I have the opportunity to get a BB1 for a good deal. I had recently been checking out the MB. This is my first baitcaster. Which one would y'all recommend?

For me it would be the Tournament MB.  The BB1 holds more line and is a bit heavier.  The small difference in weight wouldn't play into my decision.  Normally I use 12# mono so the MB holds more than enough line.  If I were to need a reel for say 15# or heavier, I might consider the BB1.  However, if it is a good deal....all bets are off.  Hard for me to turn down a good deal.  

 

The BB1 has centrifugal brakes while the MB has dual brakes if that makes a difference to you.

Will the dual breaks make it easier for a newbie?

1 minute ago, Jroc118 said:

Will the dual breaks make it easier for a newbie?

Absolutely

Thanks. I'm going to hold off and get the MB. Now to find the perfect rod. 

My Lew's reels all have dual braking so I can't say how good their centrifugal only brake reels are, but I imagine thebillsman is correct.

13 minutes ago, Jroc118 said:

Thanks. I'm going to hold off and get the MB. Now to find the perfect rod. 

 

I don't know what the perfect rod would be for you, but a good place to start looking for a good all-around rod is at a Medium Heavy Fast.  Sportsman's Outfitters has the original model Tatula in a 6'10" MHF for $110 (a $150 rod).  I don't have that particular model, but do have 3 other models and feel they are a great rod for the money.  Fishnkamp always suggests a Dobyns Fury and has stated they feel like a $200 rod to him.  No personal experience with the Fury, but I'd be willing to take his word for how good they are.  The new St. Croix Mojo rods are also getting excellent reviews.  Always provided these are within your budget.  If you have to spend less, the Berkley Lightning is a good rod for the money.  I prefer the standard Lightning to the Shock simply because I dislike the Shock's color.  Plus I am a fan of mono or co-polymer lines rather than braid....which is what the Shock was designed for.

My spinning rod is a st croix and I really like it. I've been looking at both the premier and mojo bass. After only fishing with 6'6" spinning the 7 footers seem really long. Gonna get something around 6'8" or 6'10" since I do most of my fishing from kayaks anyways. 

The dual braking system is a boon to a beginner. If you're getting a BB1 for less than the price of an MB, I'd go with the BB1 lol

1 hour ago, Jroc118 said:

My spinning rod is a st croix and I really like it. I've been looking at both the premier and mojo bass. After only fishing with 6'6" spinning the 7 footers seem really long. Gonna get something around 6'8" or 6'10" since I do most of my fishing from kayaks anyways. 

 

Back in the day a 6.5 footer was a long rod.  I have a 7'2" spinning rod, but prefer 6'6" or less for spinning.  An old 6' Lightning is still a favorite spinning rod.  However, I prefer 7' or longer for a baitcast rod although I have a couple Fenwick Smallmouth rods in the 6'8" - 6'10" that I like an awful lot and a new Aetos 6'6" ML Aetos that is a pleasure to use.  The Aetos is making me reconsider using a couple others of that size next year that haven't been used in some time.  Maybe the newness of the longer rods is wearing off.  

Duel brakes bs centrifugal brakes aren't going to make or break it for you. Buy whichever feels better in your hand and learn to use it to its full potential.

 

That said, I own five MB's... 

I own both and they are both great casters. they both have a free feeling. the bb1 is smoother to me. The mb is slightly lighter. 

They both cast light lures with ease 

11 minutes ago, Poolshark said:

I own both and they are both great casters. they both have a free feeling. the bb1 is smoother to me. The mb is slightly lighter. 

They both cast light lures with ease 

 

How light?  To be honest I've not tried very light with my Lew's as I have several other reels for that, but am curious as to how light I could expect to cast.  Right now mine are on MH rods.

I first bought Lew's reels when they were made by Lew Childres and had that distinctive profile. The only braking system was the centrifugal, and I preferred it over Daiwa, Shimao, and Abu Garcia. I never had any problems, although obviously now there have been significant strides made in their construction and the old Lew's reels have been retired to a place of honor

7 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

 

How light?  To be honest I've not tried very light with my Lew's as I have several other reels for that, but am curious as to how light I could expect to cast.  Right now mine are on MH rods.

I throw weightless flukes and 4 inch senkos easily.