Drag: Lew's HyperSpeed LFS comes with a drag rating of twenty pounds (20lbs) maximum pressure. To achieve this robust setting, the reel is equipped with a drag stack featuring a mix of carbon and metal washers. Out on the water, this combo provides smooth and reliable performance. I rarely have my drag set to max and prefer a medium to loose drag to let the reel do its work finessing the fish to the boat. In this scenario, if a reel's drag is not smooth or inconsistent, it greatly affects your ability to land the fish. I had no such issues with the HyperSpeed LFS's drag. Oh and in case you're wondering, there is no audible clicker for the outgoing drag.

An appointment on the scale

And also for the spool

Design & Ergonomics: Ergonomically, Lew's gets just about everything right with the HyperSpeed LFS - just about. My one qualm about this reel has to do with its knobs. I'm not a fan of the EVA knobs. Though they are contoured for a more comfortable grip, they're too thick for my liking and detract from my enjoyment of the reel overall.

The reel's thumb bar is textured for comfort and grip

Knobs are supported by 2 bearings each

Other than that, the reel's overall shape, handle length, color scheme, all are well done. I'd prefer if it came equipped with a carbon handle instead of the heavier aluminum, but it's not a big deal. The release mechanism for the non-handle sideplate going through the reel from the handle side feels a little old school, but it is effective nonetheless. Oh and the reel does come with a flip out bait keeper, but I always use the one on the fishing rod. It's a nice option to have for those who are so inclined or if you're fishing a rod that doesn't come with a hook keeper installed.

The level wind has a bearing on one side and a bushing on the other

Release for the non-handle sideplate is via this lever on the handle side

Topwater action courtesy of the HyperSpeed LFS and Jackall's Bounty Fish 158

Price & Applications: Lew's retails their HyperSpeed LFS for just under $200. In today's market, it is a very competitively priced, high speed reel option. Given the reel's high ipt, I feel the best applications to take advantage are vertical bait techniques (where you often have slack line you need to take up quickly before the hookset) and top water where you're either working with a lot of slack or are anxious to get something like that buzzbait to the surface quickly.

Conclusion: Perhaps it's just me, but it took me some time to warm up to the reels with 8:1 retrieve ratios. As I've pointed out before in the past, I remember when 6.4:1 was considered "high speed." So I'm sure I'll eventually find a level of comfort with these reels that are equipped with 9 and I some cases, even 10:1 ratios.

If you're looking for a reel with a fast rate of pick up to fish your soft plastics and jigs, the HyperSpeed LFS is worthy of a spot on that list

In the case of Lew's HyperSpeed LFS, it casts well and is perfectly suited for vertical bait presentations with the occasional duty as a topwater reel. Where it fell short for me was with any kind of bait that provides resistance during the retrieve. The good news is, Lew's has several other options to take up these duties, so if you're looking for a reel with a fast rate of pick up to fish your soft plastics and jigs, the HyperSpeed LFS is worthy of a spot on that list.

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