one thing I didn't like, and that was the washer under the drive gear is not Carbontex, it is a blue synthetic material, that may be used to keep from running a wet drag, and make start up better on the higher drag settings. I have found on every reel I have ever run across, a wet drag with good drag grease will be smoother than any drag run dry! Anyway it got the grease treatment also and as I said it is great, and leaves nothing to be desired as it will satisfy me and other extremist's, but I will get with Dawn at Smooth drag and see if she can furnish me with a disc of the proper dimensions to replace it, I would like to know, difference no difference, better worse??? I have always said a drag can be no better than it's weakest washer! we'll see. I'm not good at giving reviews, I hope this answers some questions, i do have two others, and have not really touched them yet as far as tuning, a Tournament and a top of their line last year Team. I will say the Tournament pro is my favorite, but only because I mainly fish light with finesse rigs and seldom over 1/4 ounce with this reel, on a Croix LTB68MXF at 11.0 oz. total, is my favorite outfit, this rig is sick!. I have not touched the other two, same lube they left the factory with, and the team get's most of the use, so far I think every time I take it out it get's smoother??? Maybe I am just getting used to them. but I will say after fishing Calcuttas and Curados for years, I haven't looked back and am happy with myy choice, it was an upgrade. The team I paid $179.00 for and the Tournament Pro $148.00, the Tournament $108.00, I will say for the price of the Tournament, no real within $50.00 is any better, the Tournament Pro and Team, that only differ in side covers material as the Team is aluminum and weights .4 oz more, I really am convinced you have to spend twice that to find a better reel, and if it cost TWICE as much, it better be BETTER! Try the Lew's and tell me, is it! I want to add, that after the service and proper lubes used on the Tournament Pro I have turned all centrifugal brakes off and and only run about a 3 setting on the mag, if I have a 5 to 10 mph headwind, I can crank up to 8 or so on the magnetic and still throw 1/4 as well as my Stradics, I run this thing totally free now with confidence. Their great outa the box, but unbelievable with a proper service. I don't know if I gain anything with Boca's and a super tune, it would have to be marginal and not sure if it we be worth the money spent for the small benefit one would see?

This is a great gesture, it's a lot better than anything your gonna get for 50 or 60 bucks new! I would jump on this before he changes his mind.

I wouldn't buy a reel alone that cost $40.00, you would be better off investing that $40.00 in toilet paper. I am being serious, if you went this route before and understand you said it was the worste reel you ever owned, why would you tink today the same money buy's a better reel???? Wait till you can spend more, and get a Zebco 33 to get you by till then. It will probably cast better with as good a drag.

If you mean, same weight as the 100Mg, smoothness, more line capacity, more drag, same size and casting ease, you should check out the Lew's Tournament Pro, I think it is a Core in sheep's clothing, at less than 1/2 the cost $150.00 street price, don't take my word for it, but check one out before you spend the money on a Core, you may just agree since everyone that owne's them seems to agree!

Same here, I did the same, Only I just turned it around on the spool last year, I will see how it feels next Spring. I have just switched to the new Fireline Braid, on both baitcasting gear as well as spinning. So far it works great and I like better than the not so round fused line. I never went higher than the same lbs. test with my mono or fluorocarbon leaders, but when using a blood knot to join them to original fireline I never had a breakoff at the fireline, it has always broke on the leader at the knot or slightly up from the rigging knot never at or above the blood knot. If the braid has this same knot reliability I will be sold. I will say I have become very fond of the Tracer Braid, on a Carolina rig or finesse fishing with other plastics, it is like having a magnifying glass on your line, as it changes color every 29", very easy to detect the slightest movement on a limp line. I will be replacing all my line with the new Braid if I have the knot reliability I had with the original, as it is much smoother and lighter lbs. test for lbs. test. I fish mainly for finicky Walleye and this is a great feature.

I believe you handled a Shimano that was sabotaged! I will say for the price of a tournament Pro (around $150.00 street price) you would have to buy the Core 100Mg around $275.00 to get the same level of size, weight, and performance but it would hold 25% less line, and a 20% lighter Max drag. After owning both, I feel the Tournament for around $110.00 is a little nicer than a Cronarch which runs around $200.00. Dollar for dollar the Lews line produces. For someone to say the Chronarch is a dog that feels like it is full of sand is either talking about a severely misused reel, or just uninformed, or, but I would overlook that review of the Chronarch, and that is coming from someone who owned both, and not just someone that cast them both in a parking lot! They are a fine reel and it's track record shows that, is it worth twice the money for the same quality, depends how you feel about the brand. It is more like comparing the Chronarch to the Core, if you could have a Core for less money than a Chronarch what would you like. The Core 100Mg I don't own, I have used it and it is an excellent reel and I believe very similar to the Tournament Pro, will it cast light lures like a 50E, I don't know, I would certainly think so, but I can assure you the Tournament Pro will.

Oh ya My beeters, River carp catfish sucker you name it and the ones the grandkids get use, a Stradic 4000 FI on a HF Extreme Muskie, couple Symetre spinners on a Fenwick HCG, and a BP Extreme LF a couple Abu 5500's on a MH 6'3" Custom BP Bionic Blade and a MH 6'6" Abu Gold Max, the Abu's are about 30 years old and never had a thing done but clean and lubes!

My Ugly duckling, A Loomis IMX 6' LF I need to trade for a St. Croix I guess?? with a Stradic 2500 MgFB a sweet little river smallmouth rod.

My spinning reels, everything from Ultra Light for panfish and small trout, to Pike Muskie and the saltwater flat's. Top down, Stradic 4000 FI Pfluger 66 MH Stradic 4000 FJ Avid 7' MHXF Custom Stradic 3000 FJ Legend Elite 6'6" MF Stradic 1000 FJ Legend Elite 6'3" MXF Stradic 1000 MgFB Avid 6' ULF Saros FB 1000 Avid 5' ULF

My round reels, and more St. Croix's, and a BP Extreme muskie rod, top 7'6 H Crankbait w/400B Calcutta, 6'10" MHF Avid w/400B Calcutta, and avid 7' MHF w/200GTB Calcuta

Good point, it is awfully hard to hesitate enough when you get a strike before setting the hook if you are use to the stretch of mono, even Fluoro. It has been years ago when I first started using braid with cranks and top waters, before I learned what NO STRETCH really is! My 8' mono or fluoro leader aren't enough to matter. But the Moderate action gives you that forgiveness you need!

I ran -charters on Erie for years, I caught better fish and bigger fish using a leader. I ran 8'-10' leaders though, you don't really need the 18', being a smart @ss as I'm sure you meant 18", which I never ran them that short, usually when I got to 3 or 4' I would tie a new one on. I wont fish without one today, I get the best of both worlds, with very little extra effort!

Sorry but if you can;t buy the Chronarch cheaper than the Lew's Tournament Pro, I wouldn't do it. Yes both are good reels, the lew's has had excellent reviews from everyone that has used them. I like many others bought one (the Tournament) and within two weeks my Curado's 200B and a 200D and a Caistic were sold and I had a Team, and a Tournament Pro to go with it. I will also say I bought a set of Boca orange seals, put them in the Tournament Pro. That same evening I put the factory bearings back in and put the Orange Seals in my 200GTB Calcutta, where I could see a better advantage. If they helped the Lew's over the stock bearings it was very negligible and wasn't worth the $49.00 bucks for the 3 of them, and they did make it sound like a Curado. Buy the Lew's, your favorite premium line for it and have some gas money left over for the same price of the Chronarch alone. You will have a smoother, quieter reel that will outcast the Chronarch. Low profile, I'd buy the Lew's without hesitation, less money, smoother, lighter, quieter, better drag! you have to decide! I would compare it more to a Core! with a little more line capacity.

Sorry but I thought maybe you were misled, OH YA Team on a Legend Tournament 6'8"MXF, the Tournament Pro Avid 7' MHF and Tournament on 7' MM Avid