New Lews review

[Bassn Blvd]

My Lews Speed Spool arrived yesterday and just in time for my tournament today . I chose the Tournament Pro series because it only weighs 6.7 ounces. It cost $179 compared to the "Team" series at $249 and 7.1 ounces.

I'm a hardcore Shimano fan, so I had serious doubts about how this reel was going to compare to my other low profile reels, such as my Chronarch 50mg's. At no time did I even think this reel could/would be on the same playing field as my Shimanos. I figured I'd give the reel a chance and end up selling it here as used, or send it straight back to TW for a refund.

My first impression right out of the box was, "Hmmm, not bad." The weight was right where I like my reels to be, under 7 ounces, and surprisingly fit my hand perfectly. I gave the handle a few turns and found the spool to spin absolutely effortlessly. The star drag and spool tension knob click when tightened and loosened. The more I fondled it, the more impressed I became.

The reel is rated for 120 yards of #12, but I spooled it up with #10 Yozuri. I wanted to give it a fair shot at finding a home in my rod rack so I mounted it on my 7'5 Loomis NRX and dedicated it as my main rod choice during my tournament. But don't worry, I had plenty of Shimanos on immediate standby if needed . '

I threw a Senko for all about an hour today and managed to boat over 30 pounds of fish, one over 6 and one over 5, for 19.2 pounds for best 5. I would have liked to tried out different applications but the bass were in the mood for Senkos today. Most of the fish were caught in 2-7 feet of water and no more than 15-20 feet from the boat so I really didn't get a chance to use the reel to it's full potential.

I will tell you this though, the reel performed flawlessly and was extremely comfortable to fish with. The reel took no time at all to get used to and felt like I have been fishing it for years.

If I had to make a decision right now to keep the Lews or get rid of my Daiwa Sol, I'd choose to keep the Lews without hesitation. The Lews just feels more durable and beefy, even though it's only 6.7 ounces. Time will tell though. I need to re-spool it with some heavier line to see how it holds up to a jig and smaller swimbaits, such as the Lake Fork Magic Shad.

One other thing, I'm not big into tearing my reels down and checking out the gears (I save that for the mechanic) so I can't comment on the durability of the innards. But, if this new line of Lews holds up to the late 70's model, then I'm sure they will be very good reels and worth the investment.

I'm going to put this reel through a major work out in the next 2-3 weeks and if it holds up as good as it looks and feels then I will buy another one, in addition to the "Team" series.

Here are a few pic's.

[Whets Lines]

Thanks for the quick review Bassn Blvd. From my research, the main concerns on these new reels are the ability for Lew's to provide product support with parts should something fail on the reel. My view of this is that it is unlikely, but a legitimate concern. However, it isn't really my concern.

I have been looking at these reels. I'm very curious to know how they casted for you. How would you rate the cast control? The drag? Some reels just seem to never want to backlash. Others are a bit finicky. If you have it set right and cast, it will work great...until the one time you don't pay real close attention and then, ffffttt, bird's nest. Personally, that drives me nuts. As an example, I had a pre-2010 Revo Premier and a Quantum Tour Edition PT. For me, these reels were finicky. Most times, they were great. Then, I'd put a little too much behind a cast, or not pay attention, or whatever and I'd have a mess on my hands. However, with my Revo Winches, I never have this happen.

I know I could spend more time educating my thumb or concentrate more on technique. But, for a reel in the bill-plus range, I want quality with a touch of forgiveness...

Can you let me know if you felt this reel is finicky? Is there a small margin of error when casting, or a more forgiving margin of error? Thanks again for your previous post and any follow-up information you provide.

Whets

8-)

[Bassn Blvd]

I'm worried about the parts/service for these reels also, but I'll cross that bridge when i get to it.  I take extra good care of my reels  so I hope this one holds up.

I didn't do a whole lot of casting today, mostly under hand tossing and skipping Senkos underneath docks.  My only real backlash was when I skipped a little too hard and nailed the side of the dock >.  I found the spool tension knob not to be as sensitive as my chronarch 50's. My first impression of this reel was very good but I'd feel more comfortable giving more accurate advice after I use it a few more times.

[islandbass]

Thanks! I look forward to future reports. I would like to know its approximate lower weight limit for tossing lures. For example, my curados easily handle 3/16 oz and do alright with 1/8 oz. stock.

I think it looks pretty decent too.

[Goose52]

Good report!

I'm curious on how these reels look on the inside and whether any of the design and parts may be similar, or identical to, other reels like the BPS PQ and the Abu Revo. The new owner of Lew's was a long-time BPS buyer and product developer and may have sourced these reels from the same manufacturer(s) as BPS and Abu. If so, there may be some parts interchangeability between the reels thus giving alternatives for parts sourcing in the future.

[central.PA.bass]

Good report!

I'm curious on how these reels look on the inside and whether any of the design and parts may be similar, or identical to, other reels like the BPS PQ and the Abu Revo. The new owner of Lew's was a long-time BPS buyer and product developer and may have sourced these reels from the same manufacturer(s) as BPS and Abu. If so, there may be some parts interchangeability between the reels thus giving alternatives for parts sourcing in the future.

great point!!   using interchangeable parts with bps and abu would be sweet! 

[adclem]

Great review.  I have been reading a lot on this really and have been considering trying one.

Thanks,

[R520dvx]

Here is what I can add. We received one of the first shipments. Since then, they have been selling like wildfire. Our only issue so far is that we can't get enough of them.

One of the first ones we sold went to Canada ... to a guy who encounters large, mean, toothy critters. He has since ordered 5 more.

We have another customer who tears down EVERY reel he purchases before it ever goes on a rod. He was quite impressed and said it is the first reel he has purchased that did not need additional lube right out of the box. Most have a minimal amount of lube so they feel good in the display case.

We are pretty good friends with one of their Pro Staff. He is confident in their commitment to overall customer service .... like parts.

Currently, they are dominating every price point in the store from a sales standpoint. With 4 models .... price points .... to choose from, there is something for everyone.

[The Rooster]

Good report!

I'm curious on how these reels look on the inside and whether any of the design and parts may be similar, or identical to, other reels like the BPS PQ and the Abu Revo. The new owner of Lew's was a long-time BPS buyer and product developer and may have sourced these reels from the same manufacturer(s) as BPS and Abu. If so, there may be some parts interchangeability between the reels thus giving alternatives for parts sourcing in the future.

If you look at how these reels are made and shaped, they resemble very much a BPS Pro Qualifier or Abu Garcia Revo. There's no doubt they're made by the same people. The way the sideplate comes away with the bar going across and accessed on the crank side gives that away. Overall shape of the body does too. Even the lowest $90 model has an identical drag star to the BPS Extreme reels I have with straight cranks. Then the levelwind guide is the same also. And I see by the upside down pic of it that it has the same lube port access on the gearbox too that the Extremes have. I think it's mostly a PQ in disguise and upgraded a good bit too with more bearings. Sort of reminds me of what would happen if you crossed a PQ and a Curado. Oversized grips and all!! ;D

I'm interested in them as well. Not sure if I'll get one right away though, as getting any of them would be a choice between that and a Citica, or on the upper end, that and a Curado, and right now I'm completely sold AND THEN SOME on Shimano reels.

But there's no denying they look flat out awesome and if that cast control clicks as was shown in the above pics then that's a good sign no detail was overlooked in making them. I could see these replacing the BPS PQ as the reel to get for quality vs. price!!   Especially if you don't live near a BPS store.  I'm too particular to satisfy with mail order only to find out I don't like it and have to return it (like I'm doing now with another reel).  I can get these Lew's reels at the local shop where I got the Symetre I just bought.  They had them all instock right there.  I meant to look at one close up while there but was too excited about the new Shimano reel I was buying and I forgot. :'(  Oh well, it's only a 15 minute drive back.

[WanderLust]

Here is what I can add. We received one of the first shipments. Since then, they have been selling like wildfire. Our only issue so far is that we can't get enough of them.

One of the first ones we sold went to Canada ... to a guy who encounters large, mean, toothy critters. He has since ordered 5 more.

We have another customer who tears down EVERY reel he purchases before it ever goes on a rod. He was quite impressed and said it is the first reel he has purchased that did not need additional lube right out of the box. Most have a minimal amount of lube so they feel good in the display case.

We are pretty good friends with one of their Pro Staff. He is confident in their commitment to overall customer service .... like parts.

Currently, they are dominating every price point in the store from a sales standpoint. With 4 models .... price points .... to choose from, there is something for everyone.

Great info! Thanks.

[northern basser]

I handled the tour. pro for the 1st time today at Cabelas.  I thought the frame would be similar to a revo but it was lower profile.  It felt really nice and I think I'll be pulling the trigger on one.

Winter time monkey is bad.

[Nibbles]

Might be worth getting one just to cannibalize for the CF handle, considering how expensive aftermarket ones typically cost.

[The Rooster]

Might be worth getting one just to cannibalize for the CF handle, considering how expensive aftermarket ones typically cost.

Are you serious?? $180 for a reel just to get the handle?? They CAN'T be that expensive, surely not. :-?  If they are, that's ridiculous.

Oh, on second thought, I think my wife might have said something along those lines for $180 fishing reels in general.   ;D  I didn't think so at the time. :-? :-X

[Nibbles]

Aftermarket carbon fiber handles typically run around $100-$120.

If I buy a $180 reel and cannibalize the carbon fiber handle, I can add a regular handle (I have some spare metal handles that should fit most reels) to it and use it as a backup non-enthusiast workhorse reel. Basically, I am paying $80 for a slightly heavier version of a $180 reel, because I would've dropped $100 on an aftermarket CF handle anyway for upgrading my JDM enthusiast reels.

[piscicidal]

I'm worried about the parts/service for these reels also, but I'll cross that bridge when i get to it. I take extra good care of my reels so I hope this one holds up.

I didn't do a whole lot of casting today, mostly under hand tossing and skipping Senkos underneath docks. My only real backlash was when I skipped a little too hard and nailed the side of the dock >. I found the spool tension knob not to be as sensitive as my chronarch 50's. My first impression of this reel was very good but I'd feel more comfortable giving more accurate advice after I use it a few more times.

Doug, I wouldn't worry about that too much. Everyone raves about Shimano parts/customer service...but I have a Shimano Chronarch on the injured reserve list right now, because there's a couple parts I can't get for them...Shimano says they are on backorder until May. I've tried everyplace online...(Dad's ole tackle box, David's tackle box, ebay, etc, etc...) I've even posted on several websites (including this one: flea market) asking for old parts reels.

I'm not saying this as a shimano bash...i like my shimanos as much as the next guy. Just saying don't let part availablity influence your perception of the reel.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

What parts do you need, Mike?  I can dig around in my parts bin and see what I've got here.

[piscicidal]

Eric, check your PM....

[1inStripes]

Nice review so far.  Good to hear.  I noticed that Tim Horton has changed from Pflueger to Lews and will be fishing Lews equipment for the Classic.

[Stasher1]

Is it just me, or does this thread title remind anyone else of New Zoo Review?  :-/

;D

[0119]

Oh man where did you get that pic? That frog always queebed me out!

[Crookedneck]

Thanks for the review.  I have been thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these but haven't seen any reviews yet.

[atrocity123]

Is the handle real carbon or is it just air brushed on there? Nowhere does it have it listed as carbon but the team's handle is listed as carbon. Thinking of picking this up or a quantum smoke. Thanks

[Flywatersmallie]

I pulled the trigger on 2 of them over the weekend. I was just curious enough. I figure if I don't like them, I'll resell them. From the reviews here and elsewhere, I don't think that will be an issue. They are scheduled for delivery tomorrow. Gonna be a long day waiting for that brown truck I think

[breezy]

I've been eying these for a while now. Tournament Pro is lightweight, good price point and aesthetically pleasing. Graphite cranking sideplate always makes me think twice about a reel, but I've never had an issue with any of the ones I own and it seems this is becoming the norm.

The $200 price point is definitely a competitive area. I would like to see how this stacks up vs the smoke and even the Premier since you can find them on ebay for about that.

[21farms]

Is the handle real carbon or is it just air brushed on there? Nowhere does it have it listed as carbon but the team's handle is listed as carbon. Thinking of picking this up or a quantum smoke. Thanks

i had emailed lew's before on that. here's their reply:

The handles on the Tournament Pro are lightweight carbon fiber and 85mm in length. The whole reel is super lightweight at 6.7oz. This is largely due to the handle and the high quality lightweight aircraft grade aluminum used for the spool and gears.

Thank you for you interest in Lew's Products

Team Lews Fishing