I know the slp is smaller and more compact, as well as lighter. Does that cause any other concerns? Additionally, what lews reel should I be looking at for largemouth in Texas? Price range is 100-150 and I’ve found everything up to the custom slp in that. Thanks in advance for the reply.

I like the lfs over the slp for comfort.  The slp is too small for me.  The pre lfs reels like the original tournament pro are one of the most comfortable reels in my my hands. 

The determining factor for me is aluminum frame vs graphite frame.

 

I personally prefer aluminum frame reels.

I would recommend the Lew’s Tournament MB LFS $135 around $100 on sale. Aluminum frame and dual brakes.

 

I like my LFS reels over my SLP ones, exception is my Mach Crush SLP. It might be the Winn knobs but I like that reel a lot.

 

8 hours ago, texan875 said:

I know the slp is smaller and more compact, as well as lighter. Does that cause any other concerns? Additionally, what lews reel should I be looking at for largemouth in Texas? Price range is 100-150 and I’ve found everything up to the custom slp in that. Thanks in advance for the reply.

I have the Lew’s Custom Inshore SLP and it’s just a salt water version of the Custom SLP. I personally love that reel and I have slightly small hands and I feel the SLP fits my hand well. You could probably find the Custom SLP for about 120-140 on eBay, but the tournament MB lfs can be had around $100 on eBay and so I would take that any day. 

Like Catt said, stick to the aluminum framed reels for more durability.   The slp reels are made in aluminum and graphite so be sure to check the specs.

I prefer the Lfs. Plenty small enough and really comfortable. Going to get Lfs tournament pro in May for my birthday.Never buy a reel with a graphite frame.

Definitely take a hard look at the tournament mb. It's a great reel.

2 hours ago, Lead Head said:

Definitely take a hard look at the tournament mb. It's a great reel.

That’s what I’m really leaning towards. I’ve found it for around 100 on eBay? Is that the right place to go?

 

Edit: 107.49 for tourn. MB

153 for tourn. Pro

 

opinions?

 

No exp with the pro, but I paid more for both of my mb and am not disappointed at all.

I ordered a couple MB’s last fall and although I’ve not had a chance to use them much yet, I loved the feel of them so much I just ordered a couple more the other day. Any reviews I’ve seen for them have been amazing, and they’re just such a nice fit in my hands and feel very smooth. They’ll get a bunch of use here pretty soon I hope, if this winter ever goes away. 

11 hours ago, texan875 said:

That’s what I’m really leaning towards. I’ve found it for around 100 on eBay? Is that the right place to go?

 

Edit: 107.49 for tourn. MB

153 for tourn. Pro

 

opinions?

 

Make sure they are this year's model.a lot of times they are not. The tournament pro was redone and I think the drags on the other Lfs reels are stronger.at that price you may be getting a older model.

3 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

Make sure they are this year's model.a lot of times they are not. The tournament pro was redone and I think the drags on the other Lfs reels are stronger.at that price you may be getting a older model.

Sorry stupid question but what is the easiest way to determine that?

7 minutes ago, texan875 said:

Sorry stupid question but what is the easiest way to determine that?

The old tournament pro had like 5 holes drilled on top of the section over the line guide. I don't know how to tell on other Lfs models.To me the MB and Lfs are not visably different. You would have to ask the seller. Lew's does not allow cut pricing on it's reels as far as I know.No question is a stupid question especially if you're spending your hard earned money.

Edited March 10, 20197 yr by dodgeguy

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-Tournament-Pro-LFS-Baitcasting-Reel-6-8-1-Gear-Ratio-11-Bearings-RH/113318206770?epid=5021761462&hash=item1a624a9d32

 

 

New model

 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-Tournament-Pro-G-Speed-Spool-Baitcasting-Reel-TPG1HL/302689301356?epid=27011375540&hash=item4679b0336c:g:gWYAAOSwmLlX7ECU

 

 

 

Old model

 

1 hour ago, dodgeguy said:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-Tournament-Pro-LFS-Baitcasting-Reel-6-8-1-Gear-Ratio-11-Bearings-RH/113318206770?epid=5021761462&hash=item1a624a9d32

 

 

New model

 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-Tournament-Pro-G-Speed-Spool-Baitcasting-Reel-TPG1HL/302689301356?epid=27011375540&hash=item4679b0336c:g:gWYAAOSwmLlX7ECU

 

 

 

Old model

 

Thanks, any difference on the tournament mb?

Think the newer ones have a stronger drag. Otherwise you can't tell. The MB is an LFS framed reel . The older ones are fine but the newer ones are better. Some places try to pawn the older ones off as the new model . If it's discounted there is probably a reason.

Ok the $99 LFS got a stronger rulon drag from 10 to 15 lbs. The MB got a stronger carbon drag to 20 lbs. The tournament pro was a redesign and got a whole bunch of stuff. I have 4 $99 LFS old version they are awesome. Getting a tournament pro in May. 

Update: Ended up getting the new tournament pro version after I found it for a deal online ($140), and for anyone else who picks one up they have a rebate going too (pay $10 s&h to get their Prym1 jacket). So all in all, hopefully it arrives soon!

Great choice. What ratio ?

1 hour ago, dodgeguy said:

Great choice. What ratio ?

I throw a lot of cranks, so I went with the 6.8:1 ratio. Ended up doing the math between that and the 7.5:1. 50 feet is 600 inches, 6.8 takes 28 inches of line per rotation, and 7.5 takes 31. So, 600/28 gives you about 21.5 rotations vs 19.4 for the 7.5. All in all, at 50 feet there is a 2 crank difference and I get the little extra torque I wanted.

I've never seen the 8.3 to one for less than 199.

55 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

I've never seen the 8.3 to one for less than 199.

Funny enough by the end of the day they were sold out of all 3 right handed reel ratios, and only the left handed 6.8 was left (Sportsman’s outfitters)

That's cause it's a hot reel.

Not sure if I’m allowed to link but they are back in now

 

https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/lews-tournament-pro-lfs-speed-spool-baitcast-fishing-reels