Lew's "Spinnerbait" baitcasting rods

[FryDog62]

Lew's has 3 different mid-priced 6'-10" MH spinnerbait casting rods (Custom Lite Speed Stick $159, Custom Speed Stick $129, TP1 Speed Stick $99).  Interested to know best value and how they fish... similar, vastly different, etc?   I'm assuming the "Lite" is lighter, but are the others too heavy?  The TP1 also has microwave guides which I kind of like but am not hooked on.  

Snapped the tip off my Shimano Zodias, so I want to replace with someone a little less expensive but maybe something as nice or nicer specifically for throwing spinnerbaits.  I have Lew's reels, but have never fished one of their rods.  Thanks, -Fry

[lakeannaangler]

I really the custom speed stick Mag grass rod. Really light ,sensitive, strong backbone= awesome pitching rod, especially for the price point

[WPCfishing]

I have the Grass too. I love it for jigs and toads. As far as which one, they're all good. The Custom speed stick is a great rod. I have the Magnum one. The grip is kinda thick/fat... I had a cork grip put on it. I can only assume the micro guide model is a decent rod. Lews is a good company with vision. A 6'10" rod is all about the cast and the hook set with moving baits. I don't think you will make a mistake buying any one of them.

Another rod to consider is the Abu IKE 70-5 power rod... it's 1/4-3/4oz... outstanding rod in every way. 

 

[FryDog62]

How about specifically the 6'-10" for Spinnerbaits?  I like that length, but unsure about the different Lew's models for throwing spinnerbaits.  

[rangerjockey]

First, I'd check the warranty on the Zodias. You may be able to get it replaced cheaper than buying new, and have a better rod in the process.

 The 6ft 10 medium Zodias is a sweet 1/4-3/8oz. spinnerbait rod..

[FryDog62]

2 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

First, I'd check the warranty on the Zodias. You may be able to get it replaced cheaper than buying new, and have a better rod in the process.

 The 6ft 10 medium Zodias is a sweet 1/4-3/8oz. spinnerbait rod..

Zodias has a 1 year warranty against manufacturers defect.  This was 15 months old and victim of a storage locker guillatine lid.  Yes, it was a very good spinnerbait rod but my fault...  

Don't want to spend $190 again and always been interested in Lew's rods but never tried one.  At $50-75 less than the Zodias might be the right time to try any way...

[timsford]

If you want something as nice as the zodias but cheaper I'd look at the tatula, aetos,  or Powell Max 3d 684. You don't need a rod labeled for spinnerbaits.  Any 6'6"-7' medium or medium heavy fast or mod fast powered rod. I'd go med or mh depending on the weights you usually throw and I prefer a fast rod,  but some like a mod fast like a stiffer cranking rod.  The tatula rods can be found at 110 on sportsman's outfitters.  The fenwick rods are under 100 on their website.  The Powell rod is a do it all rod based on the loomis mbr taper(check out the tackle tour review). It is a couple inches longer than the loomis 783 and has almost exactly the same power curve as the 843 except the backbone is stiff like the 844. Very versatile rod like the loomis mbr rods the design is based on.  It's the rod I use when I throw spinnerbaits.  Perfect length to both roll cast and cast accurately shallow,  and still long enough to get a good distance on the cast and set the hook. Mine handles baits for 1/4- 1 oz great.  Has the sensitivity to use for bottom contact too if you want.  I'd definitely look at these if you want to save a little.  All these retail for 150 plus and are in the same league or better IMO than the zodias. And they are around half the price.  All have a better warranty too(at least 5 years). I've fished some of the old lews hm85 speed sticks that they just retired for the new ones. They were nice rods,  but not as nice as a lot of the others at retail in the same price range.