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

DANNY FRAYLER : Five Stars

Awesome reel now own 6 of em

randy b : OK

it's ok but you get what you paid for

L.j. : It did not disappoint. Great product and I would recommend it to ...

I've read a lot of hype on this reel so I decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint. Great product and I would recommend it to anyone.

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

Great reel at a great price. Will be buying another

william stevens : works great no complaints here

needs to be oiled well, works great no complaints here!

Tyler Veilleux : Five Stars

Awesome reel great breaking system. Highly recommend.

Kindle Customer : Great reel !

After I got the brakes adjusted' I can cast it a mile !

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

good

Dan : Five Stars

good product

Joseph Malofey : Great reel

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

DANNY FRAYLER : Five Stars

Awesome reel now own 6 of em

Fishon : Best I've used

I'm replacing all my reels with Lews. Best I've used.

Terry Lowe : Five Stars

The best ever

Hayley Wood : Wrong item in box

Was not the same reel as discribed, it was a faster reel than what was stated on the box

Terry Lowe : Five Stars

The best ever

Van Cooper : Four Stars

Very smooth reel.

Ajanour : Love it

Light weight, super control over casts. Subsequently I also bought a Lew's spinning real because I was impressed with the quality.

Amazon Customer : .

Poor casting distance.

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.

Darla Moore : Nice reel ! Very smooth-

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

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

good

Amazon Customer : Took a chance...Pleasantly surprised

Great casting reel for distance, and working in the wind, one of the best I've ever used. I use 10-12lb line primarily, which can be tricky in the wind when making long casts, but this reel kicks butt. 5:1 gear ratio reels are getting tough to find, but I prefer them for crankbaits over high speed reels. I was skeptical about the multi-point anti reverse as opposed to infinite, but I noticed no issue when fishing. I've got a full tournament season on it and not one hiccup. Highly recommended.

Skeeter : Five Stars

One of the Best for the money you can buy, light, smooth and so easy to use all day.

Frank Warner : Great Lew's Product

This is the second Lew's BB1SHZ that I have bought from Amazon.com. These reels are excellent!! The initial set up for the centrifugal braking system was a bit puzzling, but once you get it set up right, the reel performs perfectly. Casts long and smooth, retrieves great and the drag system is very smooth. I have caught largemouth bass over 6 pounds with no problem whatsoever with these reels.

Derrick2119 : Fast shipping

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

Dan Lynch : ... bunch of Reels this one by far is the best to date

Gone threw a bunch of Reels this one by far is the best to date. Normaly with other Reels I spend a lot of time stripping line to dig out a loop or a back lash, this reel not so much the breaking system in the reel makes the diffrents in myopinion. Oh and my cast distance is great too.

Mario : Five Stars

Great for the price

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

Great reel at a great price. Will be buying another

Fishon : Best I've used

I'm replacing all my reels with Lews. Best I've used.

Frank Warner : Great Lew's Product

Jim Blount : Four Stars

Great reel!

Hayley Wood : Wrong item in box

Was not the same reel as discribed, it was a faster reel than what was stated on the box

TJS 2017 : Great quality and works very well.

Really nice reel. Very smooth operation. Light weight and a fast spool speed. I'm using this on my frogging rod. Loaded it up with 40 pound braid, made a slight adjustment for the weight of the lure (easy) and it cast like a dream.

Brandon : Hear slippage

Used this reel 5 or 6 times now. Handles largemouth and spotted bass well. The hears are slipping already so I will have to retire this one.

Shawn G. : Great fishing reel

I love these reels I will buy more when I can!

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

Nice and smooth!

Anne Robbins : I really like using this kind

I have had Lew's before. I really like using this kind. Lew's is high quality.

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