For You Lew's Fans

[Maico1]

http://tackletour.com/reviewlewsbb1.html

[DelcoSol]

Nice! I am looking for a crankbait reel and was looking at the Tournament MG but this is an option as well. The only thing I am worried about is that I use a Tournament Pro Speed Spool which has both sets of brakes, where these two only have internals. Not sure if it will make a difference since when bombing crankbaits the internal brakes are more important during the cast. 

[ROCbass]

I wish they would have went into a little more detail about the different anti reverse systems. It seems like they mentioned it a lot without really saying anything about how each one functioned. How are they mechanically different from one another? Does the older style anti reverse system just have a little backplay? If so, how much? Why would one prefer this system for certain applications? These are some questions I would have liked to have seen these answered a little more thoroughly, especially not having been around when the original BB1 was out.

[0119]

Can't say how much they have in the way of back play ROCbass, but the perceived benefit is that it gives your hookset a little lag time or stretch in a way.  For treble hook baits such as crankbaits.  True crankbait experts in the "pro's" feel this helps the angler from pulling the bait away from the bass when it strikes.

 

If its a traditional anti reverse dog it will give maybe an 1/8th to a 1/4 inch bit of back play. Just a little more than the typical modern shimano really.  To me it's true benefit is that it will offer a lifetime or reliability compared to the IAR bearing with its plastic cage. Especially in todays high drag power obsessed reel makers.

[kingkong85]

I just bought this reel in 6.4:1 left hand retrieve a few months ago. I haven't had much time to fish with this reel and am not an expert by any means but their review is spot on. Although this reel doesn't have an external brake adjustment, it takes only a couple of seconds to pop off the side plate to access the centrifugal brakes.

Ditto, Rocbass. I wish we can ask him questions.

[Nick49]

Picked up a at left hand model Lews Pro Speed Spool from Bass Tackle Depot today for $104 (now shipping cost).  Big 30% off sale.

[Capt.Bob]

I own them all and the BB1 will outcast the rest when you use 3/8 and heavier lures. The reason for this is the reel is extended from the line guide to the spool, increasing this distance allows line to pay out from side to side without as extreme of an angle, this reduces line friction and gives incredible casting distance, the drag system is the only one in there lineup with 4 automatic centrifugal brakes and 2 full time centrifugal brakes for a total of six. I think it is adds a little more weight to the spool, and this is why it does better with weights over 3/8 oz, as it takes more to get the RPM's up, but once they are up it has more momentum from the added weight, like a flywheel, and less restriction to slow it down as fast as the other reels.

 

The only reel that has the standard gear and dog type anti reverse is the 5.4:1 gear ratio reels, the 6.4:1 and 7.1:1 have the same instant anti-reverse all Lew's reels have.  These reels are very much built and designed with the guy who fires a lot of cast and wants smooth and extreme distance w/mid to heavy weight lures. There are much better reels for finesse fishing, but nothing in their lineup compares to this reel for crankbait fishing or those wanting long distance with mid to heavier weight baits, and the smooth strong and reliable construction all Lew's Baitcasting reels have displayed the BB1 is sure to please!!

[kingkong85]

Bob, do you still have your bb1 set up the same way as when you first got it? Quoting you from another thread. "You set it up with no brakes, heavy on the tensioner where you have to wiggle the rod so the lure falls. Then you changed it. Setting 1 brake on and spool tensioner 2 clicks looser."

What is the average casts in yards or feet for you?

I have the 6.4:1 on a 6'6" med-heavy rod. In a couple of days it will be on a 7' Powell max heavy rod. Just a few days ago I did a rough measured of the distance; casting in the front yard. Was getting 30 yards. I feel like I should be getting more. Was throwing a 3/8 oz jerkbait on 10lb 100% fluorocarbon line with 3 brakes on when I measured my casts.

I'll try your settings tomorrow to see if I can get more distance.

[tbone1993]

Bob, do you still have your bb1 set up the same way as when you first got it? Quoting you from another thread. "You set it up with no brakes, heavy on the tensioner where you have to wiggle the rod so the lure falls. Then you changed it. Setting 1 brake on and spool tensioner 2 clicks looser."

What is the average casts in yards or feet for you?

I have the 6.4:1 on a 6'6" med-heavy rod. In a couple of days it will be on a 7' Powell max heavy rod. Just a few days ago I did a rough measured of the distance; casting in the front yard. Was getting 30 yards. I feel like I should be getting more. Was throwing a 3/8 oz jerkbait when I measured my casts.

I'll try your settings tomorrow to see if I can get more distance.

IMO you shouldnt have to shake your rod to let the lure fall. I should hit the release and the bait should fall and hit the ground and not backlash. The best brake is the one god gave you.   Also a 3/8oz jerkbait on a heavy action or even a med heavy is going to cast like crap compared to a dedicated jerkbait rod. I might be wrong on that but I like using a 6'6" m moderate action rod for jerkbaits maybe someone can convince me to change it. 

[tbone1993]

http://tackletour.com/reviewlewsbb1.html

Was the bb1 the value reel for lews back in the day? I don't like the way it feels compared to the tournament pro. I havent fished it enough to have a dedicated opinion but I would only but a bb1 in the 5:4 for its crankbait abilities. 

[Fish_Whisperer]

I hope i'm not hijacking the thread, as the title isn't specific, but has anyone had experience with the Team Lew's Pro?  Held on at a shop the other day and felt good in my small hands.

[kingkong85]

Tbone

I'm on a very limited budget and that's why I went with the 7' heavy extra fast rod. It will be my versatile rod. Probably going to sell my 6'6" or give it to family.

[Grantman83]

I hope i'm not hijacking the thread, as the title isn't specific, but has anyone had experience with the Team Lew's Pro? Held on at a shop the other day and felt good in my small hands.

Got it and love it..lightweight and smooth

[DelcoSol]

What would you guys recommend for a crankbait reel? The Tournament MG, BB1, or Tournament Pro Speed Spool. Obviously in a 5.x ratio. I have a Tournament pro speed spool now and love it but am not sure if it is sturdy enough to handle lots of cranking vs the heavier duty MG and BB1. Should I be concerned about the lack of magnetic brakes on these reels? Again this is only for cranking. If I can get one of the others and save a few bucks its a good thing but if the TP is worth the difference compared to these two then I will just get another one of those.

[fishinkeebs]

I tried one of these bb1 in 6:4.1. I have mainly been a shimano guy for reels but this thing is awesome. It cast smooth and reeling cranks it is super smooth.

[thehooligan]

Only lews I've owned is a lews tourney pro. Yesterday I stopped at dicks and tried out a bb1.

Really sweet reel and very smooth. I've been wanting to add another baitcaster to the line up and definitely considering one.