Lew's Tournament Pro, Inside Out! 2025
Capt.Bob reply :
I have had 5 months to use the Lew's reels now. I have serviced reels for customers and other charter services for the last 30 years. So since I have jumped ship, and away from the Posse ( low profile reels in bass size only) and took up with "Lew's and the hole in the wall gang" I was asked by one of our members to expose the inside story on the Lew's reels, since I have experience with others and had the TP down to the frame in search of inexpensive way's to improve it, (and out of curiosity mainly).
First thing I saw when I removed the gear cover was a lot of plastic, much as I have when dealing with newer and newer brands of other top manufacturers new offerings, so as reels have improved and gotten better, so has the use of plastic. I think the first time I did this with a quality reel it was a Calcutta CT250, I had serviced Ambassadors and Penn's for years, which used stamped metal linkages and works with hardly any plastic other than level wind gears and a couple small bushings, I was astounded by this huge plastic bridge in front of me as I pulled the drive gear cover off and thought I had thrown my money at a reel that would never be around as long as my beloved noisy rough and rugged 5500's. Well if you have ever had any experience with any Calcutta, you know how wrong I was.
So before I start I would like to say, as quality manufacturers, such as Lew's Shimano, Abu, Diawa, etc, have gone to these parts, we have seen lighter smoother faster and better longer lasting reels from all. Yes there are those no name, metal alloy gears "known as pot metal", and boo koo bearing "cheep no spec non stainless steel", with lightweight aluminum spool's "unbalanced and smaller than the hole they fit in, " along with lots of heavy grease to make them smooth, from no name Companies that don't last, or work. This is always going to happen when Those jump min to make a quick buck and scam everyone. I assure you the top companies don't and know they can't afford to try those tactics and Lew's as with the others, you don't have to worry about that. I am stating that now to assure all that, Plastic is widely used more and more by all manufacturers in there new top of the line reels. I'll start with a picture of the clutch plate and the workings of the Lew's TP.
As you see, there is plenty of plastic, but I believe from all my inspection and experience with other reels, this design is solid, they have put the plastic in strategic places that reduce weight enhances smoothness, but doesn't compromise durability or strength.
These reels cast with the best but as with all reels come with heavier lube than necessary to assure those who don't perform regular maintenance on their reels, smooth operation at the cost of better performance for a couple seasons of abuse. For those of us that do keep our equipment up to date with maintenance you will be astounded at the difference if you take time to degrease the bearings, and use a quality lightweight bearing oil. These reels are amazing, smooth quiet, and light, with plenty of POWER TO SPARE! If you are going to tackle this yourself, you must consider the climate and elements you will be using it in when considering the proper grease and oil's to use, there is no perfect lube for all conditions.
In this picture above you can see, they didn't cut corners on sub standard quality drag materials, they use the same washers I get from Smooth drag when I upgrade drags for my customers "Carbontex". The one thing I did notice was locked down or on the upper end, the drag did leave a little to be desired, and on start up was a little jerky,I didn't notice this down at lighter poundage, so what I did was grease the drag with a high quality drag grease, just as I do on all my drags, and it did help it. It came dry from Lew's, I don't know if this was so it would meet it's rated Max poundage, but will assure you if you take the initiative to grease it with proper lubricants, it will make you shake your head as I did, and ask yourself, HOW DO THEY DO IT?? These reels perform as well as reels from top manufacturers charging twice as much (Street Price). So although it is good from the factory, it is definitely much better when greased, maybe one corner I have noticed that they may use to keep cost down. There was one thing I didn't like, and that was the washer under the drive gear is not Carbontex, it is a blue synthetic material, that may be used to keep from running a wet drag, and make start up better on the higher drag settings. I have found on every reel I have ever run across, a wet drag with good drag grease will be smoother than any drag run dry! Anyway it got the grease treatment also and as I said it is great, and leaves nothing to be desired as it will satisfy me and other extremist's, but I will get with Dawn at Smooth drag and see if she can furnish me with a disc of the proper dimensions to replace it, I would like to know, difference no difference, better worse??? I have always said a drag can be no better than it's weakest washer! we'll see.
I'm not good at giving reviews, I hope this answers some questions, i do have two others, and have not really touched them yet as far as tuning, a Tournament and a top of their line last year Team. I will say the Tournament pro is my favorite, but only because I mainly fish light with finesse rigs and seldom over 1/4 ounce with this reel, on a Croix LTB68MXF at 11.0 oz. total, is my favorite outfit, this rig is sick!. I have not touched the other two, same lube they left the factory with, and the team get's most of the use, so far I think every time I take it out it get's smoother??? Maybe I am just getting used to them. but I will say after fishing Calcuttas and Curados for years, I haven't looked back and am happy with myy choice, it was an upgrade. The team I paid $179.00 for and the Tournament Pro $148.00, the Tournament $108.00, I will say for the price of the Tournament, no real within $50.00 is any better, the Tournament Pro and Team, that only differ in side covers material as the Team is aluminum and weights .4 oz more, I really am convinced you have to spend twice that to find a better reel, and if it cost TWICE as much, it better be BETTER! Try the Lew's and tell me, is it!
I want to add, that after the service and proper lubes used on the Tournament Pro I have turned all centrifugal brakes off and and only run about a 3 setting on the mag, if I have a 5 to 10 mph headwind, I can crank up to 8 or so on the magnetic and still throw 1/4 as well as my Stradics, I run this thing totally free now with confidence. Their great outa the box, but unbelievable with a proper service. I don't know if I gain anything with Boca's and a super tune, it would have to be marginal and not sure if it we be worth the money spent for the small benefit one would see?
Goose52 reply :
Yup - many on the board have given the Lew's reels good reviews. The lockwork looks familiar...
The Rooster reply :
Great information! Gotta say though, the inner workings of that reel are identical right down to the last part to my old BPS Extremes. Only difference is the carbon drag washers. Mine are teflon. Dawn told me they don't offer washers to replace them with. If you find them to fit your reel, I'd sure like to know about it. I'm also sure that the Lews might have some better parts like the gears maybe?? BPS reels are sometimes rougher than I'd like in that area.
MT2 reply :
I dont have any of the Lew's you mentioned. However recently I picked up 2 speed spools SS1HS models. My review is simple, a 3rd one is on its way. Id like to get myself a few higher line models, such as the Tournament Pro. However, for what Im preparing for and my current budget the Speed Spools will more than get the job done. Im full on board in my dedication and support to this company as long as no hanging curve balls are thrown at us. I have to ask though, anyone use their rods?
roadwarrior reply :
Well now...Great review!
:respect-040:
rubba bubba reply :
On 8/8/2012 at 11:53 AM, The Rooster said:the inner workings of that reel are identical right down to the last part to my old BPS Extremes. Only difference is the carbon drag washers. Mine are teflon. Dawn told me they don't offer washers to replace them with. If you find them to fit your reel, I'd sure like to know about it.
You can measure the size of the Extremes washers and contact Smooth Drag for what they have in that size. They will solve your problem.
J Francho reply :
Nice job. Looks familiar....
Scorpio reply :
I also have used the Tournament Pro hard for over a year now. It is every bit the reel as a Revo Premier. I compare it to the Premier because that reel seems to be a gold standard for the money these days. I fish both side by side and the TP performs identically (casting distance, smoothness, no backlashes, etc). Costs less too.
rubba bubba reply :
Deleted due to cornea failure.
shootermcbob reply :
Great, great review Bob. Thanks for taking the time
Capt.Bob reply :
On 8/9/2012 at 5:04 AM, rubba bubba said:As much as I like the Pro Q, what makes the Premier the Premier is the 6.7 oz weight, which the Pro Q can't touch. It's more apt to say the Pro Q is like the S/SX/STX.
Not sure where this is coming from but the Premier is maybe as good as the pro Qualifier, but it has a way's to go to catch up to the Lew's Tournament Pro!! which does weigh 6.7 oz. and has much better fit and internals than the pro qualifier. The PQ is a decent reel but I can tell you the Lew's is one of those reels that seem to need some use and time to break in, and as good as it is out of the box, it gets smoother and better with use! I have never found that to be a trait of the Pro Qualifier, lots of reels share the same frame, Shimano, Diawa etc, but there is a big difference in what they install inside them as far as the quality of the parts, and the tolerances. There is a big difference between the PQ and the TP!
rubba bubba reply :
On 8/9/2012 at 8:44 AM, Capt.Bob said:Not sure where this is coming from but the Premier is maybe as good as the pro Qualifier, but it has a way's to go to catch up to the Lew's Tournament Pro!! which does weigh 6.7 oz. and has much better fit and internals than the pro qualifier. The PQ is a decent reel but I can tell you the Lew's is one of those reels that seem to need some use and time to break in, and as good as it is out of the box, it gets smoother and better with use! I have never found that to be a trait of the Pro Qualifier, lots of reels share the same frame, Shimano, Diawa etc, but there is a big difference in what they install inside them as far as the quality of the parts, and the tolerances. There is a big difference between the PQ and the TP!
Hmmm, not sure what my eyes were doing to me but I could have sworn Scorpio was referencing the Pro Q in his post and not the Lews. My mistake. I was scratching my head when I thought he was saying the Pro Q was every bit as good as the Premier. Ignore my prior post while I schedule a trip to the eye doctor..
Capt.Bob reply :
Understand! As the years mount up, I found the eyes are just the beginning!!
Shoalamfishin reply :
On 8/8/2012 at 10:55 AM, Capt.Bob said:I want to add, that after the service and proper lubes used on the Tournament Pro I have turned all centrifugal brakes off and and only run about a 3 setting on the mag, if I have a 5 to 10 mph headwind, I can crank up to 8 or so on the magnetic and still throw 1/4 as well as my Stradics, I run this thing totally free now with confidence. Their great outa the box, but unbelievable with a proper service.
Excellent review!!! I have a Tournament Pro along with a standard Speed Spool alongside a Laser MG I just got for my other half. I have heard discussions on and read about upgrading reels with bearings, washers, etc. I have not learned much about upgrading Lews reels. This may seem novel or ignorant but how much of a improvement do you feel the tune up/upgrade you did actually made in the performance of the reel? I know that as above you give testimony that the upgrade make a significant improvement; I am just up in the air, weighing the cost as to whether it is worth it. I am seeking to upgrade my reels (starting with the Tournament Pro) at some point; I just don't know exactly how to go about upgrading a reel "of this caliber". I have considered using a high performance lube like Xtreme reel plus for my bearings. In short I would greatly appreciate some tips or pointers in this regard.
I'm not new to breaking down reels and cleaning them, but I am a little intimidated at the aspect of breaking down a Tournament Pro.
Many thanks
flippin and pitchin reply :
Great job Bob. That took some time and effort for sure.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
The Carbon drags that come in stock reels are really good, however I still often upgrade them with Carbontex from Smoooth Drag as if you look closely the weave is different and I do see some improvement.
ColdSVT reply :
On 8/8/2012 at 2:10 PM, MT2 said:I have to ask though, anyone use their rods?
I have a Laser SL Crankbait (micro guide) 7'0 M rod. I really like it. I got rid a St Croix Mojo crankbait for the lews. so far it performs great and it lighter and better balanced that the Mojo was
PABASS reply :
I want to try one of these but the Spinning reel the Lews Speed Spin was such a horrible reel and really threw me off from Lews, why would they sell such and awesome baitcaster and such a lousy Spinnging reel, I shake my head..
What would you say compares to a Calcutta 251, because I LOVE THAT REEL, although I am looking at the low profile reels..
Capt.Bob reply :
On 7/4/2013 at 4:08 AM, PABASS said:I want to try one of these but the Spinning reel the Lews Speed Spin was such a horrible reel and really threw me off from Lews, why would they sell such and awesome baitcaster and such a lousy Spinnging reel, I shake my head..
What would you say compares to a Calcutta 251, because I LOVE THAT REEL, although I am looking at the low profile reels..
I just sold a Calcutta 200GTB and replaced it for cranking with the 6.4:1 BB1. The BB1 cast better, and is smoother than the 200, and it has twice the stopping power. I was so happy I bought the Super Duty, after 2 outings for Pike with it running bigger cranks and double 9 spinner baits, I sold one of my Calcutta 400B's. If the Super Duty had a bait clicker, the other Calcutta 400B would be gone. I won't say the Super Duty is as durable and will last as long as the 400, but time will tell. One thing I liked is the Super Duty was smaller, lighter, cast better, has a better drag, and is smoother reeling! I sold all my Low Profile shimanos after using the first Lew's, the Tournament with dual braking, a $105.00 reel that I think was better than the Shimano's I had.
I have used my buddies core and own the Tournament Pro, and think the Tournament Pro is as good as the Core for throwing light rigs such as weightless plastics. I also own the Team, and Team Gold, I after 2 years of switching to Lew's think you would have to spend two to three as much money to get anything close to the performance of any other low profile reel, Period.
There spinning reels are a different story! I personally have only ever seen one reel better than the FJ Stradics, and it will cost 5 times as much with very little gain in performance!
As far as the same parts on the Qualifier, no they are not ALL the same parts as the BPS reel, quality of the parts and tolerances of the reel are better on the Lew's reel, like the Tournament and others most parts are interchangeable, that doesn't make them the same. That is like calling the Citica the same as the Curado!! 
aavery2 reply :
On 7/5/2013 at 2:54 AM, Capt.Bob said:
As far as the same parts on the Qualifier, no they are not ALL the same parts as the BPS reel, quality of the parts and tolerances of the reel are better on the Lew's reel.
I have heard you repeat this phrase several times, but I have not heard you provide any examples of what it is your speaking of. Can you give some specific examples of what it your talking about, or is this just your opinion?
Capt.Bob reply :
I am talking about how close to the stated tolerances Lew's demands on this frame that so many use. The other thing is the alloys for various parts, brass is not just brass, same as stainless steel, plastic, or nylon, delron, whatever, then there is quality control, and how close these specifications and tolerances are kept. One example I gave way back when I bought a set of Boca's and tried to improve the Lew's. This was from an earlier post on that experiment.
" I will also say I bought a set of Boca orange seals, put them in the Tournament Pro. That same evening I put the factory bearings back in and put the Orange Seals in my 200GTB Calcutta, where I could see a better advantage. If they helped the Lew's over the stock bearings it was very negligible and wasn't worth the $49.00 bucks for the 3 of them." There was a big difference in the Calcutta. This same test was done in the Curado as well with it also benefiting greatly.
Bearings in the Tournament Pro from the factory were noticeably better than what Shimano uses, and I have fished with Pro Qualifiers and TP's and can assure you their is a difference. Just because abec 5's are used in most reels don't make them good bearings. I buy abec 5 from one supplier and upgrade reels that are as good as abec 7 from all but the best suppliers. They are the same tolerances but better materials are used to build them.
There are more than these two companies using the frames of these reels and each one is made to the BUYERS REQUIREMENTS. Many thing determine what it cost these buyer's (Lew's BPS, Abu, etc etc) to have these reels made for them. It depends on how good of bearings they want, what quality of brass, how hard or soft is the nylon, is it the best or worst Nylon, is it self lubricating or not, what quality springs do they want to pay for, on and on, but most will interchange. plus how many, the more they buy the cheaper they are, the cheaper they are and the higher the standards and tolerances that can be specified without the cost going up. I am no Purchasing agent, but I do service these reels and can tell you there is a difference. I don't get hole gauges and calipers out, or check center lines and square, but they do. I would say you get what pay for,,,,except for the fact that over 2 years now those that have switched seem to think like me, and that is with Lew's you are getting far more for the same dollar you get from other brands of reels!! I know the bearings are better quality, what else, I haven't seen a need for further test, I continue to be amazed at all 6 models of the Lew's reels I own and service over the competition. These companies even control with manufacturer what type and how much lube they want with their reels. This is all confidential from every buyer this supplier is selling to, and they don't give out detailed specs.
aavery2 reply :
On 7/5/2013 at 5:45 AM, Capt.Bob said:I am talking about how close to the stated tolerances Lew's demands on this frame that so many use. The other thing is the alloys for various parts, brass is not just brass, same as stainless steel, plastic, or nylon, delron, whatever, then there is quality control, and how close these specifications and tolerances are kept. One example I gave way back when I bought a set of Boca's and tried to improve the Lew's. This was from an earlier post on that experiment.
" I will also say I bought a set of Boca orange seals, put them in the Tournament Pro. That same evening I put the factory bearings back in and put the Orange Seals in my 200GTB Calcutta, where I could see a better advantage. If they helped the Lew's over the stock bearings it was very negligible and wasn't worth the $49.00 bucks for the 3 of them." There was a big difference in the Calcutta. This same test was done in the Curado as well with it also benefiting greatly.
Bearings in the Tournament Pro from the factory were noticeably better than what Shimano uses, and I have fished with Pro Qualifiers and TP's and can assure you their is a difference. Just because abec 5's are used in most reels don't make them good bearings. I buy abec 5 from one supplier and upgrade reels that are as good as abec 7 from all but the best suppliers. They are the same tolerances but better materials are used to build them.
There are more than these to using the frames of these reels and each one is made to the BUYERS REQUIREMENTS. Many thing determine what it cost these buyer's (Lew's BPS, Abu, etc etc) to have these reels made for them. It depends on how good of bearings they want, what quality of brass, how hard or soft is the nylon, is it the best or worst Nylon, is it self lubricating or not, what quality springs do they want to pay for, on and on, but most will interchange. plus how many, the more they buy the cheaper thay are, the cheaper thay are the higher the standards and tolerances can be specified without the cost going up. I am no Purchasing agent, but I do service these reels and can tell you there is a difference. I don't get hole gauges and calipers out, or check center lines and square, but they do. I would say you get what pay for,,,,but for over 2 years now those that have switched seem to think like me, and that is with Lew's you are getting far more for the same dollar you get with other makes of reels!! I know the bearings are better quality, what else, I haven't seen a need for further test, I continue to be amazed at all 6 models of the Lews reels I own and service over the competition. These companies even control with manufacturer what type and how much lube they want with their reels. This is all confidential from every buyer this supplier is selling to, and they don't give out detailed specs.
I hear what your saying, and please don't take this the wrong way but it is all just opinion. Provide some hard data that shows Lews demands tighter tolerances on their reels than ABU or BPS and you have fact, otherwise it is just your informed opinion. I purchased 5 of the Lews Tournament Pro when they were first released, and I felt the same as many, great reel, cast well, smooth on the retrieve all the things you hear often about these reels. After a little over a year of fishing on them and they were rough, lost casting distance, and 2 of them had mechanical failures that I had to contact Lews about. I replaced all of them with Gen 2 Revo Premiers and have never looked back. I truly believe that the Lews Tournament Pro is about the equivalent of a BPS Carbonlite (Gold) good reels for the money but not special. Bottom line is that we all have our opinions about what reels are good or great, but we have to be careful about what we state as fact.
Capt.Bob reply :
On 7/5/2013 at 5:59 AM, aavery2 said:I hear what your saying, and please don't take this the wrong way but it is all just opinion. I purchased 5 of the Lews Tournament Pro when they were first released, and I felt the same as many, great reel, cast well, smooth on the retrieve all the things you hear often about these reels. After a little over a year of fishing on them and they were rough, lost casting distance, and 2 of them had mechanical failures that I had to contact Lews about. I replaced all of them with Gen 2 Revo Premiers and have never looked back. I truly believe that the Lews Tournament Pro is about the equivalent of a BPS Carbonlite (Gold) good reels for the money but not special. Bottom line is that we all have our opinions about what reels are good or great, but we have to be careful about what we state as fact.
My opinions are based on information I get 12 months a year dealing directly with these companies and there service tech's, rep's, and Supervisors, and over 20 years repairing fishing reels, ten of them selling them, as I still deal with the public servicing reels form most major companies that sell reels, working on most of them from day to day.
Wow, I don't know what I am doing rite but have to say after a year and a half of pretty abusive use I have found my TP is better, I serviced it once a year ago when I finished my parts swapping and bearing test's, its my throw around reel, usually in the back of the truck in the cap with a rod sleeve on it and a neoprene reel cover, but that's what I use when I pond and lake shore fishing, or if I decide to stop by a river or stream and check things out from the bank or wading, rain, heat, cold, you name it, some places I am not sure I am even supposed to be fishing????? dragging it thru fields and woods and the likes to get to some of these waters, it is my kinda test reel since I got it. But I really think it's smoother and maybe cast's a little better than the day I bought it. Maybe I'm just more use to it and it's more natural to me???
Sorry about your TP's but will keep that in mind as you are the first I have heard wearing these reels out, and 5 in less than two years,,,,,,with two of them broke??? I would question how you use and treat your reels and the quality of service they receive. If you would have posted your problems I could have referred you to Rick who I can assure you would have taken care of the problem and almost guarantee, on that reel no older than it was, at no charge, with some comps for the trouble, judging from past experiences that involved user errors!!! From everyone I know using that reel it has been trouble free, there are a few who are new to baitcasting that have some shortcomings want to believe it's the reel and not them. Please,, more information telling us your problems in detail with these 5 reels would be appreciated by all I am sure!! But I think I see now why you would have doubt's!! 
Hope you have better luck with your Revo's!!
Boogey Man reply :
I guess I'm with Aavery2. When I first bought the TP it was unreal as far as casting and retrieving. The clicking mechanisms on the tension knob and drag broke within the first few trips. I took it apart and found broken plastic pieces in both. No biggie, I've used baitcasters before all the clickies and don't find it a necessity but still. About half way through the first season casting distance just died off. Cleaned it, relubed, flushed the bearings and all that. I'm not a pro but I service all my own reels. I have a mixture of reels and can almost always get the "back to normal" lol. Casting distance is better but still no where near where it was and casting light lures is now a no go. This year the reel is noticeably rougher on retrieve that no amount of cleaning/lubing will fix. When I first bought it I was ready to sell off all my other reels and get all TP's. I'm glad I didn't. Not saying they're not good reels. Very few reels get the good reviews that the Lew's reels get. Maybe I got a bad one.
Capt.Bob reply :
On 7/5/2013 at 7:28 PM, Boogey Man said:I guess I'm with Aavery2. When I first bought the TP it was unreal as far as casting and retrieving. The clicking mechanisms on the tension knob and drag broke within the first few trips. I took it apart and found broken plastic pieces in both. No biggie, I've used baitcasters before all the clickies and don't find it a necessity but still. About half way through the first season casting distance just died off. Cleaned it, relubed, flushed the bearings and all that. I'm not a pro but I service all my own reels. I have a mixture of reels and can almost always get the "back to normal" lol. Casting distance is better but still no where near where it was and casting light lures is now a no go. This year the reel is noticeably rougher on retrieve that no amount of cleaning/lubing will fix. When I first bought it I was ready to sell off all my other reels and get all TP's. I'm glad I didn't. Not saying they're not good reels. Very few reels get the good reviews that the Lew's reels get. Maybe I got a bad one.
I have serviced two of their reels in the shop that were taken apart and damaged using the improper tools to take the pinion pin out by guy's using make shift tools to remove the center pin so they could service the bearing. By using the spool out of my Tournament I found their spools were not as straight anymore as factory, the spool shaft was not bent enough to rub or bind, but out of balance enough at extreme rpm to hinder the cast and a a slight difference in reeling. They actually bound the spool shaft enough to warp it slightly. The other one was obvious with the outer surface, that the center of the pinion aligns on, being very scared, and actually kept the pinion from full engagement, but both caused by people who had always serviced their own reels and thought there was nothing to it, they thought they new more than us who do it every day, and that makeshift tools always work, because they did once or twice before. (Lew's center pins are much tighter to get out than most I service, and can be a pain with quality tools for this job.) This can cause damage that the eye can't see. When using the spool assembly out of my Tournament in the customers TP the problem went away, they use the same spool, same frame, same side plate with different finishes, same cast control,,,,but the internals as interchangeable as they are are different, not all parts are different, but the gear's main is and not sure about the alloy of the pinion, but some of the tolerances are also different. The TP does cast better, not a lot until you go 1/4 oz or less but that's where it shines.
As far as the clicking device, I have seen no problems with any I have serviced or on my own. I will say if not properly aligned when putting the cap back on it would not take a lot of pressure to break the tabs, if it isn't absolutely free turning stop or you will have problems. The other issue I could see causing these to break would be using the spool tension adjustment as past of the breaking, if you are tightening that cap down tight enough to keep the spool from free falling, you are putting to much tension on the cap can cause damage to many of the reels parts over time. All these would be considered abuse, but Lew's is very good covering them without charge in some cases.
If you are not a reel service tech I would not service anything on any reel that had a warranty on it. There is never a charge for wearing out a real under warranty and they will make it as new for free!! The only way it pays to service it yourself during this time, is if you feel your at a fault for whatever is causing the problem! Even then with Lew's they have been known to fix problems customers cause themselves and not charge them,,,,,,,superb customer service, but you have to talk to them or that can't extend that service, and you will never really know how something happened!
Boogey Man reply :
Didn't remove the spool pin so no chance I damaged it. Didn't over tighten the tension knob. Did not remove drag star until it quit clicking and that was to see what the problem was. Maybe we should just agree to disagree that while these are good reels they may be the be-all-end-all of reels.
aavery2 reply :
First let me say that I service reels also, I assure you I have the correct tools to do the job, and a bent spool shaft is not what was causing the loss of distance in casting. Two of the reels I had experienced the same issue as mentioned the clicking feature of the drag star broke. while that in itself is not that big of a deal, the real problem was that without the extra tension that the click provided the drag star was very easy to move and even a slight bump would loosen the drag. Lews does not have the parts needed to repair the click listed in their schematics and a call was made to get the necessary parts, good customer service by the way. Sometime when you are cleaning your reel disassemble that area of the reel and you will see why that part is prone to breaking, very poor design.
I use only the highest quality lubricants and greases to service my customers and my reels, TSI 301, Tungsten disulfide, Cal's and Rocket Fuel and many others that I use on occasion depending on how and where the reel will be used. I completely disassemble the reels and wash them with safety clean, and rinse them in water, other parts are further cleaned and flushed in one of my ultrasonic cleaners, so I don't believe maintenance or lack of it was the cause either.
What I did notice was after about a year the reels started becoming rough during the retrieve, when I serviced the reels, it was easy to see why, there was wear on the main gear that was visible to the naked eye, the pinion did not show the same even when examined with a jewelers loop, it looked to be normal. The loss of casting distance was in my opinion attributed to the spool shaft ends very rough. When examined closely they looked as if a beaver had gnawed them off to the correct length, after continued use they damaged the tension disks and there was a loss of casting distance. I polished the shafts and replaced the tension disks and the reels did cast better but never as well as they did when new.
This is not a post to bash Lews reels, I like them, I think they are among the best in their respective price group, but to make them out to be something with exacting tolerances, better bearings and components then their competitors is not what I experienced.
The Lews, Abu Garcia and BPS reels and made in Korea by a company named Doyo Engineering, you use to be able to go to their website and check them out.
PABASS reply :
This is the very reason why I quickly jumped off the LEWs bandwagon, after using there spinning gear its plain to see these reels are not meant to last, when competitors are all charging a certain price for there reels and one company comes in sometimes much cheaper with better features there has to be a reason why, longevity, quality the more time passes the more quality issues will rise, I foresee anyway. My Calcutta 251 bought in 1997 and I still use it today and it performs like it did in the past, my Stradic, purchased in 1996 I believe, still use it every outing it has been abused though by me lol..
Capt.Bob reply :
Thanks for the info aavery2!! I hope you don't think I am accusing you of bashing as that is far from my reason for answering your post, or asking questions. I also don't want you think I am accusing you of creating the problems, and after your last post have no reason to think it was abuse of any kind. But you know as well as me, there are many who think they are doing right and are actually the cause.
I also am not insinuating that Lew's can't make a dud reel, I am sure they do have their share, and that is why they have a warranty. I personally would have contacted Rick and can positively state from working with him many times, you would have had new reels or at least they would have had any questionable part replaced once they were found to be in the state your telling us. No one in the industry has been better to work with than Lew's for me. Then if you were still sorry with your purchase recovered all your money for the hassle, and that is what I would have done the first year let alone 1/2 year. Like I said I was very interested in the cause, as my TP, the only one I have, is my test reel that I am using to judge the Lew's reels. I make sure it's not babied and not over serviced and a reel world test. I only own one because after buying the Team, like it much better and have 4, as well as most other models.
I am more confused now after you stated your findings, as the only thing to put wear on the end of the spool shaft is plastic on the tension cap side as they don't use a wear shim for a bearing surface like most, and to me this is an area I have been watching closely, as I would think the shaft would wear it and could be a quality issue, not vise versa, and I do think this is an area that should have been protected with a fiber or copper bearing surface, (shim or wear plate whatever). But it sounds like if it is not wearing out, and the shaft is what is wearing,,,, well why is plastic that tough and at the same time that abrasive to the Stnl. Stl. shaft???? On the other end is a fiber synthetic material that the shaft uses for a bearing surface to eliminate wear on the spool shaft end and I could see how the wrong fiber synthetic could be the wrong material for this. But it seems to be the same materiel some others use in this application without problems?? They use this method of end bearing surface on all their reels, that I have or have serviced. I am also baffled as if the shaft was that way from the start you would have surely seen or noticed it casting poorly to begin with, or if you serviced it from the start. I looked mine over closely when I first got it as that is one of the items I polish on tuning upgrades to reels, and when trying the different bearings to establish the quality of the bearings,I didn't feel it needed it when mine was new, and I will now definitely keep an eye on this area after your findings!! Like you if I find there is a need for a bearing shim in my reels to reduce damage and wear to the parts, I am going to say so, but so far I am surprised at the way they are holding up, but I do run very very little spool tension if any, on all my reels. The drive gear is an area I have been watching and if your wear is typical would be a real turn off with any of their reels. One thing I can only praise Shimano for, they are in my opinion the best producers of machine cut gears.
Thanks for letting us all know what to watch for as I am also not brand bound, and if I think there is better for close to the same money, I will be looking to them, I've done it before and in time will probably have reason to do it again, but right now that's not the case. I also find your choice of solvents and lubes very tasteful as they are nearly identical to mine.
I would like to advise anyone not familiar with the TSI product that 301 is a more of a solvent & treatment so to speak, and to never try it on plastics, and would be very careful using it on some synthetics. Thanks for your heads up aavert2!!! 
Capt.Bob reply :
PABASS I would never recamend Lew's spinning gear. I also will never think any company will make everything they offer better than another,,,,a FANBOY!! I AINT!!! That would be like me making my decision to buy a Ford Truck on the track record of a Ford Pinto!! NOT!! Or a Chevy Silverado judged by the Chevy Vega!!! but never compare a Lew's spinning reel to a Lew's baitcaster!!
If you like that Stradic Aero or FG whichever,,,try the FJ you will be amazed and have a reason to by a new spinning reel, truely better than the FH my second all time favorite model of the Stradic. 
jtharris3 reply :
Great review. Thank you for posting it. I recently bought a Speed Spool SS1H and I have to say I like it more than my Citica. I fished Lew's reels back in the 80's and the Ryobi's that came after them and loved them then. Mine got regular work outs on Lake Fork and Lake of the Pines in east Texas. The new ones are obviously much lighter and I love that. When I bought the SS1H my thought was "will it hold up to the standard of the old reels?" I think it will! 
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