Bps Johny Morris Carbon Lite?

[Lazz]

I noticed this reel on sale for $100 from another thread here. I was looking to pick up another Lews tourney but for $50 less this seems to have everything and more. Can anybody tell me if they have directly compared the two and how different they maybe? Or if this is just a really good reel for $100?

[Goose52]

I have not compared the two reels but I do own two of the JM Carbonlites.  There was quite a bit of discussion in this forum about the current generation Carbonlite when it was first released. There was a manufacturing issue with the early reels that caused them to feel "grindy" on the retrieve. I also had a problem with the spool bearings on one of my reels.  That was two years ago and I would imagine that manufacturing issue has been resolved.  However, I have not seen any reports from folks that have purchased the JM CL recently to confirm that the problems have been resolved.

 

The reel is very light, has a good drag, casts well (while the bearings are still good).  OTOH, I don't care for the external adjustment for the centrifugal brakes, and I don't care for how the sideplate (both sides) spool bearings are secured - making them hard to remove for cleaning.

 

Here is a link to one of the discussion we had about these reels last year: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/119469-newerjohnny-morris-carbonlite-reel-reviews/

 

Here is my post from one of the earlier threads:

 

The early production reels had a manufacturing issue that lead to the grindy feeling - once per rotation of the reel handle. I haven't a clue as to whether this has been resolved in current production.

 

In my case, I purchased two of these reels - both in 6.4:1. One was grindy feeling out of the box, the other wasn't.  I chose to put the grindy one in service first. While actually fishing, with the reel under load, I didn't notice the grinding and just fished the reel. Great caster, good drag, really light.  Don't like the external adjustment for the centrifugal brakes - they should have just kept the PQ system.  After fishing reel #1 for a while, I put reel #2 into service.

 

Unfortunately, after as little as 20 hours of use, I noticed I was l was losing casting distance on reel #1. I removed and soaked the spool bearings - they wouldn't spin, Did it again - all night - they wouldn't spin - not a turn. Replaced the stock bearings with some Boca ABEC5 stainless that I had on hand - casting distance back.  Reel # 2 still has the stock bearings but has had very little use and will end up on a "niche rod" where it will only see occasional future use.

 

Verdict for me?   I will fish these reels until they are "used up" - but I won't be buying any more until I see some solid evidence that all problems are resolved. Even then, I don't like the centrifugal brake adjustment scheme so that limits my interest as well. 

 

I have a whole bunch of BPS BC reels and they have proven to be good values that give good service commensurate with their price. However, in the case of this particular reel, I can't give any positive endorsement....

[BassingNick]

I have had mine for over a year used mostly for cranking and I love it. Have not had any of the grindy issues. Have it paired up with a Carbonlite rod, feather light combo! I would jump on it for $100

[paangler13]

I have used my carbonlite for 1.5 years, and I haven't had any grinding issues. Overall they are a nice reel I think! light as can be, and good and sturdy so far.I do wish the drag was a little stiffer, it's 10lbs if I remember right. I use it for cranks and spinnerbaits. 

 

Jim

[Hi Salenity]

I have both the CL and the TP. The TP is $50 nicer but At the same time it's $50 more expensive. I have no complaints with my CL.

Simply buy one and if it's not what you like return it.

[The Fisher]

If you are going to get a BPS reel, go with the Pro Qualifier.

[Lazz]

If you are going to get a BPS reel, go with the Pro Qualifier.

 

I have both the CL and the TP. The TP is $50 nicer but At the same time it's $50 more expensive. I have no complaints with my CL.

Simply buy one and if it's not what you like return it.

 

I have a PQ an like it just as much as all my Lews, but the less than 6oz the CL lists is Very attractive, which would be my only complaint about the PQ, I Definitly feel the difference picking up a setup with a TP after a few hours of fishing and the CL is even lighter. 

 

You can return a reel after using it? 

 

And im asking about a Tourney... NOT a Tourney Pro? Which I also have an love. 

 

What ratio would be best for primarily a jig setup?

[21farms]

last fall, i was intrigued by reports that BPS fixed the grindiness issue and that the newer batches were smooth so i went into BPS in november 2013. i tried out three of them (the display model and two from boxes) they still felt the same to me.

[kickerfish1]

The Johnny Morris Carbonlite is the worst reel I have ever used. I have exchanged several and they are all the same way. Specifically talking about the 7:0.1 ratio as I wasn't interested in the others. The retrieve is rough but as soon as you hook up with a fish it is like a coffee grinder.

Huge failure over the previous prolite, carboline reel (orange colored variations) and the other lighter finesse reels BPS made.

I would love to know if there are other gear sets that will fit the Johnny Morris carbonlite?

[Jason Penn]

i've got a couple of the 7:1 cl's and notice the same thing everyone else does, a little grind at a certain spot on every turn.  i use them for plastics and jigs, so it's not really that big of a deal to me.  i changed out the gears for 7:1 in an older cl before the new model was ever released, and had exactly the same thing with it.  this was a pq pinion, and revo 7:1 drive gear.  i'm thinking it's gotta be something with the pinion gear

[kickerfish1]

Thanks Jason. I will contact BPS for a new set of gears from another reel line all together.