The best reel brand

[S Hovanec]

On 3/5/2021 at 10:49 AM, Toad_Hunter said:

out of curiosity what lews reel do you own?

 

I remembered to dig it out.

 

[NYWayfarer]

1 hour ago, S Hovanec said:

 

I remembered to dig it out.

 

That’s a Mach 1 reel.

 

Not a great example of Lew’s quality to cost ratio. Graphite reel with no bells and whistles. 
 

I would recommend the Lew’s Speed Spin for $59.99 10 bearing system, thick bail wire and screw in handle.

 

The Mach series, with their bright neon colors are targeted for the teen and college angler.

 

I have lots of Lew’s reels and I am happy with them all. Some more than others. I passed on purchasing the reel you own as Lew’s can and has done better

[S Hovanec]

17 hours ago, NYWayfarer said:

That’s a Mach 1 reel.

 

I would recommend the Lew’s Speed Spin for $59.99 10 bearing system, thick bail wire and screw in handle.

 

The Mach series, with their bright neon colors are targeted for the teen and college angler.

 

 

I'll stick with my Shimanos.  I have 4 $40 shimanos on my guest rods and they're better than this thing too.

 

The only reason I bought it was for the color.  I wanted it for my light green metallic Rodgeeks spybait rod.

[Scott804]

I like to think of Shimano vs Daiwa as Ford vs Chevy. Modern Shimano and Daiwa are generally both great and I think of them almost hand-in-hand. in addition, Abu Garcia is most definitely Dodge. Do I need 300 pounds of drag in a baitcasting reel made for bass or a 10.1.1 gear ratio reel? No, in the same way that I don't "need" an SUV with 707 horsepower. When I am looking for a solid reel that does what I need it to well, I can always go to Shimano or Daiwa and generally they will do the job. However, sometimes I want something more "different" like a 13fishing Concept Z that 'has ***' or a Revo Rocket with a 10.1.1 gear ratio. I think it fun to use different gear, even if it is gimmicky. We really are spoiled in the modern market, Lew's, Shimano, Daiwa, Abu, and a couple of other brands are typically consistent and solid manufacturers and I do not think any of them are totally superior to eachother. They all have little things that make them unique and it usually comes down to preference. 

[NJBasstard]

Short answer: 

Casting > Shimano

Spinning > Daiwa

 

I've had a number of casting reels from Shimano, Daiwa, BPS, Lews and Abu. I always come back to Shimano. I feel they have the best ergonomics (for me), perform as good or better than others in there price range, never failed me on the water and it's always been easy getting parts. 

 

If I had to switch to something in the $100-$200 range I'd go to Daiwa. The only reason I don't still own them is because they felt a little big and didn't palm as well.

 

The Lews Speed Spool I wasn't that impressed with. No idea on there higher end reels. I had two BPS PQ's and a Abu Revo all give up on my in less than 6 months so I stay away from those now.

 

 

 

Spinning reels I max my budget at $150. I've had Shimano, Daiwa, Lews, Pfleuger and Abu. For around $50 I think it's hard to beat Pfleuger. At the $100-$150 range I feel Daiwa offers the best value with Shimano being a close 2nd. Cant recall the model Abu. The only Lews spinning reel I have is a Tournament Speed Spin that I wasted $100 on.

 

 

 

[ThatZX14Fella]

There is no, "best," brand. As with anything, it's all subjective. Some like Daiwa, some like Shimano. Some like Chevy, some like Ford. Some like Yamaha, some like Harley. Some like H&K, some like S&W. Some like...you get my point.

[bulldog1935]

Adding to @Slipknot_Fan666 not any one manufacturer makes the best across their entire product line.  At different price levels and for your different fishing niches, fishing mono vs. braid, different makers will likely offer the best reel that fits your spot.  

A high-grade Lew's baitcaster is still half the cost or less than a high-grade Shimano or Daiwa. 

In the case of spinning reels, for me, Shimano doesn't exist below their reel series derived from '18 Stella, which begins at the $200 Stradic.  Balancing line management, big fish on light tackle and built to last, at the $100 price point, I want Tica.  That may be different for you.