Super User iabass8 Posted October 4, 2013 Super User Posted October 4, 2013 I'm taking the plunge. Is there any real significant difference in the tournament speed spool and the tournament pro speed spool? I'm lefty so my options are limited until the new ones come out. How is the size of the frame in comparison to 50 and 200 size shimanos.Of the 13 rods/reels that see regular rotation, 10 are 50 size curados/chronarchs/chmgs. i love the 50s and i just really don't enjoy the 200 size frame anymore as i'm down to 3 200s and looking at only keeping 1 for frogs. this reel will be put on a dobyns 733 /w 14# fluoro or 30# braid depending on the time of year. 1/4oz swim jigs and 1/2 +/- spinnerbaits will be the only baits this reel sees. i'm already certain the retrieve will be smooth and effortless so that isn't really a concern. casting distance is the utmost importance. for reference (or those that know what i mean) a 200 size curado /w 30# braid and only one brake engaged will absolutely bomb a 1/4 oz swim jig if tuned right and i would like something of the same caliber. i know the bb1 is a great casting reel for sheer distance but (i'm assuming here i've never held one) the frame looks to be the size of a 200 shimano. I'm looking at the 6:4 reel. is the braking system used in these reels similar to the shimano vbs? Quote
mprestonSEK Posted October 4, 2013 Posted October 4, 2013 I did a similar post on another forum. http://forums.tackletour.com/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=52299 This will clear up the differences for you. I have a tournament pro, team gold, and BB1. For the money, you cannot beat the tournament pro. Although i don't own a tournament, I have done maintenance on one for a buddy and know what the internals consist of. The main gear in the tournament is brass, while the TP it is duralumin. Bearing count is another difference along with reel weight. Other than that they are very similar. I would go with the TP. I think you can get one off of ebay for 150-160 brand new. As for the BB1 braking system compared to Shimano's vbs brakes, yes it is similar in that it is nothing but centrifugal brakes. They are practically identical in size to a 200 frame size Shimano. Hope this helps. Mike Quote
motodmast Posted October 4, 2013 Posted October 4, 2013 i think you'll love the tourny pro, i have one paired with my Dobyns Champ extreme 703 and balance is superb, adn the combo is light as a feather, you get that reel dialed it and you can absolutely bomb lures with the right rod, i can bomb a weightless senko a long ways on that 703 with lews TP and 14lb fluoro. the TP is a noticeable amount lighter as well also, i dont fish shimano's but the lews TP is small compared to other reels i have, and palms very well Quote
Arv Posted October 4, 2013 Posted October 4, 2013 Compared to the 50s, they are slightly larger, but certainly smaller than the 200s. This is is one if the reasons I usually choose lews. I have smaller hands and the 200 sizes were not as comfortable. I have also noticed a difference in the tss and the tp. Its lighter for one, but the biggest thing that jumped out at me was the ease in casting and casting distance. Not that the tss is a slouch, but I had to ease up the first time I took out the tp bc I was casting past my target. The brakes give you both magnetic and 4 centrifugal. I didnt find one more difficult or easier to use over the other. I do like the option of adjusting the mag brakes though. I feel like it helps me fine tune the brakes just a little bit more. Thats my 2 cents for what its worth Quote
Capt.Bob Posted October 4, 2013 Posted October 4, 2013 The Tournament Pro is the best bang for the buck between it and the The Tournament. The Team is a much more refined reel same parts as the TP but more solid and all aluminum side plates. Smaller than the 200 size but with stronger drags and more line capacity, and cast small lures better, the Team Pro excels at this with it's different spool design. The BB1 has an improved centrifugal brake system over the Shimano, both are 6 pin, but the Lew's uses 2 are full time and continue to work as the spool slows as the Shimano but 4 are automatic which retract as the spool slows. It is its own size as the frame is larger and the line guide extended further forward, this creates less friction as the line pays out from each side of the spool, allowing longer cast with lures larger than 3/8 ounce, I don't use it for lighter lures as the other reels I mentioned are much better for this purpose. It is a great cranking reel, but does not feel as refined as the TP and Team reels. For what you are wanting it for, nothing over 1/2 oz. The Team Lew's Pro would be the reel I use, my second choice would be the Tournament Pro, their 2 lightest reels, in 7.2:1 if weight is no concern the Team Lew's Gold,,,,,,,,,,they are SWEET,,,,, as is the Team Lew's Pro. Quote
motodmast Posted October 4, 2013 Posted October 4, 2013 if you worried about price difference, i found a NEW lews TP LH on ebay for only $144 Quote
Capt.Bob Posted October 4, 2013 Posted October 4, 2013 Yep $144.00 and if you are patient they can be had for less NEW not SECONDS,,,, I have 5 Team Gold and $170.00 is the most I have paid for one, patience, patience, patience,,,,,, 1 Quote
Super User Grizzn N Bassin Posted October 7, 2013 Super User Posted October 7, 2013 i love my lews.... but im just a general fan of baitcasters i have all kinds and must say the lews is right up there for me... Quote
21farms Posted October 7, 2013 Posted October 7, 2013 How is the size of the frame in comparison to 50 and 200 size shimanos here's my team pro (same size as tournament pro) with my chronarch 200E: Quote
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