Did Lew's Make Some Changes In Their Lineup?

[The Rooster]

Someone here said the 5.4 cranking version is no longer available in the Tournament Pro model, so I went to their site to see if that was right, which it seems to be (same for the regular Tournament models too), and while there I also noticed that the $100 Speed Spool model now has a bent handle like the higher priced models do. They seem to have a huge lineup of different reels ranging from like $80 all the way up to $300. With a range like that there's bound to be something for everybody. But if they're doing away with the cranking models in their standard reel lines, are they trying to force a move to the BB-1 models? What is the idea there?

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Someone here said the 5.4 cranking version is no longer available in the Tournament Pro model, so I went to their site to see if that was right, which it seems to be (same for the regular Tournament models too), and while there I also noticed that the $100 Speed Spool model now has a bent handle like the higher priced models do. They seem to have a huge lineup of different reels ranging from like $80 all the way up to $300. With a range like that there's bound to be something for everybody. But if they're doing away with the cranking models in their standard reel lines, are they trying to force a move to the BB-1 models? What is the idea there?

 

And that $300 reel can be had for just $200 right now 7.1:1 version.

[bassum1]

I fish only Lews and called them and asked why TP 5.4:1 is gone the answer was they made room for the new models.The new Pro BB! is just about as light as the TP.They are the same price and the Pro BB1 has mag cast control now.The BB!Pro holds  more line than Tournament Pro.Lews felt like the BB 1 Pro is very similair to the TP and they are the same price so they went with one in the lower gear ratiol.The lower gearing is for deep diving crankbaits to make the fatiuge less.Also the BB1 and BB!pro will out cast the tp in distance by the way it is designed.I have both and this is true.

[rippin-lips]

The out casting part is only true for lures above a certain weight. I also won't say it's a 100% true claim. Throwing a weightless senko my TP was the better caster. Same with using a 3/16 or 1/4oz weight. I'd buy a TP 10-1 over a bb model unless it was for cranks. Can't speak on the bb pro because I haven't fished with one yet. I prefer the centrifugal brakes over mag. You can just set it and forget it. No worry about moving it while palming or accidentally bumping it.

[The Rooster]

My big gripe is the BB-1 has no instant anti-reverse. What is the advantage to having a multi point stop anti-reverse? I would see this as a hinderance instead of a help.

[kingkong85]

My big gripe is the BB-1 has no instant anti-reverse. What is the advantage to having a multi point stop anti-reverse? I would see this as a hinderance instead of a help.

To prevent treble hooks getting ripped out of fishes' mouth.

[tomustang]

My big gripe is the BB-1 has no instant anti-reverse. What is the advantage to having a multi point stop anti-reverse? I would see this as a hinderance instead of a help.

Who knows, they claim more sensitivity, or an extra fail safe for the fish not to pop off, could just have been marketing hype "to get to the roots of the old reels"

[The Rooster]

Who knows, they claim more sensitivity, or an extra fail safe for the fish not to pop off, could just have been marketing hype "to get to the roots of the old reels"

That's my thinking exactly there. A nostalgic reel to appeal to the previous Lew's fans. Same features and model number. Nothing wrong with that but call it what it is. And there may just barely be room to think that the point of impact where fish meets lure can be felt through the rod slightly more so due to the backward turning of the spool and handle. I figure you'll feel it anyway, seems the fish would hit it hard. Not like a jig, the bait is moving.

But I began fishing during a time when most all reels available to me were instant anti-reverse so it's hard to see the old type being better. If it was it seems they'd have noticed it immediately and retained it in some form or another. Not let it slip away and then bring it back later. But it's also hard to tell how people think. Most of what's out there is about what can be sold for profit, not necessarily what is best or works well or lasts.

[The Rooster]

To prevent treble hooks getting ripped out of fishes' mouth.

If that works then this is either the best or only reel to use for all treble hook baits. Topwater, jerkbaits, crankbaits, small hard swim baits, and others. Other companies aren't currently making a cranking reel that has a ratchet anti-reverse. I'll concede that this may be Lew's idea for approaching that issue, same as a cranking rod is the answer as compared to standard graphite rods for other applications. I sort of doubt it though. The original BB-1 came out in a time when almost all casting reels had a ratchet multi stop anti-reverse and I think all they did was bring it back to ride the prior success of the much older model. It obviously did have a following or there would be no reason to think it would work again but I don't think that following was because of that ant-reverse.

[bigfishbk86]

My big gripe is the BB-1 has no instant anti-reverse. What is the advantage to having a multi point stop anti-reverse? I would see this as a hinderance instead of a help.

You can get any gear ratio BB-1 besides 5.1:1 in instant anti reverse.  They also have models that don't feature instant anti reverse in the BB-1 series. 

[Grantman83]

To be fair, David Fritts supposedly had a big say in how they were made and his BPS cranking reels also had the multi stop anti reverse.

Furthermore, lews has released a 5.1:1 bb1 with instant anti reverse this year so there is an option for those who don't want any back play. I believe the model is the bb1z. It was just added to their lineup

Specs as follows

BB1Z Right 5.1:1 7.2 9SS + 1RB

12/160 $159.99

Notice the roller bearing?

[21farms]

My big gripe is the BB-1 has no instant anti-reverse. What is the advantage to having a multi point stop anti-reverse? I would see this as a hinderance instead of a help.

only the BB1 and the BB1L don't have instant anti-reverse; the rest do, including a 5:1 model called the BB1Z.

 

as for the advantage, it is mainly sensitivity. since most crankbait fishing involves constantly turning the handle, when a fish strikes, the handle actually moves a little bit backward and you will feel that more through your fingers on the handle knob than just through the reel in your hand (if you palm your reel) or a tug on the rod (if you hold the rod via the trigger). the other advantage is that it allows fish to "eat your bait better" before you set the hook and possibly miss because you swung too soon.

[The Rooster]

only the BB1 and the BB1L don't have instant anti-reverse; the rest do, including a 5:1 model called the BB1Z.

 

as for the advantage, it is mainly sensitivity. since most crankbait fishing involves constantly turning the handle, when a fish strikes, the handle actually moves a little bit backward and you will feel that more through your fingers on the handle knob than just through the reel in your hand (if you palm your reel) or a tug on the rod (if you hold the rod via the trigger). the other advantage is that it allows fish to "eat your bait better" before you set the hook and possibly miss because you swung too soon.

Ok, now THIS was the explanation of it that I needed to read to understand. Thank you.

I concede that I was wrong, both, on why the ratchet anti-reverse can be better, and that they didn't offer a reel with instant anti-reverse.