What makes the Custom Pro different from Lew's cheaper reels?

It uses a one-piece aluminum frame, ParaMag ITB magnetic braking, hard aluminum Speed Gears and a carbon fiber drag rated at 20 lbs. Lower Lew's models use simpler braking and fewer premium parts.

Do I still need to thumb the spool?

The ITB system adjusts braking to casting speed, so most casts need little or no thumbing once it is dialed in. Light lures and windy days may still call for a light touch.

How much drag does it have?

The carbon fiber drag system is rated at 20 lbs, enough for bass and most freshwater species.

What line works best on the 30mm spool?

The compact spool suits fluorocarbon and braid in freshwater weights. Because capacity is lower than wider spools, backing helps on long casts.

What is included with the reel?

The reel comes with its Speed Dial line indicator and Speed Keeper hook keeper built in. Check the box contents for a reel bag or paperwork.

Where is the Lew's Custom Pro Baitcasting Reel cheapest?

At eBay, for $279.99, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Lew's Custom Pro Baitcasting Reel?

14 stores we checked sell it, including Copperstate Florida, Amazon, eBay, Tackle Warehouse, Cabela's.

Lew's Custom Pro Baitcasting Reel

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$279.99at eBayChecked 2 h ago

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What reviewers say

Owners of Lew's high-end baitcasters generally praise smooth, long casts and solid drag, and the Custom Pro's ITB braking draws similar comments for reducing backlash. Some note the compact spool limits line capacity and that the braking needs time to tune.

What people mention

Cast controlPraisedOwners say the ITB magnetic braking gives long casts with far less backlash and thumbing.
BuildPraisedThe aluminum frame and hard gears feel solid and smooth over a season of use.
DragPraisedThe carbon fiber drag holds steady pressure without slipping.
Line capacityMixedThe compact 30mm spool holds less line than wider reels, which some anglers notice on long runs.
SetupMixedDialing in the braking takes some trial and error before casts feel right.

About the Lew's Custom Pro Baitcasting Reel

The Lew's Custom Pro is an ultra-compact baitcasting reel with a 30mm spool. It has a one-piece aluminum super low-profile frame with C45 carbon sideplates and a recessed brake dial.

Braking is ParaMag ITB (Inertia Transfer Braking), a magnetic system. After you set it, it adjusts the braking force to your casting speed, which reduces the need to thumb the spool on each cast.

The spool is aircraft-grade, double anodized Duralumin. It is drilled, U-shaped and has the Speed Knot quick line attachment. The reel uses aluminum Speed Gears with a P2 Super Pinion bearing-supported pinion gear, and its drag system is carbon fiber. A 95mm handle with Lew's Pro Power knobs provides leverage and comfort.

Spool

30mm aircraft-grade double anodized Duralumin, drilled U-shape, Speed Knot line attachment

Frame

One-piece aluminum, super low-profile, C45 carbon sideplates, recessed brake dial

Braking

ParaMag ITB (Inertia Transfer Braking) magnetic system

Bearings

10+1 (11-bearing system), double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings

Gears

Aluminum Speed Gears, P2 Super Pinion bearing-supported pinion gear

Gear ratio

6.8:1 (CPB1HG3); 7.5:1 (CPB1SHG3, CPB1SHLG3)