Alec McMillan Posted November 26, 2018 Posted November 26, 2018 I have been looking at Lew's reels for a while, but have never owned one. I have always used Shimano and Abu reels. I have been looking at the Lew's Speed Spool LFS Series casting reel, along with the Speed Spool LFS. They are both 100 bucks, but what is the difference? I know the spool is silver on the series and black on the normal LFS, but is there anything mechanically different? I have also been looking at the Tournament MB Speed Spool. This one is 40 bucks more expensive on tackle warehouse, but I bet I could find it on eBay for a good price. Should I go with the LFS or LFS Series, or spend the extra bit and get the MB? Help me out! Quote
Vilas15 Posted November 27, 2018 Posted November 27, 2018 Get the MB! Ive got one and like it. 1 Quote
Super User burrows Posted November 27, 2018 Super User Posted November 27, 2018 I had the 2014 lfs it was a solid reel till the day I sold it, it was a little work horse of a reel. The newer version I’m sure is just as solid and only 100 bucks it’s a good deal. Quote
Boogey Man Posted November 27, 2018 Posted November 27, 2018 You can get the MB on the big auction site for slightly over $100 NIB. I have one and it's one of my favorite reels. Quote
bigbassin' Posted November 27, 2018 Posted November 27, 2018 I didn't know there were two different LFS reels, but that would explain why the two I own are different. I figured it was because they were different years (2013 and 2015). Anyways I've owned one or both? of the LFS reels and they've been solid. The one I purchased in 2013 likely had a thousand hours on it before I retired it this year, but it was only retired because I ran it over with my truck. It still works pretty decent, just sticks every tenth crank or so. Between durability and fishability they definitely get my seal of approval. I purchased the mb earlier this year to replace the previously mentioned LFS, and I've loved it. This was my best year ever for fish over 5 and even took multiple over 8 and every one was caught on the mb. Reel handled all of the fish great, both the reel and the drag is really smooth. I also think it increased my cast distance by about 4-5 yards for what it's worth. Having not owned it for a full year I can't do an apples to apples comparison on durability, but it probably got around 125ish hours of fishing and got dunked while wading several times. The one knock on the mb is that if you like your reel absolutely locked down with no slippage this isn't the one for you. Every fish over 5 that had the drag locked down on them were still able to take some line. To me this isn't a big deal and I normally fish with closer to 4ish pounds of drag anyways but I could see a problem if you anticipate using the reel for punching. Quote
Super User burrows Posted November 27, 2018 Super User Posted November 27, 2018 The Lews lfs from 2014 I believe could be from 2013 don’t remember but that’s basically what started the 100 reel market for solid aluminum frame light weight and great performance at an affordable price all the other companies barely started getting on board. Daiwa fuego fallowed and ultimately shimanos slx on the late train better late than never. Quote
Joshua van Wyk Posted November 27, 2018 Posted November 27, 2018 I think you'd he happier sticking with your shimanos. 1 Quote
Super User Catt Posted November 27, 2018 Super User Posted November 27, 2018 Can't figure out the differences by looking at both Tackle Warehouse & Lew's website. I have a Speed Spool® LFS Series model SSG1H The model numbers for Speed Spool LFS Casting Reels listed on Tackle Warehouse are not listed on Lew's website. According to TW these reels feature updated components, peerless design, & a new P2 Super Pinion. If I was going to spend additional dollars on a Lew's reel it would be a BB1 only because I don't particularly like externally-adjustable magnetic brake systems. 2 Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted November 27, 2018 Super User Posted November 27, 2018 4 hours ago, Vilas15 said: Get the MB! Ive got one and like it. I agree with this although I have to admit I've never used one of the other reels the OP mentioned. Both of them are Magnetic only reels. The MB is a dual brake reel. I don't have any Magnetic only Lew's reels so I don't know how well their braking system works. 1 Quote
Super User burrows Posted November 27, 2018 Super User Posted November 27, 2018 8 hours ago, Joshua van Wyk said: I think you'd he happier sticking with your shimanos. Who me? I’m not brand specific. 1 Quote
Alec McMillan Posted November 27, 2018 Author Posted November 27, 2018 11 hours ago, Burrows said: Who me? I’m not brand specific. Pretty sure he was talking to me. 1 Quote
GReb Posted November 27, 2018 Posted November 27, 2018 The LFS can be found new on eBay for $70. At that price it’s a good reel. Quote
Super User burrows Posted November 27, 2018 Super User Posted November 27, 2018 1 hour ago, Alec McMillan said: Pretty sure he was talking to me. Well he is right you know. ? Quote
Brendan Roll Posted November 28, 2018 Posted November 28, 2018 21 hours ago, Catt said: Can't figure out the differences by looking at both Tackle Warehouse & Lew's website. I have a Speed Spool® LFS Series model SSG1H The model numbers for Speed Spool LFS Casting Reels listed on Tackle Warehouse are not listed on Lew's website. According to TW these reels feature updated components, peerless design, & a new P2 Super Pinion. If I was going to spend additional dollars on a Lew's reel it would be a BB1 only because I don't particularly like externally-adjustable magnetic brake systems. Do you think that it would be worth it to upgrade from the BB1 to the Pro version though? 1 Quote
Super User Catt Posted November 28, 2018 Super User Posted November 28, 2018 7 minutes ago, Brendan Roll said: Do you think that it would be worth it to upgrade from the BB1 to the Pro version though? Nope! What makes the BB1 so rugged durable & comfortable is it's simplicity! 1 Quote
LionHeart Posted November 28, 2018 Posted November 28, 2018 Dude don't get the MB from TW. Go to Ebay and get it from American Legacy Fishing for $100 shipped. Great reel. I own 3 1 Quote
Super User NYWayfarer Posted November 28, 2018 Super User Posted November 28, 2018 I have the LFS and the Tournament MB. Both are great reels but the Tournament MB is the superior reel. Get a Tournament MB you won't regret it. Quote
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