Chronarch Ci4 Vs Lews Bb1 Pro

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Well I have much more use on both reels BB1 Pro and CI4 the CI4 is a beast at casting. It will outcast the Pro  from 1/8 to 3/4 thats the range I cast. Throwing 1/2oz lipless cranks CI4 eats the Pro in distance & spool control.

The CI4 manages the line on to the spool better as well. I use 20# 832 on both and the BB1 Pro doesnt space the line as nicely as the CI4. I get  dig in and so when casting the pro set on 2 not a good thing. I have the CI4 set 1-3 and the line doesnt dig and lure just flies without hiccups.

Throwing small spinner baits 3/16 size the CI4 shines over the pro.

 

Durability issues showing on bb1 pro none on ci4. CI4 flawless so far but the pro has 3 issues.

One knobs peeling.

Two the levelwind is way too loose and actually feel it wobble on a cast.

Third the brakes are starting to squeal like an eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee sound while casting. I set the dial to free and squeal goes away or set it higher to like 6 on up no squeal. Where I like it to be on 2 is when i get the noise. Dont know if I got a bad brake block or not.

 

Think the BB1 Pro is going back.

[Capt.Bob]

I believe the BB1 Pro was designed for med. and heavier baits in mind and a heavier drag system for peak efficiency,,,,I think the very lightweight C14 Chrony was designed and made with finesse and lighter to med weight baits for it's intended use for peak efficiency??? I own a Lew's Team Pro and it is Super Tuned to the max, the reel is sweet and super smooth, cast like a dream the drag is polished to a level unbeatable for a reel this size and uses the Lew's Team Gold's  main gear and drag system which is as heavy duty as the BB1 and Super Duty, I would be kidding myself if I thought it would be a better frogg'n or swimbait reel than my Super Tuned Super Duty or BB1, they are both designed for this kind of fishing they cost half as much but do a better job for this kind of fishing. Would the Team Pro do the job,,,,sure but why would I want it to when I can use a real made for that application, just as trowing weightless plastics and 1/4 oz jigs would be ridiculous to use the BB1 if you own both these reels. The Chronarch is no different and no better reel than the Team Pro is.

 

Folk's it is like the F-350 Super duty 7.3L PS I owned, at the same time I had a 4X4 S-10 4.3L , I would have looked like a fool pulling my 12" aluminum boat around with the Diesel Dually, at the same time it would have been even more stupid to try (and it could have done it) to drag my 27' Lake Erie Hardtop around,,,,,,,,,,get my drift. Both reels were made to do different jobs more efficiently, I like or try to be efficient. Not to try and be a fan boy, I would use the reel designed for that application as both reels do what they were intended for quite well!!      

[Mike L]

You guys are something else...The level of knowledge of all things fish on this board, just blows me away.

I love these discussions because I learn about things I never even knew I should consider!

Honestly, I have never decided to buy, or not to buy a reel because of what the frame is made of.

Rods?.. yes, Reels..no. Maybe I should, I don't know.

Would it make me a better angler using an aluminum reel over a composite? Or composite over magnesium?

If that was the only consideration I would use to make a choice I would say sure, but it never has been.

I own a Curago E, G and I, JM Sig, PQ, bps Extreme and a 1st gen Revo S..

I match em up based on comfort, balance, brake system, drag power, casting distance etc. for the technique I'm useing it for. I've never even thought about the materials used to make the frame.

I will now!

Makes sense...I just didn't know what I didn't know

God I love this place!

Mike