Lew's Custom Speed Spool SLP

[TylerT123]

Is Lew's Custom Speed Spool SLP good? I've never had a baitcaster, I've used one before and this Lew's has everything I want. Quality ball bearings, good all round gear ratio, aluminum frame and spool. I like the dual brakes as well. I would pair it with Lew's Custom TP Rod. I fish for mainly bass, some panfish and next year I hope to catfish. I would enjoy your input. How is this brand? Do you like their reels? How often would I need to maintenance it? I really appreciate your answer.

[BassFisher22]

I have a Lews Speed Spool Tournament MB and I love it, and the braking system is amazing. Although the Tournament MB is a step up it features the LFS too. I would highly recommend the MB.

[TylerT123]

5 hours ago, BassFisher22 said:

I have a Lews Speed Spool Tournament MB and I love it, and the braking system is amazing. Although the Tournament MB is a step up it features the LFS too. I would highly recommend the MB.

How does your reel handle small baits? Like 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz and 1/4? Also, which brake system do you use more? Thank you. https://www.lews.com/casting/custom

[new2BC4bass]

1 minute ago, TylerT123 said:

How does your reel handle small baits? Like 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz and 1/4? Also, which brake system do you use more? Thank you.

I can only give you an opinion based on my personal experiences with baitcast reels.  Unless you are an expert with one, casting 1/8 oz. is hard even with a reel designed for that weight.  I've been using a baitcast reel 99.99% of the time since I got back into fishing in '09.  It took a Pixy for me to get down to 1/8 oz. and it isn't a true 1/8 oz. as it was a spinnerbait of that weight that I tried.  You will need a rod able to load with those weights.  I would suggest sticking to a spinning reel for anything below 3/16 oz. unless you are willing to spend the money and take the necessary time to practice for light lures.  Naturally some people are more talented than others.  Maybe you are one.  

 

The brake systems work together.  Normally a person sets the centrifugal brake and forgets it...unless usage and practice allows them to be lowered.  The magnetic brakes are what I adjust depending on conditions.  I try not to adjust spool tension once set, but occasionally it needs minor adjustments as well depending on the reel and the fishing conditions.

[drew4779]

If you're new to casting reels, I would recommend something without dual breaking. It may not be an issue for you, but my buddies who've recently switched away from strictly spinning reels always would gravitate towards borrowing my reels with single breaking systems.  They claimed my dual breaking reels were harder to dial in. Again, this may not be an issue for you.  With my first dual breaking reel I never thought it was big deal.  Just something to think about. 

[TylerT123]

46 minutes ago, drew4779 said:

If you're new to casting reels, I would recommend something without dual breaking. It may not be an issue for you, but my buddies who've recently switched away from strictly spinning reels always would gravitate towards borrowing my reels with single breaking systems.  They claimed my dual breaking reels were harder to dial in. Again, this may not be an issue for you.  With my first dual breaking reel I never thought it was big deal.  Just something to think about. 

Really? I want to learn centrifugal and I've watch videos on it and it seems simple. But I don't think I'm ready for full on centrifugal brakes. Thanks for the insight.

[new2BC4bass]

31 minutes ago, TylerT123 said:

Really? I want to learn centrifugal and I've watch videos on it and it seems simple. But I don't think I'm ready for full on centrifugal brakes. Thanks for the insight.

Why not?  Many Shimano reels are considered set-and-forget.  They often get suggested for beginning baitcast users.  I don't know about the new models, but my Curado 201E7 and Chronarch 100B and 101A are very reliable casters.

[TylerT123]

33 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Why not?  Many Shimano reels are considered set-and-forget.  They often get suggested for beginning baitcast users.  I don't know about the new models, but my Curado 201E7 and Chronarch 100B and 101A are very reliable casters.

I've only used magnetic and I don't know if I even like centrifugal. I've only used one baitcaster and this would be like a transition I guess.

[drew4779]

13 hours ago, TylerT123 said:

I've only used magnetic and I don't know if I even like centrifugal. I've only used one baitcaster and this would be like a transition I guess.

Dual breaking systems are intended to be used in conjunction with one another,  not picking one or the other (not that a well trained thumb couldn't) .  I look at it as more of a "fine tuning" system.  There's more increments of adjustments. That's why my friends new to casting reels prefer single breaking systems.  They only have to worry about one or the other and not both working together. 

 

I still have one reel with dual breaking.  It's currently set at 1 internal break / 2 mag.  For what I typically use it for, I would fine tune with the mag break based on small changes, wind, etc.  If I decided to drastically change the lure weight, I may have to fiddle with the centrifugal breaks as well. 

 

If this is the reel you really want, go for it.  I'm sure you'll figure it out. It just might take an extra cast or two to get it set up the way you truly want it, due to there being more options. 

[05kas05]

the custom speed spool was my first bait caster i had never even handled one when i bought mine its been almost a year now and i have had no problems what so ever, id say go for it 

[TylerT123]

15 hours ago, 05kas05 said:

the custom speed spool was my first bait caster i had never even handled one when i bought mine its been almost a year now and i have had no problems what so ever, id say go for it 

Bought a Shimano Curado 200k after handling a Custom Speed Spool in the store yesterday, the quality wasn’t as good as the Shimano and 2 guys highly recommended it

[JawjaBoy]

I'm probably going to picking up a Lew's MB very soon and I'm looking forward to trying the dual braking.  I still have and fish with one of the first dual brake reels, a Quantum Pro 1.  Almost 30 years old and still going!  I also have an original Lew's BB-1NG with only centrifugal brakes and I love it.  To me, centrifugal brakes are easier to use than most magnetic systems.  And my personal experience is that they tend to cast farther, and backlash less.  

[TylerT123]

1 hour ago, JawjaBoy said:

I'm probably going to picking up a Lew's MB very soon and I'm looking forward to trying the dual braking.  I still have and fish with one of the first dual brake reels, a Quantum Pro 1.  Almost 30 years old and still going!  I also have an original Lew's BB-1NG with only centrifugal brakes and I love it.  To me, centrifugal brakes are easier to use than most magnetic systems.  And my personal experience is that they tend to cast farther, and backlash less.  

I found some Lew’s to be smoother than others, at better prices too. I went in the store dead set on Lew’s and came out with a Shimano. Shimano’s 7 bearings felt a lot smoother than Lew’s 10 bearings. Just a thought.

[JawjaBoy]

Many, many moons ago Shimano and I had a bit of a disagreement over a reel that soured my feelings towards them.  They may make wonderful reels, but I'm old and ornery and know how to hold a grudge very well, and I will not do business with them again.

[TylerT123]

4 hours ago, JawjaBoy said:

Many, many moons ago Shimano and I had a bit of a disagreement over a reel that soured my feelings towards them.  They may make wonderful reels, but I'm old and ornery and know how to hold a grudge very well, and I will not do business with them again.

That’s understandable, I’ve heard good and bad things about them. 

[05kas05]

20 hours ago, TylerT123 said:

Bought a Shimano Curado 200k after handling a Custom Speed Spool in the store yesterday, the quality wasn’t as good as the Shimano and 2 guys highly recommended it

thats funny because i was just looking at a curado k at the store thinking i should pick up their 8 speed reel in left hand for a frog/rat rod i want to put together. i really like the fact i can get all three gear ratios in left hand versions wish other companies would do the same. if you don't mind can you give us an update after you get some use on it. Tightlines.

[TylerT123]

1 hour ago, 05kas05 said:

thats funny because i was just looking at a curado k at the store thinking i should pick up their 8 speed reel in left hand for a frog/rat rod i want to put together. i really like the fact i can get all three gear ratios in left hand versions wish other companies would do the same. if you don't mind can you give us an update after you get some use on it. Tightlines.

Absolutely! Will have to pick up a rod, hoping to get the F@te Black Gen2.