Are you looking for a fishing reel? After intensive research and review of many products and brands, I can recommend Lews Reels. They convinced me of the price, features, and design. Let’s find out more about this brand and Best Lew’s fishing reels!
About Lews Brand
The history of the brand dates back to 1949. It was founded by Lew Childre. The brand is known for its high-class rods. The Childre family has completely changed the fishing world with its innovative products. However, the brand is owned by Lynn Reeves and Peak Rock Capital. The brand strives to create fishing equipment that is lighter, stronger, and faster.
Even though we know very little about this brand, it can compete with other high-quality fishing brands. Lew’s develops in various areas:
- Innovation. This brand produces contemporary and unique products. And it has always been that way. For example, in 1973, the brand produced the Speed Spool with an innovative teardrop design. The brand has received an award at ICAST more than 5 times. For example, in 2019, Lews received an award at the ICAST exhibition “The best combination of rods and reels.”
- Quality. Each employee of the company works on the quality of Lew’s products. Each time they release fishing equipment easier and faster than the previous one. The company also provides a 1-year warranty on its products. This suggests that the brand is confident in the quality of its fishing tackle.
- Diversity. The brand produces various products for a wide selection. They are famous not only for their speed spool and speed stick but also for their magic carpet trolling motor, spinning handles, speed sticker worm hooks, and more.
Our Top List 10 Best Lews Reels
1# Lew’s Mach I Speed Spool
A bright reel that ensures reliable performance even under the most challenging conditions! The reel has a robust construction with a one-piece graphite frame and side plates. The reel is equipped with an 8 bearing system with stainless steel double shielded bearings and zero reverse one-way clutch. Durable Rulon drag system that delivers up to 15 pounds of drag. I love this reel for its bowed aluminum handle with LEW’S Combat Grip paddles. In this reel, you will find the Multi-Setting Brake (MSB). This is a unique, high-quality reel that you can get for great money!
2# Lews Fishing, Pro-Ti Speed Spool SLP Casting Reel
This is one of my all-time favorites Lew’s casting rail. The reel has an aluminum frame and side panels and a durable titanium coating. This means that the coil is of high quality and reliable in use. The reel is equipped with an adjustable 6-pin 27 position QuietCast® Adjustable Centrifugal Braking system (ACB). Maximum resistance up to 20 lbs. In addition to all this, the reel has a Double anodized bowed aluminum drag star with audible click adjustment. I can describe this reel in 3 words: lightness, accessibility, and versatility.
3# Lew’s Fishing Lew’s Speed Cast SC600 Reels
This is a new Lews reel that features an audible bait clicker. In this reel, you will appreciate its 6 pin centrifugal brake systems and Carbon fiber drag. It is a sleek and durable drum. The resistance system is controlled by its aluminum old. The reel body does not bend thanks to the anodized aluminum frame and side plates. The reel has Premium 5-bearing systems. You will also love the incredibly comfortable grip with the oversize EVA grip.
4# Lew’s Fishing Wally Marshall Speed Shooter Spinning Reel WMSS100 Reels
This reel has a vibrant green and blue design that will inspire any angler. You will love the smoothness of this device thanks to the 4-bearing with zero reverse anti-reverse. The reel is equipped with a foldable handle. It can be adjusted for both right- and left-handers. The reel is distinguished by its Thin compact gearbox. The reel is equipped with a durable yet lightweight skeletal graphite rotor. This is an excellent reel in terms of price/performance ratio.
5# Lews Fishing, Custom Pro Speed Spin Spinning Reels
In this reel, you will find everything you need at a great price! Here you will find a great drag system to help you get past the big fish. The carbon fiber drag system has up to 24 pounds of drag. The coil has an aluminum frame that is very strong and cannot be bent. This reel is ideal for freshwater use and you can flush out the sand without any problems thanks to the flush and drain port. The reel has a Premium stainless steel 12- bearing system with Zero Reverse® one-way clutch bearing. The smooth operation even in frost and harsh weather conditions thanks to Speed Lube®.
6# Lew’s Mach Smash Spinning Reel
This is an incredibly stylish Lew’s spinning reel that ensures successful fishing. It has a lightweight graphite body, so you can fish for a long time without getting tired. The reel is equipped with an 8-bearing system (7 + 1) with Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing. You can adjust for both right and left hand. This reel provides smooth operation thanks to its multi-disc drag systems.
7# Lew’s Fishing Custom Inshore SLP Speed Spool MSB 9+1
This is one of my favorite U-shaped reels. 10 premium bearings ensure durability and smooth operation. They resist corrosion. The reel has a one-piece aluminum frame with a C45 gear side plate and a graphite palming side plate. The drag system can go up to 20 pounds. The reel is equipped with a Double anodized bowed aluminum drag star with an audible click.
8# Lews Fishing MH100A Mach I Speed Spin Spinning Reel
If you are looking for a quality all-rounder, you have already found it! First of all, I love this reel for its lightweight. It has a durable graphite body. The coil has 10 bearings (9 + 1). It has a 6.2: 1 gear ratio. Smooth operation is achieved thanks to the multi-disc drag system. You can use the coil in all weather conditions: rain, frost, and so on thanks to Speed Lube ™.
9# Lew’s BB1 Speed Spool Baitcast Reel
This is a trendy reel for the best throws. It is a lightweight reel due to its material. It is made from a lightweight one-piece aluminum frame and with lightweight carbon C45 side plates. The coil has an excellent drag system which is made from carbon fiber with a maximum drag of 20 lbs. The coil has a system of 11 bearings with stainless steel ball bearings. You will be delighted with the curved grip, which is so light it barely feels in your hand.
10# Lews Fishing, Tournament Pro LFS Baitcasting Reel
I suggest you take a look at one of the best Lew’s Baitcasting Fishing Reels. Besides the improved appearance, this reel has many features. This reel features a one-piece aluminum frame with a lightweight C45 carbon side plate as well as an adjustable Centrifugal Braking System. I love the Combat GripTM thumb bar about this reel. This reel has smooth operation thanks to the P2 Super Pinion ™ bearing supported pinion gear. And that’s not all the features this device has to offer!
Important Criteria When Buying a Fishing Reel
In order for you to make the right decision, you must pay attention to some points before buying. This will help avoid problems that can arise when buying the wrong reel:
- Weight. You yourself know that fishing isn’t a quick process, but a rather long pastime. If you get a heavy reel, you won’t be able to fish for long hours. The reel should be light enough. This way you will avoid fatigue and injury to your hands. This will allow you to fish for a long time and feel comfortable.
- Water-type. Before buying, consider where you will fish: freshwater or saltwater. If you are fishing in seawater, the reel should be made of better quality materials. The reel must be strong and reliable and resistant to corrosion. Your reel should be able to withstand any kind of stress when fishing in saltwater.
- The reel and your rod. It may happen that the reel will not fit your rod. And it will take you a lot of time and nerves to return your purchase. Therefore, take care of this point in advance. However, you’re in luck. Lews is the brand that gives advice on which rod a particular reel works with.
Conclusion
Lews is a fishing brand that knows a lot about the quality of fishing reels. The brand creates innovative products at attractive prices. In this article, I told you why you should trust this brand and reviewed 10 Best Lews fishing reels. Now you know all the advantages and disadvantages of this brand and you can make the right choice.
Tags: #lews reels / #lews fishing reels / #lews spinning reels / #lews reels on sale / #who makes lews fishing reels / #where are lews fishing reels made / #who makes lews reels
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
Affiliate Disclosure: FishReeler.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Ebay, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop, Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Renn, Okuma, KastKing, etс. Clicking a link helps keep FishReeler.com free, at no extra cost to you!
About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!
I have been considering purchasing Lew’s reel recently, but I’ve noticed that many of their reels that are priced above $100 still have graphite frames and side plates. This surprised me as I thought that most reels in this price range would come with aluminum frames.
When I looked at other top brands like Daiwa, Shimano, and Okuma, I noticed that their higher-priced reels all had aluminum frames. It seems to me that for a baitcaster priced over $100, I should expect to get an aluminum frame, which is not the case with many Lew’s reels. I am curious if anyone else has noticed this or if it’s just me being picky about materials.
Both graphite and aluminum are commonly used materials for fishing reel frames, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Graphite frames are typically lighter in weight, making them more comfortable to use for long periods of time. They also tend to be less expensive than aluminum frames. However, graphite is not as strong as aluminum and may be more prone to cracking or breaking under heavy stress or impact.
Aluminum frames are more durable and can withstand greater stress and impact than graphite frames. They also provide a more solid and secure feel when reeling in a fish. However, aluminum frames are typically heavier than graphite frames, which can make them less comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
In general, the choice between graphite and aluminum frames depends on personal preference and the specific fishing conditions and techniques being used. Some anglers prefer the lightweight comfort of graphite, while others prefer the durability and strength of aluminum. Ultimately, both materials can be effective for fishing reels depending on the situation.
I recently got a great deal on a couple of Lews Tournament Pro reels with a 30% discount, which brought the price down to $140 each. I’ve been using them for a while now and have found them to be very reliable and they cast really well. I own several Shimano Curados and I find the Lews Tournament Pro to be just as good. Obviously, they’re not on the same level as my high-end Metanium reel, but the price difference is significant. Personally, I wouldn’t pay $199 for them, but for anything under $150, the Tournament Pro is definitely a solid choice.
I have been using two orange Mach Crush combos for almost two years now, and I have never had any issues with either of them. Both are left retrieve baitcasters, and they perform excellently without any propensity to backlash more than any other setup I own. I have come to realize that most of the backlashes I experience are usually due to my own error, such as trying to force a cast into a tight spot.
Overall, I am still very satisfied with my purchase, and I would buy them again with the same excitement and confidence I had when I first purchased them.
As an avid Daiwa fan, I must say that Lew’s reels are generally of good quality. I am not particularly concerned about the material used in making the reel, as long as it performs its intended function.
However, I have had a terrible experience with Abu Garcia. Although I have a Revo X, which works fine, anything lower than that is practically junk. Additionally, any Abu Garcia reel that costs more than the Revo X does not measure up to its competitors, including Lews in my opinion.
I grew up with the old-school Abu Garcia quality before they went into mass production. In those days, you could expect a hand-me-down Abu Garcia reel to be top-notch. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. After using my Revo X for two years, I consider myself fortunate that it still works.
As someone who learned on Lew’s Speed Spools, I can confidently say that they are one of the best baitcasters for beginners due to their braking systems. However, after using Daiwa reels for the past 2 years, I believe they are slightly smoother than Lew’s. I do agree with another commenter that at a lower price point (under $100), Daiwa, Lew’s, and Shimano’s reels are all reliable, easy to cast, and comparable to one another.
It’s important to use what works for you personally. As a side note, I wanted to share that Doyo is the company in Korea responsible for manufacturing Lew’s reels. Interestingly, the same factory also produces many other popular brands such as Bass Pro, Pflueger, entry-level Diawa reels (CA and CR80 series), and virtually all Abu Garcia reels.
From my personal experience, the Lew’s Speed Spool in the same gear ratio as the one mentioned in the post is a fantastic reel. I’ve used it with braid and it performs flawlessly, casting incredibly far with the right gear tuning. While I haven’t used it for walleye, I’ve caught plenty of bass and carp with it and it has held up against their power and long runs. The reel is also very durable, as I’ve dropped it numerous times without any issues.
I’ve tried other brands such as Abu, Okuma, and Shimano, but none have matched the performance of my Speed Spool. I can only imagine how well the higher-quality models such as the BB1 and Tournament Pro would perform. In fact, one of my fishing buddies who primarily used Quantum reels was so impressed with my Speed Spool that he ended up buying the Tournament, Tournament MG, BB1, and Pro models within a week. We both now swear by Lew’s reels.
I have tried out numerous fishing reels from various brands over the years. However, my first bait caster combo was from Lews, and I must say it has been one of my best purchases yet. The American Hero baitcaster is an excellent option for anyone who is looking to try their hand at baitcasting without breaking the bank.
Even after five years of weekly use, my Lews American Hero bait caster is still going strong. It has held up remarkably well and has become one of my go-to reels for all my fishing expeditions. I highly recommend this reel for any beginner angler who is looking to invest in a reliable and affordable baitcaster.
What sets Lews apart from other brands, in my opinion, is their exceptional casting abilities. I have used various price range reels from different brands, but none have made me go “holy shit” as much as Lews baitcasters. I cannot explain the science behind it, but these reels cast like a dream for me.
In conclusion, if you’re a beginner angler who is just starting with baitcasting, I highly recommend Lews American Hero baitcaster as your first purchase. It’s a fantastic reel that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, and you’ll get to experience the joy of catching fish with ease.
I have been using different brands of reels over the years. However, it wasn’t until about a year ago that I discovered Lew’s, and I must say that they are the best reels I have used so far, surpassing Abu Garcia and Quantum.
I have always been advised to use tournament-level reels, starting at $120, and have never used anything below that range. According to several people, anything below the tournament level just doesn’t stand up to heavy use. But, I was pleasantly surprised with my Lew’s reel, which has exceeded my expectations.
I am currently using the Tournament MG on a Veritas, and it has quickly become my favorite among the ten other setups that I own. The Tournament MG reel is incredibly smooth, and the Veritas rod adds to the overall experience, making it an enjoyable and efficient setup to use on any fishing trip.
I highly recommend Lew’s reels, especially their tournament-level reels, to any angler who wants to invest in a reliable and high-quality setup. With Lew’s, you won’t be disappointed, and you’ll enjoy an exceptional fishing experience every time.
I currently use a Lew’s Custom Pro reel, and I must say it is incredibly light and powerful. I recently heard that Lew’s is releasing some new models for 2023 that look super cool, and I can’t wait to try them out.
In terms of performance, I have used both Lew’s and Chronarch reels that are about the same price range. While the Chronarch may have better brakes and a cooler look, I can’t really tell the difference between the two in terms of performance. Moreover, the Custom Pro is incredibly powerful, with a 20lb drag, making it an excellent reel for heavy-duty fishing.
I have been using Lew’s reels for many years, back when they were made by Shimano and were called Lew Childers. They have always been super smooth and easy to use, and I believe that anyone who invests in Lew’s reel will not be disappointed.
That being said, I now use Shimano Carado reels mainly for their durability factor. I appreciate that if ever needed, parts like roller bearings and other assorted parts are readily available, making maintenance and repairs easy.