Lew's reels

[IndianaFinesse]

I have been looking to get another broadcasting set-up to upgrade my old gallion combo.  It will be a general purpose rod for throwing baits anywhere between 1/4 ounce up to 1.5 ounces.  What do you guys think about the Lew's American hero reel, mach 1, academy mettle, or the mg speed spool?  The Lew's lfs has been very highly recommended, but I would like to save a little money if possible, unless the lfs is far and away the better deal.

[the reel ess]

Don't know about the Hero, but I have the LFS Tournament MB 7.2:1. It's awesome for the price point of about $120-ish.

[S. Sass]

What your getting when you jump to the $99.00 Lew's is a aluminum frame. That is the biggest gain. As the frame makes the reel. It keeps everything in place so it doesn't wear prematurely and doesn't break from the monster catch or a accidental mishap. 

Pretty much if your not going for these features in a Lew's I'd suggest the academy mettle based on what I hear. I never owned one but I love my Lew's feel and performance and at $99 to $120 new that ain't bad. 

I will say you can get these reels very reasonable if you are patient. I have bought a couple out of the flea market here for $50-60 and got 2 coming off eBay right now both bought under $70 to my door. One is a used 1 season Tournament MB the other is a Cranking reel it is brand new. 

 

[thebillsman]

I'm a big Lews fan. eBay is your friend, especially with reels.

[IndianaFinesse]

20 minutes ago, S. Sass said:

 got 2 coming off eBay right now both bought under $70 to my door. One is a used 1 season Tournament MB the other is a Cranking reel it is brand new. 

Was it an auction or is there still more for sale right now?  If they are still for sale I'm gonna jump on it.

[the reel ess]

Not to argue with others, but when I've bought used reels off ebay (twice) both were worn out in some way and needed repair. It was still cheaper after the repairs, but it was a hassle.

[S. Sass]

It was eBay auction. Just search once in a while and you will find a deal. Like the Tournament I got the seller kind a screwed himself. The ad initially said nothing about it being a Tournament and the pictures didn't give a good shot of it saying it on the side. The title stated LFS Speed Spool. But a keen eye noticed it. And as I read there he did state under model it was a Tournament MB. So everyone glancing at titles only saw this listed as a standard LFS I presume with a $50 starting bid and no reserve. 

The other was just a guy selling g a new Lew's SSG1S starting bid was $50 on it as well. Guess no one wanted a crank bait reel at that time but me. LOL

 

Just now, the reel ess said:

Not to argue with others, but when I've bought used reels off ebay (twice) both were worn out in some way and needed repair. It was still cheaper after the repairs, but it was a hassle.

I have had the opposite but I do research the sellers and triple check the fine print. It's a business deal have to CYA 

[Travis Gasper]

For what it's worth, I love my Lew's Mach 1 baitcaster combo. I use it for spinner baits, crankbaits, and the whopper plopper. 

[An Outdoor Guy]

I can tell you from first hand experience with ALL of those that the Mach 1 is DEFFINTILY worth the money! it is by far my favorite setup. the rod is a bit on the chunky side in weight but the sensitivity and power is amazing. the reel is also my favorite. it has both centrifugal brakes (4 pin) and magnetic ones.

As for the American hero. (the black and blue) the setup is by far the lightest of the ones you have mentioned. BUT it comes at a cost. you lose the centrifugal brakes in the reel. it is strictly magnetic. now that haven't bothered me any but I like to stick with heavier lures for this one. trying to cast lighter lures without centrifugal brakes can be done but you have to be good at using a baitcaster. also the rod is IM6 not IM8 like the mach1. the sensitivity is still amazing but I can tell when I'm draggin jigs that its not as sensitive as the mach 1 with the IM8 rod.

 

[Big Swimbait]

Go to jet.com. Use discount code TRIPLE15, agree to pay by debit card & you get a Lews LFS Speed Spool for $72 shipped. Buy something else, they both get cheaper. They have most brands available if you don't want Lews. My new favorite site for fishing gear.