Still Just Dont Get It, Just Not For Me. 2024
LgMouthGambler reply :
OK, so the whole Shimano vs. Lews thing is going to go on for years Im sure. Today while I was in the area of the Dicks in West Palm Beach on Southern Blvd, I decided to stop in and check it out. Really cool store, 2 stories, better than the one that is in Plantation.
As I was strolling around and looking at what they had in stock, I noticed they had an assortment of Lews reels. So I was trying to figure out what about these reels everyone is going nuts over. Specifically I was looking at the Tourney Pro Speed Spool.
Im sorry, I just dont see it. Im sure most of you are going to respond that "you cant just look at it, and play with it in the store". Honestly, I can tell alot about a reel just by tinkering with it on the display. Here are my opinions. As I took off the sideplate and looked at the magnetic braking system, and the centrifigal brakes. I just dont see a need for both, and all I kept thinking was "its a Pro Qualifier", especially the way the sideplate comes off. As I further examined the reel, I took out the spool. So there is an extra bearing that is mounted on the spool shaft, for what? Why would you need more than 2? All this means is extra friction to slow the spool down. I put the reel back together for further examine it. The way that this reel is painted just looks cheap, flat black?
Lets get back to this whole bearing thing again, just because I noticed the "11 Bearing System" thing on the handle cone. Are they just trying to get in this whole bearing war that everyone seems to be paying too much attention to? Lets just say that you don't need a bunch of bearings to cast a lure to make a reel smooth and functional. As I thought to myself, there are 3 on the spool, maybe 2 in each knob (which I will get to later), one AR for the handle shaft, maybe 2 for the worm gear and 1 other that maybe behind the handle shaft gear.
Really? do you need all those bearings? I gonna go with no, and they went for the "bearing war" with the BPS Johnny Morris reels, and Abu Garcia. My 50E has 7 stock, and with my custom handle I have an extra bearing in each knob, so it now has 9. As for the knobs, why are they plastic? They feel like the plastic knobs that are on Shimanos $80 reels. The handle itself looks like it should be carbon fiber, but it looks like its a piece of plastic that was designed to look like carbon fiber. My 50E, real carbon fiber handle, which by the way is the greatest thing since sliced bread, thanks Mike for this product. Even the stock one looks better, if you want to compare stock vs stock too.
Clicking spool tension knob was cool, but I dont need a "click" to know how to adjust this, and if its for helping it from moving, Ive never had that problem. The drag star is the same as the one thats on my cheap BPS ProLight, it doesnt even look like they tried to make it different and stylish. Thumb bar, generic looking, similar to the SX one. So with this reels cheap looking exterior, common designed features of other reels out there, and its attempt to make it a "bearing king", it didnt win me over for looks, thats for sure.
Many of you were talking about how light this reel is, and how low it sits. Again, for me, it wasnt all that comfortable to hold. It is small and while reeling it, very smooth, but it just doesnt sit in my hands the way my 50E does. I know the 50E is a smaller reel compared to the Lews TPSS, the argument of the line capacity doesnt pursuade me. I dont need more than 80yds of 12# line on my reel at a time, and even for my need of heavier line and more capacity, my Curado 200E and Chronarch 200E still feel better, regardless of the minute weight difference.
Does it cast good? Well, Im not going to pay $200 for this reel to find out, but how much different could it be? If anything, I would think the extra spool bearing, combined with more braking assist than you need, it would not cast longer, but I could be wrong. Then again, sometimes its the person using the reel that can make the difference, especially if they are used to a certain kind of braking system.
My SX, gone because the mag brakes were not par. My BPS Pro Qualifier (which I believe is almost the same as the Lews), gone due to too much braking stuff than I need. Dont get me wrong, they were great reels, but just lacked that "something". Here is what I will say about the Shimano vs Lews war. Shimano has dropped the ball with the G series reels. I will give the Lews the upper hand for being better than the new CuradoG, but that ChronarchE is still there to hold Shimano to its roots. I would rather pay the $200 for the Chronarch than $200 for the Lews.
Yes I do agree that the Chronarch is just about the same thing as the CuradoE with minor upgrades. You can still pick up a new in box CuradoE, and do a hell of a bearing and drag upgrade, and still be at or below $200. Im not crazy about the white Chronarch, but the Lews isnt pretty either. Satisfied with the Lews most may be, but I will keep my Shimano. I still want to see how well the Lews holds up in the next 5-20 years. Im sure people will go back and forth with these companies and reels like Billy Madison and "Shampoo vs Conditioner", but hey, isnt that the fun about this sport? Fish on!
rubba bubba reply :
Does the fact that others love a reel other than Shimano make you feel inadequate enough that you have write War and Peace to try and remain convinced that Shimano is the best reel ever? Good grief.
A-Rob reply :
On 6/7/2012 at 9:57 AM, rubba bubba said:Does the fact that others love a reel other than Shimano make you feel inadequate enough that you have write War and Peace to try and remain convinced that Shimano is the best reel ever? Good grief.
I thought it was a pretty thorough review.
He said he would rank the lews above the curado G but behind the old curado E or the new chronarch (arguably the same reel)...that's fair.
He put a lot of detail into his review which may help someone....your post on the other hand was useless.
0119 reply :
Review? You play with a reel at the store after a thousand schmoo's handled it and can give a review? Opinion maybe, review, come on. Lews is like a Pro Qualifier? Absolutely. It is the same reel along with the revos, the Brownings, the Phfeluger, the Banax, the Fox and all the others that asian factory makes. Just like a Mercury is a Ford and Cadi is a Chev with more bling. Sadly the fact is is isnt worth buying, but neither is the Shimano.
Stasher1 reply :
On 6/7/2012 at 10:22 AM, 119 said:Review? You play with a reel at the store after a thousand schmoo's handled it and can give a review? Opinion maybe, review, come on. Lews is like a Pro Qualifier? Absolutely. It is the same reel along with the revos, the Brownings, the Phfeluger, the Banax, the Fox and all the others that asian factory makes. Just like a Mercury is a Ford and Cadi is a Chev with more bling. Sadly the fact is is isnt worth buying, but neither is the Shimano.
This ^^^
LgMouthGambler reply :
This is in no way a full review. If you read it properly you would know that it is simply things I had noticed about it in detail. Just my personal opinion on what I noticed, and how this debate will go on in years to come. I would not buy this to give it a proper reveiw based on just what I noticed in store.
tomustang reply :
Ive had an in store run in a year back, at cabelas with a TP SS. I held that thing for an hour but still couldn't pull the trigger on one. I think the what really got me after playing with it so long was the reviews I kept running into about making the brake tuning adjustments. I like the centrifugal brake systems over the dual systems and just on that being a huge deal I left it there. Still only $120 new in the bargain cave isn't bad at all but the 51E was the same price on the web and BPS. All that time tinkering with it in store I could tell you it for being bigger than the 50 it weighed about same, did palm better for my short hands (this is debatable to hand size),and felt slightly smoother. It's still a very good reel and its been proven to be a top contender within the price range
On 6/7/2012 at 9:57 AM, rubba bubba said:Does the fact that others love a reel other than Shimano make you feel inadequate enough that you have write War and Peace to try and remain convinced that Shimano is the best reel ever? Good grief.
On 6/7/2012 at 10:22 AM, 119 said:Review? You play with a reel at the store after a thousand schmoo's handled it and can give a review? Opinion maybe, review, come on. Lews is like a Pro Qualifier? Absolutely. It is the same reel along with the revos, the Brownings, the Phfeluger, the Banax, the Fox and all the others that asian factory makes. Just like a Mercury is a Ford and Cadi is a Chev with more bling. Sadly the fact is is isnt worth buying, but neither is the Shimano.
Whining back remarks makes you no better.
Hi Salenity reply :
If you ever come to Kansas I'd let you try both. As far as the mag breaks go I ALMOST never use them. I hate mag breaks. However on a windy day throwing into the wind Sometimes I add some mag break instaid of clicking another cent. break.
If you like the Shimanno better you like the Shimanno better, The Curado a great reel!
msolorio reply :
everyone has their preference. if shimano was better than lews or any other reel itd be the only reel on the market and vice versa. his preference happens to be shimano, so be it, nothin wrong with shimano, theyre great reels obviously, look at their following but their just not for me and others. yea, he in no way said that was a review and he simply stated his opinion so need to get rude. i love my lews and wouldnt use any other reel. to me they have that "something" he mentioned but like stated above, thats my preference not his. so yea, lighten up guys no need to start a war of words here over one mans opinion.
ClackerBuzz reply :
well written thoughts. i enjoyed reading it.
SirSnookalot reply :
I take most reviews with a grain of salt. I may buy one reel over another based on playing with it in the store, but the real review doesn't come until months after I've had. I need to use it hard and catch some good fish, I want to see what it looks like after it's beaten up a while, how smooth it still is and well the drag keeps working. I like my Shimano reels, but I have reels in the same price range that I like too. I've backed away from recommending equipment, a lot of it is just a popularity contest. Last thing I want to do is bad rap a product, hate to depress someone that recently bought it. I find most of the equipment today works pretty darn good.
SoCalFisher reply :
I think the point of this is that Shimano is the best. Which is true because there is NO reel like a Shimano.
*Hootie reply :
Yeah,I think you are right,you dont get, and its not for you. I wouldnt worry about it if I were you. If something new has come along, and some of us like it and you dont, we are okay with that. Just enjoy your stuff and have fun.
I have friends who use nothing but shimano, some who use diawa, abu garcia, and none of us has ever wasted a breath trying to convert the other. You like what you like and thats okay.
Besides, nobody cares anyway.
Hootie
rubba bubba reply :
On 6/7/2012 at 10:03 AM, A-Rob said:I thought it was a pretty thorough review.
You need to study up on the definition of "review" a little more. He went through a litany of reasons why he *thinks* the Lews is built/designed poorly compared to his Shimano.
"Really? Do you need all those bearings?".
Yeah quality stuff there. I can only imagine if it were in reverse and he was complaining about how the Shimano design doesn't make sense to him the Posse would go into apoplectic fits.
The reel wars are a never ending source of amusement on here. So much self-worth tied up in purchase decisions; great stuff.
*Hootie reply :
On 6/7/2012 at 7:56 PM, rubba bubba said:So much self-worth tied up in purchase decisions; great stuff.
Rubba bubba, that one sentence spoke volumes. It says it all. You are obviously a man with insight.
Hootie
cfout4050 reply :
Well I enjoyed his thoughts. He also made some valid points. But what it all comes down to is that it is his opinion which he is entitled to. Some people always take it the wrong way. But thank you for your time and sharing your thoughts.
A-Rob reply :
On 6/7/2012 at 7:56 PM, rubba bubba said:You need to study up on the definition of "review" a little more.
I'll get right on that hahaha
*Hootie reply :
I think the point is, how can you make a valid comparison between a reel you have never used, to one you use all the time.On 6/7/2012 at 8:19 PM, cfout4050 said:Well I enjoyed his thoughts. He also made some valid points. But what it all comes down to is that it is his opinion which he is entitled to. Some people always take it the wrong way. But thank you for your time and sharing your thoughts.
Hootie
cfout4050 reply :
Well I said he made some valid points I did not name them. But I will 1 they are reels 2 bearing count was right on. 3. size. My main reason for posting was to say thank you to the op for his thoughts and a good read simple as that. I did not agree with everything I think Lews vs Shimano is retarded We all know who wins.
A-Rob reply :
The OP disclaimed that he had not fished it.
He wrote up a review of his opinions based on how it felt in his hands (again this was disclaimed).
Take it for what its worth. Nobody should personally rip the guy for his opinion. Accusing the OP of being inadequate starts fights and does not contribute anything positive.
(I fish abu)
grimlin reply :
I prefer to read a review based on somebody who actually used the reel. This review is useless to me.
Like me saying a dobyn rod is just another rod....I never had one but i held one in the store....Didn't seem to be worth the price tag either. LOL....But I'm not gonna give that review....I never fished with one. Common sense...
Lew's reels been getting good reviews...based on people who have one. So Lew's is doing something right.
K_Mac reply :
I found the OP interesting. It probably won't effect any future decissions regarding Lews reels, but what difference does that make? LMG handled the reel and didn't care for it based on that limited handling. Whether it is a review, editorial, commentary, opinion, or essay matters little. This is a discussion forum after all.
EDIT: FWIW I base all of my self-worth on the brand name and amount spent on my fishing tackle. I use mostly BPS gear and feel good about it. Please do not tell me I don't measure up because of this. I can't afford the therapy...
quanjig reply :
One mans trash is another mans treasure! Some love those reels, others do not. Simple observations while holding a reel in ones hand are just that, it's one persons opinion. We've all done it. Simmer down now, it's why we all have loyalties to what we believe is the best for us. Will it keep me from getting it, probably not. If I think it's going to be a viable option for what I do, I'll get it, if not, who cares but me!!
hatrix reply :
I have owned both brands and honestly it could go either way. If you give a guy long enough with 1 brand/type of reel he is going to lean towards that then another. I was a big Shimano fan but someone stole all my rods and tackle (I almost cried) so I was in a bind and bought a speed spool cause it was cheap and came highly recommended. At first it was weird cause its just not what your hand is accustom to but you adapt and it becomes 2nd nature just like Shimano was. I have since purchased more Lew's reels because they are all the same profile and wait for it... I am accustom to holding them now and it is not because I think they blow Shimano away. Fish don't care what reel you catch them on and I think you should make you decision on if it is something you can see your self getting comfortable using all the time. All major companies have a version of reel that is on par with there competitors so if you are happy with 1 brand why change. You won't magically become a pro and win AOY because you bought a Lew's or Shimano. As for the brake thing I agree that mag brakes are pretty much a joke. I guess they have there place and time but even in gail force winds with a spinner bait I don't turn it past 2 or 3. If you made it this far using a casting reel you can most likely feather the spool on your own. In the end I guess it's whatever brand you choose to become a fan of. Untill the day comes where fish only bite lures that are attached to Shimano, Lew's, Abu, Quantum, ect or it lets me down in a big way I will stick with what I have become accustom to using and holding.
*Hootie reply :
Where I fish, the bass insist on Lews reels mounted on Dobyns rods, throwing Strike King baits, tied to Yozuri hybrid line.
Yeah, theyre just weird like that.
Tee hee hee!
Hootie
LgMouthGambler reply :
Wow, I guess its a touchy subject? Oops, lol.
*Hootie reply :
Just that it sounded more like a campaign speech than a subject. No offense intended.
Hootie
ChrisAW reply :
I don't see what the big deal is with Shimano. I own two Citica's because I know they work, and its the only left handed reels I could get at a local store when I needed a couple new ones. Any time I ever picked up a Shimano, they feel clunky to me and aren't all that smooth at all. Funny I hear so much praise about them, and how the first thing many people do is change out the bearings. LOL.
Kind of like Jeeps are great offroaders... once you add some Chevy or Ford one ton axles and a whole different drive train.
I'm sure that will stir up the bee's nest but thats my true opinion. Everyone should take it as pure truth. 
smalljaw67 reply :
This kind of thing is what brand loyal people do, the OP is shimano brand loyal and what happens is anything competetive make a brand loyal person go and try to find fault to justify their position that their chosen brand is best. For years I heard about quality bearings from Shimano users as a way to explain paying over $100 for 3 bearing reel but now that other compaies have good bearings in their reels I hear the "why do you need it" argument.......Please. The best I heard was a guy talking about how great and lightweight his Core reel was and when Diawa introduced the Steeze the same guy said being that lightweight means it is probably made cheap with plastic and being light doesn't make a reel great...Really? If you like Shimano and you are a brand loyal person then there is no harm saying that you really trust Shimanos product and you feel it is proven and you like the feel of reliability. That is what you say instead of trying to justify why your brand is better because from an outsiders view like mine, since I'm not brand loyal, I'd have to say the the Lews Tourney pro has more features, bearings, and is lighter than the Chronarch and has a better profile and more comfortable than the Curado. I agree with the audible click spool tension knob, I have 2 reels that have it, a Pflueger Supreme casting reel and a Quantum Smoke 150 casting reel and I go by feel not clicks but the dual braking system is something that I like and I have on my Pflueger. You can set you brakes and adjust the spool tension and you are done, then if wind kicks up or you go from casting to pitching all you do is turn the magnetic dial and you are in, I happen to really like that. Anyway, the truth of the matter is that one is only better than the other to the user, if you don't use dual braking then you lean toward Shimano if you do use it you lean Lews. The reason there are a lot of brands that do well is that not everyone agrees Shimano is the best or Lews is the best or Abu Garcia, etc. etc. I'm a person who buys what fits my needs and budget at the time I buy something and not being brand loyal really helps as it gives me so many options and having those options is important to me and the next reel I buy might be a Shimano if they happen to have what I need at the time or it may be a Lews for the same reason but if you are brand loyal there is no shame in saying so, it actually gives you credibility and makes someone looking for that brand want to reach out to you as you know the product and can offer insight others don't have so be happy with who you are and stop trying to validate your feelings, we get it.
msolorio reply :
LMG, its not a touchy subject, some people just cant handle someone elses opinion on a product they use or just read waaaaay to much into somethin that wasnt all that serious to begin with. you have your opinions and preferences and werent afraid to state them, bravo man. people just need to relax and not get worked up because someone likes somethin different than they do. its not a big deal but some make it out to be obviously. this whole reel war, line war, rod war, ect. will go on forever and ever but what it boils down to is what feels good and works for you. once again, LMG didnt provide a review, just an opinion based off of handling the reel. chill out people lol
Jake P reply :
x100000. so true!On 6/7/2012 at 3:25 PM, SirSnookalot said:I take most reviews with a grain of salt. I buy one reel over another based on playing with it in the store, but the real review doesn't come until months after I've had. I need to use it hard and catch some good fish, I want to see what it looks like after it's beaten up a while, how smooth it still is and well the drag keeps working. I like my Shimano reels, but I have reels in the same price range that I like too. I've backed away from recommending equipment, a lot of it is just a popularity contest. Last thing I want to do is bad rap a product, hate to depress someone that recently bought it. I find most of the equipment today works pretty darn good.
buzzfrog reply :
10 minutes of my life gone... umm worth it, never fished lewes reels, but fished alot of others and i could never be brand loyal
jj'sbassinforfun reply :
I'm with "everyone has a right to their own opinion". What works for me isn't what may be good for anyone else. Take what is said here with a grain of salt and draw your own conclusion!
Shimano lost me a bit when they started the back pedaling. IMHO the other brands are evolving and to keep up they should as well. Still like and own them, But have been tempted with some of the latest from the other brands. Latest being a T3 balistic I stole for $115. Some hate it, But I love it! And that is all that matters to me.
Stasher1 reply :
If someone else would come out with a decently priced, fairly light, compact round reel with a recessed reel foot, I wouldn't own a single Shimano product. I just sold my last Shimano low-profile reel, and it's highly unlikely that I'll ever own another.
Michael DiNardo reply :
Stasher1, What is wrong with the Abu Garcia 4600? I love the Calcutta's, I think that is what
you meant but really the 4600 is awesome.
Mike
Stasher1 reply :
There's nothing wrong with the Abu 4600, but it's over an ounce heavier and much taller in profile than the Cardiff 100A. Even the Calcutta 100B is almost an ounce heavier than the Cardiff.
Jim_M reply :
Back when I was climbing up the ranks in the competitive pistol world one reality ALWAYS prevailed. "It's the Indian, not the arrow".
...jus fish.
JunkYard814 reply :
I've had my Lew's Tournament Speed Spool for about a week and right now I already like it better than my Shimano Curado 200e. I bought the Curado because I was told it pretty much was the best baitcaster you could get for under $250. I like the reel, but I didn't understand all the hype it gets. I think more of it has to do with the Shimano reputation than actual performance. 20 years ago Shimano may have been producing better products across the board for fishing reels, but this is 2012, and I think a lot of other brands have caught up.
As far as the Tournament Speed Spool, for $30 less than the Curado, and $50 less than the Cronarch, I'm going to take it everytime. I can't attest to the Lew's durability because it's a new reel, but I haven't heard anything to think that it's going to crap out anytime soon.
steelslinger86 reply :
Could you imagine if a reel company made it so their reels would only fit on their rods. If you want to fish shimano reels, you would have to do it on shimano rods. How many people that prefer other rods would switch to shimano rods, so they could keep fishing shimano reels? How many people would jump ship on the company and find a new reel preference? I know this would never happen, simply because of the sales they would lose, but let's just say if it did. And of course some engineering type can say, oh I would design and market an adapter and get rich off of it, but let's leave that out of the equation. I was just thinking about this, because I fish shimano rods and lew's reels. I didn't use shimano as my example to specifically target anyone or any company purposely, just an example. Let's here what you would do.
Dave P reply :
I have 5 different types of reels. 6 different types of rods. I use right hand reels, so I switch hands on the fly. Whatever works for you, or doesn't, but playing with a reel in the aisle of the sporting goods store is about like going to a Chevy dealership to look at a Vette and deciding you don't like it without driving it.
Capt.Bob reply :
Looking at a real in a store is well, I don't know, but a far cry from a good comparison to anything. Or a basis for a review! I keep wondering why the guys that have only used one rate that particular reel as better????? Makes no sense, just means you are more sentimental to one or the other, I don't care which one you prefer.
Now I think to be meaningful, you have to use one then the other, if you don't use it for the task it was designed for (FISHING!) You can't! have a clue which is better. I wonder why so many guy's that actually owned and used the Curado and Chronarch Citca, Core, then used the Lews changed and prefer the Lews. It's pretty easy to think your right if your afraid to try one and find out, holding and fondling Guessing, doesn't tell how well it does at what it's designed to do!!! Fact! You have to use one and then the other to KNOW!! or your just GUESSING!! All there is to it.
AS far as the pro qualifier being the same as the Lews Tournament Pro, not even close if you do more than fondal them, the lews has More bearings, a stronger and larger Drag, 1.1 oz. substantially lighter weight, carbon matrix handle, just a few items that seperate the Lews TP from a PQ!!
- Built to put you at the top of your game
- One-piece machined-aluminum frame
- Double-anodized, machined-aluminum drilled spool
- 7-bearing system with Powerlock™ instant anti-reverse
- Dual Braking System™
- Pin-release side plate for quick brake adjustments
- Built-in lube port
-
PQX10SHD
Right
7.1:1
12/120 Ball Bearings: 6+1
Max Drag: 10 Lbs.
Recovery: 29" Per Turn
Reel Weight (oz.): 8.8
Lews Tournament Pro
Features:
- One-piece die cast aluminum frame
- 11 double-shielded premium stainless steel bearings
- Aircraft-grade machine forged Duralumin drilled and anodized spool and gear system
- External-adjust Multi-Setting Brake (MSB) dual magnetic/centrifugal cast control
- ZeroReverse one-way clutch bearing
- Easily removable palming side plate
- Right-side spool tension adjustment with audible click
- Rugged carbon composite drag system with audible click star drag
- Lightweight graphite side plates
- External lube port
- Titanium-coated zirconia line guide
Bearings gear ratio line recovery capacity max drag weight
10+1 7.1:1 31 120/12 14 6.7 oz.
How many tried the Lews and went back to a Curtado or Citica, there staying quiet evidently?
I am in no way saying the Shimano Low profile reels are dogs, far from it, but companies like Lews are offering more for less, and it's time for Shimano to get back to what made them what they WERE, before they end up being what was!! It's time to realize they have "reel" competition now and going to have to step up if they want to be #1 again!!
JunkYard814 reply :
What Capt. Bob said
LgMouthGambler reply :
Steelslinger: that would suck!
Capt Bob: I agree that Shimano is dropping the ball on what they should be, I stated that in the OP.
Quillback reply :
If the "new" model Chronarchs were in the $140-150 price range I'd say they would be fairly valued, but at $199 they're overpriced. I'm not saying they're a bad reel, but at $199 there's better options.
Pantera61 reply :
On 6/7/2012 at 10:22 AM, 119 said:Review? You play with a reel at the store after a thousand schmoo's handled it and can give a review? Opinion maybe, review, come on. Lews is like a Pro Qualifier? Absolutely. It is the same reel along with the revos, the Brownings, the Phfeluger, the Banax, the Fox and all the others that asian factory makes. Just like a Mercury is a Ford and Cadi is a Chev with more bling. Sadly the fact is is isnt worth buying, but neither is the Shimano.
Daiwa considers Banax good enough to make some of their reels.
MrSwimJig reply :
I have both Lews and Shimano reels and I can honestly say that after over a year of fishing my Lews Tournament Pro Reels I am more then happy with them over my Curado E reels.
I have had no problems with my Lews reels and have just performed normal maintenance on them, clean, lube, etc...
I will say that having a dual braking system is not needed but on those days of fishing when its pretty windy, it is nice to have the option to dial in some magnetic brake. But most of the time the magnetic is set to 0 and I only have 2 of the centrifugal brakes on.
As for the looks, I absolutely love the flat black look and the carbon fiber handle and I love the paddle type knobs. The finish is verdy duarble and has held up very well.
Both the Lews and Shimano reels are outstanding and it is going to be completely up to the user as to what they like and what they want to use.
I like both reels but I prefer my Lews reels.
Mike L reply :
After over 40+ years of useing spinning gear, I wanted to learn to use a b/c.
I just really started to learn how last year, and getting better with each trip.
1st was an Extreme because the guy behind the counter said it was a good one to learn on.
2nd was a used left handed model Quantum Accurist because I wanted to see if I liked reeling with my left hand any better (I don't)
3rd was a PQ, mostly because of the reviews here and on bps site.
4th was a Revo, definitely because of the reviews here.
That's 4 reels from 3 different manufactures each with different weights, line capacity, drag, bearing counts, and most importantly different combinations of braking.
I'm learning more and more about what I like and don't like.
Now, I'm not even close to some of you guy's in overall knowledge about what is best and what is junk or to say which manufacturer is better than another. All I know at this point is that I like either dual or cent braking only. That's It!
My point to this is...You guy's just keep your reviews and opinions coming, regardless of how you form them...
Thats what brought me to this site and thats what will keep me signing in.
Mike
Scorpio reply :
For Pete's sake, the op never even used the Lew's reel. Imflammatory post.
B@ssCrzy reply :
On 6/9/2012 at 11:59 PM, Mike L said:After over 40+ years of useing spinning gear, I wanted to learn to use a b/c.
I just really started to learn how last year, and getting better with each trip.
1st was an Extreme because the guy behind the counter said it was a good one to learn on.
2nd was a used left handed model Quantum Accurist because I wanted to see if I liked reeling with my left hand any better (I don't)
3rd was a PQ, mostly because of the reviews here and on bps site.
4th was a Revo, definitely because of the reviews here.
That's 4 reels from 3 different manufactures each with different weights, line capacity, drag, bearing counts, and most importantly different combinations of braking.
I'm learning more and more about what I like and don't like.
Now, I'm not even close to some of you guy's in overall knowledge about what is best and what is junk or to say which manufacturer is better than another. All I know at this point is that I like either dual or cent braking only. That's It!
My point to this is...You guy's just keep your reviews and opinions coming, regardless of how you form them...
Thats what brought me to this site and thats what will keep me signing in.
Mike
Well said...I love the differing opinions on this site and would love to hear the other side of the Lew's/Curado debate. That is what makes this site so great. Everyone has a differing opinion and I am glad that people express those opinions. If you don't have the same opinion then give the other side of it, but you don't have to get offended because of what someone else thinks. I don't think you can just throw out someone's opinion just because they did not fish the reel. First impressions do count especially when it is going to cost you $100-$200 on a reel.
Capt.Bob reply :
On 6/10/2012 at 8:01 AM, B@ssCrzy said:Well said...I love the differing opinions on this site and would love to hear the other side of the Lew's/Curado debate. That is what makes this site so great. Everyone has a differing opinion and I am glad that people express those opinions. If you don't have the same opinion then give the other side of it, but you don't have to get offended because of what someone else thinks. I don't think you can just throw out someone's opinion just because they did not fish the reel. First impressions do count especially when it is going to cost you $100-$200 on a reel.
I'm sorry but I think unless you are basing your opinion on a reel after you have used it, it don't hold much water. It just means you like or don't like the way it feels "to you" out of the box and nothing to do with how it "performs". Its like fondling a rifle at a gun shop, when you leave the store with it you only know that you liked the way it looked and felt, until you shoot it you have no idea how well it will perform! No "been there done that" factor.
j.bruno reply :
Lews, Shimano you cant really go wrong in my opinion. (and experience)
tomustang reply :
On 6/10/2012 at 9:11 AM, Capt.Bob said:I'm sorry but I think unless you are basing your opinion on a reel after you have used it, it don't hold much water.
I'm not trying to single you out, but there's many others that have the same opinion as you. The problem is no matter how detailed a review or personal opinion is, what someone doesn't like still isn't going to outweigh what's good. For example, take an Avid, it's a darn good rod but the two complaints I hear from people about is the power hump and it feels tip heavy. Those two reasons warrent others to not buy them because they have their own preferences, especially on just holding (the feel) an item.
Diggy reply :
If anyone cares
msolorio reply :
just for the record, lews was the FIRST, the FIRST producer of low pro baitcasters. ive met guys that have the very first lews reels made and they still use them. if the new school lews are anything like the old, theyll stand the test of time. any reel will last a lifetime if you take care of it properly.
K_Mac reply :
I don't have to own or even use something to have an opinion of it. For instance, I do not own Glock pistols. While I have handled several and shot a few, I have not had enough been there done that experience to offer a substantive review. Yet I can tell you I do not like the way they fit my hand and I would not own one. Now this statement will offend many Glock disciples, esp since I don't have a great deal of time using them. So be it. I like what I like. I like BPS Pro Qualifier baitcast reels and own several. Some don't like them. I don't give a rip whether that opinion is based on exhaustive field testing or what they have read somewhere online. They have performed well for me. That is not to say I don't read all the opinions offered here. Just that over time I have come to respect the opinion of some more than others, even though I don't always agree with them, and at the end of the day you pays your money and takes your chances. LMG doesn't like the look and feel of Lews reels. That is not inflamatory, just his opinion. Now if he attacks Pro Qualifiers... 
*Hootie reply :
On 6/10/2012 at 8:01 AM, B@ssCrzy said:First impressions do count especially when it is going to cost you $100-$200 on a reel.
If I am getting ready to spend $100 or $200 on a reel, the only first impression that counts is mine.
Hootie
0119 reply :
Those first Lew's were made for them by................ Shimano. That original company named Lew Childre, is long gone into history and the new Lew's is in name only.
dodgeguy reply :
i never knew there was a shimano vs lews debate.buy a pflueger patriarch and be done with it.actually if i wasn't such a pflueger fan i'd probably go for a lews.
Stasher1 reply :
On 6/10/2012 at 10:35 PM, dodgeguy said:i never knew there was a shimano vs lews debate.buy a pflueger patriarch and be done with it.actually if i wasn't such a pflueger fan i'd probably go for a lews.
X2
Better reel than the Curado, in every way.
38 Super Fan reply :
Jeez, there's a shimano fanboy here and he has something negative about another reel? I'm stunned.
thehooligan reply :
On 6/10/2012 at 11:55 PM, 38 Super Fan said:Jeez, there's a shimano fanboy here and he has something negative about another reel? I'm stunned.
hahaha
I bought a curado e last year, and a lews tourney pro two months ago and used them back to back and would definitely say that the lews is a better bang for the buck. I only use shimano for spinning reels but buying the lews has opened my mind to expanding to other baitcasting reels, probally daiwa and maybe pflueger.
Packard reply :
I own Curado 200E and a Lew's TP, some days I like the Curado more and some days I like the TP more. They both are good reels but I guess the rest is down to personal preference. Some people hold their reels differently, cast differently, and use their reels for different techniques. So it's no surprise that not everyone agrees on which one is better.
BASSclary reply :
I think we should all just be greatful it's that we can fish what we want, because it's a free country, and enjoy our purchases. If someone wants to be brand-loyal, let them. You do not need to argue about which is better because, you know, you'll never win. It's their loss if they want to deny that a certain product is better. It should be left at that and let them enjoy their reels why you enjoy yours.
TrippyJai reply :
I own 10 Curado E series reels and everything you've talked about not liking on the Lew's reel, I can make a case about it on the Curado. I use these reels because I've grown comfortable with them and I can also break them down when cleaning. Not to mention, it's really easy to order parts from Shimano.
IMO, the Chronarch E is not worth a $200 reel, neither was the Curado at retail price. Ask anyone if they would buy a brand new Citica E these days at $100, nope. I was surprised to hear the things OP said about the Lew's because I've only heard how great they were and wanted to head down to BPS to check them out.
MarkM reply :
While the OP pointed out some specifics about the Lews reel he either did not like, did not make sense to him, or were of poor quality, like others I would not consider this a review simply because there was no on-the-water evaluation. It was simply a long list of opinions on qualities of the Lews reel (by purely looking at it) that conflicted with what he liked about a Shimano. No problem. Each of us has our preferences in what makes for a good/great reel and which reels we do not like. What one individual likes in a reel may not be the same as someone else. The thing is maybe all those additional bearings and other features that weren't liked have a reason and purpose and perhaps, after actually using the reel, he may feel different. But, he'll never know because he's already eliminated it as a possible purchase. I have no problem with his decision because the truth is, most of us make a reel purchase in a very similar judgemental and even biased manner.
The Lews clearly did not fit the criteria the OP likes in a reel. But, like with any other piece of equipment that is commented on within this forum, his opinion should not be the final word on the quality or performance of the reel. Let each be their own judge. I have just ordered a Lews Tournament (not the pro) Speed Spool to replace a reel I never really liked. Whether or not I like the Lews reel once it's put through its paces is unknown until I try it. But, I can't stand my current reel and needed a replacement. I reasoned that the Lews was a logical choice based on so many positive comments. I'll soon see if it was worth it.
stkbassn reply :
It's all a matter of personal taste. I drink a lot of wine with snobs and folks who know nothing at all about it...I fall somewhere in the middle so my palate isn't the best or the worst. So, to me, a Cabernet that I think is great might actually be garbage or middle of the road, or it could be a top rated cab that I can't begin to understand. SO, I drink what I like(and what I can afford)...I still enjoy it no matter what the reviews say or what someone else tells me...
So with Shimano and Lews I can say I've owned both but the only one that makes sense to ME is Shimano...the Lews just doesn't rate..Does this mean one is better? Well, I'm no pro but I like Shimano, period. Some like Lews...good for them... they can have it. I'll stick to what I like and what I think is best, and for me, that's good ol' Shimano!
I know a guy who got rid of all of his Curados to get Lews...so what do I know 
I still ain't gonna be that guy!
ldw6559 reply :
Well this has been very interested and though I have never really become a baitcasting fisherman using spinning reels because they are just comfortable to me I am actually thinking of checking out the Lews after all of these posts. I own Shimano, Abu Garcia, Pfleuger, Mitchell, Quantum and Diawa in my spinning reels along with a few more. Like them all for the specific reasons I bought them. I am certainly not brand loyal but this Lews gives me hope I need to try baitcasting one more time. Thanks, glad I joined this forum lots of great information. The one thing I really agree with the OP on is that bearing count is becoming rediculous and don't really make that much difference at least in spining reels. I think it may be covering up some cheaper materials being used in some cases. I just bought a 32.00 reel with 10 ss bearings for my younger son and have many nicer, smoother reels with far less.
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