Thread: Shimano vs Lews

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  1. #1
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    Shimano vs Lews

    I'm looking to get some new reels and have always had Shimanos(the japan made). They have lasted great. Saw some lews at the local tackle store and liked some of those to but up in the air. The tackle store told me the latest shimanos are better than the last 8yrs of production. Anyone have some input as this will be a large purchase and want them to last.

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    #2
    Had always been a Shimano fan, keeping an open mind.
    Over a few years, I did give others a chance to shine.
    Just didn't get there though, nothing but Shimano now.

  3. Member
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    #3
    You can't go wrong with Shimano. Aren't Lew's made in China?
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  4. Member
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    #4
    Shimano over Lews

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  5. Member
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    #5
    I own nothing but Shimano reels (Metanium down to Curado) except one, the Daiwa Zillion SV TW G and I must say it is sweet!!

  6. Member WVBullet's Avatar
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    #6
    Shimano

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    #7
    Shimano hands down

  8. Member
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    #8
    Bought my first Shimano about a year ago. A JDM '20 model Metanium. Now I have 6 of them and am slowly replacing all of my other reels with Shimano.

  9. Member
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    #9
    I have several Lews LFS series reels & they have been great but their not on the same level as the Shimano SLX so as I replace the Lewd it’s with the SLX reels. I’d have been happy with the Lews if I hadn’t tried a buddy’s SLX.

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    #10
    Shimano Spinning
    Lew’s Casting

  11. Member
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    #11
    Shimano..

    Years ago I went from shimano to Lews right before they blew up in popularity and really liked them. Now I’m slowly switching back to Shimano. Lews is still a great reel, but there is a difference in quality for sure. Out of the 5-6 Lews reels I have, all but one have had issues (drag slippage, reduced casting distance, bearings going bad etc). I clean my reels every winter and I don’t fish as much as most, maybe 15 times a year so they aren’t abused.
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  12. Member
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    #12
    Shimano without a doubt! I have some Shimanos that are still in weekly use that are over 30 years old and they are just as good as if they were new. Once a year light clean and lube is all it takes! I had tried some Lews casting reels and had trouble after 2 years of use.

  13. Member Big Al's Avatar
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    #13
    I have 3 JDM Scorpions and a Chronarch 50, white one, and I will not give them up. The Scorpions are IMO better than the Curado and my Chronarch 50. The reason I haven't upgraded to newer Shimanos is that I do not like the current brake system. I love the original 6 pin brake. With that said I also had a Lew's Tournament Pro, one of the first they had and that reel was great. I sold it to a friend that wanted it. Personally, I would go with the top end Lew's right now over the current Shimanos, because I like the dual brake system on the Lew's. Is the Shimano a better reel, probably, but do you buy the better one or the one you like better?
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  14. Member Bill2e's Avatar
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    #14
    As along time shimano guy all I can say is give Lews a try, you may find yourself buying more.
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  15. Member basscat21's Avatar
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    #15
    Quote Originally Posted by Bill2e View Post
    As along time shimano guy all I can say is give Lews a try, you may find yourself buying more.
    I have been a Long time Shimano guy, going back the 10SG, I currently have many Daiwa too. My son has that need to be different than dad..... He has Lews. I pick them up here and there, and the Tournament Pros he has really cast well, and is a nice reel. Would I switch, probably not, but the Lews is a nice casting reel. Spinning Hands down Daiwa.

  16. Member
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    #16
    Another longtime shimano guy - lews hypermag my fav all time reel- have 5-6 now. Shimano good stuff but so is lews

  17. Member
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    #17
    I’ve wasted a lot of money buying every brand of reel and always go back to Shimano, I like them best. Second would be Diawa, Lews would be way down on the list for me.

  18. Ranger Boats Moderator 22RangerZ520R's Avatar
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    #18
    Shimano hands down....


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  19. Expert at Retired RangrSkipr's Avatar
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    #19
    Quote Originally Posted by stevebrownfnr View Post
    Shimano Spinning
    Lew’s Casting
    ^^^^

  20. Member
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    #20
    Shimano's made in Japan are top tier. Even the lower priced reels are good, none of their reels are made in China!

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