Lew's "team Lew's Gold Carbon Tl3000H" Spinning Reel Review

[Ham]

I bought this reel during one of the winter snow/ice ins where I gave in to temptation. An Ozark Angler gave me a tip that an online retailed had them for 20% off and free shipping. I caved.

I got the 3000 size reel which is on the largish side of things, but I think it gives you better line management. Faster lne recovery and less twist. The 3000 size reel only weighs 7.4 oz so I wasn't too worried. It fits on the rod I bought it for so no worries.

Cosmetically, I'm fine with it. I have a couple of spinning reels that are easier on the eye and few that are less appealing. The only "ugly" part of it is the silly paddle grip on the reel handle. It isn't really noticable when you are fishing with it, but I like the standard knob design better.

It has a total of 10 ball bearings counting the roller bearing (9+1). That might be overkill, but it's prety smooth so far. It has an external lube port which might help keep it smooth. It is also supposed to have a sealed body design to limit intrustion of nasty grit. We'll see on that one.

I love the drag system. Very, very smooth. It has tons of adjustment clicks, Almost too many, but you can really fine tune your drag adjustment. It also has a back reel switch for those of us that like using that.

I have of course spooled mine up with Nanofil. It throws it very well. I've had no negative issues with the Nanofil on that reel.

I really like it and will strongly consider more of them when my lack of reel maintainence kills it or my other reels.

[Sac River Jim]

thnx for the review Ham. I traded for two new condition 6'6'' med fast m series Acadia spinning rods and since i really like the rods i was considering upgrading the bps pro qualifier reels i have on them to the team lews gold high speed in the tl2000h model. the acadias are a little heavy and the lighter 7.3oz. lews reels would be a good match. ive been waiting for a good review on them before i spend that kinda cash.