Shimano SLX vs. Lews Tournament MB 2025
Brett's_daddy reply :
Who ya' got and why? I'm trying to finish updating my reel arsenal and this is an interesting decision. The SLX is holding steady at about $99 while I can get the Tournament MB off eBay for just $5 more at $104.95. The SLX version I'd want is the 6.3:1 while the Lews is 6.8:1.
Lead Head reply :
Haven't used the SLX but people seem to love them. I have a few MB and those will be hard to beat at $105. I absolutely love mine.
LionHeart reply :
Never used the SLX but own a few of the MB. Solid reel for 100 bucks and honestly doubt I'll ever try an SLX unless I find one on a crazy sale.
A ton of people say they are really good for the money. I do like the fact that the MB has Mag and Centrifugal brakes as opposed to only centrifugal on the SLX.
Will be interesting to hear a report from someone who has used both.
The SLX is 25 IPT vs 28 IPT on the MB, if that matters to ya.
TBAG reply :
I've never used any Lews reel so I guess my opinion is null, but I will say I own two SLX reels and they're great! I doubt you'll be disappointed in either selection.......
KentuckyBlueBass reply :
I have used both the SLX and the MB. My preference is the SLX but you really can't go wrong with either one. They are both extremely smooth. In regards to specs, I would say that the MB is better... But in regards to overall feel (which is personal preference) the SLX beats the MB.
Stephen B reply :
SLX
Vilas15 reply :
It looks like they're close enough it could come down to the styling. Do you like the blue accents and SLX on the side? I've got an MB and haven't had any problems with it.
Brett's_daddy reply :
On 4/23/2019 at 3:50 AM, Vilas15 said:It looks like they're close enough it could come down to the styling. Do you like the blue accents and SLX on the side? I've got an MB and haven't had any problems with it.
I actually kind of do...lol. I know some people think it's too gaudy but I don't think that bothers me as much.
WRB reply :
For me I don't like having more then 2 brands, Daiwa and Shimano for example. In the past I bought several brands including Lew's original BB1 and it's the only Lwes I have in my collection of reels.
Looking at the advertised features the Lew's MB has more features, higher retail base price, aluminum frame and spool, can't tell which reel cast better or is smoother operating. The Lew's is a better "deal" have no idea better reel.
Tom
EGbassing reply :
I have the SLX and it's a great reel, but you can't go wrong with either. What are you planning to do with it?
Brett's_daddy reply :
On 4/23/2019 at 4:21 AM, EGbassing said:I have the SLX and it's a great reel, but you can't go wrong with either. What are you planning to do with it?
Not really sure, will probably be a utility reel used for a little bit of everything until i decide a specific technique for it. I have my frog/topwater reel in a Daiwa Tatula CT Type-R (8.1:1), I have my all-everything reel in a new Shimano Curado DC (7.4:1), my older all-everything reel a Shimano Curado I (7.3:1) and my new crankbait reel a Daiwa Fuego CT (6.3:1). Maybe I could use the SLX (or Lew's) as a finesse reel on a Medium rod.
EGbassing reply :
On 4/23/2019 at 4:45 AM, Brett's_daddy said:Not really sure, will probably be a utility reel used for a little bit of everything until i decide a specific technique for it. I have my frog/topwater reel in a Daiwa Tatula CT Type-R (8.1:1), I have my all-everything reel in a new Shimano Curado DC (7.4:1), my older all-everything reel a Shimano Curado I (7.3:1) and my new crankbait reel a Daiwa Fuego CT (6.3:1). Maybe I could use the SLX (or Lew's) as a finesse reel on a Medium rod.
My SLX does cast light lures well. I was tossing a grub on a 1/10 ounce jighead pretty far the other day with it. The curado handles they put on it are also really nice. Though the Tournament MB gets great reviews too to be fair.
NYWayfarer reply :
I only have the Tournament MB. It is one of the best reels I have handled. Solid, dependable reel with lots of bells and whistles. Add Lew’s stellar customer service and the choice is easy.
Vilas15 reply :
On 4/23/2019 at 4:45 AM, Brett's_daddy said:Maybe I could use the SLX (or Lew's) as a finesse reel on a Medium rod.
In that case the MB has magnetic and centrifugal braking vs the SLX which is only centrifugal. All else being equal the MB would give you a bit more adjustability for lighter lures. I have no idea about spool weight or other factors that make a good finesse casting reel, you'll have to find someone else for that.
Mr. BattleArmor reply :
On 4/23/2019 at 5:02 AM, EGbassing said:My SLX does cast light lures well. I was tossing a grub on a 1/10 ounce jighead pretty far the other day with it. The curado handles they put on it are also really nice. Though the Tournament MB gets great reviews too to be fair.
My only bait caster exposure is to my Fuego CT and now most recently a newly picked up SLX. The SLX feels like a significant jump in quality and casting ability. I was surprised to be able to easily cast a 1/16 jig this past weekend. It feels like a solid reel, albeit like I said, don’t have a lot of exposure to other reels.
LionHeart reply :
What kind of rod are you dudes using to cast 1/10 and 1/16 jigs? My knots weigh more than that
EGbassing reply :
On 4/23/2019 at 9:17 AM, LionHeart said:What kind of rod are you dudes using to cast 1/10 and 1/16 jigs? My knots weigh more than that
I was using a medium/fast.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 4/23/2019 at 9:17 AM, LionHeart said:What kind of rod are you dudes using to cast 1/10 and 1/16 jigs? My knots weigh more than that
He forgot to mention the 5" Senko threaded on the hook. 
GReb reply :
The Lews LFS is another great option and can be found for around $75. Mine actually out performs my MB. Maybe I just got a good one
BassKicker42 reply :
Seems like a “reel” close debate......Lews customer service would do it for me, and I love my MB’s.
Mr. BattleArmor reply :
On 4/23/2019 at 9:17 AM, LionHeart said:What kind of rod are you dudes using to cast 1/10 and 1/16 jigs? My knots weigh more than that
Dobyns 683, I wouldn’t normally choose it but only brought the one rod and needed it to catch a bedding fish. Only brought it up to make the point that the SLX did well
rangerjockey reply :
I'd see if you could put them both on the rod you plan on using and see which one feels better.
Years ago Lew's had a great tournament rewards program and I bought a bunch of them but I never liked them as much as Shimano or Daiwa. My thumb always rested on the take down pin and I never found them comfortable.
I drive by the Headquarters/ tackle shop all the time and they are great guys.The tackle shop and Museum is worth the trip.
Everybody talks about the customer service and I'm sure it's good . Also sounds like it gets used a lot, in 30 plus years I've never had a Shimano fail.
dodgeguy reply :
I don't know about Lew's service because I've never used them. But in the 5 years it's been since I switched I've never had a problem. I will never go back to Another brand if Lew's keeps it up.
johnD. reply :
For $99 tatula ct , all day.
With the bushings that support the main shaft on the slx , it just doesn't spin as freely as the tatula reels.
You can buy bearings for the slx but , by the time you've done all of that , you could have bought the curado k off one of the auction sites for what you paid for extra bearings. Lew's - are oem reels , not something I'd consider but , to each his own.
Tizi reply :
I have the Lew's MB and think it is a fantastic reel. I paid around $75 for it on black Friday last year. I have a SLX on the way. Should be here this week. I will set it up and test it out soon. Could not pass up American Legacy SLX combo deal. A rod is coming with the reel!
Manly Studson reply :
On 4/23/2019 at 9:31 AM, EGbassing said:I was using a medium/fast.
I also use a medium/fast casting rod for light lures. Reels are important too. I have noticed a difference between the Curado 71 and other reels that I own. Shimano bills the reel as being good at throwing light lures. It does this well for me. It is pricey though. I am a fan of Lew’s too, and a comparably priced Lew’s reel may be just as good as a Shimano.
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
I'm partial. I replaced a Lew's and a Revo
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