Wow Lews Bb1

[J Francho]

Hahaha, I have to love the guys who regularly post on here (J Francho, roadwarrior) who will not give Lews a kind word no matter what.  Do they need to be a sponsor for you guys to buy in?

 

I haven't been unkind to Lews.  I just said I wanted to buy one.  So I went up to TW, and looked around.  VERY CONFUSING.  The BB-1 looks like a dud, to me.  From reports, the brakes are way too fussy.  The Tournament reels look like the deal for value.  I still think dual brakes are overkill.  But, I'd be willing to try one.  I like the form factor in my hand, and that's got a lot to do with whether you like reel.  Most cast just fine, but I'm no beginner, and don't want to fuss with brakes when changing baits. I can see having a finesse set of shoes and heavy set of shoes, like Shimano, but setting the brakes to compensate for different baits is too fussy.

 

Maybe I'll get one.  Maybe I'll just buy four more Lexas.

[J Francho]

And the notion that we are beholden to our sponsors is specious at best and total rubbish at worst.  That I use products from many of them is testament to the quality of sponsor we pursue.  I also use and highly recommend brands that are not our sponsor.  Saint Croix, Daiwa reels, Power Pro, P-Line, Lucky Craft, Yamamoto, Jackall, Bullet boats, Mercury Marine, Ocean Kayak, Wilderness Systems, and on and on.  None of these companies sponsor me.

 

Are we clear?

[GOOCHY]

You're a little tightly wound for posting on a bass fishing forum.  Take a breath.  I just don't get why you're chipping in your (negative) 2c on a reel you haven't even used.

 

And the notion that we are beholden to our sponsors is specious at best and total rubbish at worst.  That I use products from many of them is testament to the quality of sponsor we pursue.  I also use and highly recommend brands that are not our sponsor.  Saint Croix, Daiwa reels, Power Pro, P-Line, Lucky Craft, Yamamoto, Jackall, Bullet boats, Mercury Marine, Ocean Kayak, Wilderness Systems, and on and on.  None of these companies sponsor me.

 

Are we clear?

[Dramer77]

I haven't been unkind to Lews.  I just said I wanted to buy one.  So I went up to TW, and looked around.  VERY CONFUSING.  The BB-1 looks like a dud, to me.  From reports, the brakes are way too fussy.  The Tournament reels look like the deal for value.  I still think dual brakes are overkill.  But, I'd be willing to try one.  I like the form factor in my hand, and that's got a lot to do with whether you like reel.  Most cast just fine, but I'm no beginner, and don't want to fuss with brakes when changing baits. I can see having a finesse set of shoes and heavy set of shoes, like Shimano, but setting the brakes to compensate for different baits is too fussy.

 

Maybe I'll get one.  Maybe I'll just buy four more Lexas.

a dud?  SMH...... i dunno where your getting your "reports" from but i never saw anything stating anything like that when i was researching bb1 before i picked one up... if your a seasoned baitcaster you should be able to find a sweet spot for everything on it without having to change anything except spool tension... ive thrown heavier lures without changing the pins just using my thumb and had zero issues with braking or overspooling..sounds to me that you dont want to like anything lews... just an impression i get, maybe im wrong

[J Francho]

Clearly, your wrong.  I've heard numerous complaints about the braking system, some in this thread.  I can't imagine the reason for no instant anti reverse on the low speed model.  I'm sure the construction is solid, as other Lew's reels that have come across my bench, but the feature set of the BB-1 leaves me scratching my head as to why I'd want one.  The Tournament models on the other hand look interesting.  I tuned a few up, and I like the profile in my hand.

[mattk22]

And the notion that we are beholden to our sponsors is specious at best and total rubbish at worst.  That I use products from many of them is testament to the quality of sponsor we pursue.  I also use and highly recommend brands that are not our sponsor.  Saint Croix, Daiwa reels, Power Pro, P-Line, Lucky Craft, Yamamoto, Jackall, Bullet boats, Mercury Marine, Ocean Kayak, Wilderness Systems, and on and on.  None of these companies sponsor me.

 

Are we clear?

Try the Super Duty, i absolutely love mine.  I have 4 now!

[Goose52]

...... I can't imagine the reason for no instant anti reverse on the low speed model. 

 

John - I believe that feature is sold as making it (somewhat) easier to feel/detect a strike while cranking as the reel will allow the spool to pull-back a bit on the stike before hitting the anti-reverse pawl/dog (whatever Lew's calls it). So, in addition to what you feel through the hand holding the rod, you also feel some "kick-back" in your cranking hand...  

 

FWIW

[J Francho]

Yeah, that's another Fritz preference - he's written articles about it.  They can put whatever marketing spin on it.  My bet is it was a one of his wants, and they provided, which is cool.  He's one of the best at cranking.  I just don't think too many anglers would be into it.  Thing is, graphite cranking rods have come a long way since, and I don't like the idea of a jarring kick back from the reel when sweeping into a fish.  I also don't buy into the idea of detecting a strike through the reel.

[BobP]

Francho, I think the lack of IAR is compliments of David Fritz who helped design the reel.  He feels IAR takes away from the feel of the reel.  I read this several years ago but have forgotten exactly what his reasoning was.  My take is he used the old BB1's so long that he can't adapt to anything else.  What the heck, he probably has a hundred of the old reels stockpiled, so he doesn't need to.

[sarcazmo]

So the internals are pretty different between the bb1 and the TP?

 

I bought a BB1 for cranking and really enjoy it.  Matter of fact I think it casts better than all my reals.  A little chunky though.  These can be had pretty cheap on auction sites as well.

[J Francho]

The spools, gearing and braking systems appear to be different.  I'm sure the clutch mechanism is the same.  Look at it like the difference between the Daiwa Sol and Fuego.  Same price, different ratios, capacities, brakes and intended purpose.

[Rangerphil]

Well I appreciate everyone's feedback on this site. I also respect some members opinions such as jfrancho,road warrior and others! Just because I like something does not mean they have to or vice a versa! I will continue to learn and enjoy reading from these posters along with everyone else!

[J Francho]

Try the Super Duty, i absolutely love mine.  I have 4 now!

 

I think I'd be most interested in the Tournament Pro, as that is in a similar price point to most of my other reels (Chronarch E, Sol, Alphas, TD-X, etc.).  That way I can tell best how it stacks up.

[Boogey Man]

If memory serves correctly, Fritts said the lack of instant anti reverse allowed his bait to pause and/or rise a split second longer when he made contact with an object instead of just plowing ahead as it would with a reel with instant anti reverse.

[bigfishbk86]

Clearly, your wrong.  I've heard numerous complaints about the braking system, some in this thread.  I can't imagine the reason for no instant anti reverse on the low speed model.  I'm sure the construction is solid, as other Lew's reels that have come across my bench, but the feature set of the BB-1 leaves me scratching my head as to why I'd want one.  The Tournament models on the other hand look interesting.  I tuned a few up, and I like the profile in my hand.

 

I would like to think you'd have the smarts to know everything you read/hear isn't true.  Find me a reel that hasn't gotten negative feedback.  But please, keep telling us how the guy who has the reel, uses it, and likes it, is, clearly wrong, and your hearsay is what we should all follow blindly.

[bassinyea]

I have a lews bb1 for deep cranking and not having the instant anti reverse definately gives it a different feel.  The real difference is that when you have a reel in which the handle shaft/crankshaft rides inside a roller bearing like in instant anti reverse reels it loses some of the free feel of the handle.  Kinda hard to explain unless you have felt the difference.  I guess I would describe reels with IAR as having more of a stiff feel when reeling and the bb1 has a looser, freeer feeling.  I personally like it for what i use it for.  I do not think having instant anti reverse is all that important on a crankbait reel in particular.

[TNBassin']

I would like to think you'd have the smarts to know everything you read/hear isn't true.  Find me a reel that hasn't gotten negative feedback.  But please, keep telling us how the guy who has the reel, uses it, and likes it, is, clearly wrong, and your hearsay is what we should all follow blindly.

OWNED!

[GOOCHY]

I would like to think you'd have the smarts to know everything you read/hear isn't true.  Find me a reel that hasn't gotten negative feedback.  But please, keep telling us how the guy who has the reel, uses it, and likes it, is, clearly wrong, and your hearsay is what we should all follow blindly.

My post along these same lines was nearly immediately modded by Mr. Francho.

 

I've had nothing but good experiences with my Lews reels which inclues the regular Speel Spool, BB1, and Tournament Pro.  I'd reccomend the Tourney Pro to anybody and feel it's just as good as any reel in the $150-$250 segment.  Pretty good for a reel you can pick up for just over $100 if you watch ebay persistently.

[J Francho]

I remember reels with no IAR.  They were tossed aside when IAR came out.  I work on 200 or so reels a year, and have several customers that own many brands of reels.  To say I get some feedback is an understatement.

 

 

Enjoy. 

 

I've opened a new thread to discuss the interesting feature set on the BB1: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/115435-lews-b-b-1-speed-spool/

[J Francho]

a dud?  SMH...... i dunno where your getting your "reports" from but i never saw anything stating anything like that when i was researching bb1 before i picked one up... if your a seasoned baitcaster you should be able to find a sweet spot for everything on it without having to change anything except spool tension... ive thrown heavier lures without changing the pins just using my thumb and had zero issues with braking or overspooling..sounds to me that you dont want to like anything lews... just an impression i get, maybe im wrong

 

 

Clearly, your wrong.  I've heard numerous complaints about the braking system, some in this thread.  I can't imagine the reason for no instant anti reverse on the low speed model.  I'm sure the construction is solid, as other Lew's reels that have come across my bench, but the feature set of the BB-1 leaves me scratching my head as to why I'd want one.  The Tournament models on the other hand look interesting.  I tuned a few up, and I like the profile in my hand.

 

I want to clarify a couple things here, and also apologize to Dramer77 for any misunderstanding.  When I said clearly you're wrong, I was responding to part about me not  liking anything Lew's.  I was definitely not telling him his opinion of how the reel performed for him was wrong.  Looking over the thread this morning helped me realize where that misunderstanding might ignite emotions, and some pointed posts.  That wasn't the intent, and I should have been specific.  Dramer, I wasn't putting your experiences down, just disagreeing with the notion that I'm anti Lew's.  Sorry about that.

 

Any other discussion about this can be had through a PM to me.  Thanks!

[rippin-lips]

I would like to think you'd have the smarts to know everything you read/hear isn't true. Find me a reel that hasn't gotten negative feedback. But please, keep telling us how the guy who has the reel, uses it, and likes it, is, clearly wrong, and your hearsay is what we should all follow blindly.

Watch what you say he'll give you a warming point for speaking your mind. Even if it's warranted. It's sometimes feels like it's the 3rd reich all over again lol.

[Dramer77]

I want to clarify a couple things here, and also apologize to Dramer77 for any misunderstanding.  When I said clearly you're wrong, I was responding to part about me not  liking anything Lew's.  I was definitely not telling him his opinion of how the reel performed for him was wrong.  Looking over the thread this morning helped me realize where that misunderstanding might ignite emotions, and some pointed posts.  That wasn't the intent, and I should have been specific.  Dramer, I wasn't putting your experiences down, just disagreeing with the notion that I'm anti Lew's.  Sorry about that.

 

Any other discussion about this can be had through a PM to me.  Thanks!

 

 

its all good man, i know not everyone feels the same about everything and has different views or opinions on certain products.. i remember reading a thread of a guy who purchased a bb1 and had trouble casting far and multiple birdnesting... some peoples problems could be user error or an actual defect .. its hard to tell... but its like the old saying, You can't please everyone..

[J Francho]

It's sometimes feels like it's the 3rd reich all over again lol.

 

Just read and follow the Forum Rules and FAQ, and it won't feel like that at all.

[JimmyKing]

I won one of these on Ebay today. I wasn't paying attention when I did because I meant to bid on the TP model but $100 shipped for a $160 reel works for me.

[Capt.Bob]

I have been happy with every Lew's baitcaster I have bought, Dual breaking Tournament, Team Team Gold, Tourney Pro, and was thinking about a Super Duty, but with all the confusion in this thread and some saying this new 6 pin breaking system is good?? bad?? can't be set and forgot?? Heck with it, I pulled the pin on one to find out for myself. I found it hard to believe that they would put out on the market a remake of the reel that made them famous, that was built by others, and let the new model display their inability to improve it. I did not go with the antique AR as I agree with Francho, it was one of the best innovations to me in a spinning reel and even more so in a baitcaster. So I wanted a completely upgraded BB1 and sprung for the 6.4 gear ratio. My TP is a 7.1 and I like it, but feel the 6.4 is the best all round gear ratio for everything. If I was using it only for the deepest diving crank's "only" I would think about a dedicated 5.4, but I am getting lazy in my later developing physical format,,,, and more and more find I prefer slower and less fatiguing tactics than crankin for long periods of time. When it comes I will let everyone know what I think of the reel and it's braking system and casting consistency!!   

 

GO BUCKEYES!!!!