Are you looking for the ultimate fishing reel that can help you catch more fish and take your angling game to the next level? Look no further than the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS Baitcasting! In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a deep dive into the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this powerful baitcasting reel. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, you won’t want to miss this in-depth analysis. So grab your tackle box and let’s get started!
Features
The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is packed with features that make it a top contender in the baitcasting reel market. Here are some of its standout features:
10 Bearing System: This reel boasts a 10 bearing system with stainless steel double shielded ball bearings that provide a smooth, fluid motion.
Zero Reverse® One-Way Clutch Bearing: The Zero Reverse® one-way clutch bearing ensures that there is no handle backplay, making it easier to reel in your catch.
One-Piece Aluminum Frame: The one-piece aluminum frame provides durability and strength while remaining lightweight.
Graphite Sideplates: The graphite sideplates reduce weight while still maintaining the strength of the reel.
Anodized Aluminum U-Shape 34mm Spool: The anodized aluminum U-shape 34mm spool provides increased line capacity and smoother casting.
Externally Adjustable Magnetic Control System: The externally adjustable Magnetic Control System allows for easy and precise casting control.
High Strength Solid Brass Speed Gears®: The high strength solid brass Speed Gears®, precision cut on Hamai CNC machines with P2 Super Pinion™ bearing supported pinion gear, provide increased power and smoothness.
95mm Bowed Anodized Aluminum Handle with Paddle Knobs: The 95mm bowed anodized aluminum handle with paddle knobs provides a comfortable and ergonomic grip.
Zirconia Line Guide: The zirconia line guide ensures that your line flows smoothly and evenly.
Rulon Drag System: The Rulon drag system provides strong and smooth drag performance.
External Lube Port: The external lube port makes it easy to keep your reel lubricated and running smoothly.
Speed Lube®: The Speed Lube® provides exceptional smoothness and performance in all weather conditions, ensuring that your reel works perfectly every time.
Why to Buy
There are plenty of reasons why the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is a great choice for anglers. Here are just a few:
- Affordability: The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS offers high-end features at an affordable price point, making it an excellent value for money.
- Durability: The one-piece aluminum frame and solid brass gearing provide excellent durability and longevity, ensuring that your reel will last for many fishing seasons.
- Maintenance: The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is easy to maintain and clean, ensuring that it will continue to perform at its best for years to come.
- Speed: The magnetic control system and high-strength gearing provide exceptional speed and power, allowing you to quickly and easily reel in even the biggest fish.
- Lightweight: The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is lightweight and easy to handle, reducing fatigue and allowing you to fish for longer periods.
Lew’s Speed Spool LFS
Design and Build Quality
The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is designed to be sleek, compact, and built with durability in mind. The body is made of one-piece aluminum frame, which provides excellent rigidity and strength to the reel. The side plates are also made of aluminum and are easily removable, which makes maintenance much easier.
One of the notable features of the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is the drilled and forged, double anodized, U-shaped 34mm aluminum spool. This spool reduces weight and increases line capacity, and has a line indicator on the spool so that you know how much line you have left. Additionally, the Speed Keeper hook keeper is located under the spool, which makes storing your hook a breeze.
The reel features a high-strength solid brass main gear and crankshaft, which gives it the ability to handle heavy loads and provides a smooth retrieve. The drag system is carbon fiber and made to last, with the ability to provide up to 15 pounds of drag power, which is more than enough for most fishing situations.
Specifications Model Chart Comparison
To help you choose the right model, we’ve provided a comparison chart of the specifications for the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS reels.
| Model | Retrieve | Gear Ratio | Line Retrieve Per Crank (inch) | Mono Line Capacity (lbs/yds) | Braided Line Capacity (lbs/yds) | Bearings | Max Drag (lbs) | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS1HA | Right | 6.8:1 | 28 | 12/120 | 50/120 | 9+1 | 15 | 7.1 |
| SS1HLA | Left | 6.8:1 | 28 | 12/120 | 50/120 | 9+1 | 15 | 7.1 |
| SS1SA | Right | 5.6:1 | 23 | 12/140 | 50/140 | 9+1 | 15 | 7.1 |
| SS1SHA | Right | 7.5:1 | 31 | 12/120 | 50/120 | 9+1 | 15 | 7.1 |
| SS1SHLA | Left | 7.5:1 | 31 | 12/120 | 50/120 | 9+1 | 15 | 7.1 |
| SS1XHA | Right | 8.3:1 | 35 | 12/120 | 50/120 | 9+1 | 15 | 7.1 |
| SS1XHLA | Left | 8.3:1 | 35 | 12/120 | 50/120 | 9+1 | 15 | 7.1 |
Performance
The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is designed for optimal performance, whether you’re casting or retrieving. Let’s take a closer look at the performance of this reel.
Casting: The Speed Spool LFS features an adjustable centrifugal brake system, which allows you to fine-tune the braking for optimal casting distance and accuracy. It also has a durable spool that is made from anodized aluminum, which reduces friction and increases casting distance.
Retrieve: The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS has a smooth and efficient retrieve, thanks to its high-strength solid brass main gear and crankshaft. The 9+1 stainless steel bearings are also a big factor in the reel’s smoothness.
Drag: The Speed Spool LFS has a maximum drag of 15 lbs, which is more than enough to handle most freshwater fish species. It also has a smooth and consistent drag system that helps you to avoid line breaks and keep your catch hooked.
Durability: Durability is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a fishing reel. The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is built to last and withstand the rigors of intense fishing situations. Constructed with a one-piece aluminum frame and graphite sideplates, the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is designed to be lightweight and strong. The anodized aluminum U-shape spool and 95mm bowed anodized aluminum handle with paddle knobs add to the reel’s durability and longevity. Additionally, the Speed Lube® technology, which is applied to the reel’s bearings and other key components, ensures exceptional smoothness and performance in all weather conditions. This, combined with the external lube port, makes maintenance and upkeep of the reel a breeze, ensuring that it lasts for years to come.
Price and Applications
When it comes to pricing, the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS offers incredible value for its price point. Priced at $99.99, this reel boasts features that are typically found in much more expensive models, such as the double bearing supported pinion system.
In terms of applications, the Speed Spool LFS is a versatile reel that can be used for a wide variety of fishing techniques, with the exception of BFS and big bait techniques that require a lighter spool and larger line capacity, respectively. With three different retrieve ratios (two for left-handed models), anglers can choose the ratio that best suits their fishing style and preferences. Whether you’re targeting bass, walleye, or any other species, the Speed Spool LFS is a reliable and affordable option that won’t let you down.
Lew’s Speed Spool LFS
- Good performance
- Super smooth and easy to use
- Light weight and comfortable to palm
- Rugged and well built
- Smooth drag system
- Reasonably priced
- 5.6:1 retrieve ratio only available in right hand model
Alternatives
While the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is an exceptional reel with many impressive features, it’s always a good idea to consider other options before making a final decision. Here are two alternatives worth considering:
- Abu Garcia Revo SX – Priced at $151, the Revo SX offers a similar feature set to the Speed Spool LFS. It has a 9+1 bearing system, externally adjustable brake system, and a one-piece aluminum frame. The Revo SX is also slightly lighter, making it a good option for those who prioritize weight. However, it has a lower max drag (24 lbs) than the Speed Spool LFS.
- Daiwa Tatula CT – Priced at $117, the Tatula CT is another great option in the same price range. It features a 7+1 bearing system, magnetic brake system, and a one-piece aluminum frame. It has a slightly lower gear ratio than the Speed Spool LFS, which may not make it as suitable for certain techniques. However, the Tatula CT has a slightly larger spool capacity than the Speed Spool LFS, making it a good option for those who need more line.
Ultimately, the best reel for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, by considering all of the available options, you can make an informed decision and find the reel that’s right for you.
Customer reviews
“I have been using the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS for a while now and it has never let me down. The smoothness of the reel is incredible and the solid construction makes it feel like a high-end reel. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable reel.”
Matthew
“The double bearing supported pinion is a game changer. The reel is so much smoother and I can feel the difference in the power and accuracy of my casts. For the price, it’s an unbeatable deal.”
Joshua
“I’ve used many reels over the years, but the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is by far my favorite. The external lube port makes maintenance a breeze and the speed gears provide a super-fast retrieve. I’ve caught some monster fish with this reel and it’s never failed me.”
Benjamin
“I bought the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS for my son who is just starting out in fishing, and it’s been perfect for him. The ease of use and the smoothness of the reel have helped him improve his skills and he loves using it. It’s definitely a great investment for beginners and experienced anglers alike.”
Christopher
“I’ve been using the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS for a year now and it’s still performing like the day I bought it. The drag system is very smooth and I can easily adjust it for different types of fish. Overall, it’s a great reel at a great price.”
Michael
FAQS
Q: Can I use the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS reel for saltwater fishing? A: The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS reel is designed primarily for freshwater fishing, but it can be used for light saltwater fishing as well.
Q: What kind of line should I use with the Speed Spool LFS reel? A: The Speed Spool LFS is compatible with both mono and braided lines. The recommended line capacity is between 12-15lbs for mono and 30-50lbs for braided line.
Q: What type of bearings are in the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS reel? A: The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS reel has a 10-bearing system with stainless steel double shielded ball bearings, as well as a Zero Reverse® one-way clutch bearing.
Q: Can I use the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS reel for heavy-duty fishing? A: The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS reel is not recommended for heavy-duty fishing, such as fishing for large saltwater species. It is best suited for freshwater fishing for bass and similar species.
Conclusion
The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is a high-quality baitcasting reel that offers a great value for its price. It boasts several advanced features that are typically found in more expensive models, such as the double bearing supported pinion and the externally adjustable Magnetic Control System. The reel’s one-piece aluminum frame and graphite sideplates provide durability while the Rulon drag system offers smooth performance under pressure.
Overall, the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is a solid choice for anglers looking for a reliable and versatile baitcasting reel that won’t break the bank. Its affordable price and impressive features make it a popular choice among both amateur and professional anglers.
