Great Baitcasters 140 Max in case the Lews KVD is not available on Black Friday

[kayaking_kev]

At that price I would personally get a Tatula SV or SLX MGL 70.

[Cgolf]

2 hours ago, kayaking_kev said:

At that price I would personally get a Tatula SV or SLX MGL 70.

Tackle Warehouse has a Tatula SV TW or TWS for 200 is there another model? 
 

realistically it looks like I can’t go wrong, and all have their favorites. The new Quantum Accurists being good surprised me with what I have read about recent Quantum reels. My old ones have been rock stars minus a bit of casting distance. 
 

One of these days I may give a Shimano baitcaster a try. I am biased from my mountain biking days where they made good stuff, but really made you overpay to get it. I did try one of their 30 buck spinning reels and will see how it goes. My Lews spinning reel in the same price point is sold after around 5 years of steady use. Just comparing their reels to their competitors they always seem to be a bit higher. That said I know they have their fans on this site and back in the day on river smallies. 
 

Thanks for all the opinions and ideas, keep them coming, it is really helping me out, and probably others too. 

[new2BC4bass]

18 minutes ago, cgolf said:

The new Quantum Accurists being good surprised me with what I have read about recent Quantum reels. My old ones have been rock stars minus a bit of casting distance.

The Smoke S3, KVD version of it, Tour S3 and even the PT Icon have gotten excellent marks for casting distance.  Some people even saying their Quantum is their longest casting reel.  I haven't used my Tour S3 yet, but it looks to me to be about the same size as my Curado 51E, but with a much longer handle.  I did get line spooled on one of my Icons, but haven't made it out for a test run yet.

[Cgolf]

so I just grabbed a UG from my 3 accurists and looks like I got the second year of the series way back in 2004. The tackle tour review of the new one is really solid. A 100 buck aluminum framed reel makes me think in direction I never thought I would go. So many choices lol. 
 

besides being a little light on casting distance I should have picked up longer handles. These feel a lot short compared to more recent reels. 

[Cgolf]

So here is where I am at. I have really cooled on the lews knowing they are made ultimately out of the same place as the Abu Garcias, that while solid aren't my favorite reels to use. Ironically though I really like my Lews Crush, and those on here that have them don't like them and others won't touch them. I did find a place that has them for 100 bucks.

 

So that leaves with with choices in the Daiwa lineup or the Quantum accurist. I have the option to shop multiple stores this year after turkey day, so I can look to other places. The 140ish number was meant to be prediscount, on me for not being clear, but looks like I can't go wrong in the tatula line from the 100 to the SV's. 

 

Leaving the crush out of it, my Dawia laguna and viento and my old quantum accurists all feel better than 2 of my 3 abu reels. Off all my reels though I lean on the crush the most lol. It is interesting that Kastking never got a mention. Of course if a Lews or Abu is on deep discount after turkey day, I may not be able to resist, time will tell.

 

These are really difficult decisions lol, especially being someone that isn't brand loyal.

[Shimano_1]

Everyone loves the tatula sv reels and I personally didn't care at all for em. You've already figured out how opinions are gonna vary! If you like the crush that well get another.  Dont buy anything based on others...ive don't it and usually regretted it. I wouldn't give a lews tournament pro lfs for 2 tatula sv's and obviously I'm in the minority.  Ive also heard good things about the quantum smoke and tour s3 reels. Can get the smoke for less than 100 on fleabay

[dodgeguy]

On 10/29/2020 at 10:51 PM, PhishLI said:

Agree! It took me a little time to get a grip on this reel's braking profile with a range of lighter baits, but now that I have I love it. As far as putting light baits way out there with ease it's every bit the match for an Aldebaran 50, which is no slouch in that department. Mine's on a Powell 703CEF where I throw primarily a MB Hazedong Shad, weightless flukes, and finesse jigs. My buddy has an Alde 50 on a IMX Pro 853c jwr. I know exactly what it's capable of in my hands with those baits. The TP LFS doesn't have the feel or build quality of the $420 Alde, but as far as on the water performance goes it's right there, IMO. If anything it's less touchy when dialed in loose, and easier to dial in when changing baits. It's definitely one of my "always with me" setups. Big thanks to DodgeGuy for sounding the alarm on this reel.

You're welcome. IMHO Lews tournament pro lfs is the best value out there.

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, cgolf said:

So here is where I am at. I have really cooled on the lews knowing they are made ultimately out of the same place as the Abu Garcias, that while solid aren't my favorite reels to use. Ironically though I really like my Lews Crush, and those on here that have them don't like them and others won't touch them. I did find a place that has them for 100 bucks.

 

So that leaves with with choices in the Daiwa lineup or the Quantum accurist. I have the option to shop multiple stores this year after turkey day, so I can look to other places. The 140ish number was meant to be prediscount, on me for not being clear, but looks like I can't go wrong in the tatula line from the 100 to the SV's. 

 

Leaving the crush out of it, my Dawia laguna and viento and my old quantum accurists all feel better than 2 of my 3 abu reels. Off all my reels though I lean on the crush the most lol. It is interesting that Kastking never got a mention. Of course if a Lews or Abu is on deep discount after turkey day, I may not be able to resist, time will tell.

 

These are really difficult decisions lol, especially being someone that isn't brand loyal.

It's possible that the TP LFS wouldn't be your fav either, but it's not necessarily because it comes from the same factory as ABU. Competition is tough and reel companies step up their game over time. Some of the latest P2 Lews reels like the TP LFS have a beefed up gear train. Also, it's hard to compare one Lews to the other. MCS,MSB, and ACB braking systems do not behave the same at all. It's not an apples to apples comparison. The TP LFS has a very free spool. Maybe even a bit touchy, but in a good way if your casting game is solid. I wouldn't call it a beginner's reel, but that's exactly why it's kind of special. It also has a very light spool, which accounts for it capability with lighter baits

 

I don't own a Quantum BC that I don't like a lot. From the Icon to the Tour S3 they're great long casters and easy to adjust and great for ripping casts. I'll have a Vapor soon. Like the TP LFS it has a super light spool. I need to know what it's about. They all have quite beefy gear trains with points of support that Daiwa doesn't offer until the Zillion. I've put a bunch of time and stress on mine this year and they haven't shown any signs of fatigue.  I doubt you'll get hurt if you stick with Quantum from the newest Accurist S3 on up. They all have the same basic build elements, and that's good.

 

I own a big pile of Daiwas and Shimanos. You'd be fine with a SLX or a Tatula CT, but the reels listed above perform at a high level too. In some ways, the ways that matter, they may be better and just not as good, IMO.

 

 

[NYWayfarer]

1 hour ago, PhishLI said:

It's possible that the TP LFS wouldn't be your fav either, but it's not necessarily because it comes from the same factory as ABU. Competition is tough and reel companies step up their game over time. Some of the latest P2 Lews reels like the TP LFS have a beefed up gear train. Also, it's hard to compare one Lews to the other. MCS,MSB, and ACB braking systems do not behave the same at all. It's not an apples to apples comparison. The TP LFS has a very free spool. Maybe even a bit touchy, but in a good way if your casting game is solid. I wouldn't call it a beginner's reel, but that's exactly why it's kind of special. It also has a very light spool, which accounts for it capability with lighter baits

 

I don't own a Quantum BC that I don't like a lot. From the Icon to the Tour S3 they're great long casters and easy to adjust and great for ripping casts. I'll have a Vapor soon. Like the TP LFS it has a super light spool. I need to know what it's about. They all have quite beefy gear trains with points of support that Daiwa doesn't offer until the Zillion. I've put a bunch of time and stress on mine this year and they haven't shown any signs of fatigue.  I doubt you'll get hurt if you stick with Quantum from the newest Accurist S3 on up. They all have the same basic build elements, and that's good.

 

I own a big pile of Daiwas and Shimanos. You'd be fine with a SLX or a Tatula CT, but the reels listed above perform at a high level too. In some ways, the ways that matter, they may be better and just not as good, IMO.

 

 

I beg to disagree with The part about it’s hard to compare one Lew’s to another...

 

On Lew’s baitcasters I compare:

 

aluminum vs graphite frames

 

Made in China vs Made in Korea.
 

I read somewhere Lew’s KVD made in China, Lew’s Tournament MP made in Korea.

[new2BC4bass]

PhishLI is responsible for me currently having 2 Icons and a Tour S3.  I see you (cgolf) use right hand reels.  The Icon can be found on ebay for $55 with free shipping.  Too bad you don't use left handed.  Or do you?  Right now you can get the left hand Icon 101SPT (6.3:1 ratio) for $39.99 from Amazon...but the offer doesn't include free shipping.  You will have to pay tax.  So an additional $2.40 in my state.

 

I planned on giving my brother and his wife one each out of my current stockpile of rods and reels.  I think I will order at least 2 more Icons at that price and give them each 2 casting combos.  May order one for myself as my Icons are 7.0 and the Tour S3 is 7.3. 

 

Just ordered a few.  Shipping was free for me.    PhishLI is now responsible for me having 4 Icons. 

[Blaine Donders]

I have an Icon I got on eBay for $30. Works great.

[new2BC4bass]

41 minutes ago, NYWayfarer said:

I beg to disagree with The part about it’s hard to compare one Lew’s to another...

 

On Lew’s baitcasters I compare:

 

aluminum vs graphite frames

 

Made in China vs Made in Korea.
 

I read somewhere Lew’s KVD made in China, Lew’s Tournament MP made in Korea.

PhishLI didn't say anything about comparing different frame materials or countries of manufacture.  Only that the 3 different braking systems do not behave the same.  Surely you can agree with that?  Otherwise there wouldn't be any difference between Shimanos centrifugal brakes and Daiwas Magforce Z system.  That isn't to say that each style can't be set up to run well.  Just that they behave differently.  I believe my Daiwas have at least 5 different braking systems, Abus 4, Shimanos 4.  I can say positively that they don't behave the same, yet they all cast well for me.  Well....my newest Shimano with the SVS Infinity braking system isn't set up quite as well as I'd like yet.     Not as easy (for me anyway) to set up as their older model reels.

7 minutes ago, Blaine Donders said:

I have an Icon I got on eBay for $30. Works great.

How come I never see these prices? 

[NYWayfarer]

34 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

PhishLI didn't say anything about comparing different frame materials or countries of manufacture.  Only that the 3 different braking systems do not behave the same.  Surely you can agree with that?  Otherwise there wouldn't be any difference between Shimanos centrifugal brakes and Daiwas Magforce Z system.  That isn't to say that each style can't be set up to run well.  Just that they behave differently.  I believe my Daiwas have at least 5 different braking systems, Abus 4, Shimanos 4.  I can say positively that they don't behave the same, yet they all cast well for me.  Well....my newest Shimano with the SVS Infinity braking system isn't set up quite as well as I'd like yet.     Not as easy (for me anyway) to set up as their older model reels.

How come I never see these prices? 

I do wholeheartedly agree with that. I for one am not a fan of Daiwa’s mag force braking system. That’s just me.

 

Rereading the post if all we are talking about is braking systems, Lew’s has 3. Magnetic, dual and external adjustable centrifugal brakes. That again is easy to compare. I for one can use all three so my main concern is frame and secondary, the country of origin.

[Blaine Donders]

49 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

PhishLI didn't say anything about comparing different frame materials or countries of manufacture.  Only that the 3 different braking systems do not behave the same.  Surely you can agree with that?  Otherwise there wouldn't be any difference between Shimanos centrifugal brakes and Daiwas Magforce Z system.  That isn't to say that each style can't be set up to run well.  Just that they behave differently.  I believe my Daiwas have at least 5 different braking systems, Abus 4, Shimanos 4.  I can say positively that they don't behave the same, yet they all cast well for me.  Well....my newest Shimano with the SVS Infinity braking system isn't set up quite as well as I'd like yet.     Not as easy (for me anyway) to set up as their older model reels.

How come I never see these prices? 

It was auction. Made a run at about 6 of them before I scored.

Gander has Smoke HD’s for $140 right now. Very, very nice reel.

[Cgolf]

2 hours ago, NYWayfarer said:

I beg to disagree with The part about it’s hard to compare one Lew’s to another...

 

On Lew’s baitcasters I compare:

 

aluminum vs graphite frames

 

Made in China vs Made in Korea.
 

I read somewhere Lew’s KVD made in China, Lew’s Tournament MP made in Korea.

Lew's Tournament Pro LFS Speed Spool Baitcast for 140 good reel and price?

Lew's Tournament MP Speed Spool LFS Series Baitcast Fishing Reel for 120 good reel and price?

2 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

PhishLI is responsible for me currently having 2 Icons and a Tour S3.  I see you (cgolf) use right hand reels.  The Icon can be found on ebay for $55 with free shipping.  Too bad you don't use left handed.  Or do you?  Right now you can get the left hand Icon 101SPT (6.3:1 ratio) for $39.99 from Amazon...but the offer doesn't include free shipping.  You will have to pay tax.  So an additional $2.40 in my state.

 

I planned on giving my brother and his wife one each out of my current stockpile of rods and reels.  I think I will order at least 2 more Icons at that price and give them each 2 casting combos.  May order one for myself as my Icons are 7.0 and the Tour S3 is 7.3. 

 

Just ordered a few.  Shipping was free for me.    PhishLI is now responsible for me having 4 Icons. 

I will think on the left hand Icon overnight. I have one left hand baitcaster and I do ok with it, but am really used to right hand reels. I would think since I reel left handed with spinning reels it would have been easier, but it is still a touch weird.

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, NYWayfarer said:

Rereading the post if all we are talking about is braking systems, Lew’s has 3. Magnetic, dual and external adjustable centrifugal brakes. That again is easy to compare. I for one can use all three so my main concern is frame and secondary, the country of origin.

I could've done better making my point: Since there are several braking schemes employed by Lew's one shouldn't generalize, but be specific. Describing one type, or having used just one, doesn't automatically correlate to the others. If someone owns a $100 LFS with MCS and hates it thus rejected Lew's on the whole, well...This happens, but there's more to the picture. Therefore it's hard for someone who hasn't tried them all to understand the differences, especially if they think a Lew's is just a Lew's because they're not.

 

I'm with you on the frame issue. I've never recommended a plastic reel on this site and haven't in this thread.

[Blaine Donders]

29 minutes ago, cgolf said:

Lew's Tournament Pro LFS Speed Spool Baitcast for 140 good reel and price?

Lew's Tournament MP Speed Spool LFS Series Baitcast Fishing Reel for 120 good reel and price?

I will think on the left hand Icon overnight. I have one left hand baitcaster and I do ok with it, but am really used to right hand reels. I would think since I reel left handed with spinning reels it would have been easier, but it is still a touch weird.

Tournament Pro fir $140 is a good deal for sure. $120 for the MP is a good price as well, and Sportsman’s Outfitters has them for that all the time. 

[NYWayfarer]

1 hour ago, cgolf said:

Lew's Tournament Pro LFS Speed Spool Baitcast for 140 good reel and price?

Lew's Tournament MP Speed Spool LFS Series Baitcast Fishing Reel for 120 good reel and price?

I will think on the left hand Icon overnight. I have one left hand baitcaster and I do ok with it, but am really used to right hand reels. I would think since I reel left handed with spinning reels it would have been easier, but it is still a touch weird.

The 140 price for the pro LFS is $60 off of the MSRP. That’s a great price for a great reel.  I would get one right now but I have a Pro TI I have used almost exclusively this season.

[new2BC4bass]

2 minutes ago, NYWayfarer said:

The 140 price for the pro LFS is $60 off of the MSRP. That’s a great price for a great reel.  I would get one right now but I have a Pro TI I have used almost exclusively this season.

I couldn't quite make myself pay that much for a Lew's, but love the looks of that reel. 

1 hour ago, cgolf said:

Lew's Tournament Pro LFS Speed Spool Baitcast for 140 good reel and price?

Lew's Tournament MP Speed Spool LFS Series Baitcast Fishing Reel for 120 good reel and price?

I will think on the left hand Icon overnight. I have one left hand baitcaster and I do ok with it, but am really used to right hand reels. I would think since I reel left handed with spinning reels it would have been easier, but it is still a touch weird.

Grew up cranking with left hand spinning reels.  Started with left hand baitcast reels.  Nice out of production baitcast reel came up for sale.  Right hand, but bought it anyway.  No longer matters to me which side the handle is on.

[Cgolf]

32 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I couldn't quite make myself pay that much for a Lew's, but love the looks of that reel. 

Grew up cranking with left hand spinning reels.  Started with left hand baitcast reels.  Nice out of production baitcast reel came up for sale.  Right hand, but bought it anyway.  No longer matters to me which side the handle is on.

The other thing holding me back on the icon is the 6:3:1 gear ratio, but the Accurists aren’t a lot higher. The crush is my fastest reel I think, others are in that 6:3:1 range. That said I am not a speed demon by any means, but the new reel is likely for my spinnerbait/swim jig rod, so extra speed would be good. 

1 hour ago, Blaine Donders said:

Tournament Pro fir $140 is a good deal for sure. $120 for the MP is a good price as well, and Sportsman’s Outfitters has them for that all the time. 

That’s where I saw them. After the Dobyn’s rod wait earlier this year, I’m not sure how I would feel ordering from them again. 

[WRB]

I was never a fan of Lew's reels from the BB1 it was heavy. Today's Lew's aren't Lew's reels they are who ever is making them year to year in China or Korea by Dobo.

My suggestion is stick with Daiwa or Shimano.

Tom

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

For the most part I’m analytical by nature, but something about “signature” reels just turns me off right out of the gate. I summarily dismiss them. Not saying that’s right, it’s just a personal thing for me. Any of the name brand reels at a $140 retail price point will be quality. Your choice will come down to personal preference and current deals. 

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

I was never a fan of Lew's reels from the BB1 it was heavy. Today's Lew's aren't Lew's reels they are who ever is making them year to year in China or Korea by Dobo.

My suggestion is stick with Daiwa or Shimano.

Tom

Tom,

 

Many USDM Shimanos and Daiwas are built in the industrial powerhouse nations of Thailand and Malayasia, but even Daiwa subs out four models to Doyo in that backwater called Korea.? It's true that I'd be reluctant to buy a reel from the Chairman Mao Reel Company, but known brand names put out pretty good stuff today for the most part past a certain price point regardless of where it's built. I've put my money where my mouth is, and coming out of the aerospace industry I know a thing or two about a thing or two. It's not the bad old days anymore.

[WRB]

We built the Koren and Chinese mfg capability. It started Tosiba followed by our aerospace insustry. Counterfeiting parts became a major issue and remains to this day. The problem is certifying materials. I only spend my entire 50 year career in aerospace as a engineer.

You are Doyo's QA.

Tom

[Cgolf]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

I was never a fan of Lew's reels from the BB1 it was heavy. Today's Lew's aren't Lew's reels they are who ever is making them year to year in China or Korea by Dobo.

My suggestion is stick with Daiwa or Shimano.

Tom

Wouldn’t it be nice to go back to simpler times when the name on the side of the reel, or anything, was who made it. Just seems weird to potentially rule Lews out based on my 2 lackluster Abu reels. 
 

Heck my early 2000s Abu C3 are tanks for musky and some of the best casting reels I have, I thought those were made in Sweden or something, curious enough to look tomorrow.