Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel Review

First Impressions of Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel

The Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel immediately caught my eye with its promise of performance and its dedication to supporting veterans. Lew’s has a reputation for building solid reels, and the American Hero series is a testament to that commitment. The sleek gray, black, and blue color scheme also adds a touch of class, making it visually appealing right out of the box. This reel seems like a great option for anglers seeking a dependable baitcaster without breaking the bank, and the fact that proceeds support veterans makes it even more appealing.

I was in the market for a new baitcast reel to use for bass fishing in my local lake. My old reel was starting to show its age, and I was looking for something that offered better casting distance and smoother retrieval. I considered the Shimano SLX DC and the Daiwa Tatula CT, but ultimately decided to go with the Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel due to its combination of features, price point, and charitable aspect.

Upon unboxing the reel, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel. It has a one-piece graphite frame with lightweight graphite sideplates. The reel felt surprisingly lightweight and comfortable in my hand. The finish was smooth and even, and all the components seemed well-fitted and robust. My initial impression was that this reel felt like a step up from other entry-level baitcasters I’ve handled.

Compared to the Shimano SLX DC, the Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel lacks the advanced digital control system but comes in at a significantly lower price. The Daiwa Tatula CT felt slightly smoother during retrieval, but the Lew’s reel had a more robust feel to it. The deciding factor was the combination of price, features, and the fact that a portion of the profits goes to support veterans’ programs.

I was definitely excited to try out the Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel. It seemed like a well-built and thoughtfully designed reel that would be a pleasure to use on the water. The fact that it supports a worthy cause just made the purchase even more satisfying. I couldn’t wait to see how it performed in real-world fishing conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel on a sunny afternoon at Lake Serene, a local bass fishing hotspot. I paired it with a 7′ medium-heavy action rod and spooled it with 12-pound monofilament line. I started by casting a variety of lures, including crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics.

The reel performed admirably in the mild conditions. The externally adjustable Magnetic Control System (MCS) made it easy to fine-tune the braking system to prevent backlashes, even with lighter lures. The casts were smooth and relatively long, and the retrieval felt surprisingly fluid for a reel in this price range.

I didn’t experience any major issues during my first outing, but I did notice that the reel felt a bit stiff at first. It seemed to require a bit of a break-in period to reach its optimal performance. Overall, my initial impression was positive, and I was eager to continue testing the reel in more challenging conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel has held up remarkably well. I’ve fished with it in various weather conditions, including rain and moderate wind, and it has continued to perform reliably. The initial stiffness I experienced during the first outing has largely disappeared.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear. The finish has proven to be quite durable, with only a few minor scratches appearing on the sideplates. I’ve made sure to clean and lubricate the reel after each use, and the maintenance process is fairly straightforward.

Compared to my previous baitcasters, the Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability. It offers a level of smoothness and casting distance that I wouldn’t expect from a reel in this price range. I’m confident that it will continue to be a reliable workhorse for years to come.

Breaking Down the Features of Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lew’s.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Bearing Count: 4+1. The 5-bearing system with stainless steel double shielded ball bearings contributes to smooth operation.
• Max Drag: 15 lbs. This provides ample stopping power for most freshwater species.
• Recovery: 30 inches per turn. A decent retrieval rate for various fishing techniques.
• Mono Capacity: 12lbs/110yds. Adequate line capacity for monofilament, though braid can also be used.
• Color: Gray/Black/Blue. A stylish and modern color scheme.
• Frame Material: One-piece graphite frame. This keeps the reel lightweight and strong.
• Sideplates Material: Lightweight graphite sideplates. These contribute to the overall weight reduction.
• Gears: High strength solid brass Speed Gears. Precision-cut on Hamai CNC machines for smooth and durable performance.
• Drag System: Rulon max drag system. Provides consistent and reliable drag pressure.
• Spool: Anodized 32mm aluminum spool. It is strong and lightweight to withstand pressure from any type of line.
• Braking System: Externally adjustable Magnetic Control System (MCS). Allows for precise adjustments to prevent backlashes.
• Handle: 95mm bowed anodized aluminum handle. Provides a comfortable and powerful grip.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the reel’s performance, durability, and user experience. The lightweight frame and sideplates make the reel comfortable to use for extended periods, while the brass gears and Rulon drag system ensure smooth and reliable operation. The MCS braking system is especially important for beginner baitcaster users, as it makes it easier to control casts and prevent backlashes.

Performance & Functionality

The Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel performs its job admirably. It is easy to cast, retrieves smoothly, and provides plenty of power for fighting fish. The MCS braking system is particularly effective at preventing backlashes, making it a great choice for anglers of all skill levels.

The reel’s strengths lie in its smooth operation, durable construction, and ease of use. One potential area for improvement is the handle, which some users might find to be a bit small. Overall, the reel meets and even exceeds expectations for its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel is excellent for a reel in its price range. The materials feel solid and well-assembled, and the reel is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. There is a slight learning curve involved in mastering the MCS braking system, but the reel is otherwise very user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel is built to last. The graphite frame and brass gears are durable and should withstand years of use with proper care. Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel does not come with many accessories. It includes only the reel itself and basic documentation. There are no readily apparent customization options available directly from Lew’s, but the reel is compatible with standard baitcaster rods and line types.

Pros and Cons of Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel

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Who Should Buy Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel?

The Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel is perfect for:

• Beginner to intermediate anglers looking for an affordable and reliable baitcaster.
• Anglers who want a reel that is easy to use and maintain.
• Those who appreciate a reel that supports a good cause (veterans’ programs).
• Casual bass fisherman.

This is probably not a great choice for:

• Professional anglers who require top-of-the-line performance and features.
• Anglers who prefer heavily customizable reels.

A must-have modification would be different handle depending on preference.

Conclusion on Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel

The Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a reliable and affordable baitcaster. It offers smooth performance, durable construction, and an effective braking system, all while supporting a worthy cause. The reel is a great value for the price.

I would definitely recommend the Lew’s American Hero Baitcast Reel to anyone looking for a dependable and easy-to-use baitcaster. It is a well-built and thoughtfully designed reel that will provide years of reliable service on the water. Support our veterans and get yourself one today!