Shimano vs. Lew's Reels

[jbsoonerfan]

5 minutes ago, Shimano_1 said:

 Good luck and do whatever makes "you" happy not what any of us say is right or better!

Best advice you are going to get. I promise I would never ask anyone on the internet if I should eat a chicken fried steak or meat loaf. Meat loaf sucks and I don't care what anyone else says

[padon]

yeah you gotta just buy what you like. if youve been happy with lews then keep using them. unless you just wanna try a shimano. i always buy shimano. stradic spinning curado casting.no particular reason ive just been using them for years . i know what im getting when i buy  them. ive got some reels that are 20 years old and still work fine although not as ice as the newer ones of course.

[Cody28]

4 hours ago, PhishLI said:

A flying arm, or in Lew's case a disc, may be similar in basic principle, but that's where it ends. It's a different design that behaves differently in use. Braking near the spools axis (SVS) should and does act differently than the ACB's thrust plate friction system. Personally I don't find them to behave similarly at all in use, and once Shimano retires the tedious SVS Infinity brake I hope they'll employ something as clever and user friendly as ACB. SVS may be an original idea, but big whoop if it's a PIA to fish with, and it is, IMO.

I did some more digging on these braking systems and have to agree that they’re very very different. 

[HaydenS]

4 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

Meat loaf sucks

You must not have enough ketchup

 

 

I’ve used my buddies Lew reels, they are all really loud and gear feeling.  Don’t get me started on how loud the Lew’s spinning reels are. ?

 

Shimano is where it’s at for me.  At 15 years of age, the SLX’s and Chronarchs fit my hands perfect.  I love Shimano!  My cheap Shimano spinning reel gets it done!  Never picked up a bad shimano reel, can’t say the same for lews.  

 

I’m sure you have a buddy with a Shimano reel, ask him if you can give it a try!

[islandbass]

11 hours ago, Cody28 said:

That’s more so what I mean. I am looking at buying another Reel and not sure if I wanna stick with Lew’s or try a Shimano. I’m not gonna scrap or sell my current reels. I am self admittedly an odd ball about that sort of stuff and like to keep the feel of my gear somewhat consistent. 

Yeah, that’s odd ball, lol. I’m one too. ? With that said, neither fishing rods nor reels within a brand IMHO have a true consistency so this might very well be an illusion. Golf clubs can arguably make use of this consistency thing but fishing gear like reels? I’m inclined to think possible but perhaps not probable. Note: I could  very well be mistaken. 

[Columbia Craw]

The only time my reels are noisy is when my hearing aids are in.  There’s nothing wrong with Lews reels. Fish em.

[PhishLI]

12 minutes ago, islandbass said:

Golf clubs can arguably make use of this consistency thing but fishing gear like reels? I’m inclined to think possible but perhaps not probable. Note: I could  very well be mistaken. 

You're not mistaken. Fishing gear is a bit cultish, and those who choose to be cultists, or brand fans, can be a bit feverish in their endorsements. I bet there's been a ton of disappointment spread out over waves of people expecting a fishing reel to blow what they already had away because of something they read. Conversely, certain models outside of the big 2 get no serious consideration for reasons just as idiotic. Having read fishing forums there's no doubt in my mind that many people self-chill and are reluctant about endorsing certain other-than brands except to defend their choices if need be.

 

Anyway, it's well know in other engineering fields that just because you've come up with something special in a particular model there's no guarantee that "thing" will scale up or down an entire line. It's not that simple. The devil's in the details. Also, technical approaches change, sometimes just for the sake of change and marketing. Companies like to tout "New" and sellers like to promote "New". Often so called improvements aren't improvements at all. What made you like or hate something 10 years ago has nothing to do with now.

[shackman]

All I fish and have fished for years are the older Japanese made Shimano’s with VBS braking system. Set em and forget em. Chronarch 50 mg’s are my favorite..have 6 of them. Curado 100D/DSV’s are my next most used, have 5 of those. I’ve tried and don’t like the SVS system on the newer Shimano’s but to each their own.  

[thunderblack]

I do not have time on the water with Lew's but do with Shimano and have held and owned at least one higher end Lew's. In my opinion the Chronarch MGL in the same price range was far superior in smoothness, weight, construction and comfort. 

[PhishLI]

13 hours ago, thunderblack said:

In my opinion the Chronarch MGL in the same price range was far superior in smoothness, weight, construction and comfort. 

You're entitled to your opinion on anything you like, naturally, but not on weight. The Pro TI is lighter than the Chronarch by a skosh, and the Hypermag is lighter by over an ounce. So is the Custom Pro SLP, and those models have metal frames, not space age plastic. BTW, I enjoy fishing with my plastic Chronarch when it's under 38*. I must admit that it's pure joy removing the unattached side plate with frozen fingers in order to adjust brake blocks, especially while I'm wading, but at least the frame doesn't get as cold as my metal reels, so my hand doesn't freeze up as quickly. That's nice.

[T-Billy]

17 hours ago, HaydenS said:

I’ve used my buddies Lew reels, they are all really loud and gear feeling.  Don’t get me started on how loud the Lew’s spinning reels are.

3 Speed Spool LFS, 3 Super Duty LFS, 2 Tournament MB, and a Pro SP. Several of them have 3 or 4 years of regular use. My SD's take a beating pitching with braid on stout rods. All are smooth and quiet.  Don't know what your buddy's using, but your experience with Lews is very different than mine.

[HaydenS]

4 hours ago, T-Billy said:

3 Speed Spool LFS, 3 Super Duty LFS, 2 Tournament MB, and a Pro SP. Several of them have 3 or 4 years of regular use. My SD's take a beating pitching with braid on stout rods. All are smooth and quiet.  Don't know what your buddy's using, but your experience with Lews is very different than mine.

Huh, weird.  I think he has the speed spool spinning and casting reels.

[newapti5]

Come on, there're tons of threads online fighting over whose reels are better, and there'll be no end to the arguments here if we keep it going.  Let's focus on something else, like slick deals on Christmas sales. 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Overall I have crappy luck with reels no matter the brand.

My 1st experience with Lews went south very quickly. I purchased a BB1 Pro and had number of issues. Squealing on the cast was very annoying(Smoke S3 has same issue) plus the level wind guide extremely loose and knobs peeled after just 4hrs use. Returned

 

 ^Chronarch MGL didnt fair so well either. Had intermittent clicking noise from thumb bar not disengaging correctly. Also started to get the gear buzz other people have experienced. Returned.

 

 ^Okuma Helios-squeal clicking. Returned.

 

 ^Shimano Stradic, Returned,returned, returned. Yep took the 4th reel to get a good one.

 

 ^Tat SV squealing on cast changed bearings twice dont use.

 

 ^SV105 sticking inductor loose brake dial dont use any longer.

 

 ^Quantum Tour S3 squeal exchanged

 ^Quantum Smoke S3 squeal dont use. 

[PhishLI]

51 minutes ago, newapti5 said:

Come on, there're tons of threads online fighting over whose reels are better, and there'll be no end to the arguments here if we keep it going

Brother, have you read through this thread? Aint no arguing going on. Actually it's quite restrained and polite.

2 minutes ago, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

Overall I have crappy luck with reels no matter the brand.

So you're fishing with a cane pole sans reel? ?

[newapti5]

27 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

Brother, have you read through this thread? Aint no arguing going on. Actually it's quite restrained and polite.

So you're fishing with a cane pole sans reel? ?

 

Haha, you and I have different definition of "arguing" as well, but let's move on. 

[cheezyridr]

as a bank fisherman i don't need alot of rods. i only have 3 rigs. a lews mach2 that i use for a "knock about" rod that rides in my trunk, a curado dc, and a jdm daiwa sv lite ltd. 

the mach 2 is inexpensive, and it's put up with far more abuse than i have any right to expect.  the curado dc is nice, i like it, but i don't find it as impressive as some do. 

the daiwa, i absolutely love, because it's my first bfs rig and it works great.

 

there is one thing about all 3 that i absolutely hate, i doubt most will agree with me. 

when a fish starts peeling drag, they're all silent.  i want to hear something when a fish is pulling drag.  it's just a personal preference, i get by fine without it, but i'd rather have it.

[ironbjorn]

I have laughably tiny hands and the SLX is a small reel and easy to palm. No more difficult or uncomfortable than the Lew's TP. (No, really, my hands are the same size as my fiance and 16 year old sister).

[newapti5]

4 hours ago, cheezyridr said:

as a bank fisherman i don't need alot of rods. i only have 3 rigs. a lews mach2 that i use for a "knock about" rod that rides in my trunk, a curado dc, and a jdm daiwa sv lite ltd. 

the mach 2 is inexpensive, and it's put up with far more abuse than i have any right to expect.  the curado dc is nice, i like it, but i don't find it as impressive as some do. 

the daiwa, i absolutely love, because it's my first bfs rig and it works great.

 

there is one thing about all 3 that i absolutely hate, i doubt most will agree with me. 

when a fish starts peeling drag, they're all silent.  i want to hear something when a fish is pulling drag.  it's just a personal preference, i get by fine without it, but i'd rather have it.

 

If it matters to you that much, google "water drop wheel unloading alarm" and you will find some DIY kit to help you achieve that. It looks like this:

 

 

[bulldog1935]

I'm just going to add to this thread that the price mark is the biggest factor. 

To get Shimano and Daiwa's best efforts, you spend a lot more. 

At comparable price, I'd say you get more from Lew's, and will keep holding up my now 5-salt-year Super Duty G. 

 

Where I fit in Daiwa was ML and BFS because of the great aftermarket spools offered for them, but my go-to on the heavier stuff is still Lew's. 

 

 

I'll also admit Shimano baitcasters have never caught my eye.  Shimano spinning reels are a no-brainer.  My buddy somehow got two Twin Power 3000MHG from Asian Portal, they wanted him to pay the return shipping, so I'm buying the second from him. 

Cult fishing tackle will never be a problem for me. 

I'm a form-follows-function guy, in spite of the added flash. 

[zpelletier]

It’s really just a matter of preference. Different braking systems perform differently, which style you like is your preference. Even things like weight, some people notice the difference a few ounces makes, and some people don’t. Quality control isn’t perfect, no matter what company it is, sometimes things slip through that shouldn’t. 

I would have no problem buying a Shimano, or Daiwa, or Lews etc

[PhishLI]

On 12/6/2021 at 11:28 PM, HaydenS said:

I’ve used my buddies Lew reels, they are all really loud and gear feeling.  Don’t get me started on how loud the Lew’s spinning reels are. ?

 

Shimano is where it’s at for me.  At 15 years of age, the SLX’s and Chronarchs fit my hands perfect.  I love Shimano!  My cheap Shimano spinning reel gets it done!  Never picked up a bad shimano reel, can’t say the same for lews.  

Couple of things to think about here:

 

I've come across many reviews at TW that go something like this: First time out the rod tip broke  6" from the top on a 2lb bass and I didn't even boat flip it. I'll NEVER purchase any product from Brand X again.

 

Perhaps, in some cases, this could be a valid response to a problem, but in most cases not really. No brand, regardless of price point, is immune from issues, especially with reels.

 

Lew's doesn't employ a monolithic brake system throughout the line. They build 4 types, AFAIK. Perhaps your friend's older Speed Spool had an issue with an older and un-oiled DOYO/ABU/LEW's Infini friction brake or neglected bearings that colored your perception, but the ACB Quiet Cast is extra quiet. The first generation Shimano SVS with the red blocks screamed unless they were oiled constantly, but they solved that with the redesigned white blocks. If someone was to dismiss Shimano based upon the early red block mess they'd never get to try out the far better MGL models. My Quantum Tour S3 is quiet and all around fantastic, but poor @QUAKEnSHAKE has had issues with his examples. I have six other Quantums that're are quiet on the cast., and are otherwise rock solid performers. My Curado K was a lemon, but I bought 7 more Shimanos after that purchase.

 

It's well known that Shimano has had many issues with aluminum micro module gears going buzzy, and pinion bearing problems that make it feel like the gears are bad. Some high end Daiwas have a clicking issue that's driving several guys on another forum nuts. Daiwa Lexas had a notorious sticking thumb bar problem. @freelancer27 is having issues with brand new Conquests, as are guys elsewhere. A certain percentage of Daiwa Tatulas go geary feeling quickly, like my Tat SV, but both of my Fuegos are fine. My newer Lew's reels with the P2 pinion upgrade have stayed smooth with plenty of abuse. Older one's without it, not so much. But my brother's Super Duty 300 without the P2 pinion is smooth as glass after chucking a Bucca 4X4 since he got it, and that bait is high resistance from the second you start cranking it.

 

It's fine that you've found happiness and have a preference. However, it's silly to assume that a company's line is junk just  because you had a negative encounter.

 

Had I listened to what some people said and taken that approach I wouldn't have bought up a pile of reels from multiple brands. Besides my Curado K issue and 2 Pflueger Supreme XTs BCs that went geary quickly, I've had no problems with over 50 current production reels spread out over 5 manufacturers, including 13. Also, I happen to have 10 Omen Black 2s that haven't been broken on a hookset, lost a guide or a guide ring, had a reel seat or handle loosen, nothing. I'm just a ham-n-egger, and preferred the feel of the Omens over my Avids, so regardless of the brand-hate I took a chance. I'm happy with them and I'm glad I didn't listen to the noise.

 

Like @QUAKEnSHAKE ,we all should feel free to report our negative experiences with products, but to dismiss or condemn any one brand henceforth without a lot of evidence confuses the facts.

 

 

[PressuredFishing]

On 12/5/2021 at 4:29 PM, Cody28 said:

I have been a fan of Lew's since I began taking bass fishing seriously. It was the Lew's Tournament Pro LFS that blew my mind at the time and made me dive nose first into more Lew's reels. I quickly built an arsenal made up of about 8 St. Croix rods paired with Lew's reels. Now that I'm way down the Lew's rabbit hole I'm hesitant to switch over to Shimano because I do like them, but its hard not to buy into all of the internet hype built around the brand being so amazing. I hear about the longevity of Shimano reels (Not sure if this is valid for budget models) and how Lew's is just made in the same generic factory as most general brands. It makes me wonder if I should gradually switch over to Shimano or is it all hype? I have tried an SLX and it seemed super bulky to me compared to my Lew's stuff. I'm not buying super high end reels (usually ~200 and below) and most Shimano reels in this range seem bulky. Are there smaller frames that I just don't know of? Is it worth making the switch? Is Shimano really that much better than everyone else like some people make you believe? What are your thoughts? 

 

Side Note: This all sparked while looking into buying a Lew's Pro SP and seeing all the Shimano fans posting on reel threads. That being said if you recommend the Shimano reels are there any specific for skipping that you like? Ive been looking at the MGL spools for this. 

I own more Lews than Shimano, but I like Shimano and Diawa more than lews by a mile and Ill explain why. 1st off Shimanos and Diawas are the only reels still made in a factory owned by themselves. This means they are NOT made by the Doyo or Banax factory. Abu garcias, Lews, quantum's, etc are made in the Doyo factory for the most part (occasionally being made in the Banax factory. The bonus of buying from Shimano or Diawa is you are buying from a reel made by that company, not a factory that put in the lowest bid to manufacture the product. What this means to me is that I am buying a reel that is made by shimano for shimano. Take a lews classic speed spool and a abu garcia black max, and look at the frames in comparison, while they are slightly different in their frame molding and peices, you can tell that they where made in the same factory.  I'm not saying Doyo makes bad reels, as I fish with a lot of Doyo reels, I just feel like the tolerances of doyo reels are not great in comparison to the tolerances of shimano or diawa. At the end of the day if you put both in a pro's hand they will not have even a slight advantage over each other, other than less slop or noise in the reel or increased smoothness. However I am not a pro, I am just a consumer that wants the thing to last a few months longer than the other options on the market.

17 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

 

 My newer Lew's reels with the P2 pinion upgrade have stayed smooth with plenty of abuse.

 

 

^^^^ this was a big innovation in my opinion that has increased the durability in many different reels across brands, the newer entry level reels hold up better than 200$ reels that will accasionally brackreel a littlebit under extreme tension.

[PressuredFishing]

On 12/7/2021 at 10:16 AM, PhishLI said:

You're entitled to your opinion on anything you like, naturally, but not on weight. The Pro TI is lighter than the Chronarch by a skosh, and the Hypermag is lighter by over an ounce. So is the Custom Pro SLP, and those models have metal frames, not space age plastic.

 

Maybe im the wierdo, but with my clumsyness three pound baitcaster that is an all aluminum frame+ sideplates a all metal handle. I love low profile reels a ton but they sadly do not make anything this rugged anymore for bass fishing because everyone likes the lighter weights. Personally I have been fishing with this all metal conventional reel sized down for casting lures and its been amazing and has been my riprap reel because I fall alot on riprap.

 

[PhishLI]

On 12/8/2021 at 1:42 PM, PressuredFishing said:

Maybe im the wierdo, but with my clumsyness three pound baitcaster that is an all aluminum frame+ sideplates a all metal handle. I love low profile reels a ton but they sadly do not make anything this rugged anymore for bass fishing because everyone likes the lighter weights.

Take a look at Daiwa's new releases beginning with the Alphas. They've turned back the clock with all metal frames and free floating spool reels. Yes, the palm side plate is plastic but the set plate that locks into the frame is metal. In effect, they're all metal as far as the drivetrain is concerned. Metal handle sideplates are also found on the Tat150, 200 ,300, Elite, and Coastal. The beastly 300 actually has a dual supported pinion, and is my most solid feeling swimbait reel, and I have a few to compare it to.

 

 

 

 

On 12/8/2021 at 1:32 PM, PressuredFishing said:

Shimanos and Diawas are the only reels still made in a factory owned by themselves. This means they are NOT made by the Doyo or Banax factory.

That's no longer a fact. At least 3 Daiwas are built in Doyo factories. If you dig a little deeper than the commonly known Banax/Doyo thing, you'll find there are several jobber manufactures that build to spec for brands other than abu/lews/quantum, etc. I seriously doubt that Malaysian, Chinese, and Thailand factories are fully staffed with Japanese elves. "Owned by" is sort of nebulous at best.