I recently got a St. Croix Victory "The Marshall" for T-tigs and jigs. I am looking for a casting reel to pair it with and not sure which to buy. I love the way the Lew's SLP frame fits in my hand on this rod but not sure which to buy. I can get a Hypermag 7.5:1 for $200 or the 8:1 for $250 right now, but also looking at the new Lew's Custom Pro ($260). Any advice between these two reels or any other Lew's reels you like? Any advice on magnesium reels? I have never owned one. Are they weaker than aluminum? Stronger? All I know is they are lighter. Any advice is appreciated. Additional: I have many Lew's LFS reels and love them but they don't feel right in the hand on this rod. 

https://www.lews.com/en/shop/casting/cpbc Get the 2nd Gen and call it a day.

A magnesium reel frame is 40% lighter than aluminum.  

The strength and stiffness is designed-in.  

Both reels have centrifugal brake and alloy gears.  

From that list, I would leap on the $200 Hypermag, but there's really not much difference, and even the half-ounce weight difference isn't that much.  

But you probably won't find another $200 magnesium-frame reel out there (most are $400).  

8 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

https://www.lews.com/en/shop/casting/cpbc Get the 2nd Gen and call it a day.

Is it the 6 pin break vs 4? Aluminum over Magnesium? Any specific reason? 

11 minutes ago, Cody28 said:

Is it the 6 pin break vs 4? Aluminum over Magnesium? Any specific reason? 

6 pin, afaik, but totally externally adjustable. No popping pins on or off. It's not about aluminum vs magnesium. The Gen 2 has the P2 pinion support, but the Hypermag doesn't. Lew's upgraded many models with this feature over the past few years, but the Hypermag hasn't gotten that treatment yet.

Go to sportsmansoutfitters.com and get the custom lite slp at 229$ with the tanso tech frame. At 4.9 of you'll be blown away. I have one and it's a great reel.

15 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

Go to sportsmansoutfitters.com and get the custom lite slp at 229$ with the ransom tech frame. At 4.9 of you'll be blown away. I have one and it's a great reel.

I need the left hand model and they're sold out ? 

5 hours ago, PhishLI said:

6 pin, afaik, but totally externally adjustable. No popping pins on or off. It's not about aluminum vs magnesium. The Gen 2 has the P2 pinion support, but the Hypermag doesn't. Lew's upgraded many models with this feature over the past few years, but the Hypermag hasn't gotten that treatment yet.

I did see that P2 pinion gear when researching, but haven't heard anyone say they noticed it making a difference one way or another. The hypermag does feel like its becoming dated, but its hard to pass on the deal. Thanks for the input still not sure what I will do haha 

10 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

Go to sportsmansoutfitters.com and get the custom lite slp at 229$ with the tanso tech frame. At 4.9 of you'll be blown away. I have one and it's a great reel.

I'll second this. I was weary of the frame but this is hands down my favorite reel. It's very compact and palms very well for how I like to fish T rigs. Can't go wrong with the hypermag either.

18 hours ago, Cody28 said:

I need the left hand model and they're sold out ? 

wait its worth it