I have a couple of the 1st gen Hank Parker Lew’s rods that were Walmart exclusives from about 3 or 4 years ago. I decided to get a new reel for the 6’ 10” cranking rod and I ordered one of the Abu Max STX casting reels. I try to keep my rod and reels matched up by price point and the STX has the same exact color scheme as that rod. To my surprise when the reel arrived it was extremely uncomfortable on that rod. The reel is really compact and I love that, but on that reel seat it moves the trigger about a half inch forward not allowing me me to put 3 fingers in front of the trigger when reeling. I had two new lightning rods that had no reels on them. I tried that reel and rod combination and it’s magic. I have another STX on the way for the other lightning rod. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m curious to see if one of my Revos would be the same on that Lew’s rod. I figured I would share this to warn about the possibility of Abu reel/Lew’s rod compatibility issues.

@CaughtMeABiggun If you’re referring to the black/silver rod with orange wraps? I have the 6’-10” and mounted a Daiwa CA80 on it and love the feel. Also I’m actually borderline ocd when it comes to color matching my rods/reels and these go together like peanut butter and jelly.

1 hour ago, Eric 26 said:

@CaughtMeABiggun If you’re referring to the black/silver rod with orange wraps? I have the 6’-10” and mounted a Daiwa CA80 on it and love the feel. Also I’m actually borderline ocd when it comes to color matching my rods/reels and these go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Yes it’s one of those rods. I thought about that reel too. I’m definitely all about matching colors.