Lew’s hypermag speed spool vs. shimano Chronarch MGL

[Jade Smith]

What everyone’s opinions on Lew’s vs Shimano casting reels? More specifically the Lew’s hypermag speed spool vs Shimano Chronarch MGL. Can any speak to the longevity of both these reels? As well as smoothness, casting distance, and over all performance. Also just Lew’s vs shimano in general. I’ve used the search function, but didn’t really find what I was looking for. Thanks everybody in advance. 

[Looking for the big one]

There’s a reason that you’ll find lots of lifetime Shimano fans. Shimano and Daiwa are the kings of the bass reel industry because they innovate and make great reels, simply put. That’s not to bash Lew’s, it’s just that in my experience I enjoy my Shimano products more and they have lasted longer than the Lew’s reels that I have used.

[LonnieP]

I'd definitely choose the chronarch in that price range. 

[Jig Man]

I don't own either but have an older Chronarch.  It is the best reel that I own.  It is just a little better than my Curados.

[burrows]

Shimano chronarch mgl is a much more superior reel I have a couple I like them that much.

[Matt_3479]

Don’t own a Lews but own the new Curado K, chronarch mgl, some reels from a manufacture I can’t speak off and daiwa reels. The chronarch is my favourite reel for sure

[fishballer06]

I own 4 of the Chronarch MGL reels. It's probably my favorite all around reel ever made. I can't recommend them enough. 

 

As for a lews, I have never owned one. However, I have also never held a lews reel that I felt was worthy of me spending my hard earned money on. 

[freelancer27]

I have briefly owned the Lews and do own the Chronarch. 

I think the Lews is a solid reel. I think it is refined and caste decent with the right rod and lure (I had probs to cast anything under 1/2 reliably with my 7' Heavy Helium 3). 

I bought the Chronarch because there was a lot good talk about it. It is a solid reel. Not as smooth or refined as my Conquest or Steez (that is a different price category) but still very solid. 

Casting distance: It is a wash (without having had side by side comparison)

Where I feel the Shimano is a bit ahead is quality over time. Though to be fair, if you have a issue with your Lew's reel the customer service is great.

Maybe order both from TW, etc. put them on your rod and see how it feels. 

[Preytorien]

I have the Chronarch MGL and it’s simply the best casting reel I’ve ever used. It’s smooth, solid, lightweight, and seems incredibly refined.

 

I would suggest it to anyone looking in its direction 

[optimator]

Shimano.

[Tywithay]

I have both and prefer the MGL. I like the Hyper Mag a lot, but I feel like they concentrated too much on just making it super light, rather than on performance. The MGL feels smoother and casts with less effort. Unless you're putting it on some sub-3oz rod, trying to get as light as possible, I'd opt for the Chronarch.

[OnthePotomac]

I, like others, have been a Shimano fan for 20 years. When I retired I got into bass fishing and started with a couple of inexpensive reels then met a river guide who told me to step up in reel quality.  He fished with Chronarchs, which I could not afford, so I started with the Curado 100B and added on from there with Curados and current CHronarchs  and Curado models.  One could be philosophical and determine that your favorite reels are those you really enjoy fishing with and can afford and that what it is all about...enjoying fishing.

[Jade Smith]

Thank you everybody for the amazing information and your experiences. I’m defentiantly going with the shimano. That’s again. The amount of knowledge on this site never ceases to amaze me.