Which Lew's Reel Should I Buy?

[Cody28]

I recently got a St. Croix Victory "The Marshall" for T-tigs and jigs. I am looking for a casting reel to pair it with and not sure which to buy. I love the way the Lew's SLP frame fits in my hand on this rod but not sure which to buy. I can get a Hypermag 7.5:1 for $200 or the 8:1 for $250 right now, but also looking at the new Lew's Custom Pro ($260). Any advice between these two reels or any other Lew's reels you like? Any advice on magnesium reels? I have never owned one. Are they weaker than aluminum? Stronger? All I know is they are lighter. Any advice is appreciated. Additional: I have many Lew's LFS reels and love them but they don't feel right in the hand on this rod. 

[PhishLI]

https://www.lews.com/en/shop/casting/cpbc Get the 2nd Gen and call it a day.

[bulldog1935]

A magnesium reel frame is 40% lighter than aluminum.  

The strength and stiffness is designed-in.  

Both reels have centrifugal brake and alloy gears.  

From that list, I would leap on the $200 Hypermag, but there's really not much difference, and even the half-ounce weight difference isn't that much.  

But you probably won't find another $200 magnesium-frame reel out there (most are $400).  

[Cody28]

8 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

https://www.lews.com/en/shop/casting/cpbc Get the 2nd Gen and call it a day.

Is it the 6 pin break vs 4? Aluminum over Magnesium? Any specific reason? 

[PhishLI]

11 minutes ago, Cody28 said:

Is it the 6 pin break vs 4? Aluminum over Magnesium? Any specific reason? 

6 pin, afaik, but totally externally adjustable. No popping pins on or off. It's not about aluminum vs magnesium. The Gen 2 has the P2 pinion support, but the Hypermag doesn't. Lew's upgraded many models with this feature over the past few years, but the Hypermag hasn't gotten that treatment yet.

[dodgeguy]

Go to sportsmansoutfitters.com and get the custom lite slp at 229$ with the tanso tech frame. At 4.9 of you'll be blown away. I have one and it's a great reel.

[Cody28]

15 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

Go to sportsmansoutfitters.com and get the custom lite slp at 229$ with the ransom tech frame. At 4.9 of you'll be blown away. I have one and it's a great reel.

I need the left hand model and they're sold out ? 

[Cody28]

5 hours ago, PhishLI said:

6 pin, afaik, but totally externally adjustable. No popping pins on or off. It's not about aluminum vs magnesium. The Gen 2 has the P2 pinion support, but the Hypermag doesn't. Lew's upgraded many models with this feature over the past few years, but the Hypermag hasn't gotten that treatment yet.

I did see that P2 pinion gear when researching, but haven't heard anyone say they noticed it making a difference one way or another. The hypermag does feel like its becoming dated, but its hard to pass on the deal. Thanks for the input still not sure what I will do haha 

[Phil77]

10 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

Go to sportsmansoutfitters.com and get the custom lite slp at 229$ with the tanso tech frame. At 4.9 of you'll be blown away. I have one and it's a great reel.

I'll second this. I was weary of the frame but this is hands down my favorite reel. It's very compact and palms very well for how I like to fish T rigs. Can't go wrong with the hypermag either.

[dodgeguy]

18 hours ago, Cody28 said:

I need the left hand model and they're sold out ? 

wait its worth it