Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100: Lew's Speed Spool LFS Review

When it comes to fishing reels, the Lew’s name has many loyal fans. They make great rods, reels, and accessories and are well known for quality reels at all different price levels. No matter what your budget is, they have something for you. For those looking to spend around a hundred bucks for a reel, the Speed Spool LFS may be perfect for you as it retails for $99.99 and is packed with great features and solid construction that will have you using it for years.

About the Lew's Speed Spool LFS

One of the great things about the Speed Spool LFS is its lightweight, as it weighs only seven ounces. This allows you to fish comfortably all day long and it will be balanced no matter what rod you choose to pair it with.

The reel has a one-piece aluminum frame that helps for a solid feel as you hold it in your hand and fish with it. Lew’s also included ten premium stainless steel bearings that give you a smooth retrieve.

What Makes the Lew's Speed Spool So Great?

In addition to the lightweight yet solid design, plenty of other features help with durability and performance. The LFS has a zirconia line guide, which is exceptionally smooth, allowing your line to flow through during a cast easily. This helps to increase casting distance.

To help you dial in the reel for different lures and wind conditions, there is a magnetic brake system that you can control from the outside of the reel for on-the-fly changes.

Inside of the reel are an anodized aluminum spool and solid brass gearing for durability and strength. It also features 15-pounds of maximum drag, which is more than enough for pulling in bass.

Gear Ratios For The Lew's Speed Spool

The Speed Spool LFS comes in three different retrieve speeds, also called gear ratios. Each has its time and place in fishing and will be better suited for specific techniques.

The three versions of the reel include a 5.6:1, 6.8:1, and 7.5:1 gear ratio. Each of them weighs roughly the same and all of them can handle 140-yards of 12-pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon line. This will vary based on the actual diameter of the line but gives you a good reference point for how much line you’ll need.

Of the three gear ratios, the 6.8:1 is the most universal and would be the one to pick if you could only get one.

The 5.6:1 gear ratio is slightly slower, meaning it takes in less line per handle turn and works well for crankbaits and other moving baits. A faster retrieve would work, but it could also lead to working the lure too quickly. Also, a slower gear ratio will help prevent you from tiring after a long day of fishing since the lower gear ratio has more power per handle turn.

The speedy 7.5:1 is the fastest retrieve speed offered and is great for techniques where moving fast or picking up slack quickly is essential. This includes techniques like flipping and pitching, where bass often race towards you after grabbing your bait, and a fast reaction is needed to gather slack and get a good hookset. The same is true for deep-water fishing with jigs and plastics as a fast retrieve is your friend.

The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is a workhorse reel with three different retrieve speeds and quality components. At just under $100, it is priced well for a reel with so many features.