Chronarch Ci4 Vs Lews Bb1 Pro 2025
Tylertut reply :
I can compare reviews all day, but what matters is people who have owned either. I'll be using it for an all around reel but will be used mostly for frogs and jigs maybe some heavier t-rigs. Let me know what you guys think of either of them.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Comparing these two reels is not apples to apples. The Lews go for $165 and the Chronarch for $269. Both have fans and rightfully so, either will serve well. The Chronarch is the more refined of the two.
Tywithay reply :
For what you'll be casting, I wouldn't spend the extra money for the Chronarch. The Chronarch is a far better reel, in my opinion, but if you're casting over 1/2oz; it won't really matter. If you changed to a Curado I vs BB1 Pro, you'd have a closer comparison, in which case I prefer the Curado over the BB1 Pro as well. It just feels more refined and a little smoother to me. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice, but I definitely wouldn't spend an extra $100 for throwing jigs, frogs, and t-rigs when the other reels will launch them as well as the more expensive option. If you were going to be throwing lighter baits, the CI4+ would be a better choice.
RippinLips4 reply :
Neither, Zebco 33.
Just joking, I love lews but I think for the extra 70$ bucks I would try the Ci4+.
(I've never handled the Ci4+ though)
gripnrip reply :
I purchased the Ci4 7:6:1 specifically for jig fishing. The reason. . . . . because I wanted to. 32" a turn helped that decision as well. I have never owned a Lew's. I have a Curado I on the way. A better comparison like stated above would be a Curado I vs the Bb1 or a Tatula vs Bb1. I am completely happy with my Ci4. It will cast the lighter baits a mile, just like Tywithay stated above. I will be getting at least 2 more for finesse fishing since they do well with lighter baits.
mjseverson24 reply :
I wouldn't use a composite framed reel for frogs and heavy t-rigs... it probably would hold up just fine... but what if it doesn't... aluminum frame and gear side plate is proven to be able to take the abuse you are looking to do... check out the Lews Superduty...
Mitch
curtis9 reply :
Composite reel is just fine for frogs and jigs. I use a ci4 for this and haven't had any issues.
bflp3 reply :
I bought a Ci4 for jigs, had the same concern and asked here. A few guys said they were using it for jigs and it was great. I haven't fished it yet, but it I don't like it for that I'll move it to another role.On 3/30/2014 at 12:21 PM, mjseverson24 said:I wouldn't use a composite framed reel for frogs and heavy t-rigs... it probably would hold up just fine... but what if it doesn't... aluminum frame and gear side plate is proven to be able to take the abuse you are looking to do... check out the Lews Superduty...
Mitch
That said, I don't think an aluminum side plate is necessary for those techniques. I'd guess the vast majority of anglers don't have that for those techniques.
*Hootie reply :
Have ONLY used mine for jigs. Help me out here. Where is the problem?
Maybe, just because it's new, people are a little scared. Don't be....it's fine and up to the task.
Hootie
thehooligan reply :
On 3/30/2014 at 9:24 AM, Tywithay said:For what you'll be casting, I wouldn't spend the extra money for the Chronarch. The Chronarch is a far better reel, in my opinion, but if you're casting over 1/2oz; it won't really matter. If you changed to a Curado I vs BB1 Pro, you'd have a closer comparison, in which case I prefer the Curado over the BB1 Pro as well. It just feels more refined and a little smoother to me. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice, but I definitely wouldn't spend an extra $100 for throwing jigs, frogs, and t-rigs when the other reels will launch them as well as the more expensive option. If you were going to be throwing lighter baits, the CI4+ would be a better choice.
X2 I've owned and used both, the ci4+ is definitely a nicer reel. If you can afford it, go Shimano.
J Francho reply :
I've seen aluminum, graphite, stapes steel, and other composite frames fail. It's almost always a manufacturer defect. I generally prefer Al frames for heavy duty use, but the newer materials are pretty strong.
Grantman83 reply :
My experience isn't as deep as most but the newer composites sure seem to be plenty strong enough. Heck, the Core series is super light magnesium and yet many people use the core50 for flippin and pitching. Heck, the 100mgfv and 100mg7 were made specifically for the heavier stuff.
I have aluminum reels and prefer them not because I feel they are that much stronger, but that the metal gives them a more solid and fluid feel. Case in point, I sold all my core series reels but will NEVER sell my chronarch d series. Same shape, same gearing, but the aluminum of the chronarch just makes them feel smoother to me.
mjseverson24 reply :
I also use a composite frame for some of my jigging (Daiwa T3-B ), and i dont have an issue with that, but for frogging in the slop, which is where i primarily frog fish, i want a beefy reel that i can abuse and it can take it, not that the Chronarch CI4+ cant do it I just don't want to find out that it can't the hard way... and his statement of heavy t-rigs makes me think of 3/4 oz + for punching and other really thick stuff... which i again want a beast of a reel, not that the top composite reels are not beasts, i just dont want a 250+ dollar lesson to find out they are better suited for light to medium heavy duty stuff...
Mitch
curtis9 reply :
Ci4 is a perfect reel for heavy stuff. I can't think of any bass fishing technique that will over power this reel.
What are you afraid us going to fail?
*Hootie reply :
I really couldn't see the point in passing up a $69.00 BPS Pro Qualifier that can do the job, for a $270.00 reel that can't. It WILL do the job. I'll get back with you at the end of the season, and one of us will eat crow. AND IT WON'T BE ME!....lol.
Hootie
mjseverson24 reply :
On 3/31/2014 at 12:55 AM, curtis9 said:Ci4 is a perfect reel for heavy stuff. I can't think of any bass fishing technique that will over power this reel.
What are you afraid us going to fail?
Punching and frogging in heavy cover as well as big swimbaits would be more difficult on these types of materials(this does not mean they will fail, just that they have a higher chance of failure). the problem is they will be more prone to flexing and potentially misaligning the gearing, which would potentially cause them to slip, or break. Also with these types of setups I like a longer, heavy action rod, and the lighter material doesn't balance the rod out quite as nicely as the heavier aluminum framed reels... I like the Chronarch CI4+ i want to get one, but i will not be using it for the techniques where power is paramount...
Mitch
J Francho reply :
How is anyone eating crow, if both work? Use what you like.
*Hootie reply :
He thinks it is not a good idea, I think it will work fine. Didn't mean to offend anyone. Just a little country boy humor.
Hootie
curtis9 reply :
On 3/31/2014 at 1:51 AM, mjseverson24 said:Punching and frogging in heavy cover as well as big swimbaits would be more difficult on these types of materials(this does not mean they will fail, just that they have a higher chance of failure). the problem is they will be more prone to flexing and potentially misaligning the gearing, which would potentially cause them to slip, or break. Also with these types of setups I like a longer, heavy action rod, and the lighter material doesn't balance the rod out quite as nicely as the heavier aluminum framed reels... I like the Chronarch CI4+ i want to get one, but i will not be using it for the techniques where power is paramount...
Mitch
I have my Ci4 on a Dobyns 735 and only use it for frogging and big jigs in heavy cover. I've never noticed any flex in this reel, and haven't read any reviews from anyone who has.
lmbfisherman reply :
This has come up many times regarding the aluminum vs composite. I thought this was debunked already?
cbenson6820 reply :
I signed up just to post on this thread. The original poster said he wanted it mainly for frogs and jigs so why has no one mentioned the Lews Super Duty? I have a Lews Speed Spool Tournament Pro, Lews Super Duty, and Shimano Ci4. While the Ci4 is a very nice reel and is very light, i would take the super duty over the Ci4 any day when it comes to froggin or throwing jigs. I would only pick the Ci4 for finesse jigs or lighter baits; i use mine for shallow cranks.
The super duty has high strength brass gears for heavy duty applications, an extra large 95MM handle for lots of cranking power, 7.1:1 ratio, and it takes up 31 inches of line per turn. My super duty is the only reel i use for froggin, plus i use it for pitching, carolina rigs, and texas rigs. I set the brakes to 2 and i can throw a Spro frog a country mile.
I dont own a BB-1, but i have tried them several times at the store and I tested one a friend of mine has and i don't think they are as smooth as what others claim nor as smooth as my other lews reels. They never felt as solid as the super duty and tourney pro to me either. I don't know if they were the pro series or just base model BB-1s.
gripnrip reply :
On 4/1/2014 at 1:08 PM, cbenson6820 said:I signed up just to post on this thread. The original poster said he wanted it mainly for frogs and jigs so why has no one mentioned the Lews Super Duty? I have a Lews Speed Spool Tournament Pro, Lews Super Duty, and Shimano Ci4. While the Ci4 is a very nice reel and is very light, i would take the super duty over the Ci4 any day when it comes to froggin or throwing jigs. I would only pick the Ci4 for finesse jigs or lighter baits; i use mine for shallow cranks.
The super duty has high strength brass gears for heavy duty applications, an extra large 95MM handle for lots of cranking power, 7.1:1 ratio, and it takes up 31 inches of line per turn. My super duty is the only reel i use for froggin, plus i use it for pitching, carolina rigs, and texas rigs. I set the brakes to 2 and i can throw a Spro frog a country mile.
I dont own a BB-1, but i have tried them several times at the store and I tested one a friend of mine has and i don't think they are as smooth as what others claim nor as smooth as my other lews reels. They never felt as solid as the super duty and tourney pro to me either. I don't know if they were the pro series or just base model BB-1s.
mjseverson24 suggested the Super Duty on the first page.
Welcome to the forum. When you get a few minutes, go to the introduction page and tell us a little about yourself. Thanks for the post.
Tylertut reply :
I think I'm going to do some reorganizing of my setups and put my current Lews Tournament MG on my heavy action rod for jigs.
I have faith in the composite and will be buying the Ci4, but am undecided to put it on my medium heavy or put it on my medium rod and use it for most of my plastics.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
On 4/3/2014 at 4:59 AM, Tylertut said:I think I'm going to do some reorganizing of my setups and put my current Lews Tournament MG on my heavy action rod for jigs.
I have faith in the composite and will be buying the Ci4, but am undecided to put it on my medium heavy or put it on my medium rod and use it for most of my plastics.
Would say which ever rod balances better with that reel.
I have both the BB1 Pro and CI4 just havent used them yet so cant really comment on them. My CI4 is going on 7'1" medium fast for throwing plastics. BB1 Pro going on to throw lipless cranks frogs with it.
Smallmouth Hunter reply :
I would use the reels for techniques based off their size and spool size. Using a bb1 pro for plastics is possible, but is it a better choice than the ci4+ which has a lower line capacity, lighter spool, and arguably more palmable design? Not in my opinion.. Using a ci4+ for cranks and spinnerbaits again is very much possible, but is it a better choice than a bb1 pro, which is built for long distance with bigger lures? Not in my opinion. The bb1 pro's heavier spool will keep momentum better than the lighter ci4+ spool when casting lures that can start the heavier spool up properly (weights of about 1/2 oz +), so it is a good choice to use it for bigger cranks and other bigger lures.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Well I have much more use on both reels BB1 Pro and CI4 the CI4 is a beast at casting. It will outcast the Pro from 1/8 to 3/4 thats the range I cast. Throwing 1/2oz lipless cranks CI4 eats the Pro in distance & spool control.
The CI4 manages the line on to the spool better as well. I use 20# 832 on both and the BB1 Pro doesnt space the line as nicely as the CI4. I get dig in and so when casting the pro set on 2 not a good thing. I have the CI4 set 1-3 and the line doesnt dig and lure just flies without hiccups.
Throwing small spinner baits 3/16 size the CI4 shines over the pro.
Durability issues showing on bb1 pro none on ci4. CI4 flawless so far but the pro has 3 issues.
One knobs peeling.
Two the levelwind is way too loose and actually feel it wobble on a cast.
Third the brakes are starting to squeal like an eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee sound while casting. I set the dial to free and squeal goes away or set it higher to like 6 on up no squeal. Where I like it to be on 2 is when i get the noise. Dont know if I got a bad brake block or not.
Think the BB1 Pro is going back.
Capt.Bob reply :
I believe the BB1 Pro was designed for med. and heavier baits in mind and a heavier drag system for peak efficiency,,,,I think the very lightweight C14 Chrony was designed and made with finesse and lighter to med weight baits for it's intended use for peak efficiency??? I own a Lew's Team Pro and it is Super Tuned to the max, the reel is sweet and super smooth, cast like a dream the drag is polished to a level unbeatable for a reel this size and uses the Lew's Team Gold's main gear and drag system which is as heavy duty as the BB1 and Super Duty, I would be kidding myself if I thought it would be a better frogg'n or swimbait reel than my Super Tuned Super Duty or BB1, they are both designed for this kind of fishing they cost half as much but do a better job for this kind of fishing. Would the Team Pro do the job,,,,sure but why would I want it to when I can use a real made for that application, just as trowing weightless plastics and 1/4 oz jigs would be ridiculous to use the BB1 if you own both these reels. The Chronarch is no different and no better reel than the Team Pro is.
Folk's it is like the F-350 Super duty 7.3L PS I owned, at the same time I had a 4X4 S-10 4.3L , I would have looked like a fool pulling my 12" aluminum boat around with the Diesel Dually, at the same time it would have been even more stupid to try (and it could have done it) to drag my 27' Lake Erie Hardtop around,,,,,,,,,,get my drift. Both reels were made to do different jobs more efficiently, I like or try to be efficient. Not to try and be a fan boy, I would use the reel designed for that application as both reels do what they were intended for quite well!! 
Mike L reply :
You guys are something else...The level of knowledge of all things fish on this board, just blows me away.
I love these discussions because I learn about things I never even knew I should consider!
Honestly, I have never decided to buy, or not to buy a reel because of what the frame is made of.
Rods?.. yes, Reels..no. Maybe I should, I don't know.
Would it make me a better angler using an aluminum reel over a composite? Or composite over magnesium?
If that was the only consideration I would use to make a choice I would say sure, but it never has been.
I own a Curago E, G and I, JM Sig, PQ, bps Extreme and a 1st gen Revo S..
I match em up based on comfort, balance, brake system, drag power, casting distance etc. for the technique I'm useing it for. I've never even thought about the materials used to make the frame.
I will now!
Makes sense...I just didn't know what I didn't know
God I love this place!
Mike
related Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
most viewed Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
© 2025 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.