The Speed Spool Returns – Lew’s Tournament Pro Baitcaster

[Cal]

The Speed Spool Returns – Lew’s Tournament Pro Baitcaster



Introduction: The Speed Spool series returns with four new reels from legendary tackle manufacturer, Lew’s. We take a look at the Tournament Pro, an aggressively priced fully featured baitcaster that is designed to address the needs of both weekend warriors and professional anglers. Does this new baitcaster have what it takes to introduce a new generation of anglers to the brand?

Complete Article: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewlewstournamentpro.html

[Bassboss]

This review was great I've got to say! Definitely helped with deciding my next baitcasting amusing I get damn job, lol! One thing I found out that I didn't know, is that the handle side had graphite side plates, I thought only the palm side had 'em. But after seeing that after a seasons use the reel is still running smooth like they day that got it, I'm not to overly concerned. The thing that really got me liking it was what they said about the casting, that probably being my number one concern in baitcaster qualities.

Thanks a lot for the review guys.. can't wait to see a Tournament speed spool review!

[Sonicx360]

It seems like Lew's got much better as they came back last year in the rod and reel industry. Their new baitcasters' style reminds me of some of the BPS reels like the Carbonlite.

[Smalleyez]

Nice review!

I handled a Lew’s Tournament Pro Baitcaster at a shop the other day and I kept coming back to it because it just seemed so well put together. All of the "clickies" (tension knob, magnet dial, and drag star) were so crisp and worked so nicely, best in the shop and that included several well known higher dollar reels. Loved the black matte finish and general appearance!

I don't need a reel right now, but this Lew's reel will be on a very short list next time I'm buying. Had I been shopping that day I would have bought it on the spot.

[Carlos Carrapiço]

Am I seeing things or this reel is full of plastics?


Plastic handle side plate

Plastic internals

Plastic non handle side plate

200$ for this?? Maybe is made of Zaion

This is inferior to the Revo platform that served as starting base

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewabugarciarevostx.html
Revo STX 200$
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewaburevosx.html
Revo SX 170$

[Tokugawa]

Anyone know the handle length?

[BASSLAYER]

Love the NRX in the review, what model was it Zander?


might have to get a Lew's pretty soon & check it out.

[Cal]

Love the NRX in the review, what model was it Zander?

Zander is out on assignment... I believe he's fishing the Lew's on an NRX 853C JWR ... either that or the 852

[21farms]

tokugawa, the handles are 85mm in length (i did not measure them myself, that is what lew's told me).

carlos, i'm not sure i understand what you're saying. as far as i can tell, every part that is plastic on the lew's is plastic on the STX and SX as well except for the sideplates. but, hey, if you shave off weight, it has to come from somewhere.

zander, great job on the review. i was initially concerned about the paddle knobs too but, i must say, they feel pretty darn good.

i'm surprised no one has made mention of it only having four centrifugal brakes instead of usual six. i'm taking mine out tomorrow for the first time...am very curious as to how it will perform.

[Tokugawa]

tokugawa, the handles are 85mm in length (i did not measure them myself, that is what lew's told me).

Thanks!

i'm surprised no one has made mention of it only having four centrifugal brakes instead of usual six. i'm taking mine out tomorrow for the first time...am very curious as to how it will perform.

Well...most people just turn two on and forget it.

[Carlos Carrapiço]

carlos, i'm not sure i understand what you're saying. as far as i can tell, every part that is plastic on the lew's is plastic on the STX and SX as well except for the sideplates. but, hey, if you shave off weight, it has to come from somewhere.

The Premier has a handle side plate and a handle made of aluminium and isn't heavier is it?

The reel is made cheep otherwise it wouldn't enter in the market.
The actual retail price is even less than what Zander paid. Some are now being sold at 159$.
And this is no surprise for me. This reel has not a single advantage over the Revo SX despite the weigh.
The SX has better spool, better free spool system, max drag and a metal handle side plate and the recommended price is 170$. This are all features that you care for when fishing. If you like to talk about gear with your friends, then a reduced weight and carbon handle might be more important over overall construction quality.

[Bronzeye]

The SX has better spool, better free spool system

Why is the spool better?
What do you mean by "free spool system," and why is it better in the SX?
Have you used this Lew's reel?

[aavery2]

carlos, i'm not sure i understand what you're saying. as far as i can tell, every part that is plastic on the lew's is plastic on the STX and SX as well except for the sideplates. but, hey, if you shave off weight, it has to come from somewhere.

The Premier has a handle side plate and a handle made of aluminium and isn't heavier is it?

The reel is made cheep otherwise it wouldn't enter in the market.
The actual retail price is even less than what Zander paid. Some are now being sold at 159$.
And this is no surprise for me. This reel has not a single advantage over the Revo SX despite the weigh.
The SX has better spool, better free spool system, max drag and a metal handle side plate and the recommended price is 170$. This are all features that you care for when fishing. If you like to talk about gear with your friends, then a reduced weight and carbon handle might be more important over overall construction quality.

Some would consider the dual braking and CF handle an advantage over the SX. Prior to fishing Lews which I now own three of the TP1H reels, I was a diehard Revo fan. I can honestly say that the Lews in smoother on the retrieve and cast than the many Revo's I currently own. Do yourself a favor, pick one up and actually fish it before you totally dismiss it.

[Carlos Carrapiço]

The SX has better spool, better free spool system

Why is the spool better?
What do you mean by "free spool system," and why is it better in the SX?
Have you used this Lew's reel?

Although no stated the SX has "Infini II™ Spool Design for Extended Castability and Extreme Loads"
You can check the schematics http://abugarcia.com/sites/default/file ... 6%2002.pdf

[Carlos Carrapiço]

carlos, i'm not sure i understand what you're saying. as far as i can tell, every part that is plastic on the lew's is plastic on the STX and SX as well except for the sideplates. but, hey, if you shave off weight, it has to come from somewhere.

The Premier has a handle side plate and a handle made of aluminium and isn't heavier is it?

The reel is made cheep otherwise it wouldn't enter in the market.
The actual retail price is even less than what Zander paid. Some are now being sold at 159$.
And this is no surprise for me. This reel has not a single advantage over the Revo SX despite the weigh.
The SX has better spool, better free spool system, max drag and a metal handle side plate and the recommended price is 170$. This are all features that you care for when fishing. If you like to talk about gear with your friends, then a reduced weight and carbon handle might be more important over overall construction quality.

Some would consider the dual braking and CF handle an advantage over the SX. Prior to fishing Lews which I now own three of the TP1H reels, I was a diehard Revo fan. I can honestly say that the Lews in smoother on the retrieve and cast than the many Revo's I currently own. Do yourself a favor, pick one up and actually fish it before you totally dismiss it.

Been there, done that.... I spent more than I like to think buying reels to see how good they are.
Now I only buy reels that have proved to pass the test of time.
This reel suffers from the same structural weakness as all Abu's (the magnet plat/ spool plate on the non handle side made of plastic).
I have a Revo SX and after fishing it hard, I decided that I will never by a Revo while they use plastic for this part.
When I increase the spool tension, the spool shifts to the non handle side and the line starts to be laid uneven in the spool.

Better, now as both ends of the spool are secured by plastic parts, this parts would distribute evenly the load and flex and will keep the spool aligned Problem solved