Lew's BB1 or BB1pro

[Craigums]

Few questions:

1) How important is a 5.1:1 gear ratio when your throwing crankbaits that dive 10+ ft., could I use a 6.4:1 just as effectively.

1) On the BB1 the 5.1:1 reels have a multi-stop anti reverse, I've heard mixed opinions on that feature, if you have used one what is your honest opinion?

[cjac]

I have the BB1 and love it. I'd definitely go with the lower ratio, that's what the reel is made for. I suppose you could use a 6.4, but I'd not want to fish with it all day and to your question of as effectively, I'd simply say "no".

I like the multi-stop, I think I feel more of whats going on. Keep in mind that is only on the 5.1 ratio models.

As far as the BB1 vs. the pro model: the pro has an oversized line guide and is supposedly better for handling braided line. For cranks, you're gonna be using fluoro mostly, so I'm not sure if the extra $40 is really giving you that much over the BB1. The latest Bassmaster mag had an article on casting distance, and the called out the BB1s as great distance reels. You can bomb a Strike King 5 series a looong ways with the BB1 and a good rod.

[bassfshin24]

I'm actually looking at purchasing the same reel. I've been waiting for a sale or a good buy on a used one. I used an older abu round reel for my deep cranks last year because it had the lower ratio and it worked great for deep cranks. It was just too bulky so now I'm looking at a lews. You can find a used one online for probably a $100 or less. I saw a BB1 that was used for less then a year that just went for $75.

[RK]

I love my BB1.

Definitely prefer the lower gear ratio, especially for deep diving baits that pull hard. Noticeably easier on the wrists over a long day. The multi-stop AR is part of why I like it so much. Also why I was still using the original BB1s as my cranking reels up until just a couple of years ago - and why I was so happy when Lews came back with an updated version of the BB1. Without IAR, you definitely do have a better sense of feel with a crankbait. You just feel more connected. It's hard to explain, but to me it's very very noticeable.

As to the Pro vs the standard, I really don't see much in the Pro's specs to justify the extra $50, although the carbon fiber handle is nice just on principle I suppose. Really thought the weight difference is still only 1/2 oz or so, and frankly on a long rod like a cranking rod a slightly heavier reel may balance better. I have a glass cranking rod I use for lipless baits that I put a heavier reel on just for that reason.

As cjac, said the BB1s cast incredibly well, just like the old ones did. I can bomb a Series 5 or DT 16 a long ways with just an underhand roll cast.

Really, if it were me, I'd just get the standard BB1...

[Craigums]

Ok, you guys talked me into it. Found a site offering the Pro version for 149.99 w/ free shipping + a free hoodie. Couldn't pass up the deal. Hope I end up liking the multi stop Anti-reverse.

As far as the BB1 vs. the pro model: the pro has an oversized line guide and is supposedly better for handling braided line. For cranks, you're gonna be using fluoro mostly

Wouldn't the thinner diameter of braid be ideal for mid/deep running cranks?

[Superduty]

Braid floats. Flouro sinks. Your baits will run different depths with similar diameter braid and flouro. A really thin braid might give you more depth but it will cut into itself on the spool and make casting and drag functions difficult.

[cjac]

+1

Those are the biggest reasons I stick with fluoro. That thin braid will cut down into the spool when you're trying to launch a DT 16.

I know some guys like to switch to a braid in late summer when fishing the deep coontail stuff, but I've not tried that myself. A decent rod and you can snap off most weeds with a good pop.

[RumRiverRat]

Use 10 pound Fluorocarbon.

12 at the heaviest.

A bait like a DT10 loses a lot of it's wiggle on heavier line.

A longer rod will help fight the fish better, the rod will do more of the work.

Low gear ratio is a must for deeper cranks.

When throwing dt 14,16 and 20s along with 5xd,6 and 6xds you will notice a huge difference with a low gear ratio reel.

[Fairchild_82]

+1 to the Fcarbon on deeper cranks; Wouldn't use anything else. That's what it was designed for.. but I've never had a Lew's.. kinda on the fence about trying one out. I guess I've always looked down upon them.. felt they were inferior to the more popular brands. You think there will be any at the sport show this weekend? Maybe i'll get a better look at them there. Any of you guys going?

and anything you'll be on the hunt for? I myself will be trying to find the new Tatula. Can't find one anywhere. except online and I'm sure Cabela's has it, but that's just too easy..

[Craigums]

but I've never had a Lew's.. kinda on the fence about trying one out. I guess I've always looked down upon them.. felt they were inferior to the more popular brands.

Let's put it this way. The Lew's Tournament pro's are taking the place of all my Shimano Curado 200E's. I absolutely LOVE the Tournament Pro

[bassfshin24]

I agree. From what I have read about Lews I am probably going to buy a few more of them instead my normal Revo's.

[RK]

I used several Lews all last season and loved them. Currently I have BB1s, Tournaments and Tournament Pros, and like them all.

I've always been pretty ecumenical with my reel selection - I have Shimanos, Abus, Daiwas, Pfluegers... But I'm gradually replacing a lot of other brand with Lews. (With a few exceptions - my Scorpions and Fuegos aren't going anywhere.) Part of it is ergonomics, as they just fit my hand well. A lot better than the Gen 3 Revos frankly - that big gearbox drives me nuts. But above and beyond that, performance for cost wise I think they're hard to beat. Been very very happy with them. To top it off I had one issue with one of them out of the box, and the customer service was exceptional.

Seriously - they're worth a look.

[Superduty]

I certainly won't give up my Curado E's for Lew's. There is a reason why 20 year old Shimano reels are still worth 50-60% or more of what they cost new. They have withstood the test of time. Every reel with the names Revo, Lews, Bass Pro Shops, Browning and more are built in the same South Korean factory. You can take gears and parts from any of them and they are interchangeable. I have fished Revo and Lews and they cast a mile out of the box and feel like a quality product. Clean the factory grease out of your Curado E's spool bearings and add a drop of good oil and you will be pleasantly surprised if long casts are how you judge a reel.

[RumRiverRat]

I am working my way towards running all Shimano reels, Citicas and Curados.

To each their own, all that matters is buy what you want.

Resale value on Shimano reels is huge, all the others not so much.

[delmuts]

RK !!!! "ecumenical" I had to look that one up!!

[RK]

Del -

I won't say a bad word about Shimanos believe me. I have Chronarch As I'm still using, plus Curados and Scorpions... I've just been very pleased with the Lews.

As far as them being made in the same factory as other reels, true to a point I guess. A lot of Shimano parts are interchangeable as well, even across model versions (Citica gears fit in a Curado 200B and Curado 200B gears will fit in a Chronarch).

What does differ though is specs, materials and QA. A good example which I happen to have handy is a Pflueger Patriarch and a Bass Pro Rick Clunn reel from a couple years back. They're made by the same OEM manufacturer, and some of the parts are interchangeable (gear, pinion, parts of the levelwind) but they are nowhere near the same reel. In terms of tolerances and specs the Patriarch is orders of magnitude higher quality, and, as it's turned out, that has played out in terms of longevity. Made the same place or even having some parts interchangeable doesn't mean 'the same.'

(BTW, if there's a reel company that flies more under the radar than Pflueger I can't think of it...)

[delmuts]

RK ! I was just giving you @@#$#@# about big words!!

Over the years I have seen differences in quality even with in brands. Several times I get to use other brands, and get to see the quality when I offer to clean a lubricate a reel for some one. It's amazing some times the little differences. As said! Many GREAT reels out there.

[beeflover]

I'm shopping baitcasters too and am amazed at the good things I'm hearing about Lew's. I had one years ago that wasn't very good for casting distance. This company must be making some kind of great turnaround.

All my stuff is Shimano now but I'm definitely looking, and I've heard a rumor that there will be a new 'retro Curado' like the older ones, it may sell around $180. When they jacked the price on Curado's a few years ago i bought a couple of the Citica and think they stink so i'm a little down on Shimano now.

Another reel besides Lew's that I've seen real good reviews on was Okuma Helios, anybody using those I'd like to hear how they've worked for you.

[RumRiverRat]

The G series Curados are junk.

Been buying up every E series I can find.

The new Curado is suppose to be awesome, but they said the same thing about the G series.

[TR21HP]

Just bought a Lews Tourney pro and it is so much better than the current Curados or chronarch for that matter. Higher quality materials, smoother reeling and better looking as well. This comes from a guy that has been Shimano all his life but the current Shimano models are overpriced and don't have the same attention to quality they once had. Too bad.