I admit I am fairly new to baitcasters and haven't had my hands on too many different brands and models Here is a list of ones I've used.

Pflueger Criterion

Garcia - Black Max2, Silver Max, Pro Max, Revo S, Revo SX, Orra S

Quantum Code

Pinnacle Obsession

And of course my Lew's® Tournament SS TS1-H

With no cleaning of any kind straight out of the box and line put on the spool, this reel amazed me, of course adjusted when the lure was put on and adjusted the drag but other than that nothing special done. This reel has an amazingly smooth cast and retrieve, casting distance is also amazing ( I guess as could be expected since it is smooth casting ) This wasn't on a top of the line rod just a Berkley 6'6 Med lightning rod and just had some trilene XL smooth cast 12# line on it.

BOTTOM LINE: I'd highly recommend this reel, for the price range it is in I am not sure there is a reel that can beat this straight out of the box, I can't wait to see what it can do when I send it to DVT for some work done. Anyone who has been debating on buying one of these reels, do not hesitate. I'd be hard pressed to think anyone wouldn't be impressed with this reel, maybe some people might not be impressed with it ( I don't see how though especially in the 150 $ or less price range depending on sales amd what not ). Well that's my 2 cents worth.

Edit - Did an edit to clarify the exact reel model I am talking about.

Good luck and keep them lines tight!

I have been threatening to get a lews a lot lately, my buddy is a lews dealer and ive gotten to play with many of thier models. it sucks cuz they make so many nice reels lol. I am torn between the tourny pro and the the tourny ss lol

If the pro could some how be better... I'd go with it specially if you can get a deal, if not though the tournament ss ts1-h is hard to beat... I think there's another model for a faster gear ratio and possibly left hand models not sure... but I'm thinking of making this My all around reel and getting a nice flacon or st croix rod for it... which wi ll be another topic ill post later.

if they made a team lews in a lwfty I would be lookin at them...but the TP and the T Ss are great especially foe thw money