I'll start with this: I'm lovin' this new reel, a Lexa 100HS, 7.1:1 gear ratio.

Started out casting in my back yard with light lead weights, 1/4 oz casting plugs, etc. Experienced some minor backlashes until I was able to get it dialed in for weightless plastics, etc.

Currently using it with a 6' M Field and Stream rod, hoping to upgrade to a Croix or Shimano in the near future. Spooled with 10lb test YZ Hybrid in camo green. Plan on putting yellow PowerPro in around 15 or 20lb test + leader. Can't see the green lines well enough.

I can only compare the Lexa with my Quantum Accurists, so bear that in mind. No Shimano BCs in my arsenal, just on the spinning side.

Hands down, the Lexa crushes my Accurists in terms of smoothness, cast ability, reeling, and backlashing. I'm not sure I even want to pick those up anymore after using this puppy, LOL.

As one who primarily fishes soft plastics, I wanted a BC that could cast 4" Senkos, Stik-Os, etc. Lexa 100 handles the job extremely well. I've now dialed it in to where I can get a consistent 60-65 feet on a cast with zero backlash and not even having to thumb the spool, using a #4 or #2 Gammy Wide Gap Finesse hook, or a 2/0 round bend BPS worm hook, each with a 4" Senko. NEVER been able to do that before. Saw KVD do that on the Bass Pros once, and now I know it really can be done!

Have also been able to cast 4.75" Zoom Finesse worms, but need to use a split shot, or TX rig to get enough distance. Used bullets down to 1/16 oz along with the finesse worm.

So overall first impression of the Lexa 100 HS is excellent. Will continue experimenting ....

As a kayak fisherman I'm not looking to win long distance casting contests, so I can live with shorter casts and zero backlashes. I leave the mag brake set at 7 and adjust the spool tension + thumb control to tweak things if I need more distance.

Nice review!