skeletor6 Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 Hello Everyone! This is my first post here. I've lurked around for a while and decided to join in. I am looking to purchase a baitcaster reel for fishing Michigan lakes this summer. After reading many posts and threads on here I have narrowed it down to the Lews Speed Spool SS1SH found http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110894307798&ssPageName=ADME:B:BOC:US:1123 I can get it for $80 shipped and I was wondering if this was the best that I could do for my money? I missed out on the $30 H20 Mettle deal that the Academy was having so I am looking for a reel under $100. Does anybody have experience with this particular model and how does it compare with the other models that are talked about highly here such as the tournament pro and others. I have never fished with a quality reel before due to money constraints so I really do not know what to look for or how to even decipher different qualities so I was looking from some advice from you guys. Thank you! Quote
Capt.Bob Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 for about 30 bucks more you get the TS1SH, which has a dual cast control, and a larger better drag. The SS has magnetic cast control only and is no where as effective as Centrifugal cast control which the TS has along with magnetic. I would spend a little more and get the TS1SH it is a much better reel. Both are great but 30 or 40 bucks gets you all the bells and whistles of the TP minus one bearing which I cant tell the difference in the two! 2 Quote
shaun_reid Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 If you are only looking for a reel under $100 then that is the best purchase you can make for $80. I just got the same one except in a 6.4.1. ratio and I like it alot, but I think my next buy is going to be the tournament speed spool. 1 Quote
skeletor6 Posted June 21, 2012 Author Posted June 21, 2012 Thank you guys for the responses. What advantages does the centrifugal cast control add? does that help any with casting distance, backlash, and certain casting techniques? Also, what other bells and whistles does the TS have over the SS. I'm all for spending the extra money since I will not be buying another reel in the near future. Thank you guys for the help and I've enjoyed reading the thread where you posted about your lews fry. Quote
Capt.Bob Posted June 21, 2012 Posted June 21, 2012 Tournament has a 14LBS. Max Carbon drag, with a metal click adjustment star, the SS is 10LBS. Max with plastic non click star, The Tournament has a bowed aluminum handle that hugs the reel better, and the centrifugal brake is much more useable to control casting over runs than a magnetic brake. Ant the TS has a titanium coated line guide. The drag and brake system alone is worth 40 or 50 bucks to me. either one is a great real for the price the TP and the Tournament are the best bangs for the buck, but whichever you get you will have a reel to rely on for years! 1 Quote
MarkM Posted June 21, 2012 Posted June 21, 2012 Centrifugal cast control minimizes backlash more than magnetic because it keeps the spool from speeding up too much at the beginning of the cast. Magnetic cast control helps control the spool at the end of the cast. With the combination of both, the TP provides not only better cast control, but allows the user more options/selections for controlling or "customizing" the cast based on proficiency, lure weights, and wind conditions. The dual cast control is the biggest advantage of the TS over the SS. But, the TS also has one additional bearing making for a smoother reel and a drag upgrade from 10 to 14lbs. If these features are not important to you, then you may like the SS. The TS is well worth the additional money for the addition of the centrifugal cast control alone; the other additional features make it even a better value. 2 Quote
skeletor6 Posted June 21, 2012 Author Posted June 21, 2012 Tournament has a 14LBS. Max Carbon drag, with a metal click adjustment star, the SS is 10LBS. Max with plastic non click star, The Tournament has a bowed aluminum handle that hugs the reel better, and the centrifugal brake is much more useable to control casting over runs than a magnetic brake. Ant the TS has a titanium coated line guide. The drag and brake system alone is worth 40 or 50 bucks to me. either one is a great real for the price the TP and the Tournament are the best bangs for the buck, but whichever you get you will have a reel to rely on for years! Wow, thank you Capt Bob that was a great writeup. Bang for the buck is exactly what drove me to pursue Lews reels in the fist place. So it sounds as though the TS is the right choice for my situation. Everything you mentioned seems well worthy of spending an extra $40. What gear ratio is the most versatile? My friend told me to always go with the highest, but I fish with everything from plastics to jigs to spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Quote
Capt.Bob Posted June 21, 2012 Posted June 21, 2012 Speed is a decision for the individual, I have 6.4:1 and 7.1:1 If I only had one it would be the 6.4:1 a good all around speed for everything. As far as bearings there is no difference between th SS and the TS both have 9+1, the Team and Tournament Pro both have 10+1. I have all of them and can feel no difference between the 10 bearings or the reels with 11. But the TS and SS have the same bearing count. 1 Quote
JaxBasser Posted June 21, 2012 Posted June 21, 2012 6.4 is the most versatile. 7.1 is good for fishing plastics and jigs because it lets you take up slack in your line quicker and it's nice to have for those fish that run right at you. If you're going to use it for plastics, spinners, and cranks I'd go with the 6.4. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-Speed-Spool-Tournament-Baitcaster-Fishing-Reel-Lews-TS1H-6-4-1-/360466626602?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53ed7c382a#ht_861wt_905 Can't beat that deal. 1 Quote
skeletor6 Posted June 21, 2012 Author Posted June 21, 2012 Speed is a decision for the individual, I have 6.4:1 and 7.1:1 If I only had one it would be the 6.4:1 a good all around speed for everything. As far as bearings there is no difference between th SS and the TS both have 9+1, the Team and Tournament Pro both have 10+1. I have all of them and can feel no difference between the 10 bearings or the reels with 11. But the TS and SS have the same bearing count. 6.4.1 is for sure the most versatile 6.4 is the most versatile. 7.1 is good for fishing plastics and jigs because it lets you take up slack in your line quicker and it's nice to have for those fish that run right at you. If you're going to use it for plastics, spinners, and cranks I'd go with the 6.4. http://www.ebay.com/...2a#ht_861wt_905 Can't beat that deal. Thank you guys for the insight. Since I will be using a variety of different lures, I will go with the 6.4 I appreciate the help and the time spent explaining concepts. Thank you Quote
skeletor6 Posted July 1, 2012 Author Posted July 1, 2012 Just got my Tournament speed spool in today I haven't had a chance to use it but my initial impression is great. It looks really crisp and everything about it is so smooth. Ill be fishing all week using it paired with a Shakespeare 6'6 MH rod. And I'll be using 12lb Yo zuri hybrid line. I'll throw everything from Senkos to frogs to crankbaits etc. Are there any tips for initial settings that people have had success with? Quote
shaun_reid Posted July 1, 2012 Posted July 1, 2012 I've had the most success with two breaks engaged and two that aren't on my lews TP, and have my magnets around 3 or 4, then adjust your tension knob from there based off of what your throwing. But of course everyone is different Quote
Super User *Hootie Posted July 1, 2012 Super User Posted July 1, 2012 I've had the most success with two breaks engaged and two that aren't on my lews TP, and have my magnets around 3 or 4, then adjust your tension knob from there based off of what your throwing. But of course everyone is different Exactly how I keep mine set, and have no problems. I have 6 TSS and love em. 3, 6.4s, and 3, 7.1s. Hootie Quote
skeletor6 Posted July 1, 2012 Author Posted July 1, 2012 Thank you guys I'll set mine the same way. What parameters should I follow when setting the tension knob? Quote
shaun_reid Posted July 1, 2012 Posted July 1, 2012 Set it to where your lure drops on it own but not real fast. Tighten it up all the way then go click by click from there Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted July 2, 2012 Super User Posted July 2, 2012 You didn't say so, but I am assuming this is your first baitcasting reel. If so, please don't say you are going to use it for the first time when you go fishing. If you have been lurking, then you know using a baitcasting reel takes some practice. I wouldn't want you giving up on them the first time out fishing with one because you were spending too much time removing backlashes. Quote
skeletor6 Posted July 2, 2012 Author Posted July 2, 2012 You didn't say so, but I am assuming this is your first baitcasting reel. If so, please don't say you are going to use it for the first time when you go fishing. If you have been lurking, then you know using a baitcasting reel takes some practice. I wouldn't want you giving up on them the first time out fishing with one because you were spending too much time removing backlashes. I've been using a baitcaster for close to ten years. I've only owned one which is a quantum 400cx and have used it throughout that time. I casted the TS1H with a light frog using the recommended settings and was really impressed it flings it a really long ways. I had to tighten the tension knob a little more where the lure wasn't dropping to prevent backlash, but that could be because of my casting technique. Is there any common fundamentals that I should follow? I've just self taught myself how to use them. When casting the tournament speed spool it is effortless and is so smooth it barely makes a sound I love it. All the adjustments on the drag, tension knob, magnets, and centrifugal springs click and let you know that you've adjusted them. Everything about the reel is smooth and solid. It is also super light and it fits my hand perfectly. I don't know if I want to use my quantum anymore. Thanks guys! Quote
jwhowells Posted July 2, 2012 Posted July 2, 2012 I just bought a TS1SH and I can't wait to try it out. Quote
shaun_reid Posted July 2, 2012 Posted July 2, 2012 Instead of turning your tension off I would just turn your magnets to like 6 or 7 Quote
skeletor6 Posted July 7, 2012 Author Posted July 7, 2012 Instead of turning your tension off I would just turn your magnets to like 6 or 7 Thank you I'll try that out. I fished with it all week and it was amazing to use. I'm already wanting to get another one. Quote
Super User *Hootie Posted July 8, 2012 Super User Posted July 8, 2012 Lews reels are the best, but dont tell LMG, you will just get him all fired up. Lol Hootie Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted July 8, 2012 Super User Posted July 8, 2012 I've been using a baitcaster for close to ten years. Then you are no doubt a better caster than I am. I've been using one for about 3-1/2 years. Right now I have over 20 baitcasting reels. Way more than I need for the amount of time I get to fish, but I have become something of a reel fanatic. I had to tighten the tension knob a little more where the lure wasn't dropping to prevent backlash, but that could be because of my casting technique. Is there any common fundamentals that I should follow? I've just self taught myself how to use them. I also used the tension knob the 1st year to avoid backlashes. I later found out that over-tightening the spool tension could damage my Daiwa reels. Plus it really hurt casting distance. The next year I went with just enough spool tension to remove side-to-side play. Basically had to learn to cast all over again. It was worth it tho, as I now can cast under-hand as far as I could side-arm before. I learned by myself and from reading this site. That first year I usually started my cast from the rear position to avoid backlashes even though I knew you were suppose to load the rod. I'd have to say lowering spool tension, loading the rod and being s-m-o-o-t-h on the reversal improved my casting even more than gaining some thumb control experience. No doubt you have been doing this for years. It would take someone with a lot more experience than I have to offer advice. Quote
skeletor6 Posted July 9, 2012 Author Posted July 9, 2012 Then you are no doubt a better caster than I am. I've been using one for about 3-1/2 years. Right now I have over 20 baitcasting reels. Way more than I need for the amount of time I get to fish, but I have become something of a reel fanatic. I also used the tension knob the 1st year to avoid backlashes. I later found out that over-tightening the spool tension could damage my Daiwa reels. Plus it really hurt casting distance. The next year I went with just enough spool tension to remove side-to-side play. Basically had to learn to cast all over again. It was worth it tho, as I now can cast under-hand as far as I could side-arm before. I learned by myself and from reading this site. That first year I usually started my cast from the rear position to avoid backlashes even though I knew you were suppose to load the rod. I'd have to say lowering spool tension, loading the rod and being s-m-o-o-t-h on the reversal improved my casting even more than gaining some thumb control experience. No doubt you have been doing this for years. It would take someone with a lot more experience than I have to offer advice. With 20baitcasters you got me beat! Lol Okay I won't over tighten the tension knob. I found Using 3 centrifugal brakes instead of two also helps. I now keep the tension knob to where the lure or plastic is falling slowly. Also, note that the issues I mentioned were just on weightless Senkos. Now I'll just either use more of the centrifugal rakes or increase my magnets. Either way does the trick. Honestly I'm glad you guys talked me into the tournament speed spool. The MSB system and drag are definitely necessary now that I use them. My buddies all bought newcbaitcasters and were bragging how they have 6 ball bearings and put braided line on. I check them out and they are plastic and without centrifugal brakes and light drags. Sure, they get the job done but I was throwing a weightless Senko about 20 feet further than their red eye shads and they still won't admit mine superior.not to mention theirs make a huge winding noise when casted and my lews is dead quiet when reeling and casting. Nonetheless, I've been using yo-zuri hybrid 12# line and I am considering trying a 100% fluoro such a seaguar abrazx or tatsu. Would the upgrade be worth it over yo-zuri? The rod I'm using is a $17 Walmart 6'6 medium heavy Shakespeare. Thanks for everyones help! I've been using yo Quote
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