I know Lews Reels get a lot of love but how are their rods?  I was looking at the TP-1 and the Speed Stick Lite HM85.  I have held one in my hands and LOVED the grip but I havent heard much about the rods. Anyone have any experience?

They offer a good rod, not the best or worst at each price point. From what I've heard the new 85 is a great rod. I have no experience with it but I trust the person who told me about it.

He was at iCast, he said it was the best new rod at the show.

Got four new Lew's reels and a David Fritts crankin rod but none of their other rods. Glad you asked this question because I am thinking about their Speed Stick Lite HM85 drop shot rod. Maybe someone out there will give us a good review on them.

I used 4 of the new Speed Stick Lite HM85's for a day last week. They are great blanks, great guides, spot on actions( for what I expect them to be ), the Winn grips were nice, and the build overall was excellent. The 2 things I didn't like were the hook keeper, it's a minor thing, but I absolutely don't like it. The major thing I didn't like was the lockdown on the reel seat. With my reels mounted, Lew's Team Lew's Gold's, it left exposed threads under the reel seat. These threads just happen to come into direct contact with the middle pad of my middle finger. After a hook set with a Jig, I couldn't figure out where all the blood was coming from. I finally realized my finger was cut wide open. I put a 1" bandage on it and went back to fishing. A few fish more and the bandage was cut to ribbons. I finally figured out it was the reel seats doing it so I shipped them all back. Shame, they seemed like a good rod. Brian.