Title says it all. What are the main differences in the Lew's Tournament MB and the Tournament Pro Baitcasting reels? Thanks for an info!

I called Lews with this same question, as they seemed almost identical on paper. The rep said the MB had a different handle composition and a slightly smaller, lighter frame.

I know the TP has a carbon fiber handle.

I just bought an MB a few weeks ago and other than the differences listed on Lew's website, given the price difference I honestly would pick the MB. It doesn't have that "buttery" smooth feeling the TP has, more of a "connected" feel. I actually like the size and profile of the MB better. Casting distance is just as good as the TP. I know it's the same breaking system as the TP, but the MB is a little easier to get dialed in. It casts light baits very well. You can find both at good prices, I've seen the TP for around $140 and the MB for about $115. Can't go wrong with either one, but the MB is a very good little reel an a very good price.

Keep in mind the older version of the MB is still out there.  It's heavier from what I understand.   But, alot cheaper now as it gets phased out.  They are on ebay for 80 bucks or so.  

I've only been looking at the newer models. I have several BB1's and I do like them but have been kicking around the idea of picking up a few smaller reels. The handles difference was about all I could see in the newer Tournament MB and Tournament Pro.

I've only been looking at the newer models. I have several BB1's and I do like them but have been kicking around the idea of picking up a few smaller reels. The handles difference was about all I could see in the newer Tournament MB and Tournament Pro.

 

 

Totally agree.  The new MB specs really may keep me from buying another Tourney Pro.  I love them, but if they are offering pretty much the same thing for less, than it's hard to argue with that.  

I just bought an MB a few weeks ago and other than the differences listed on Lew's website, given the price difference I honestly would pick the MB. It doesn't have that "buttery" smooth feeling the TP has, more of a "connected" feel. I actually like the size and profile of the MB better. Casting distance is just as good as the TP. I know it's the same breaking system as the TP, but the MB is a little easier to get dialed in. It casts light baits very well. You can find both at good prices, I've seen the TP for around $140 and the MB for about $115. Can't go wrong with either one, but the MB is a very good little reel an a very good price.

how light of baits are u using on the mb?

I picked one up not long ago with a 8.3 ratio for my big stick, and all my others are TPs, and boogy Man pretty much sumed it up I cant tell the differance outside of the handle, and the MB has a shiney paint where as the TP is matted

how light of baits are u using on the mb?

 

I have used a Rapala F09 which weighs 3/16 oz, it was a bit tricky due to the aerodynamics of that particular lure lol, but it handled the actual weight on the lure fine.  Also 1/8oz Strike King Mini King spinnerbaits.

I wonder if the actual internal components are as good as the TP. The TP had a proven history of handling long term abuse. Will be interesting to see what the MB is like in a couple seasons.

New MB owners keep in mind and come back next year for a 1 year review please?

My opinion of the LFS platform is very good. Almost too small to palm, hehehe.

Can't wait to see if there's going to be a Team Pro LFS in the works.

I wonder if the actual internal components are as good as the TP. The TP had a proven history of handling long term abuse. Will be interesting to see what the MB is like in a couple seasons.

New MB owners keep in mind and come back next year for a 1 year review please?

My opinion of the LFS platform is very good. Almost too small to palm, hehehe.

Can't wait to see if there's going to be a Team Pro LFS in the works.

 

 

From taking the MB apart, everything "looks" the same as the TP but as far as the actual longevity, time will tell.  After your post, I did check few things on both reels, the TP has no movement on the handle grips when pulling them in and out, the MB has a slight bit of movement of the grips sliding back and forth on their posts. Also when pulling out on the actual handle and star drag, their is a slight bit of in and out movement on the MB, none on the TP.  To me, it doesn't effect the performance of the reel, but may indicate the TP is the more refined of the two, which it should be given the price difference.

Maybe it should, maybe it shouldn't. The TP is old news. It's been what it is for a long time now. With the trickle-down effect of technology...yesterday's $150 is today's $115.

That said...I suspect the TP to be a better quality reel...but time will tell.

Either way you look at it...the TP is probably the best bang-for-your-buck Superman reel on the planet.

I suspect that if the Tournament MB was the same quality of the Pro, they would have called it the Tournament Pro LFS and phased the Pro out.

Add it sits...they came out with 3 LFS reels and only 1 of them replaced anything...the $99 Speed Spool.

The MB and Team Lite are new stand-alone models.

Still hope they come out with a Team Pro LFS.

Keep in mind the older version of the MB is still out there.  It's heavier from what I understand.   But, alot cheaper now as it gets phased out.  They are on ebay for 80 bucks or so.

You are right--just slightly heavier--Have 3 of them--great reels--I am sure the MB reels are great but the "old" MG is a great reel and I will not be in any hurry to "upgrade"

Maybe it should, maybe it shouldn't. The TP is old news. It's been what it is for a long time now. With the trickle-down effect of technology...yesterday's $150 is today's $115.

That said...I suspect the TP to be a better quality reel...but time will tell.

Either way you look at it...the TP is probably the best bang-for-your-buck Superman reel on the planet.

I suspect that if the Tournament MB was the same quality of the Pro, they would have called it the Tournament Pro LFS and phased the Pro out.

Add it sits...they came out with 3 LFS reels and only 1 of them replaced anything...the $99 Speed Spool.

The MB and Team Lite are new stand-alone models.

Still hope they come out with a Team Pro LFS.

They are labeling the new Tournament MB as having the new LFS technology so maybe that's the difference.

LFS is just the smaller frame platform.