Wow Lews Bb1 2024

Rangerphil reply :

Well I got out yesterday for the first time on the boat this year and got to use my new bb1. This reel is amazing! I was casting a dt6 further than I have ever done before. The reel was easy to dial in(with help of another member on here) and was as smooth as butter! I have owned some good reels but this is ridiculous how far you can throw a crankbait! This one piece of equipment is going to change my overall catch ratio this season!

skeet8 reply :

Just curious, what did you have to do differently to dial in? I haven't taken mine out fishing yet.

MrSwimJig reply :

Thats good to hear. I keep hearing that this reel was made to be the best casting reel on the market.

sarcazmo reply :

You know I was thinking the same thing the other day. I bought one for cranking and couldnt believe how well it cast. Much better than the TP imo.

Grantman83 reply :

I gotta say I wonder what I did wrong. I have all Lew's reels and I couldnt get the bb1 to cast even without a backlash even with 4 brakes on and the tension tight. Anytime I loosened it up I got a major backlash and I am not a beginner. I have never had a problem with any other lew's reel be the the tournament, team lews, super duty, tournament pro. I own them all and this one I couldn't dial in with 12lb fluoro.

rippin-lips reply :

I now own 3 along with all my Tp's and regular tournament models. At $110 I keep finding reasons to buy another

down4ttown reply :

I am confused why Lew's would not put the BB1 Technology in all of their upper tier reels. Give the customer the best product and they will keep coming back. Again just my opinion.

rippin-lips reply :

I think the only technology is the 6 pin smart plus brake system. It's a very nice reel but just a tad under their higher level stuff. I'd but more Tp's if the price was the same but it's about $40-50 more so for a $110-130 reel it'll be hard to beat. I can launch a bare 3/8 jig head with no hook.

21farms reply :

skeet8 and grantman83, yes, the BB1 is a different animal. here's the brake setting guide:

basically, you want to set the tension knob a little tighter than you normally would. so, instead of setting it so that your lures slowly falls when you release the clutch, you want the lure not to drop unless you jiggle the rod. then, when you cast, take it easy with smooth, controlled casts until you get used to it.

J Francho reply :

If you have to set the spool tension that high, the braking system clearly isn't effective.

Rangerphil reply :

This is how I set mine up. I had one of the two blue pins on and two of the four white ones on. The tension knob I set like any other reel which is let the bait fall smoothly to the ground, once it hits the ground the spool stops with no overrun. I was casting a dt6 with these settings with 10mph winds and just great results!

Grantman83 reply :

Interesting. I had bout it with the intent to use it for deep diving cranks but ended up switching it out for an mg and I can bomb them with the same line...

Bass Junkie reply :

On 3/19/2013 at 4:20 AM, J Francho said:
If you have to set the spool tension that high, the braking system clearly isn't effective.

Not necessarily, just different. If you notice, the number of brake pins in comparison to the recommended weight would seem to indicate that the system exerts less force per pin than, say a Revo.

rippin-lips reply :

Bare 3/8 jig head. 2 blue and 2 white on. Spool set so the bait falls smoothly and spool makes a 1/2 turn when it hits the floor. Thumb it.

Nodda4me reply :

On 3/19/2013 at 4:13 AM, 21farms said:

skeet8 and grantman83, yes, the BB1 is a different animal. here's the brake setting guide:

basically, you want to set the tension knob a little tighter than you normally would. so, instead of setting it so that your lures slowly falls when you release the clutch, you want the lure not to drop unless you jiggle the rod. then, when you cast, take it easy with smooth, controlled casts until you get used to it.

Is there a picture like this for the Tournament reel?

J Francho reply :

On 3/19/2013 at 6:28 AM, Bass Junkie said:
Not necessarily, just different. If you notice, the number of brake pins in comparison to the recommended weight would seem to indicate that the system exerts less force per pin than, say a Revo.

You don't adjust brakes for the weight of the bait, that is where spool tension comes in. The brakes are for casting conditions and angler's ability. My take, this was designed for David Fritz. He's an old school kind of guy, low tension, little or no brakes. Less unsprung weight in the reel = better casting distance (if you have the thumb), but with that comes a price. Weak brakes. While this is an elegantly executed reel - very simple - I don't think it's a reel for the masses.

21farms reply :

On 3/19/2013 at 1:59 PM, Nodda4me said:
Is there a picture like this for the Tournament reel?

if there is, i don't have it. i got this directly from lew's service manager who emailed it to me. we were exchanging emails because i wrote him with a question about the handles on the BB1. the part about setting the spool tension is directly from him too. if you have any questions, just email lew's directly...everyone i've dealt with there is extremely responsive and helpful.

flippin and pitchin reply :

Phil,

You got a reel you were anxious to try out so you could maximize your efforts when you fish crank baits. That's part of the excitement of fishing. When you took it out you found out how use the adjustment features to maximize YOUR casting abilities and once you applied it, you had your expectations met or what seems to be well exceeded. That's gravy. Enjoy your stuff. It is working for you. My BB1 works for me. This gig gets way too complicated. Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors for a reason.

Doug

bass1980 reply :

Yeah it becomes a ticking contest after a while. I still think its silly for Lews on have 6 reels from 99.99-199.99. I still want to try a BB1 though and hope to buy one this weekend at the show.

Rangerphil reply :

Doug, thanks for the help! Yes everyone is different and I am not trying to sell anyone on the reel I just wanted to let everyone know that I love it!

J Francho reply :

Quote
I still think its silly for Lews on have 6 reels from 99.99-199.99.

If you count all the flavors, and left and right models, it's almost 30 models! I actually might get one to try, but It's mind boggling.

senile1 reply :

I'm thinking seriously of getting one too. I've read a lot of positive comments regarding the casting distance of these reels.

Dramer77 reply :

i love my BB1 , mine is still set to factory out of the box, ive used up to 1/2 ounce lures and can cast them a mile... i was out last week with a buddy of mine who has a similar setup with the new revo SX and i was easily out casting him 15-20 feet.. using similar weight lures but i was using 10lb test to his 8lb...

Dramer77 reply :

On 3/19/2013 at 10:24 PM, J Francho said:
You don't adjust brakes for the weight of the bait, that is where spool tension comes in. The brakes are for casting conditions and angler's ability. My take, this was designed for David Fritz. He's an old school kind of guy, low tension, little or no brakes. Less unsprung weight in the reel = better casting distance (if you have the thumb), but with that comes a price. Weak brakes. While this is an elegantly executed reel - very simple - I don't think it's a reel for the masses.

not quite sure what your tying to say, but on the bb1 you you do change the pins on the braking system for heavier weight lures.. and i i wouldnt say old school or little to no brakes, the braking system on this works quite well and def isnt light and is quite well designed.. do you have any experience first hand with the bb1?

GOOCHY reply :

Hahaha, I have to love the guys who regularly post on here (J Francho, roadwarrior) who will not give Lews a kind word no matter what. Do they need to be a sponsor for you guys to buy in?

J Francho reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 1:01 PM, GOOCHY said:
Hahaha, I have to love the guys who regularly post on here (J Francho, roadwarrior) who will not give Lews a kind word no matter what. Do they need to be a sponsor for you guys to buy in?

I haven't been unkind to Lews. I just said I wanted to buy one. So I went up to TW, and looked around. VERY CONFUSING. The BB-1 looks like a dud, to me. From reports, the brakes are way too fussy. The Tournament reels look like the deal for value. I still think dual brakes are overkill. But, I'd be willing to try one. I like the form factor in my hand, and that's got a lot to do with whether you like reel. Most cast just fine, but I'm no beginner, and don't want to fuss with brakes when changing baits. I can see having a finesse set of shoes and heavy set of shoes, like Shimano, but setting the brakes to compensate for different baits is too fussy.

Maybe I'll get one. Maybe I'll just buy four more Lexas.

J Francho reply :

And the notion that we are beholden to our sponsors is specious at best and total rubbish at worst. That I use products from many of them is testament to the quality of sponsor we pursue. I also use and highly recommend brands that are not our sponsor. Saint Croix, Daiwa reels, Power Pro, P-Line, Lucky Craft, Yamamoto, Jackall, Bullet boats, Mercury Marine, Ocean Kayak, Wilderness Systems, and on and on. None of these companies sponsor me.

Are we clear?

GOOCHY reply :

You're a little tightly wound for posting on a bass fishing forum. Take a breath. I just don't get why you're chipping in your (negative) 2c on a reel you haven't even used.

On 3/21/2013 at 9:44 PM, J Francho said:

And the notion that we are beholden to our sponsors is specious at best and total rubbish at worst. That I use products from many of them is testament to the quality of sponsor we pursue. I also use and highly recommend brands that are not our sponsor. Saint Croix, Daiwa reels, Power Pro, P-Line, Lucky Craft, Yamamoto, Jackall, Bullet boats, Mercury Marine, Ocean Kayak, Wilderness Systems, and on and on. None of these companies sponsor me.

Are we clear?

Dramer77 reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 9:39 PM, J Francho said:

I haven't been unkind to Lews. I just said I wanted to buy one. So I went up to TW, and looked around. VERY CONFUSING. The BB-1 looks like a dud, to me. From reports, the brakes are way too fussy. The Tournament reels look like the deal for value. I still think dual brakes are overkill. But, I'd be willing to try one. I like the form factor in my hand, and that's got a lot to do with whether you like reel. Most cast just fine, but I'm no beginner, and don't want to fuss with brakes when changing baits. I can see having a finesse set of shoes and heavy set of shoes, like Shimano, but setting the brakes to compensate for different baits is too fussy.

Maybe I'll get one. Maybe I'll just buy four more Lexas.

a dud? SMH...... i dunno where your getting your "reports" from but i never saw anything stating anything like that when i was researching bb1 before i picked one up... if your a seasoned baitcaster you should be able to find a sweet spot for everything on it without having to change anything except spool tension... ive thrown heavier lures without changing the pins just using my thumb and had zero issues with braking or overspooling..sounds to me that you dont want to like anything lews... just an impression i get, maybe im wrong

J Francho reply :

Clearly, your wrong. I've heard numerous complaints about the braking system, some in this thread. I can't imagine the reason for no instant anti reverse on the low speed model. I'm sure the construction is solid, as other Lew's reels that have come across my bench, but the feature set of the BB-1 leaves me scratching my head as to why I'd want one. The Tournament models on the other hand look interesting. I tuned a few up, and I like the profile in my hand.

mattk22 reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 9:44 PM, J Francho said:

And the notion that we are beholden to our sponsors is specious at best and total rubbish at worst. That I use products from many of them is testament to the quality of sponsor we pursue. I also use and highly recommend brands that are not our sponsor. Saint Croix, Daiwa reels, Power Pro, P-Line, Lucky Craft, Yamamoto, Jackall, Bullet boats, Mercury Marine, Ocean Kayak, Wilderness Systems, and on and on. None of these companies sponsor me.

Are we clear?

Try the Super Duty, i absolutely love mine. I have 4 now!

Goose52 reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 10:52 PM, J Francho said:
...... I can't imagine the reason for no instant anti reverse on the low speed model.

John - I believe that feature is sold as making it (somewhat) easier to feel/detect a strike while cranking as the reel will allow the spool to pull-back a bit on the stike before hitting the anti-reverse pawl/dog (whatever Lew's calls it). So, in addition to what you feel through the hand holding the rod, you also feel some "kick-back" in your cranking hand...

FWIW

J Francho reply :

Yeah, that's another Fritz preference - he's written articles about it. They can put whatever marketing spin on it. My bet is it was a one of his wants, and they provided, which is cool. He's one of the best at cranking. I just don't think too many anglers would be into it. Thing is, graphite cranking rods have come a long way since, and I don't like the idea of a jarring kick back from the reel when sweeping into a fish. I also don't buy into the idea of detecting a strike through the reel.

BobP reply :

Francho, I think the lack of IAR is compliments of David Fritz who helped design the reel. He feels IAR takes away from the feel of the reel. I read this several years ago but have forgotten exactly what his reasoning was. My take is he used the old BB1's so long that he can't adapt to anything else. What the heck, he probably has a hundred of the old reels stockpiled, so he doesn't need to.

sarcazmo reply :

So the internals are pretty different between the bb1 and the TP?

I bought a BB1 for cranking and really enjoy it. Matter of fact I think it casts better than all my reals. A little chunky though. These can be had pretty cheap on auction sites as well.

J Francho reply :

The spools, gearing and braking systems appear to be different. I'm sure the clutch mechanism is the same. Look at it like the difference between the Daiwa Sol and Fuego. Same price, different ratios, capacities, brakes and intended purpose.

Rangerphil reply :

Well I appreciate everyone's feedback on this site. I also respect some members opinions such as jfrancho,road warrior and others! Just because I like something does not mean they have to or vice a versa! I will continue to learn and enjoy reading from these posters along with everyone else!

J Francho reply :

On 3/22/2013 at 12:37 AM, mattk22 said:
Try the Super Duty, i absolutely love mine. I have 4 now!

I think I'd be most interested in the Tournament Pro, as that is in a similar price point to most of my other reels (Chronarch E, Sol, Alphas, TD-X, etc.). That way I can tell best how it stacks up.

Boogey Man reply :

If memory serves correctly, Fritts said the lack of instant anti reverse allowed his bait to pause and/or rise a split second longer when he made contact with an object instead of just plowing ahead as it would with a reel with instant anti reverse.

bigfishbk86 reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 10:52 PM, J Francho said:
Clearly, your wrong. I've heard numerous complaints about the braking system, some in this thread. I can't imagine the reason for no instant anti reverse on the low speed model. I'm sure the construction is solid, as other Lew's reels that have come across my bench, but the feature set of the BB-1 leaves me scratching my head as to why I'd want one. The Tournament models on the other hand look interesting. I tuned a few up, and I like the profile in my hand.

I would like to think you'd have the smarts to know everything you read/hear isn't true. Find me a reel that hasn't gotten negative feedback. But please, keep telling us how the guy who has the reel, uses it, and likes it, is, clearly wrong, and your hearsay is what we should all follow blindly.

bassinyea reply :

I have a lews bb1 for deep cranking and not having the instant anti reverse definately gives it a different feel. The real difference is that when you have a reel in which the handle shaft/crankshaft rides inside a roller bearing like in instant anti reverse reels it loses some of the free feel of the handle. Kinda hard to explain unless you have felt the difference. I guess I would describe reels with IAR as having more of a stiff feel when reeling and the bb1 has a looser, freeer feeling. I personally like it for what i use it for. I do not think having instant anti reverse is all that important on a crankbait reel in particular.

TNBassin' reply :

On 3/22/2013 at 10:10 AM, bigfishbk86 said:
I would like to think you'd have the smarts to know everything you read/hear isn't true. Find me a reel that hasn't gotten negative feedback. But please, keep telling us how the guy who has the reel, uses it, and likes it, is, clearly wrong, and your hearsay is what we should all follow blindly.

OWNED!

GOOCHY reply :

On 3/22/2013 at 10:10 AM, bigfishbk86 said:
I would like to think you'd have the smarts to know everything you read/hear isn't true. Find me a reel that hasn't gotten negative feedback. But please, keep telling us how the guy who has the reel, uses it, and likes it, is, clearly wrong, and your hearsay is what we should all follow blindly.

My post along these same lines was nearly immediately modded by Mr. Francho.

I've had nothing but good experiences with my Lews reels which inclues the regular Speel Spool, BB1, and Tournament Pro. I'd reccomend the Tourney Pro to anybody and feel it's just as good as any reel in the $150-$250 segment. Pretty good for a reel you can pick up for just over $100 if you watch ebay persistently.

J Francho reply :

I remember reels with no IAR. They were tossed aside when IAR came out. I work on 200 or so reels a year, and have several customers that own many brands of reels. To say I get some feedback is an understatement.

Enjoy.

I've opened a new thread to discuss the interesting feature set on the BB1: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/115435-lews-b-b-1-speed-spool/

J Francho reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 10:47 PM, Dramer77 said:
a dud? SMH...... i dunno where your getting your "reports" from but i never saw anything stating anything like that when i was researching bb1 before i picked one up... if your a seasoned baitcaster you should be able to find a sweet spot for everything on it without having to change anything except spool tension... ive thrown heavier lures without changing the pins just using my thumb and had zero issues with braking or overspooling..sounds to me that you dont want to like anything lews... just an impression i get, maybe im wrong

On 3/21/2013 at 10:52 PM, J Francho said:
Clearly, your wrong. I've heard numerous complaints about the braking system, some in this thread. I can't imagine the reason for no instant anti reverse on the low speed model. I'm sure the construction is solid, as other Lew's reels that have come across my bench, but the feature set of the BB-1 leaves me scratching my head as to why I'd want one. The Tournament models on the other hand look interesting. I tuned a few up, and I like the profile in my hand.

I want to clarify a couple things here, and also apologize to Dramer77 for any misunderstanding. When I said clearly you're wrong, I was responding to part about me not liking anything Lew's. I was definitely not telling him his opinion of how the reel performed for him was wrong. Looking over the thread this morning helped me realize where that misunderstanding might ignite emotions, and some pointed posts. That wasn't the intent, and I should have been specific. Dramer, I wasn't putting your experiences down, just disagreeing with the notion that I'm anti Lew's. Sorry about that.

Any other discussion about this can be had through a PM to me. Thanks!

rippin-lips reply :

On 3/22/2013 at 10:10 AM, bigfishbk86 said:
I would like to think you'd have the smarts to know everything you read/hear isn't true. Find me a reel that hasn't gotten negative feedback. But please, keep telling us how the guy who has the reel, uses it, and likes it, is, clearly wrong, and your hearsay is what we should all follow blindly.

Watch what you say he'll give you a warming point for speaking your mind. Even if it's warranted. It's sometimes feels like it's the 3rd reich all over again lol.

Dramer77 reply :

On 3/22/2013 at 10:39 PM, J Francho said:

I want to clarify a couple things here, and also apologize to Dramer77 for any misunderstanding. When I said clearly you're wrong, I was responding to part about me not liking anything Lew's. I was definitely not telling him his opinion of how the reel performed for him was wrong. Looking over the thread this morning helped me realize where that misunderstanding might ignite emotions, and some pointed posts. That wasn't the intent, and I should have been specific. Dramer, I wasn't putting your experiences down, just disagreeing with the notion that I'm anti Lew's. Sorry about that.

Any other discussion about this can be had through a PM to me. Thanks!

its all good man, i know not everyone feels the same about everything and has different views or opinions on certain products.. i remember reading a thread of a guy who purchased a bb1 and had trouble casting far and multiple birdnesting... some peoples problems could be user error or an actual defect .. its hard to tell... but its like the old saying, You can't please everyone..

J Francho reply :

Quote
It's sometimes feels like it's the 3rd reich all over again lol.

Just read and follow the Forum Rules and FAQ, and it won't feel like that at all.

JimmyKing reply :

I won one of these on Ebay today. I wasn't paying attention when I did because I meant to bid on the TP model but $100 shipped for a $160 reel works for me.

Capt.Bob reply :

I have been happy with every Lew's baitcaster I have bought, Dual breaking Tournament, Team Team Gold, Tourney Pro, and was thinking about a Super Duty, but with all the confusion in this thread and some saying this new 6 pin breaking system is good?? bad?? can't be set and forgot?? Heck with it, I pulled the pin on one to find out for myself. I found it hard to believe that they would put out on the market a remake of the reel that made them famous, that was built by others, and let the new model display their inability to improve it. I did not go with the antique AR as I agree with Francho, it was one of the best innovations to me in a spinning reel and even more so in a baitcaster. So I wanted a completely upgraded BB1 and sprung for the 6.4 gear ratio. My TP is a 7.1 and I like it, but feel the 6.4 is the best all round gear ratio for everything. If I was using it only for the deepest diving crank's "only" I would think about a dedicated 5.4, but I am getting lazy in my later developing physical format,,,, and more and more find I prefer slower and less fatiguing tactics than crankin for long periods of time. When it comes I will let everyone know what I think of the reel and it's braking system and casting consistency!!

GO BUCKEYES!!!!

Capt.Bob reply :

Well it came this morning, BBI with the 6.4-1 gear ratio in right hand. I didn't have any braid but did have enough 20 lbs. fireline smoke on a spare spool to fill it up and give it a try. So this afternoon I took it out and threw some jigs on my 7' MF Avid. I started with a 1/2 ounce and set it up the way I always do, no brakes turned on, with heavy tension where I have to shake the rod to get the lure to fall. After several cast I was to the common free fall with no over run when the jig hit the ground. I then went to one brake on, the the rest off, and never tried the 2 blue aggressive brakes. By doing this I had it where the tension was 2 clicks looser and the line would over run when the jig hit the ground, my normal thumb control to avoid overuns at the end of the cast. I used 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 ounce jigs with all of them casting as good as anything I have ever used, I did this with all these weights and never changed the tension or brakes after I made my last adjustment with the 1/2 ounce jig, one break only is all I had on. I was out for about 2 hours and am again "VERY IMPRESSED" with this BB1HZ. I am glad I got the instant AR, I don't know if it would make any difference in the casting, but as far as I am concerned the Lew's line is as good as it gets for any baitcaster even close to their cost! I see no reason why anyone would have a problem with this particular reel that was used to using a baitcasting reel.

bass1980 reply :

On 3/23/2013 at 3:22 PM, JimmyKing said:
I won one of these on Ebay today. I wasn't paying attention when I did because I meant to bid on the TP model but $100 shipped for a $160 reel works for me.

NICE! I hate ebay, I always get zap at the end. I would have bought one in a heart beat at $100. PM me the seller if you don't mind.

sarcazmo reply :

Man I'm gonna have to re read the manual to make sure I full understand this real lol.

Still enjoying mine. Only using it for cranks atm because of the low ratio but I might have to pick up another one for a spinning rod.

2400

Wow Lews Bb1 2024

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