Lew's LFS Tournament MB BC Reel Review

[the reel ess]

I just bought a new Lew's reel and tried it out yesterday. I wanted to catch a day with temps in the 50's and direct sun. I took it to my friends' pond and got it dialed in.

I found it on Amazon for $122. They are about $139 most places. This is my first Lew's reel ever and I have to say I'm impressed. I haven't bought a new reel in quite a while. The first things I notice are how low-profile it is with the gears positioned lower than I'm used to (that seems to be the latest trend) and the swept handle. It's very light, small and low-profile. It's the smallest, lightest reel I have, weighing 6.7 oz. It has a skeletal reel foot as well to cut out some weight. The frame is 1-piece die-cast aluminum and it has 10 ball bearings.

I bought the 7.5:1 model (they actually have one faster) with the intention of making it a dedicated froggin' reel when that pattern is in full-swing and a jig combo when it's not. I intend to get a heavy/fast rod the next time I can get by Cabela's. I'm leaning toward a Falcon BuCoo because my old LowRider has been such a good one, yet I don't really want to throw more than $100 at a rod right now.

The reel has a 4-pin centrifugal brake that's really easy to set and a magnetic brake. Right now, I have 2 pins "on" and the mag at about 1/3 and it casts a floppy Colorado blade spinnerbait just fantastic. I know I can tinker more with the brakes because this reel didn't even hint at a backlash yesterday. It has a very smooth carbon drag with an audible click and the cast control knob has an audible click as well. The gears are smooth and quiet. I could really feel the spinnerbait's vibration in my torso when I held the rod close. It actually transferred audible noise. I know some of that's the rod, but it was a $40 Lightning Rod.

In short, it's a lot of reel for the $$$.

I would certainly recommend it based on yesterday's performance. BTW, no bites . I tried a T rigged craw as well. But we've had cold front after cold front for weeks. That water was chilly!

 

[cottny27]

Yes, the LFS's are super small to palm.  I wish they put the 95mm handle on them though.  I will be buying another one this Spring like the Pro G or Tounament Lite.

[Turtle135]

Good to know. I have had a couple of their earlier Tournament models in that same price range for two seasons and they are really holding up well to a lot of hard fishing. These seem to be easier to clean and lube than other baitcasting reels I have owned over the years (or maybe I am just getting better at the process).

[the reel ess]

17 minutes ago, cottny27 said:

Yes, the LFS's are super small to palm.  I wish they put the 95mm handle on them though.  I will be buying another one this Spring like the Pro G or Tounament Lite.

. 

The 5.6:1. larger capacity reel has the 95mm handle. I guess this one's for cranking. I noticed the smaller capacity spool didn't really seem to have 120 yds of capacity-probably more like 100 yds. I reeled the braid off the reel I was replacing so I would be using the unused line on the new reel-old cheapskate trick. I had mono backing on the old reel, but the new one filled up before I got to the backing. A money saver for braid for sure.

[cottny27]

How often do we really need more than about 50yds of line...

Ebay has the 95mm carbon handles, but it's not that big of a deal to me.

I do the backing also then spool with fluoro.

[the reel ess]

38 minutes ago, cottny27 said:

How often do we really need more than about 50yds of line...

Ebay has the 95mm carbon handles, but it's not that big of a deal to me.

I do the backing also then spool with fluoro.

I know a guy whose favorite technique was pitching and flipping. He'd tape the line down on his pitching reel at about 20 yards to avoid a deep backlash while trying to skip. He said it can save a day of fishing or at least valuable time during a tourney.

[Evan K]

I have 2 Tournament MBs and they are super good reels. The feel is just superb, solid quality. And they cast really smooth as well. I was really impressed with my cheaper Speed Spool but after using the MB it's clear that the MB is a clear step above, as good as the speed spool is.

[PAGreg]

I use an 8.3:1 model for pitching docks. The extra speed helps me take up slack in a hurry when a fish hits on the fall and then tries to run back under the dock. Also makes follow up casts faster. 

 

I put the 95mm handle with the oversized knobs on it and like it a bunch more. The big knobs make it easier to get a grip after making a pitch. Especially useful in the times when fish strike the instant the bait enters the water.

[thebillsman]

I have a 5.6:1 MB for cranking duty and I love it.

[Dinger0306]

8 hours ago, jame25071988 said:

Hello, I'm a newbie. Please help me choose between KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel & Lew's Fishing Tournament MB Baitcast Reel

Source: https://hunthacks.com/best-baitcasting-reel-reviews/

Thanks all!

Looks like the guy is obviously affiliated with Kast King in some way. I'm sure they don't make a "bad" reel but give me a Lews 101% of the time. 

[new2BC4bass]

Here's one for $107.89 (free shipping) which is what I paid for my 7.5:1 left hand model.  https://www.ebay.com/p/Lews-Tournament-MB-Speed-Spool-LFS-Series-7-5-1-TS1SHMB/1430532539

 

 

They are nice reels, but I haven't used mine enough yet to make an assessment of how good it may be compared to my other reels.  Actually that can be said for the last several reels I bought.  Just haven't been getting out.  

[Airman4754]

I have four of the MB's and they get used harder than any of my reels because they are all for moving/reaction baits. Flush the bearings right when you get it and you have a very nice reel. Lightweight, easy to palm, dual braking systems, etc. 

 

From my experience it's the best budget reel out there. To me anything below $150 is budget.