Lews reels

[fk_98]

Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the lews pro Ti. I am looking st purchasing a new reel for christmas and was wondering if the pro ti is worth it? I currently own a curado k. Slx dc, tatual 100 and a revo ike baitcaster which I have not been impressed it. I've tried the lews pro lfs in the past and liked it but had a grinding feeling on the retrieve which I later returned for a daiwa tatula sv which also had the anti reverse give out. I am always interested in trying new brands so any insight or suggestions would be great!

[roadwarrior]

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Okuma_Helios_TCS_Casting_Reel/descpage-OHTC.html

 

This was my first impression six years ago:

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/tournament-rod-reel-okuma.html

[FishTank]

I would pass and go with a Shimano Bantam.  It will have a different feel from any of the reels you own and the thing is built like a tank.  

[Shimano_1]

I do agree that at the 350 price point the shimano bantam is a better reel. However you can find the lews pro ti for 250. Its a fine reel and I would definitely give it a try. Everyone is gonna say daiwa or shimano but I've had some lews I wouldn't trade for anything and I'd bet the pro ti is one of those. And its a beautiful reel!

[new2BC4bass]

The Pro Ti is a beautiful reel.  TT gave it an Editor's Choice Award.  I wanted one bad, but even when it was on sale about a year ago for $100 off, I couldn't force myself to pay that much.

 

Too bad the Helios Air in one of roadwarrior's links is no longer made.  I believe I set my brakes at 3.5 when I set up mine out of the box.  Haven't changed it since.  First cast with it and I said to myself, "Man, this thing can cast!"  Gets excellent distance and does it without a fuss.  My Helios is the earlier model with green trim.  Took a bit longer to dial in, but is another fine reel.

 

The new Bantam gets praise from everyone that tries one.  Mine is still in the box. 

 

Whether or not the Pro Ti is worth it is totally up to you.  I am wishing now that I had gotten one when they were on sale.

6 minutes ago, Shimano_1 said:

I do agree that at the 350 price point the shimano bantam is a better reel. However you can find the lews pro ti for 250. Its a fine reel and I would definitely give it a try. Everyone is gonna say daiwa or shimano but I've had some lews I wouldn't trade for anything and I'd bet the pro ti is one of those. And its a beautiful reel!

Who has the reel at that price?

[FishTank]

15 minutes ago, Shimano_1 said:

I do agree that at the 350 price point the shimano bantam is a better reel. However you can find the lews pro ti for 250. Its a fine reel and I would definitely give it a try. Everyone is gonna say daiwa or shimano but I've had some lews I wouldn't trade for anything and I'd bet the pro ti is one of those. And its a beautiful reel!

 You can also get the Bantam from Japan at or less than $250.  

 

I have ordered from Asian Portal a few times and have had great luck.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-18-Bantam-MGL-6-2-Right-handle-From-Japan/133042854596?epid=18013900662&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item1ef9f8dac4:g:y10AAOSwsq1ceJkl&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACcBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%2Fn%2BzU5L90Z278x5ickkBUIiHwYv5YgVss0WaiENz0Frr6yL1ZiIBNbWZ6v3kpFzxVbDGppkhgjEUqJzSYLxEsl1EYvZaADzq4LEcFk948dVsSxh0ay83%2BWMdq6CrQPQ3ESLz1sNThX6Sdt%2B3gxlqKshjGxOg1XFu49iibBkNf%2FOiUrMVgFLsp3iQb5cmkSj%2FXdZIsInJ3VZXndVbOwl8%2FX%2BYeeJZLpKLVCEMAwwPPtvNmuABG4DZ89BtLDZEMMaqCpxrnoBjN%2Ff9srq%2F6ePNTADo4K8791Mafg7TXqwJSla0y2t6i%2F0GdgvWxE2ViowFoUjoYJuSt00SOKFxginflAhl%2FVRpkj8ApStQkqvwzmLmCVeaLGF7Bw3XsQcG7HUWMMFdhLwrnPQu4tJeAn0r5h14LGB2wmgnqG8F%2BPV6joI%2FZZSwsO1tnvI0%2BlZlIMV9locWDL6pzvGVh1MpkTZHkXObNNiyaLkIu0Jzk9HujajzrH9%2F9jB%2BBdnwZcTunaTHNSBuVx4QRcS8agMWfKjRIf7HGbPqka2g4fNNKIbP0l5kL9cWosOppKEbbtA%2B6LIEnDINDPzBHI9k4PPgHilz35q89V1WlCn8j6pCmD%2Bae8bOU0XcgGBgVzgDBx0xRdt0jKmo5OkV2Tg0VYbxT1cCQuaaQyGcHLEIiB3K%2F1WaFtdfGDz6pIoMFt65LXjm0hqSJkvzX4%2BQ1L9lCr%2BswGLro%2B8gRD3xudzbUuiqRPbOjLXq75mP1yBqtMVQXFDhayZ4fy5wGyAWLtxLVOR%2B0FbykC1bBIggNg%2Frfv5ASI6VQ%3D%3D|cksum%3A13304285459652bfcfc1c38c46d38ecd3dce73b22762|ampid%3APL_CLK|clp%3A2334524

[Shimano_1]

On 12/5/2020 at 2:40 PM, new2BC4bass said:

The Pro Ti is a beautiful reel.  TT gave it an Editor's Choice Award.  I wanted one bad, but even when it was on sale about a year ago for $100 off, I couldn't force myself to pay that much.

 

Too bad the Helios Air in one of roadwarrior's links is no longer made.  I believe I set my brakes at 3.5 when I set up mine out of the box.  Haven't changed it since.  First cast with it and I said to myself, "Man, this thing can cast!"  Gets excellent distance and does it without a fuss.  My Helios is the earlier model with green trim.  Took a bit longer to dial in, but is another fine reel.

 

The new Bantam gets praise from everyone that tries one.  Mine is still in the box. 

 

Whether or not the Pro Ti is worth it is totally up to you.  I am wishing now that I had gotten one when they were on sale.

Who has the reel at that price?

Sportsman's outfitters had them for that price but both are outta stock. May have to wait or maybe check ebay

[fk_98]

How does the bantam feel in hand? I've found myself noticing over time that the curado k feels a little big in hand as well as how bulky the slx dc feels. The tatula 100 obviously being smaller reel gave me more than enough grip. The only reel that felt as the "perfect" fit in hand was my revo ike which I've sidelined for other reels. 

[CFDoc]

7 hours ago, fk_98 said:

Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the lews pro Ti. I am looking st purchasing a new reel for christmas and was wondering if the pro ti is worth it? I currently own a curado k. Slx dc, tatual 100 and a revo ike baitcaster which I have not been impressed it. I've tried the lews pro lfs in the past and liked it but had a grinding feeling on the retrieve which I later returned for a daiwa tatula sv which also had the anti reverse give out. I am always interested in trying new brands so any insight or suggestions would be great!

 

If you can find it for $250, it’s an incredible reel and deal.

 

At $350, it’s tougher to swallow. And you can get a 2020 Metanium for $350 all day long.

 

I’ve got both Lews and Shimano top of the line reels. If you’re trying to win a distance contest or do a lot of finesse fishing, spring for the Shimano.

 

If you’re a heavy line, jig skipper, T-rig, flipping and pitching. The Lews are great in those applications. I actually prefer Lews over Shimano in those settings.

[Bassin_Harrison]

5 hours ago, CFDoc said:

I’ve got both Lews and Shimano top of the line reels. If you’re trying to win a distance contest or do a lot of finesse fishing, spring for the Shimano.

 

If you’re a heavy line, jig skipper, T-rig, flipping and pitching. The Lews are great in those applications. I actually prefer Lews over Shimano in those settings.

x2 

[NYWayfarer]

15 hours ago, Shimano_1 said:

I do agree that at the 350 price point the shimano bantam is a better reel. However you can find the lews pro ti for 250. Its a fine reel and I would definitely give it a try. Everyone is gonna say daiwa or shimano but I've had some lews I wouldn't trade for anything and I'd bet the pro ti is one of those. And its a beautiful reel!

I agree.

 

I was able to get my Pro Ti for under $250 and a DSG price match. I have used it almost exclusively this year and it is smooth, silent and casts great. It is a visually beautiful reel as well as a great performer. The titanium coating really keeps it looking fantastic. The only mark on mine is from accidentally hitting it with my knife point. Even with that it is barely noticeable.

 

[CFDoc]

16 hours ago, fk_98 said:

How does the bantam feel in hand? I've found myself noticing over time that the curado k feels a little big in hand as well as how bulky the slx dc feels. The tatula 100 obviously being smaller reel gave me more than enough grip. The only reel that felt as the "perfect" fit in hand was my revo ike which I've sidelined for other reels. 

If you liked the way the revo fit in your hand, chances are you’re going to really like any Lews SLP reel.

[FishTank]

17 hours ago, fk_98 said:

How does the bantam feel in hand? I've found myself noticing over time that the curado k feels a little big in hand as well as how bulky the slx dc feels. The tatula 100 obviously being smaller reel gave me more than enough grip. The only reel that felt as the "perfect" fit in hand was my revo ike which I've sidelined for other reels. 

 

Think round reel in a low profile and maybe a fuzz bigger than most Shimano 70's or the old 50 reels.  Overall, it is a smaller reel than the Curado K, casts and retrieves super smoothly, it is capable of long casts but not the "best" in my opinion and it has an overall feel of a reel that will last a long time.  

 

The only down side to me is taking off the side plate to adjust the internal brakes.  But really, I have set it with two on and have fined tuned the cast with the outside dial.  I haven't opened the reel unless I am cleaning it.   Also, this reel seems to get better overtime.  

[GetFishorDieTryin]

19 hours ago, FishTank said:

 You can also get the Bantam from Japan at or less than $250.  

 

I have ordered from Asian Portal a few times and have had great luck.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-18-Bantam-MGL-6-2-Right-handle-From-Japan/133042854596?epid=18013900662&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item1ef9f8dac4:g:y10AAOSwsq1ceJkl&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACcBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%2Fn%2BzU5L90Z278x5ickkBUIiHwYv5YgVss0WaiENz0Frr6yL1ZiIBNbWZ6v3kpFzxVbDGppkhgjEUqJzSYLxEsl1EYvZaADzq4LEcFk948dVsSxh0ay83%2BWMdq6CrQPQ3ESLz1sNThX6Sdt%2B3gxlqKshjGxOg1XFu49iibBkNf%2FOiUrMVgFLsp3iQb5cmkSj%2FXdZIsInJ3VZXndVbOwl8%2FX%2BYeeJZLpKLVCEMAwwPPtvNmuABG4DZ89BtLDZEMMaqCpxrnoBjN%2Ff9srq%2F6ePNTADo4K8791Mafg7TXqwJSla0y2t6i%2F0GdgvWxE2ViowFoUjoYJuSt00SOKFxginflAhl%2FVRpkj8ApStQkqvwzmLmCVeaLGF7Bw3XsQcG7HUWMMFdhLwrnPQu4tJeAn0r5h14LGB2wmgnqG8F%2BPV6joI%2FZZSwsO1tnvI0%2BlZlIMV9locWDL6pzvGVh1MpkTZHkXObNNiyaLkIu0Jzk9HujajzrH9%2F9jB%2BBdnwZcTunaTHNSBuVx4QRcS8agMWfKjRIf7HGbPqka2g4fNNKIbP0l5kL9cWosOppKEbbtA%2B6LIEnDINDPzBHI9k4PPgHilz35q89V1WlCn8j6pCmD%2Bae8bOU0XcgGBgVzgDBx0xRdt0jKmo5OkV2Tg0VYbxT1cCQuaaQyGcHLEIiB3K%2F1WaFtdfGDz6pIoMFt65LXjm0hqSJkvzX4%2BQ1L9lCr%2BswGLro%2B8gRD3xudzbUuiqRPbOjLXq75mP1yBqtMVQXFDhayZ4fy5wGyAWLtxLVOR%2B0FbykC1bBIggNg%2Frfv5ASI6VQ%3D%3D|cksum%3A13304285459652bfcfc1c38c46d38ecd3dce73b22762|ampid%3APL_CLK|clp%3A2334524

The Bantam and 20 Met MGL would be the best bang for the buck.  If your looking for a reel to deep crank or frog with the Bantam has an aluminum frame and is solid as a rock.  I prefer the Metanium for just about anything else.  The Met is magnesium so its a little over an ounce lighter, but it doesnt have that hollow feeling that older magnesium reels have.  The 1 piece frame makes it feel solid under heavy load.  

Keep in mind there is no warranty when you buy a JDM overseas.  If you do order 1, make sure nothing is funny about it when it arrives.

[CFDoc]

18 hours ago, fk_98 said:

How does the bantam feel in hand? I've found myself noticing over time that the curado k feels a little big in hand as well as how bulky the slx dc feels. The tatula 100 obviously being smaller reel gave me more than enough grip. The only reel that felt as the "perfect" fit in hand was my revo ike which I've sidelined for other reels. 

The weather sucks today so I took some measurements just out of curiosity. I know these reels “feel” very different when in use but wanted to know the numbers.

 

I compared a 2020 Met to a Hyper Mag. A hyper mag is going to be almost identical in shape to the pro TI. The Met is going to be very similar to the bantam maybe even a tad slimmer.

 

They were put on identical rods. The falcon expert spinner bait rod fwiw.

 

The diameter of the palm side of the hyper mag is just under 1/4” smaller than the Met.

 

When sitting on a reel seat, the hyper mag is about 3/16” lower to the “ground”.

 

Hope this helps.

 

[dodgeguy]

Go with the Lew's.