So I got in my Lews LFS Speed Spool last week and fished with it Saturday. I wasn't thrilled with my purchase at all and I really wanted to be. It wasn't nearly as smooth as I was expecting and I could hear the gears the whole time I was winding. Did I just get a bad reel or are they not as good as I was hoping? Any suggestions on a reel under $100? I know all about the Tatulas but I have yet to see one for $89 as someone on here keeps suggesting. Are they any better than the Rvo3 SX? What is the smoothest/best reel that can be had for ~$100? Thanks.

Might want to look at these.  http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/Pinnacle-Producer-LTE-review.html

 

I've got the Primmus and it is a very smooth, well built reel.

Before you buy another reel exchange the one you have.

Every brand will have a few defectives.

 

 

 

So I got in my Lews LFS Speed Spool last week and fished with it Saturday. I wasn't thrilled with my purchase at all and I really wanted to be. It wasn't nearly as smooth as I was expecting and I could hear the gears the whole time I was winding. Did I just get a bad reel or are they not as good as I was hoping? Any suggestions on a reel under $100? I know all about the Tatulas but I have yet to see one for $89 as someone on here keeps suggesting. Are they any better than the Rvo3 SX? What is the smoothest/best reel that can be had for ~$100? Thanks.

 

Road Warrior made a good suggestion, try to exchange the reel and see if this fixes your issue. If so that's great.  If not, I would say there are better options in that range if you aren't set on Lews.

 

I would suggest the Tatula, $89 and $99 isn't that far apart and I've paid $99 for all of my Tatulas. Keep in mind,MSRP on that Tatula is $149. Awesome reels for $99.

 

Also, that Pinnacle reel can be had on Ebay for $70, free shipping. From the reviews it sounds like a winner. I haven't owned one but looks promising in that price range .

 

You might be able to pick up a Shimano Citica G or Citica E for around $100 on Ebay as well and I can say without a doubt both are great performing reels.

BPS Pro Qualifier.  Been beating mine to death for 4 years and can still throw it a mile and it's still smooth.  Just clean and lube it occasionally.

Pflueger supreme.  just as smooth as my Revo 3 SX but a little heavier

I'd take it back and exchange it. Idk much about the new lfs lews, but I've got a handful of lews from a couple years ago, in all different models, and they all are good reels.

If you exchange it and are still unhappy, look on eBay for a tatula, or keep an eye on the flea market for a used citica e. I've used a citica e on my squarebill rod for 3-4 years now and it's a super tough, user friendly reel. It just keeps on going and going.

And like others said, pro qualifier will always be a d**n good bang for the buck, especially when they go on sale for 79.99. That's another reel that I've used for years, and been rough on. Never had issue.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I am sending the LFS back, might try another one in the future. I have a serious "can't wait" problem so I bought a Cabelas Arachnid I found new on eBay for $110 and free shipping. Hoping it'll be what I want and if not, I'll return it and will have learned my lesson next time and go do more hands-on research to make sure I'm getting the real I want. Lol

I haven't been impressed with my LFS speed spool either. Been pretty picky so far with weights of lures it will throw. I may be in the same boat, try one more then try something else. Loved my other less though

I would exchange it and try again.  That reel has always received high praise. 

 

You might also clean and re-lube it.  It seems that every new reel is either without oil and grease or it is overloaded. 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I am sending the LFS back, might try another one in the future. I have a serious "can't wait" problem so I bought a Cabelas Arachnid I found new on eBay for $110 and free shipping. Hoping it'll be what I want and if not, I'll return it and will have learned my lesson next time and go do more hands-on research to make sure I'm getting the real I want. Lol

I think you'll love the Arachnid. It's a Tatula Type-R on steroids. For $110 you can't beat that.