Lews Tournament Ss Casting Distance Problem

[VABasser]

Hey guys,

Got a question for those of you with a Tournament Speed Spool.  I got one about a year ago although didn't use it much until now.  I had read a bunch about them being a great value, casting a mile, etc. etc.  You all know the deal.  So I went ahead and bought one.  Right from the get go I wasn't impressed, mostly casting distance wise.  Nothing sounds wrong with it, no whirring, ticking or anything, but to be blunt the casting distance just sucks.  I've played  around with the brakes, cast knob, various lures etc and still might be able to only get 30ish yards of distance with favorable wind, lure weight and whipping it as hard as I can.  I was throwing a 1/2 oz trap a few weeks ago and as you all know you can wing those a mile, and I was giving it all I had and like I said maybe getting around 30 yards of distance.  That's just not right.  I've thrown Citicas, Curados, Chronarchs, Ardent reels, etc and everything casts better than this thing.  And I don't think it's the Lews brand because I've read too many good reviews, but there's got to be something up with my reel.  So I ask you all if anyone has experienced anything similar, thoughts on what to do?  I'm thinking about contacting their customer service because as it is I don't even like using the reel.  Now I will say that I haven't taken it apart and had it cleaned which I know some suggest to always do with a factory new reel.  That being said, any new out of the box reel I've ever used has been better than this, so there's still a problem.  I'm well acquanted with the insides of a Shimano reel, and how to do anything from a quick tune up to a full on cleaning, but I haven't messed around with the Lews and would need to read up how to take it apart.  Honestly I just don't have the time.  When I have the time I'd rather fish. So I'm hoping somebody here has some advice or has encountered a similar problem with this reel?  Thanks all 

[Capt.Bob]

I have never had a problem with all 8 Lew's in 4 models that I own, including the Tournament, which cast as well as any of them. You say you haven't taken it apart so does that mean you have never taken the side cover off and checked the centrifugal breaks?? I run most of my Lew's with none or at times 1-brake on and three off, they set the same way the Shimano centrifugal brake set in towards the spool pin is off out away from center is on. I usually run -0- on the magnetic break and a free fall on the lure from the spool tension adjustment, enough to let the lure drop on free spool while holding my rod at a 45 degree angle. If that does not work for you send it back and I assure when you get it back you will be spoiled, I am, and can also assure you Lew's customer service is as good as it get's! Rick will make sure you experience the WOW FACTOR!!

[rippin-lips]

Sounds like you may have gotten one that is way over lubed. Though most reels are some are worse then others. I suggest pulling the spool bearing and soaking it in acetone and adding 1 drop of oil before reinstalling it on the shaft. I was using a 1/2oz swim jig with twin tail grub trailer today with my tournament ss. I had 2 cent. brakes set and 2-3 on the mag brakes. It was rather windy but still had plenty of distance.

[Teal]

I had a BR member pm me a couple months ago with a similar problem with his brand new Tourney Pro. I advised him to break it down and clean it and relube it, but do so with care not over lube or over grease it.

He messgaed me back a while later to tell me that it done the trick and his reel seemed alot smoother, quieter, and could cast a mile.

Ive had a 2 out of my 8 Lews come WAY OVER LUBED and thats what i had to do.

[JEC]

i have this same problem with mine as far as smoothness its great but no distance never thought about it might be over greased i'll have to check that

[.RM.]

 I'm well acquanted with the insides of a Shimano reel, and how to do anything from a quick tune up to a full on cleaning, but I haven't messed around with the Lews and would need to read up how to take it apart.  Honestly I just don't have the time.  When I have the time I'd rather fish. So I'm hoping somebody here has some advice or has encountered a similar problem with this reel?  Thanks all 

Take the time and soak/clean/properly lube the spool support bearings. Doesn't take that long..