Super User Master Bait'r Posted March 18, 2014 Super User Posted March 18, 2014 Anyone who has used either or both, your opinion is appreciated as I'm about to make a purchase. I'm going 7.1:1 and lefty, and I really do like the low profile of the BB1 but from all my research I've gathered that the Tourney MG really is just about a perfect all around gem of a reel and it certainly doesn't feel bad in my palm either. It's not a ton of money difference so I just want to make the most educated decision I can- and of course money is always nice to save. This reel will be mated with a 7'2" MH/F *** Green and be used for pretty much every heavier bait I own since I only have 2 setups. Thanks in advance for any opinions or perspective you may be able to lend in this small but long-obsessed-over matter. Tight lines! Quote
kingkong85 Posted March 18, 2014 Posted March 18, 2014 I have the bb1 and bb1 pro (thought i throw that in). BB1 is a great reel and I have no problems casting weightless flukes, drop shot and other soft plastics. I actually test that on a windy day and was getting 90 ft or more. This reel shines when I threw heavier lures like 3/4 and more. Retreive is smooth as butter. Bb1 has the audible clicks in the drag star and spool tension knob. Although you can't go wrong with either reel. It just comes down to preferences. I have no choice but to stick with centrifugal brake systems because I need to stay away from magnets. Quote
guisingerevan Posted March 18, 2014 Posted March 18, 2014 Anyone who has used either or both, your opinion is appreciated as I'm about to make a purchase. I'm going 7.1:1 and lefty, and I really do like the low profile of the BB1 but from all my research I've gathered that the Tourney MG really is just about a perfect all around gem of a reel and it certainly doesn't feel bad in my palm either. It's not a ton of money difference so I just want to make the most educated decision I can- and of course money is always nice to save. This reel will be mated with a 7'2" MH/F *** Green and be used for pretty much every heavier bait I own since I only have 2 setups. Thanks in advance for any opinions or perspective you may be able to lend in this small but long-obsessed-over matter. Tight lines! I own a few Mg's and a few bb1s and some other and from what you say you are using it for I would save the extra few bucks and go for the tourney mg. This is because I would recommend magnetic brakes for heavier baits since the wear on the centrifugal brakes would be very high and the reel wouldn't last as long. Also the adjustment on the mg is on the outside of the reel as opposed to the inside. Most anglers prefer the casting adjustment to be on the outside, but I happen to like it on the inside. Both are great reels and will last you a long time though. Hope this helps! 1 Quote
Super User Master Bait'r Posted March 18, 2014 Author Super User Posted March 18, 2014 I own a few Mg's and a few bb1s and some other and from what you say you are using it for I would save the extra few bucks and go for the tourney mg. This is because I would recommend magnetic brakes for heavier baits since the wear on the centrifugal brakes would be very high and the reel wouldn't last as long. Also the adjustment on the mg is on the outside of the reel as opposed to the inside. Most anglers prefer the casting adjustment to be on the outside, but I happen to like it on the inside. Both are great reels and will last you a long time though. Hope this helps! This is exactly the type of advice I was looking for, thanks guys! Quote
born2fish94 Posted March 20, 2014 Posted March 20, 2014 Anyone who has used either or both, your opinion is appreciated as I'm about to make a purchase. I'm going 7.1:1 and lefty, and I really do like the low profile of the BB1 but from all my research I've gathered that the Tourney MG really is just about a perfect all around gem of a reel and it certainly doesn't feel bad in my palm either. It's not a ton of money difference so I just want to make the most educated decision I can- and of course money is always nice to save. This reel will be mated with a 7'2" MH/F *** Green and be used for pretty much every heavier bait I own since I only have 2 setups. Thanks in advance for any opinions or perspective you may be able to lend in this small but long-obsessed-over matter. Tight lines! I really suggest the bb1 pro, the adjustment is now on the side so its easier to adjust now. I really like it because of the line capacity that is everything to me! Quote
andrew_t_moran Posted March 20, 2014 Posted March 20, 2014 Ditto on the BB1 Pro. I recently got one from Ron and supertuned it with Boca Bearings. Two great companies to work with. Finally had the chance to get out this afternoon and use the reel - glad to see the ice going. I've never used a reel with centrifugal brakes that was so easy to fine tune as the Lew's BB1 Pro. If you decide to give this a think I'd definitely recommend upgrading the bearings. Quote
Super User Master Bait'r Posted March 20, 2014 Author Super User Posted March 20, 2014 On 3/19/2014 at 7:27 PM, andrew_t_moran said: Ditto on the BB1 Pro. I recently got one from Ron and supertuned it with Boca Bearings. Two great companies to work with. Finally had the chance to get out this afternoon and use the reel - glad to see the ice going. I've never used a reel with centrifugal brakes that was so easy to fine tune as the Lew's BB1 Pro. If you decide to give this a think I'd definitely recommend upgrading the bearings. Yes I have been lusting for all the Lew's Pros... Such nice reels for not a lot of money, alas I am under a bit of a financial constraint at the moment so I think I will go with the Tourney MG for now. BTW does anybody have the name of a good local shop that carries them? I could hit up TW and have it in the mail today but I'm not in a huge rush and would love to support a smaller shop that rocks if I can get it TMD for the same $... Or if someone is thinking of selling theirs I'm all ears! Thanks for all the input guys. There are so many good reels out there it can be tough to make a decision. Quote
Super User rippin-lips Posted March 20, 2014 Super User Posted March 20, 2014 On 3/19/2014 at 7:27 PM, andrew_t_moran said: Ditto on the BB1 Pro. I recently got one from Ron and supertuned it with Boca Bearings. Two great companies to work with. Finally had the chance to get out this afternoon and use the reel - glad to see the ice going. I've never used a reel with centrifugal brakes that was so easy to fine tune as the Lew's BB1 Pro. If you decide to give this a think I'd definitely recommend upgrading the bearings. There is no need to upgrade the bearings in any reel unless either one goes bad or you just like tinkering with things. A good thorough cleaning of the stock bearings and a light re oil is all you need. On 3/20/2014 at 7:37 AM, Master Bait said: Yes I have been lusting for all the Lew's Pros... Such nice reels for not a lot of money, alas I am under a bit of a financial constraint at the moment so I think I will go with the Tourney MG for now. BTW does anybody have the name of a good local shop that carries them? I could hit up TW and have it in the mail today but I'm not in a huge rush and would love to support a smaller shop that rocks if I can get it TMD for the same $... Or if someone is thinking of selling theirs I'm all ears! Thanks for all the input guys. There are so many good reels out there it can be tough to make a decision. What is the reel being used for and do you really need that much line capacity? I'd take a serious look at the tournament pro. It's a big upgrade from the mg and has dual brakes so it makes adjustments a little easier. Truthfully 150 yards of line is a lot and for normal fishing you could easily get by with 120 yards. Also you mention TW which tells me you planned on paying full retail. You can easily grab a tournament pro from ebay for $155 shipped. That's only $25 more then the mg at retail and a WAY better reel. Just something to think about. Quote
Super User rippin-lips Posted March 20, 2014 Super User Posted March 20, 2014 Check with Ron at Valley Sports and see what price he can offer you on a Lews reel. He is a site sponsor and has been building a great reputation for having some of the best prices around. He's a small business and treats his customers right. You can also check ebay and find good deals there too. I've seen the mg for around $110 shipped. The tournament pro for $150 shipped. Quote
flippin and pitchin Posted March 20, 2014 Posted March 20, 2014 I would also urge you to save a few dollars more and get the BB1 Pro from Ron at Valley Sports. The MG and BB1 are on two separate frame platforms. The BB1 spool holds more line. If you like a magnet control system only the MG is a very decent reel. I have both. My MG's see the least amount of use. I paid 103.00 each for them. The BB1 Pro is an excellent caster. The BB1 is also an excellent caster but the sweet spot is a bit heaver at 3/8 to 3/4 ounce. Ron can save you some cash on any Lews product. Quote
Super User Master Bait'r Posted March 20, 2014 Author Super User Posted March 20, 2014 You can easily grab a tournament pro from ebay for $155 shipped. That's only $25 more then the mg at retail and a WAY better reel. Just something to think about. After some looking around, you're right. For some reason the deals on the Tourney MG in a lefty @7.1:1 pale in comparison to those that can be found on a Tourney Pro. Best deal I can find right now on an MG is about $110, whereas I can get a Pro for right around $150. Definitely worth the $40. Thanks for bringing that to my attention! Quote
Super User rippin-lips Posted March 20, 2014 Super User Posted March 20, 2014 It's the best bang for the buck Lews reel you can get. It's small and lightweight with a good drag system. Also come factory with a carbon handle which is a nice visual add on. The bb1-pro wasn't out yet when I owned all my Lews reels so I can't speak on it. The remade bb1 had just came out at that time. It was a nice reel but was a bit larger then any other reel they offered. It has a heavier spool so it shines on heavier lures. Once again I don't see a need for 150-160 yards of line for normal fishing. Especially if you are a bank fisherman. You never mentioned that part but I'll throw it in there. That's another reason why I would suggest the tournament pro over the bb1/mg/bb1 pro. Quote
Super User Master Bait'r Posted March 21, 2014 Author Super User Posted March 21, 2014 Especially if you are a bank fisherman. You never mentioned that part but I'll throw it in there. I almost exclusively fish from a kayak but I agree, line capacity is not a bit concern of mine. Quote
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