Lew's Speed Spool baitcaster review

Camden · February 15, 2011, 11:50:45 PM

Lew's Speed Spool

Details and Specs
Available in 5.4/6.4/7.1 ratio's 6.4 available in left hand
Weight 8.1 oz
Retail $99
Features:

One-piece die cast aluminum frame
10 double-shielded premium stainless steel bearings
Drilled, machine forged and anodized aluminum spool
High strength solid brass gearing
External-adjust magnetic brake system
ZeroReverse one-way clutch bearing
Easily removable palming side plate
Rugged Rulon® star drag system
Lightweight graphite side plates
Anodized aluminum handle with Lew's custom paddle knobs
Titanium-coated zirconia line guide
Deep-spool SS1S cranking model with a longer 95MM handle

First impressions
Reel feels very light. curved handle looks great and should aid in cranking power.(i got the cranking model) Smooth feel and it really has a small frame. which i like for my skinny hands.

Canesfan · February 16, 2011, 11:41:26 AM

Been SERIOUSLY thinking of getting that exact model. Let us know how it casts, feels on the water, etc. Thanks.

Camden · February 16, 2011, 11:50:43 AM

hope it feels great im headed back right now to probably get the 7.1 ratio

my local store selling them for 70

Canesfan · February 16, 2011, 01:44:18 PM

Lucky you. Will have to order mine from Cabelas probably as BPS (which has a local store) doesn't carry them.

bassmaster893 · February 16, 2011, 03:46:43 PM

Is it a recomended buy? im looking into them too. i need a crankbait reel.

Camden · February 16, 2011, 05:22:50 PM

havent been on actual water yet but took it outside and played around with them.
(went ahead and got the 7.1 today)
flipped the new 7.1 around the yard a bit at some targets. easy to adjust the cast and even with small frame on the reel it was easy to thumb the spool. felt very smooth when casting on both models. hoping for soft water this week to get them out and put them to the test.

so far yes they feel like a good reel.
only con i can see is i wish every reel had a flipping switch.

bassindude · February 16, 2011, 09:36:14 PM

They also make one that has the dual breaks like an STX for 179.00 and it does look very nice.

Camden · February 16, 2011, 09:47:31 PM

yea they had the tournament for like 149. The local place here is actually pretty big. They have a good buying power and pass along any deal they get

Canesfan · February 17, 2011, 07:40:47 AM

Do they sell online or mail order? For $ 70 plus shipping still a great deal.

Camden · February 17, 2011, 09:06:29 AM

let of give them a call today. I know they have a website but dont do alot of fishing stuff on it.

Canesfan · February 17, 2011, 10:49:58 AM

Thanks. You can send me a private message if you want.

jcw0942 · March 06, 2013, 07:23:58 PM

Well I would like to try the speed spool has anybody had time to put them to the test yet just wondering thanks

tankstarus · March 06, 2013, 07:39:33 PM

I bought two of these last week. Went out last Saturday to try them and caught a 6lber on one.....so I went and bought another today

they are real smooth and so far so good. I have mine on duckett micro magic rods and man the whole setup is as smooth as a babys bottom.

BB · March 06, 2013, 11:20:18 PM

I would save my money for the tournament pro,I have had two speed spools for over a year and the last trip I went to adjust the mag breaks and the whole piece with the magnets just fell off of one.After a year I would just as soon give em away.Tourney pro is great though have nothing but good to say about it

jcw0942 · March 07, 2013, 12:32:09 AM

Thanks for the info I tried some bass pro reels and will never buy anymore just had bad luck so just looking for a good affordable reel

Camden · March 07, 2013, 01:07:24 PM

With proper mantainace the speed spool should last as long as ya want it. i wrote this review in Feb 2011 and am still using this exact reel. just as smooth as the first day. if your wanting a solid reel without bells and whistles then this is it

Ben Ott · March 07, 2013, 01:25:23 PM

I've got a couple of those. The 5.4 and the 6.4. The 5.4 is ona St Croix Mojo Big Crankster and I can throw a 1/2 ounce red eye shad a mile. I really like the speed spools and thats all I'm buying from now on.

BB · March 07, 2013, 05:46:37 PM

Yeah I babied this reel maybe just a fluke

Jared LeBlue · March 07, 2013, 06:22:25 PM

I have six of them and just bought another one a couple of days ago. I have not had a single problem with mine. I like the size of these reels, the fit my hands. They are very smooth and they cast like a dream. I would definitely recommend them.

Highlander · March 09, 2013, 10:18:53 PM

Last fall I was able to get my hands on a lews tourney and I was very impressed. I now have the lews tourney pro and bb1 and they are simply awesome reels.
I now only have 1 shimano left that I use for a backup reel but I am now a lews fan. What's not to like!

IMO they are the best bang for the buck reels and packed with features.
I simply can't say enuf about lews, lews reels simply rock!

bobsquatch13 · March 12, 2013, 02:22:48 PM

I have the TPISH Tourn. Pro 7.1 and also the TLIH Team Lews in 6.4 and I can tell you either of these casts as far as any reel I have owned. Took just a few minutes to get dialed in, then watch out. I have had Steez, both the 100SHA and 103 which were both phenomenal reels but not sure, cast wise, they would beat the Lews? Basiclally these will cast as far as my spinning outfits except one that has a Daiwa Steez 2500 on it - that one is out of sight. The Lews are quite light, small and good fit in hands, extremely smooth. Also agree that for the money you can get these for not sure anything out there any better?