I have an opportunity to pick one up at a pretty good price, and I've never owned a Lew's.

The one I'm looking at is a 7.1.1 (newest gen). 

My question is, what is this reel in this ratio good at? I know the BB1 is known for cranking, but that's probably not ideal with that gearing.

I own 5 reels already in the 7.1.1+ gear ratio ranging from Curado I's up to Chronarch's and MGX's. Is the BB1 going to handle the same types of baits? How does it compare?

Thanks in advance.

Frog fishing,C-rigging,T-rigs. To your last question yes. If I could do it all over again I would have nothing but Lew's on all my rods!!!!

33 minutes ago, eyedabassman said:

Frog fishing,C-rigging,T-rigs. To your last question yes. If I could do it all over again I would have nothing but Lew's on all my rods!!!!

What about the BB1 do you like in comparison to other brands, specifically?

41 minutes ago, ksfishinguy said:

What about the BB1 do you like in comparison to other brands, specifically?

 

The BB1 is a great all-around reel.  From max drag to ergonomics to reel capacity if you can find something it doesn't do well I'd be more surprised than the other way around.  

 

I use the BB1 Pro as a Frog/big jig/swimbait/anything else big reel  with 40# smackdown.  Honestly if you like the looks and the way it palms, just go for it.  If you're looking for cons, you won't find many.  If you don't already know exactly why you'd want something else, don't worry so much about why other people do.  At that price range it's just a question of personal preference.  

Thanks, I'm going to try one out. Might use it for small swimbaits like you suggested.

I've said it a bunch and I'll say it again: I never realized the value in the Lew's reels until I started buying Shimano.

2 hours ago, ksfishinguy said:

What about the BB1 do you like in comparison to other brands, specifically?

I will tell you what, I will give you anyone of my baitcast reels ( and I have some nice reels ) for your BB1? That is how much I like Lew's reels!

13 minutes ago, eyedabassman said:

I will tell you what, I will give you anyone of my baitcast reels ( and I have some nice reels ) for your BB1? That is how much I like Lew's reels!

I'd certainly consider that. What reels?

I have a 7:1 BB1 that I use for buzzbaits and frogs. I have 50lb braid on it, and it casts a d*mn country mile. BB1 is good for anything that you want to get as far away from you as possible haha.

I have the bb1 pro and the older tournament pro in the 7:1 ratio that's on sale at cabelas because I guess they are phasing out. They're both great for anything and cast d**n near a mile. I really like the externally adjustable centrifugal breaks on the newer models. I have the bb1 pro on a 7' duckett ghost I normally use for spinnerbaits and the tournament pro on my jigging rod.