So my local fleet farm has lew speed spool LFS on close out for $74. Seems like a decent deal compared for the $100 normal price tag. But are they a decent reel? I’ve always fished carbon lite 2.0 or Daiwa stuff in the past. 

Yep. My favorite “cheap” reel. 

If you like your Carbonlite 2.0 you’ll like the LFS. I’m pretty sure they’re the same platform.

Just now, Eric 26 said:

If you like your Carbonlite 2.0 you’ll like the LFS. I’m pretty sure they’re the same platform.

That’s what I noticed playing with it honestly. They have tatula xt rods in stock just gonna pair it with that 

Yes, adequate reels for the money and when on sale definitely worth grabbing. 

Although I don’t have a Tatula XT I trust everyone on here who seem to have nothing but praise for it, in fact I’m still debating on picking up the bfs model. I will add I had a Carbonlite 2.0 combo and although I felt it was really nice especially considering I bought the combo when they first came out for $120.00 I just couldn’t get comfortable with the reel in hand, but definitely zero issues as far as cast ability and retrieval.

Everyone does have such good opinions of them. I love my carbonlite combos. But god I just don’t like the white lol. Not that I care they work great but I just don’t like it lol 

@Joedodge I’m with you on the white although I did just purchase a Carbonlite spinning rod to match my Carbonlite spinning reel and have a White Lews TP1 rod to boot🤷🏻‍♂️

24 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

@Joedodge I’m with you on the white although I did just purchase a Carbonlite spinning rod to match my Carbonlite spinning reel and have a White Lews TP1 rod to boot🤷🏻‍♂️

lol! I get it. Like I said I don’t like the white. But for the bargain they are. I’m just fine with it they perform well. I’m an avid bank angler. Not like there’s money on the line. I love nice tackle and this is my only hobby. But it’s not like there is any return on investment besides my happiness lol

I got one for 50% off at Dick's and it has been good. Only fished it for a month or so last fall, but I am putting it through its paces this year and so far have no complaints.

5 hours ago, Joedodge said:

They have tatula xt rods in stock just gonna pair it with that 

You won't have any regrets. Own both, recommend both 100%. 

For the price point I prefer the Daiwa Fuego CT but the Lews Speed Spool LFS was my first baitcaster alongside an old Johnny Morris hand-me-down from my dad. It was a solid reel. 

52 minutes ago, MassYak85 said:

For the price point I prefer the Daiwa Fuego CT but the Lews Speed Spool LFS was my first baitcaster alongside an old Johnny Morris hand-me-down from my dad. It was a solid reel. 

I see a lot about the fuego. I’d like to see one in person may have to go look at one. I had a lexa years ago I loved 

Best 99 dollar reel out there

Best reel in the $100 price range bar none!

 

Between me, my son, & grandson ww have several, zero issues.

 

 

Fuego CT feels fatter (in the more round way) than my LFS reels if you palm your reels like I do. I prefer the LFS. 

The reels are likely better/different now. 7-8 years ago, I  bought three different Lew's LFS reels over a bout a  2 year period. Good price, casted well, decent value. The downside was - each of them started squealing after about a year and a half of use.  Added lube myself a few times, then took them to a shop to be serviced, etc... and they just seemed to dry out a screech again and again. 

18 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

The reels are likely better/different now. 7-8 years ago, I  bought three different Lew's LFS reels over a bout a  2 year period. Good price, casted well, decent value. The downside was - each of them started squealing after about a year and a half of use.  Added lube myself a few times, then took them to a shop to be serviced, etc... and they just seemed to dry out a screech again and again. 

The issues with those is bearings arent sealed atleast thats my understanding so durability issues

I've abused mine for 8 years or so and it works like a charm. Still decently smooth, but I'm gonna break it down and service it this season.

On 3/27/2025 at 12:55 PM, Functional said:

Fuego CT feels fatter (in the more round way) than my LFS reels if you palm your reels like I do. I prefer the LFS. 

I’m not a fan of both reels but really disliked the fuego. The handle felt too small and overall the reel didn’t feel comfortable.