So I just got a lews LFS speed spool, first time trying it out I tie on a 1/2 jig. I throw it out and start to reel, reeling is tough. I can't go to 1/2 an ounce without the spool tension being too tight. What do I do ?

Contact Lews about the problem and see what they have to say.

 

Then send it back to Lews for repairs if they agree.

 

Or send it to Delaware Valley Tackle and they will not only repair the reel for you but let you know what the problem is.

 

Good luck.

Back off your cast control...

Loosen the spool tension, tighten it only tight enough to keep the spool from moving back and forth in the frame.  Use your thumb to stop the bait from falling when you depress the thumb lever.  

 

I have seen many reels that will not hold heavier weights from falling with the spool tension alone.

Tried to do the loosening didn't work even put it a good bit down and continued with the problem. But when I go to low it will just backlash. I think I like the older lews better the new one has a pointed frame and it feels different.

You have a magnetic brake reel,  they help more on the end of the cast than at the beginning.  You need to turn the brakes up high and try to make a smooth short cast, don't whip the rod and snap your wrist, just a nice easy cast.  Once you get the feel for a easy smooth casting motion start backing the brakes off and your distance will increase.

Tried to do the loosening didn't work even put it a good bit down and continued with the problem. But when I go to low it will just backlash. I think I like the older lews better the new one has a pointed frame and it feels different.

Loosen the spool tension knob, not the cast control dial.

Loosen the spool tension knob, not the cast control dial.

They are the same thing.  Cast control cap = Spool tension knob.   

They are the same thing. Cast control cap = Spool tension knob.

Uhhhh. No the cast control is the dial that turns the magnets up or down. Spool tension knob is on the other side.

Op said when he goes to low he is having backlashes. Just thought maybe he was turning the dial down instead of loosening the spool tension.

Uhhhh. No the cast control is the dial that turns the magnets up or down. Spool tension knob is on the other side.

Oh, OK thanks for your help....        

Oh, OK thanks for your help....

you replaced the word "dial" that I used with "cap". I never said cast control cap. I was referring to the dial that controls the magnets. Both components are part of the cast control.

Easy boys it's nothing to do with the brakes I am close to free spool most times. And it's not the casting but the reeling.

Easy boys it's nothing to do with the brakes I am close to free spool most times. And it's not the casting but the reeling.

Too much line on the spool maybe rubbing somewhere?

What problem are you having with the reeling?   

Easy boys it's nothing to do with the brakes I am close to free spool most times. And it's not the casting but the reeling.

If the tension knob is tightened down too much, it presses the shims too hard against the spool shaft, making it tougher to reel.

Uhhhh. No the cast control is the dial that turns the magnets up or down. Spool tension knob is on the other side.

Op said when he goes to low he is having backlashes. Just thought maybe he was turning the dial down instead of loosening the spool tension.

Its a good point, and you are more than likely exactly correct.

That's the problem if I can't adjust the spool tension to the correct setting then how do I fish?

That's the problem if I can't adjust the spool tension to the correct setting then how do I fish?

So lets start over.      Turn the magnetic brakes completely off, turn them down to zero.    Set your spool tension by adjusting the spool tension cap ( the one by the handle ) tight enough that when the rod is held up and the spool disengaged that the bait drops slowly to the floor.   Turn the magnetic brake dial up to about a 7 or 8 and then  give it a nice smooth easy cast.

 

See how that works out.

That's the problem if I can't adjust the spool tension to the correct setting then how do I fish?

So what you are saying is you have to have your spool tension knob tightened so much in order to cast without a backlash that its causing resistance while reeling?

So lets start over. Turn the magnetic brakes completely off, turn them down to zero. Set your spool tension by adjusting the spool tension cap ( the one by the handle ) tight enough that when the rod is held up and the spool disengaged that the bait drops slowly to the floor. Turn the magnetic brake dial up to about a 7 or 8 and then give it a nice smooth easy cast.

See how that works out.

This ×2

Guys I know how to set a bait caster up. It's the reel itself that is out of tune or something I have resistance when reeling.

Guys I know how to set a bait caster up. It's the reel itself that is out of tune or something I have resistance when reeling.

Cool, sounds like you got it figured out, take it back, or send it to Lews for warranty claim.

Well why did you post a help question??

Since you know what's wrong, seems like you know your answer, so, what's the next move?

Return of a defective reel? Seems logical to me, and a rather simple decision...

Cool, sounds like you got it figured out, take it back, or send it to Daiwa for warranty claim.

Don't do that! I don't think daiwa will warranty a lews reel! Lol

Don't do that! I don't think daiwa will warranty a lews reel! Lol

Good point, must of had Daiwa on the brain.