In case you missed it, Lew's updated their website this weekend to reflect their 2014 lineup (http://www.lews.com/). IMO, probably the most interesting development is this new centrifugal braking system for the BB1 (not the Pro). It's called the SmartPlus 6-Pin System - more details at http://www.lews.com/Lews-BB1-SmartPlus.pdf.

 

Interested in getting input on this because I'm about to upgrade to either the BB1, BB1 Pro, or Tournament Pro.

 

First post by the way - excited to join the community. Holy cow, this website is incredible. Tight lines!

I am more curious about their new spinning reels. I have a Cabelas reel that has been the best spinning reel I have ever owned. I am in the market for a new reel but want to try the new Lew's. I am just not convinced that it will be better than what I have. They sure do look good!

im hoping they now offer the BB1 in the 6.4:1 left handed with the multistop AR

That brake system was on the re introduced BB1 2yrs ago or whenever that was.

That brake system was on the re introduced BB1 2yrs ago or whenever that was.

 

Have you used it? Any thoughts?

Have you used it? Any thoughts?

I had a bunch of Lews reels at one point including the bb1 and bb1xxx. I didn't notice any difference really when compared to my other Lews. They all were good casting reels. I'd own another one.

I had a bunch of Lews reels at one point including the bb1 and bb1xxx. I didn't notice any difference really when compared to my other Lews. They all were good casting reels. I'd own another one.

 

Good stuff - thanks for the input. Given your experience with Lew's, would you have a preference between the TP, BB1, or BB1 Pro? Much appreciated!

Good stuff - thanks for the input. Given your experience with Lew's, would you have a preference between the TP, BB1, or BB1 Pro? Much appreciated!

The bb1 pro wasn't out at that time. Either were the bb1 inshore or bb2. The bb1 holds a decent amount of line. My 2 were for crankbaits. For a general use casting reel I'd pick the tournament pro. I'd actually pick that reel the majority of the time.

I prefer the BB1 for lures over 5/8 to 3/4, and the Team Gold or for anything lighter than 3/4 oz.  the Team Pro and  Gold will cast and reel fine with the heavier lures but the BB1 and Super Duty for that manner can't be beat with their heavier larger spools for big lures, they just keep the momentum when fired up with heavier lures, but can't be started as quick as the lighter spools of the other reels with lighter lures, especially when you get down below 3/8 or 1/4 oz . The break 6 pin system is great on the Old BB1 reels and the new, as lipps said, hard to notice a difference once either is set to suite the individual!

I am more curious about their new spinning reels. I have a Cabelas reel that has been the best spinning reel I have ever owned. I am in the market for a new reel but want to try the new Lew's. I am just not convinced that it will be better than what I have. They sure do look good!

I just bought the team lews gold carbon spinning reel.. hope to use it next weekend.. and will post a report/review.. 

I just bought the team lews gold carbon spinning reel.. hope to use it next weekend.. and will post a report/review.. 

Keep that report on mind for us next fall, the Lew's spinning reel's in the past have started  out sweet but went sour rapidly, I hope they have fixed some of there weekness with their newer models,,, like I say next week is good, next year we really want to hear about!! Good Luck and I hope you catch plenty to break it in right!!!

Keep that report on mind for us next fall, the Lew's spinning reel's in the past have started  out sweet but went sour rapidly, I hope they have fixed some of there weekness with their newer models,,, like I say next week is good, next year we really want to hear about!! Good Luck and I hope you catch plenty to break it in right!!!

I am really hoping that this new reel will be top notch.. I know a guy in FLA who has put 4 months on the reel and has had no issues.. if it even feels remotely weak on my first fish I am sending it back to TW for a stradic FJ or supreme mg from pflueger ... 

I have both bb1 & bb1 pro. This smart 6 pin brake isn't new as previously mentioned. I like both braking system. The blue brakes are for lighter lures and white brakes are for heavier lures. The blue brakes are not spring loaded so once turn onto the ON position the brakes are on from beginning of cast to end of cast. Since white brakes are spring loaded, when they are turn on they only apply brakes when necessary.

The brakes on the bb1 pro. Well there's a video on youtube and the guy does a great job at explaining how the brakes work so you can take a look at his video. Search for a detailed look at the bb1 pro. Something like that. His youtube name is keepingitreelfishing.

If I had to pick 1 of these 2 I'd go with bb1 pro just because the external brake knob is very convenient.

Just bought a BB1 Pro for crankin' from Ron at Valley. Can't wait to try it.

Just bought a BB1 Pro for crankin' from Ron at Valley. Can't wait to try it.

 

Just made my first purchase from Ron today as well - several Duckett rods are headed my way. I was/am between the BB1 Pro and the Tournament Pro but as soon as I figure it out (hopefully soon!) Ron will be getting another e-mail. Great guy - awesome service.

 

Please update with how you like your BB1 Pro!

I got a bb1 pro a few weeks ago and was able to take it to the river and cast chatterbaits for about an hour. Everything else is frozen right now. It is amazing to cast. I kept backing off the brakes and it just cast further and further. Incredibly smooth spool control. I am in love with this reel. Can't wait for ice out.

Here is a link to the video about the BB1 Pro mentioned above.

 

Frank

I have the tournament pro and thinks its great ....good luck