I Still Use A Old Vintage Lews Speed Spool Made By Shimano

[das028]

This is what I learned to use a baitcaster with as a kid. The reel is probably as old as I am, maybe older. I'm 33, btw. It also was my dads, who passed away almost a year ago, so it means a lot to me.

 

It still casts really well, but being as old as it is, it has its faults. Could be smoother, easy to backlash, and ergonomics arent the best. It does still work very well, is very strong, and I still use it effectively.

 

I have it paired up with a medium action fast tip tec-spec, that I use for everything except heavy jigging and light stuff. I like it for swim jigs, flukes, spinnerbaits, topwater, among other things.

 

Know here is my dilema. I have $50 in gift cards at dicks that I have to use by the 15th. I'm also broke, because I just moved and for those of you that have done that latley, you would know it isnt cheap.

 

So I was thinking about using these gift cards and replacing the reel with something more modern. I would be able to add about $20-$30 to the gift cards, but that would be literally it. I also need a new scale, and could always use new plastics, jigs, etc....

 

In your opinion fellas, what route would you take. Buy a new reel, or spend the gift cards on the new lures, etc...

 

Idealy, I'd like to have the money for a new revo, but I'd be more into the silver max range. Also, I should add, I am NOT a brand specific kind of guy.

 

any thoughts?

[0119]

I cant think of any sub $100 modern reel that would perform better than that original speed spool. That money would be better spent sending it to the boards 2 reel repair services for a expert cleaning and drag replacement with carbontec washers. If your dead set on a new one get a Abu C3 4600. Better and more durable than the blister pack Max's.

[Catt]

Shimano Citica

[das028]

I cant think of any sub $100 modern reel that would perform better than that original speed spool. That money would be better spent sending it to the boards 2 reel repair services for a expert cleaning and drag replacement with carbontec washers. If your dead set on a new one get a Abu C3 4600. Better and more durable than the blister pack Max's.

Ya know Charlie Brown, I was thinking today after making this post, and I agree with you. I think I'm gonna keep it in use. There really isn't any reason not to. I did take it apart and give it my own cleaning with some very much needed help from some fellas on this forum, but maybe I'll send it away this winter and get an expert to look at it

[das028]

I'll spend the gift cards on tackle.

Cat you show me a brand new Citica at dicks for $70 and I'll buy it!!! For sure

[kingkong85]

Since the reel and rod still works well, I would buy lures and lines. Although it is nice to have another rod and reel. IMO reels and rods less than 100 is good enough to use but save up and step up to the 130-200 range for a rod and another 130-200 for a reel.

[iabass8]

the citicas were run out on clearance a few weeks ago to 50$. they are discontinued in Dick's stores. If you can still find one, grab it asap. otherwise the sub 100$ reel selection at a Dick's won't really be worth the investment. they do have abu garcia pro max reels but i have zero experience with them.

[Catt]

das028, you have a $50 gift card & you are able to add $30 for a total of $80. A Shimano Citica or Lew's Tournament MG is $130 plus tax. You already know Shimano's & Lew's quality!

[das028]

Catt, the $130 plus tax is the problem. Hopefully I'll find a Citica on clearance otherwise, I need some spinnerbaits, various plastics, could always grab some new jigs, and a scale.

I guess I just wanted to know if a sub $100 reel is worth replacing that old lews. After reading everybody's replies and sleeping on it, I think I'd be better off getting some new tackle.

Besides, as soon as the really cold weather starts to show, I'll be breaking out my spinning gear anyways

[kingkong85]

Can you post pictures of this vintage lew's reel? Don't know about others but I'd like to see the reel.

[das028]

Yea ill post some pics when I get home from work today

[Wayne P.]

[MichiganFishing1997]

II have a pro max, its served me well this season.  I like how it casts, the brakes work well, and it wasn't a bad buy for $80.  Its a good reel if that is what you can afford, I was in a similar position. 

[ROCbass]

One of the major selling points often used on this forum for encouraging people to save up for a higher quality reel than they say they are willing or able to spend is that if you properly maintain it, it'll last you forever. It sounds like you already have that high quality reel that lasts forever. Sure, it might not have some of the modern conveniences found on newer reels, but there's nothing wrong with that. Embrace it for what it is and keep fishing with it. 

[BigMoneyGrip]

In the sub $100 reel class, look no further than a BPS Pro Qualifier. They're even better when you catch then on sale for $80. If you have to shop at Dicks, a Citica would be about the only choice if it were on sale.

Good luck on your endeavors. My money was limited one time. Now I'm a little better off.

[Catt]

If you take change from breaking bill & put in a jar you would be amazed how soon you would have a Citica!

Then you would have 2 quaility reels

[kingkong85]

Looks great. Never new that lew's and shimano worked together at 1 point or maybe they still do.

Thanks for the pictures but are you (das) and wayne the same person? Just curious so I know whose reel it is.

[das028]

Kingkong,

We are different people, but that's the reel I've been talking about.

I caught a couple mice ones using it last night. Go to fishing reports and look up the thread "I'm going swim jigging" and you can see some pics

[das028]

Kingkong,

We are different people, but that's the reel I've been talking about.

I caught a couple nice ones using it last night. Go to fishing reports and look up the thread "I'm going swim jigging" and you can see some pics

[21farms]

back in the 70s when i was a teen, i had two of the lew's BB1s. i loved them but i had continual problems with the pawls either breaking or wearing out and stopped using them. i recently went on a nostalgia kick and picked up a copy of my favorite reel from back in the day: a mint daiwa PL-1000. i'm so used to modern reels that i was shocked by how big, loose and clunky it felt in comparison to even my cheapest modern baitcasters. it had ridiculously short 70mm handles with hard plastic knobs and the drag was stuttery.

 

personally, i think you're better off buying something new. i highly recommend that, whatever you buy, get a reel with a solid, one-piece aluminum frame...that makes the single biggest difference in smoothness and solidarity. when bass pro shop's pro qualifier goes on sale for $80, that's really a good buy. 

[das028]

back in the 70s when i was a teen, i had two of the lew's BB1s. i loved them but i had continual problems with the pawls either breaking or wearing out and stopped using them. i recently went on a nostalgia kick and picked up a copy of my favorite reel from back in the day: a mint daiwa PL-1000. i'm so used to modern reels that i was shocked by how big, loose and clunky it felt in comparison to even my cheapest modern baitcasters. it had ridiculously short 70mm handles with hard plastic knobs and the drag was stuttery.

 

personally, i think you're better off buying something new. i highly recommend that, whatever you buy, get a reel with a solid, one-piece aluminum frame...that makes the single biggest difference in smoothness and solidarity. when bass pro shop's pro qualifier goes on sale for $80, that's really a good buy. 

 

 

I think the problem lies in finding a good quality aluminum frame reel for under $100. And remeber, i have to buy at dicks because of my gift cards. I cant make it out untill friday, so I hope to god they still have some citicas on clearance. If not im getting some new tackle, that should last me through the fall. I do agree with you though, i aluminum frame is key

[JTMONEY606]

i had a pro max and it was smooth caught alot big bass on it but sometimes the button would stick. 

[das028]

If you take change from breaking bill & put in a jar you would be amazed how soon you would have a Citica!

Then you would have 2 quaility reels

 

i have two quality reels already, three if you count my spinning setup. So na na na na boo boo