Did a search, but only thing I could find were some for sale. No reviews at all. From what little I've read, it seems the older Lews' reels had a good reputation. I assume the BB 1NG was the standard of the day gear ratio while the BB 1NH was high speed...whatever those standards might have been.

I'd like to hear from a few of you that have used them before. What were your likes and dislikes? How do they cast compared to the reels of their day? What were the reels of their day? Would one still be a good reel to have today? Thanks.

I use to have a BB1 about 30 years ago, or longer. They were great reels. Wish I had it back. Lews originated the first low profile reel. The first Lews were made by Shimano, before Shimano started making their own reels.

Hey LMG, ya think the old Lews reels were so great because Shimano made em? LOL

Hootie

IIRC, The BB-1NG was made for Lew's by Shimano back in the '80s. There were other models that were made by Ryobi (BB1L, I think). They're pretty darn good reels.

Tom

I used to have 2 Lews Speed Spools years ago. The reels that they competed with, for me, was a Garcia 5000C and a Garcia 1500C. I liked the low profile and smooth casting of the Lews.

I accidentally kicked both of them overboard while winter fishing! Broke my heart!

Recently I bought 2 New Old Stock Lews BB1Ns on ebay and fish them side by side with my Shimano Calcutta 200GTB, and my Pflueger President. I also use some Daiwa SM-1's.

The Shimano Calcutta is a smoother caster, but I really enjoy the Lews......I think they feel right in the hand and cast very well. I like them better than the Plueger, which is also a very smooth caster.

I especially use the Lews with crankbaits.

In my opinion, new reels have no real advantage over the vintage Lews. Parts will be more difficult, I'm sure, but I haven't had to replace any.

Thanks a lot guys for the information. I'm still up in the air, but only because I already have 7 more reels than rods. Otherwise I would take the plunge. I've never minded older equipment as long as it performed up to expectations. Another gentleman said these reels would out throw any reel out there today. For that kind of performance I can overlook the alligator finish.

EDIT: Silas, just noticed your comment on crankbaits. The gentleman who said they would out throw today's reels said it was unbelievable how far they would throw a crankbait. You wouldn't happen to be on another forum under a different name, would you?

back in the day, i had the lew's speed spools made by shimano and ryobi. for the time period, i thought they were fantastic performers but i did have problems with them, especially the ryobi-manufactured one...the metal guide that rode the worm gear under the levelwind was continually wearing out and eventually, i couldn't find the parts anymore. after i got the the shimano bantams and daiwa megaforce low-profile reels, i stopped using the lew's altogether. although i do get nostalgic, i find modern reels are superior in almost every way...more rigid, more solid, smoother, and much more reliable.

Thanks 21. Guess I'll pass. Besides there are a couple new reels I would like to try...Komodo, Helios, Pinnacle XT or XLT.

Thanks a lot guys for the information. I'm still up in the air, but only because I already have 7 more reels than rods. Otherwise I would take the plunge. I've never minded older equipment as long as it performed up to expectations. Another gentleman said these reels would out throw any reel out there today. For that kind of performance I can overlook the alligator finish.

EDIT: Silas, just noticed your comment on crankbaits. The gentleman who said they would out throw today's reels said it was unbelievable how far they would throw a crankbait. You wouldn't happen to be on another forum under a different name, would you?

No, that wasn't me! But, as I write, I just got my THIRD Vintage Speed Spool off Ebay for $45 shipped!! Cleaned it up and am going to purchase a Dobyns rod for it soon. Gonna spool some 12lb Izorline Copolymer Mono on it. This particular model Lew's is the BB-1N without the anti reverse.

Got a couple of CUSTOM CRANKBAITS from Marty Burns,(Big M) on this forum......they are the "Bomb!!"