I've been in the market for a new reel for a little while. After looking around,researching and playing around BPS I have my sights dialed in on the Lews Tournament MB in 7.5:1. I've read and heard that this reel is an amazing pitching/flipping/frogging reel. Exactly what its going to be used for. Who has one that can provide some insight? Any responses to this particular reel would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I have two of the Tournament MB's in the 7.5:1 gear ratio. I do like the size and feel of the "LFS" series of reels in my hand. I am primarily using these reels on 7'3" medium casting rods with jigs in the 3/16th - 5/16th ounce range.

 

For really heavy applications I have a pair of Lew's Super Duty Speed Spools. Not that the MB could not handle the same duties I just had the Super Duty reels before I got the MB's. The MB seems to be a solid reel and casts really well as all Lew's baitcasters north of 100 bucks seem to do.

 

The 7.5:1 gear ratio is really nice for picking up slack. Actually this is the fastest reel I own and I see a difference over the 6.8:1 when fishing a jig.

I have one that in use to flip jigs and Texas rigs. It's a nice reel but doesn't blow me away. I do like how compact it is for flipping and pitching.  It has dual braking system both centrifugal and magnetetic. I find the magnetetic brakes pretty much useless, I keep that completely off with 2 centrifugal pins on.

I've had the same experience with the brakes, never use the mag brakes. It's been a good reel for me. I usually throw spinner baits and chatter baits on mine. The only gripe i have is the sound it makes mid-cast when the spool speed is at its peak, there is a distinct sound from it. I've tried everything to get it to quiet down but now I just don't notice it.  I'm certain it's the brake pins rubbing the race inside the reel cover.

I use the MB on my "all purpose" setup. I throw anything from 1/8 oz swimbaits to 1/2oz spinnerbaits. It's a solid reel 

I have a couple of the mb's they work well and are comfortable, no complaints. 

I have the older MG and it's a fantastic reel. Not a fan of Lew's handles as much, but I have 0 complaints with it. Been a beast. 

I have one. It's paired with a Champion 684CB as a jerkbait set up.  It casts very well. It's a small profile and if you have smaller hands will palm very nice. Easy to set up.  I think it's a good reel. 

I have one I use for fishing jigs. It has good casting distance, feels solid and smooth. One of my favorite reels to fish with.

I had that exact reel for a year and liked it so much I bought another. You can't go wrong with it at that price point.

I have this reel. It is not really my favorite, but it is a solid choice. I have it in 8.3.1 for pitching application. I will say it is sadly not the best pitching reel that I have. I do like Lew's products, but in this case I think the extra money for a BB1 is worth it.

I have an MB I've been using for two years on a MH rod and it is used at least weekly. I do no maintenance at all. Works fine, no problems yet, casts well, comfortable to hold, feels pretty solid. No backlashes. When I fish with it I don't think about it. Holding up same as new. Seems to be a good value.

There's an MB in the flea market BNIB for $100

22 hours ago, rosshilk said:

I have this reel. It is not really my favorite, but it is a solid choice. I have it in 8.3.1 for pitching application. I will say it is sadly not the best pitching reel that I have. I do like Lew's products, but in this case I think the extra money for a BB1 is worth it.

I'm in the market for another. What reel do you recommend in that price range? ($130)

5 hours ago, npl_texas said:

There's an MB in the flea market BNIB for $100

Yes there is . The one I'm selling is a 6.8:1 though and OP is wanting is the 7.5:1. I have another MB that I do use and I like the reel a lot. It's a nice sized smooth reel for the price. Plus it has both mag and centrifugal brakes which is nice.

7 hours ago, the reel ess said:

I'm in the market for another. What reel do you recommend in that price range? ($130)

There is a model of the shimano curado that's on sale at 129.99 I cannot tell you the website name on here because it is a banned site. Hint another site 

Just now, rosshilk said:

There is a model of the shimano curado that's on sale at 129.99 I cannot tell you the website name on here because it is a banned site. Hint another site 

Man bass resource is good at moderating. It caught the hint. it's honestly impressive. I don't know why some things aren't allowed to be discussed, but I shop around where the deal is best. I can't afford to be allied to any particular tackle outfit. Other then siebert outdoors for my skirted bait needs I will always buy from there.

11 hours ago, rosshilk said:

There is a model of the shimano curado that's on sale at 129.99 I cannot tell you the website name on here because it is a banned site. Hint another site 

Man bass resource is good at moderating. It caught the hint. it's honestly impressive. I don't know why some things aren't allowed to be discussed, but I shop around where the deal is best. I can't afford to be allied to any particular tackle outfit. Other then siebert outdoors for my skirted bait needs I will always buy from there.

In regards to this post can someone tell me where I need to look to find these "banned sites"?  I read the rules and I see no mention or I missed it on banned sites. any help would be appreciated on this. I was not aware there were banned sites that we were to avoid talking about or bringing up--Thanks

12 hours ago, kadas said:

In regards to this post can someone tell me where I need to look to find these "banned sites"?  I read the rules and I see no mention or I missed it on banned sites. any help would be appreciated on this. I was not aware there were banned sites that we were to avoid talking about or bringing up--Thanks

The another site 

What would you say would be better about the BB1 for pitching?