Lew's Mach Speed Spool SLP Baitcast Reels

I purchased this LEWS reel at TD?s 2018 Canyon Clearance sale because it was on sale. I paired it with a 6? St. Croix Premiere rod M/Fast Action rod, that was also marked way down. I spooled it with both Yo-Zuri 20# braid and fluorocarbon leader. (I know, it?s a Frankenstein project.) It sat in my rod rack for six months. One day, I brought it out flounder fishing. Being my first BC set-up, it took some getting used to. After reeling in some 15-20? flounder, I hooked a full-size Cow-nosed Ray. I passed the rod to my charter. He fought this fish for 10 minutes, run after run, right up to the boat. (All caught on GoPro) It was an amazingly fun catch for all. This little Lews reel (and St. Croix rod) were impressive! This year (2020), I?ve been jigging with it for flounder. This combo is so light and sensitive, I?ve hooked more fish than every other fisher. The reel is smooth and has enough drag to handle a powerful Cow-nosed Ray. I?ve had no malfunctions. It casts long, too. I take care of my reels, but this LEWS reel still looks new. The only problem I noted was the side cover will come off easily by accidentally hitting its? release tab. Fortunately, it?s fallen off into the boat. Aside from that, I?m ready for another LEWS reel and St. Croix Premier rod for my left hand.

I have had this reel for about a year. So far I have not encountered any issues with performance or durability. Paired with a Dobyns Fury rod, it looks quite nice as well.

This reel is smooth and free spools well but thats where it ends. The magnetic braking is pretty much useless, the manufacturer told me that 8lb mono was too thin and not recommended for this reel and thats why it constantly gets between the side plate and the spool. I had too tighten the spool tension to where the line barely came off the reel with the weight of the lure to avoid backlashes, useless when fishing a falling bait. I should add I did not buy this reel from Tackle warehouse but I am buying its replacement here.

I gave this 2 stars because the braking feels like it's either all-or-none. With lighter lures it's either short cast with a lot of brakes or way too little with over runs. I have other reels similar price that casting is more manageable.

Worst Lews reel I ever owned, sounded like it was going to fall apart every since I bought it. It made it a half a year until it finally flew apart and the guts of it fell in the lake.

i have used many reels and this one is the work horse. i am going to get more when i can. i use these for cranking and topwater for a fast retrieve when the time matters. super smooth casting and easy to set for your liking.