Redefining a Classic, the Lew’s BB1 Baitcaster
(continued)
Ergonomics:
The standard BB1 weighs in at only 7.1oz. and the multi-stop anti-reverse models
weigh in just .1oz. heavier. All of these reels share the same profile which I
found very comfortable to palm. The non handle sideplate feels natural in hand,
and while the gold badge is cool an externally adjustable system would be even
cooler. Just a month ago at ICAST 2013 Lew’s did exactly that, and unveiled the
BB1 Inshore and BB1 Pro, both with externally adjustable cast controls.
The BB1 paired with a Loomis Edge
Rod
Lew’s doesn’t
skimp on the clickies and all of the knobs including the spool tension knob have
audible micro-click adjustment, something not always found on reels of this
price point anymore. The BB1 also features a bowed handle design and rather flat
looking soft-touch knobs that provide plenty of surface area for really cranking
down on the reel. These knobs also stay relatively tactile even when wet.
Application Ratings for
BB1 |
Horizontal (1-5) |
Vertical (1-5) |
Finesse (1-5) |
Big Baits (1-5) |
Topwater (1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10) |
5 |
|
|
|
4 |
21 |
25 |
|
Even the spool tension knob has a
audible micro click adjustment
Price and
Applications:
The BB1 comes in many different flavors and yet each and every model retails for
the reasonable price of $159.99. When compared with the competition this reel
matches up with other mainstream reels like the Shimano Curado G, Daiwa Lexa,
Abu Garcia Revo SX, and Quantum Energy. The Daiwa Tatula retailing for 10
dollars cheaper is also a new competitor in this mainstream workhorse segment.
Compared with all these reels the BB1 not only can hold its own but represents
one of the best overall packages when it comes to smooth retrieve, low overall
weight and overall refinement.
Need a quick tune up? The BB1 has
a maintenance port under the gearbox
This reel may
be pigeonholed by some as a great cranking reel due to the BB1’s pedigree but it
can and should be used for so much more. With a complete range of retrieve
ratios and a quality drag system this reel can be employed for everything from
tossing reaction baits to finesse fishing with fluorocarbon, and there is
nothing stopping this reel from being utilized in light inshore applications as
well.
The BB1 is good for
cranking but can do
so much more
Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
|
Lew's
BB1
Speed
Spool
Casting
Reel
Ratings
(?/10)
|
|
Construction/Quality |
A
quality
frame
made out
of
aluminum
and even
though
the
sideplates
are
composite
the
tolerances
are very
good.
The
knobs
are
excellent
and the
use of
metal
throughout
the reel
components
is a
plus,
there is
no
skimping
on the
"clickies"
here |
8.5 |
|
Performance |
Great
overall
performance.
The BB1
excels
at long
distance
casting
but is
also
good at
general
casting
applications
as well.
The zero
anti
reverse
versions
exhibit
a unique
feel
when
there is
pressure
on the
line |
8.4 |
|
Price |
This
price
point is
extremely
crowded
but the
BB1
definitely
has what
it takes
to
compete |
8.8 |
|
Features |
The BB1
is more
about
refinement
of a
quality
design
than
groundbreaking
features.
The reel
doesn't
have an
externally
adjustable
cast
control
but the
new Pro
version
will |
7.8 |
|
Design
(Ergonomics) |
Great
overall
ergonomics.
This
reel is
comfortable
to palm,
reasonably
lightweight
and the
grips
feel
great.
Again
the only
major
improvement
in
ergonomics
would be
the
ability
to
adjust
the cast
control
without
taking
down the
sideplate |
8 |
|
Application |
This
reel
will
probably
find the
most use
as a
cranking
reel,
especially
the
lower
speed
models
but make
no
mistake
this
series
is good
for so
much
more and
is a
great
choice
for an
overall
workhorse
reel in
your
arsenal |
8.4 |
|
Total
Score
|
8.31 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus
Minus
|
|
+
Excellent
long
distance
casting |
-
The
badge on
the side
looks
cool but
an
externally
adjustable
cast
control
system
would
make on
the fly
changes
quicker |
|
+
Multiple
models
available.
There is
a
standard
model
and a
zero
anti
reverse
model
for fans
of the
classic |
-
The zero
anti-reverse
isn't
for
everyone,
but give
it a try
and you
might
just be
surprised.
I was. |
|
+
Very
good
overall
ergonomics |
|
|
+
Like the
badge
says
"Lighter,
Faster,
Stronger" |
|
|
+
Great
overall
value |
|
Conclusion:
So does
the BB1 live up to the legend? Yes. But maybe not in the ways you might think.
In no way is the new BB1 as innovative as the original as at the time, but when
you look at how far Lew’s has taken the performance, refinement and feature-set
while keeping the price very reasonable there is no doubt that they have done
the legacy proud. I compare the BB1 to a ford Mustang. The original pony car is
a legend and while the modern day Mustangs barely resemble the original they
still carry that same DNA when it comes to design priorities and subtle
attributes that link them to the past.
The new BB1 lives up
the legacy and is a
great choice for a
reasonably priced
workhorse reel
Lew’s wanted to
make the new BB1 excellent casters and very reliable and they succeeded. The
company also stayed true to the die-hard cranking purists like David Fritts by
releasing zero anti-reverse models. This was a risk as many modern anglers
simply won’t understand or appreciate the benefits of this design. Lew’s should
be applauded for giving anglers more choices and when compared to other reels
that seem to continue to downgrade materials at this highly competitive price
point the BB1 is a force to be reckoned with, delivering the kind of
performance and quality that anglers should expect in a mid-range workhorse
reel. When it comes to mainstream reels the BB1 delivers in so many key areas
and we look forward to seeing how the new Pro Model further cranks it up, but
for now the BB1 is a worthy recipient of our “Best Value” Award and should
definitely be on your short list at the $159 dollar price point.
Looking for the
Lew's BB1 Reels?
Try
Tackle Warehouse.
