Browning Superlight Versus Lew's Speed Spool

[chelboed]

Me: I don't have a boat. I bank fish primarily. I currently have a 22 y.o. Lew's BB-1LMG 5.x:1 ratio, a new Lew's Speed Spool (10-ball) 7.1:1.

 

My old Lews is getting worn out. Lot's of gear mesh feeling. My new Lew's is nice, but it's quite a bit of work on high resistance lures like deep cranks, and double bladed spinners. I was looking at getting a 6.4:1 setup. Something that will be a good All-rounder. My 7.1:1 Speed Spool is really nice compared to my old Lews. (obviously) But there's just a hint of gear mesh feel and gear noise at times when reeling fast.

 

I held and fiddled with the Browning Superlight at Bass Pro the other day. It was one of the smoothest, free'est spooling reels I've ever held. The fit and finish was really amazing for a reel in that price range. Would it be a better all-round'er than just buying another new speed spool in 6.4:1? The main drive gear is hardened aluminum / brass pinion...the Lew's is brass/brass. I'm assuming that the Browning will feel slightly different under a load, so it could very well feel the same as the Lew's spooled and baited.

 

I'm not a weight weenie, but the Lew's is 8oz and the Browning is 6oz.

 

The Lew's is Mag only, the Browning is Mag with a preset centrifugal.

 

I used to have a Browning Speed Spool BB-1LMG and loved it. It was identical to my 22y.o. Lew's Speed Spool which I've loved.

 

 

Browning: $119.99 on sale for $99.99

Lew's: $99.99 mail in rebate for $20. Total: $79.99

 

Thanks in advance guys!

[aavery2]

You sound like an informed guy that has done his research, it really comes down to which one did you like the best.  Myself I would have more confidence in the Lews  just because many people have and use them, the positive reports on the reels are endless.  You just don't hear much about the Browning reels, and that does not mean that they are not a fantastic reel. Truth be told they are probably very similar in a lot of aspects, choose the one you like best and let us know how it is.

[chelboed]

My theories:

1. The Browning is machined really well, but the hardened Alu main gear will eventually feel crappy. The brass/brass gears on my new Lew's aren't even broken in yet (fact) and they will feel smoother within the year.

2. The Browning has a better fit, tighter tolerances, and feel than the Lew's for some reason.

 

I'm kinda leaning toward the first theory.

 

 

I've also never owned a reel with a ratio higher than 5.4:1...so the 7.1 may just "feel" different to me.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I don't want to swear to it but I want to say that the Brownings are built in the same place as Lews, Pure Fishing brands and others so it comes down to features as Aavery2 said. For the change you're looking for I'd recommend a 5.x:1/<20"IPT reel in whatever brand you choose.

[chelboed]

Why the slow retrieve, DVT? I thought 6.x would be a good all-rounder?

Either way, I think I'll save for a Lews Super Duty. Sounds like a precision instrument.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Sorry,

I got the threads mixed up. Thought you were looking for something for deep cranking. Yes a 6.x:1 is a good middle of the road, but I don't find the difference between that the 7:1 to feel drastically different.