Lew's BB1 Speed Spool Baitcast Reel review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Lew's
Material	Blend
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Color	Multi
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	0.35 Pounds
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

FISHING REEL: Reel constructed from a lightweight one-piece aluminum frame with an 11-bearing system with stainless steel double shielded ball bearings and Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearings, as well as strong, lightweight carbon C45 side plates
CASTING REEL: Features a patented Speed Dial provides quick and easy line recognition, a double anodized 32 millimeter Duralumin U-spool and an externally adjustable 4-pin, 27 position Speed Cast Adjustable Centrifugal Breaking (ACB) system
BAITCASTING REELS: Includes a rugged carbon fiber drag system provides up to 20 pounds of drag power and zirconia line guide
BAITCASTING REEL: Features an exclusive patented Speed Keeper hook keeper and external lube port
BAITCASTER: The bowed, lightweight 95 millimeter carbon fiber handle features Winn Dri-Tac knobs.LEW'S FISHING GEAR: Compare our baitcasting reels, spinning reels and rod and reel combos to fishing gear from Abu Garcia, KastKing, Seaguar, Okuma, Ugly Stik, Penn, Wakeman, Shimano, Piscifun, Berkley, Bass Master, Shakespeare and Zebco

product description

The BB1 introduced anglers to several baitcast reel firsts, including the low-profile design, narrow spool, fully disengaging levelwind, and no-knob palming side cover. It became famous for its rugged durability, casting distance and comfort. The ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Lew's BB1 reels developed a loyal following of anglers that still carries on to this day. Since the rebirth of the Lew's brand, these anglers have been asking for the revival of the BB1 reels. Here’s the answer - the new BB1 and BB1Z baitcast series reels made even better than before with the use of modern technology and materials.

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 5.6 Ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ BB1
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 28, 2012
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Lew's
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008QCZ7XY

important information

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Questions about Lew's BB1 Speed Spool Baitcast Reel

Is the gear ratio 5.1 to 1 as listed below or 6.4 to 1 as listed under color? Very important. Im looking for low speed in left hand model. Thanks

Answer: 6.4 to 1

Answer: I don’t know. It was a gift.

what is the gear ratio for this reel

Answer: Cliff, without knowing which reel you have, let me say this; Model # (BB1-Z) gear ratio 5:1.1 IPT 21" (BB1HZ and HZL) gear ratio 6:4.1 IPT 28" (BB1-SHZ) gear ratio 7:1.1 IPT 31 Hope this helps. John

Answer: A very important question. This reel is available in a variety of gear ratios, according to model. All are fully and accurately described in the Amazon product description. Go there and be enlightened, shocked that you missed that.

Answer: 6.8:1 I think

can this reel be used in saltwater?

Answer: Hi Erik,

Answer: Hi Donna I haven’t got a response back from lews company but I know they make a lews bb1 inshore for saltwater but still waiting on this email to let you know the answer don’t want to say yes if it not true so please be patient thank for a good question I only fished if in freshwater

Answer: Yes ma'am it can. You must wash it after every use to get the best long term use. Lews does make a line of inshore saltwater reels that you might want to look at before you choose

Answer: Yes, I use it almost exclusively in saltwater. You just need to rinse it well with fresh water after each use.

Answer: I wouldn't, made for bass fishing so it'd probably corrode

Answer: No

Where is the reel made?

Answer: Most are made in Korea

Is it good for casting? What's the line capacity please? I plan to buy one , put on a power handle and use it for kayak fishing in the ocean.

Answer: Yes it is a very smooth casting reel. The BB1 model is rated for 160yds of l2# line. For saltwater ocean fishing you would need to flush all parts with fresh water, dry and lubricate your reel after each use according to the owners manual.

Answer: Not for salt water fishing

how much dose it weigh

Answer: 7.2 oz.

Answer: 7.1 oz

What does one size mean?

Answer: I’m not sure myself. I have a couple of them and they are great reels. These reels converted me from Abu Garcia.

do these reels have a lbs drag rating

Which one is left hand retrieve

Answer: BB1HZL is left hand retrieve.

Answer: In the size drop down box the "left hand " reels will have a LH by the size.

Answer: BB1HLZ

is there a manual for this reel

If washed afterwards, will this reel hold up well in saltwater?

Answer: As I am a bass guy I can not tell you anything other than I love these reels in my fresh water lakes and rivers.. I got 3 ya know swapped out all my Abu Garcia for them..

Answer: I don't use mine in salt water but I know some friends that do and I haven't heard any complaints from any of them. It is a very smooth reel.

Answer: I've used mine in salt for 4 yrs now always rinse and lube and they still work flawless

on the size question when trying to order. Whats the difference?

Answer: This is the difference between gear ratio. 6.4.1 ratio is 160 yrds of 12 pound test. The 28 is inches of line per complete turn.

Answer: The 28 in size is 6:4:1 ratio and 31 in. is 7:1:1 .23in is 5:4:1

Answer: I’m not sure I understand your question

Answer: Usually the smaller reels use smaller diameter line. The larger reels can be spooled with the higher strength line. These are fantastic reels.

what is the model (BB1 What?) and gear ratio of this reel?

Answer: Specifications: - Retrieve: RH - Bearings: 10 - Gear Ratio: 5.1:1 - IPT: 21" - Line Capacity: 160/12 - Max Drag: 14 lbs. - Weight: 7.1 oz.

Are any of them left hand retrieve?

Answer: If the model no . Ends with a L it is left hand

Is this reel saltwater friendly ? How big of a fish would this bad boy bring in pound wise and what pound line do you guys use ?

Answer: Here's the ratings: BB1HZL*, 9+1 bearings; 7.2 ounces; 160/12 line capacity (mono); 6.4:1 retrieve ratio; 28" line retrieve per turn. If you are shore casting or fishing light line for smaller rockfish, etc., it could be fun. Underpowered for any deep water, great for freshwater applications. Dependable and reasonable, good for fish up to 10 lbs. Hope this helps.

Where is this reel made?

Answer: Korea

how I select left hand?

For the product dimensions why does it say it weighs 10.4 ounces?

Answer: The reel actually weighs 7.2 ounces. Guessing that 10.4 is the shipping weight.

What is the difference between this model and the pro model?

Answer: Fewer bearings. I have 4 of these and love them! They cast a mile and have the torque to land big fish.

Is this centrifugal braking system external or internal?Thanks.

Answer: most centrifugal braking systems are internal as they work when the spool spins at high speed during casting and brakes get pushed out by the centrifugal force to contact an internal cylinder cavity

Answer: The braking system is internal. Hence the lower price. I have Revos and Quantum. This is the smoothest casting reel that I own.

what year model is this reel?

Answer: The model is BB1, It is the 5.6-1 ratio. If that answers your question.

Answer: 2017

Product reviews of Lew's BB1 Speed Spool Baitcast Reel

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

10th Lew/s reel I have purchased super quality for cost

Gabriel Guerra : Light weight speed gears make it cast further with Accuracy when fishing on the bank

None

Mel : Five Stars

Great reel, fits my hand, casts a mile, and is easy to use. Highly recommend! Will be ordering more.

Darla Moore : Nice reel ! Very smooth-

I like the real a lot, but like the magnetic adjustment on the other Lews models.

Ty : Top Quality Reel

Top quality reel. This my second one. Shipping was fast as can be too!

Tony : Durability

It feels good to my hands and it cast very well.

pepsibear62 : Five Stars

Just what he wanted

Bill F. : Five Stars

“Works great. "

Adam Hunter : Taking a chance.

Maybe just the reel I got not sure. The gears were crunchy and looked like it had been refurbished. I ended up returning this product. The gear ratio is not what I ordered either.

John E. Mann : great reel for my money

I have several LEWS and just added 12 of these low profile reels to my arsenal. I expected the quality, but the drag and retrieve is so smooth, great reel for my money!

Van Cooper : Four Stars

Very smooth reel.

Richard : Big crank baits.

Smooth and distance. Crank baits .

happy camper : Love it

Great reel

Kindle Customer : Five Stars

awesome reel

Pat Calaway : Five Stars

very nice reel

Ponson416 : By far my favorite reel.

I have a few Abu's, Shimanos, Quantums, and some of the Bass Pro brand reels. None of them are the more expensive high end stuff, but definitely not the cheapest either. All good stuff. But this is by far my favorite reel. I couldn't cast braided line to save my life on any of the other reels. No matter how much I played with the brakes. I set it up on a 7' hvy rod with 65# braid and use it for frogs. I used the chart provided to set the brakes according to the lure weight. Once it was honed in I could cast a mile and the reel doesn't even think about backlashing. The smart plus braking system works wonders. I bet this reel would be perfect for throwing lighter lures. I plan on getting a couple more, cause I have a few other rods that need a reel.

Kindle Customer : Liked the first one so well I bought 2 more

Smooth as silk retrieve, solid construction. Fits my hand perfectly. Liked the first one so well I bought 2 more. Highly recommend this product.

Jerry Hodge : Five Stars

Excellent reel, smooth casting and reeling. Easy to craddle for better lure control.Excellent product.

Ryan : Five Stars

Great reel, superb quality

Richard : Big crank baits.

Smooth and distance. Crank baits .

Amazon Customer : Nice

One of smoothest reels I own !!

Amazon Customer : Great bargain

Smooth casting well built. Excellent price.

Amazon Customer : Broken product

I received this product a few months ago as it was not the season to fish. Now that it is fishing season and I took out my reel I realized it was broken. Please advise. Customer service please!

Russell Parker : Lews Reels

These Lews reels are great.

Joseph Malofey : Great reel

Awesome Lew's never that's the points and neither did the seller

Randy Lane : Hate to rate this low Lews has always been a ...

Had the reel for a week and used it in a Redfish tourney, Drag quit working and wouldn't tighten down, Hate to rate this low Lews has always been a great reel I probably got the only bad one ever made .....Ya reckon ?????

Adam Hunter : Taking a chance.

Maybe just the reel I got not sure. The gears were crunchy and looked like it had been refurbished. I ended up returning this product. The gear ratio is not what I ordered either.

Joseph Malofey : Great reel

Awesome Lew's never that's the points and neither did the seller

Jim Blount : Four Stars

Great reel!

Kindle Customer : Five Stars

awesome reel

The D's : There is not a better reel even if you spend another $100. No disappointments.

Great reel with top end engineering. The Lew's company was resurrected by the long time designer of Bass Pro Johnny Morris reels, and the Lew's reels are his "How do you like me now" statement to Bass Pro. Fishermen win! Lew's baitcasters are far and away the only way to go under $350. I have the BB1 and the Tournament Pro. The Tournament Pro has magnetic brakes and the spool is closer to the level wind, the BB1 does not have magnetic brakes and the spool is further away from the level wind so it casts farther. Tournament Pro is idiot proof for newbies and will not /cannot back lash if set up right as you can actually cast it and never thumb the spool. BB1 is the Tournament Pro reel graduate's next step reel. I use those two reels every week all day and no noise or squeaks at all. I am a fan. Lew's is in Springfield, MO.

John E. Mann : great reel for my money

I have several LEWS and just added 12 of these low profile reels to my arsenal. I expected the quality, but the drag and retrieve is so smooth, great reel for my money!

DANNY FRAYLER : Five Stars

Awesome reel now own 6 of em

John E. Mann : great reel for my money

I have several LEWS and just added 12 of these low profile reels to my arsenal. I expected the quality, but the drag and retrieve is so smooth, great reel for my money!

Ryan : Five Stars

Great reel, superb quality

Derrick2119 : Fast shipping

Lightweight smooth reeling. I cant wait to get out fishing soon!

Toledo Bob : Shop diligently, save big money!

My son is a big-time fisherman, some might consider his talents equal to the professionals. He put this fishing reel on his Christmas list and knew precisely what model, specifications (there are many), etc. that he wanted. After shopping elsewhere, no one had any discounted price until I searched Amazon. Here, I found the exact item for far less money. I even found out about the free T-shirt offer from Lew's. The moral to the story is this: Going in I knew exactly what I wanted to buy and found it at a discount.

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you