Is the Lew's Reactor good for saltwater?

Lew's rates it for freshwater and saltwater, and the sealed bearings and zirconia line guide help. Rinse it after saltwater use, since the graphite frame and drag are not built for heavy offshore duty.

How much drag does it have?

The Rulon drag system is rated to 15 pounds. That is enough for bass, pike and most inshore fish, but not for big game.

Does it have a magnetic brake?

Yes. The externally adjustable magnetic control system lets you change brake force with a dial on the side plate, without removing the spool.

What line works best on the Reactor?

The anodized aluminum spool handles both monofilament and braid. Many owners spool braid with a mono backing for bass fishing.

How does it compare with Lew's aluminum-frame reels?

The Reactor is lighter and less expensive in build than Lew's aluminum-frame models, but those reels resist flex better under heavy load and usually have smoother drags.

The reel comes with its handle and knobs attached, plus Lew's standard paperwork. Line is not included.

Where is the Lew’s Reactor Baitcast Fishing Reel cheapest?

At Walmart, for $99.97, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Lew’s Reactor Baitcast Fishing Reel?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 6 ratings.

Lew's

Lew’s Reactor Baitcast Fishing Reel

Best price now

$99.97at WalmartChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Visit Walmart

What reviewers say

Owners of entry-level Lew's baitcasters generally report smooth, quiet retrieves and easy casting after brake adjustment. Common complaints center on the graphite body feeling flexy and the drag being less refined than pricier reels.

What people mention

Retrieve smoothnessPraisedOwners describe the 8-bearing drive as smooth and quiet during normal retrieves.
Brake tuningMixedThe external magnetic dial is convenient, but some anglers need several outings to dial in casts.
Frame rigidityCriticisedThe graphite frame and side plates flex noticeably when fighting larger fish or cranking hard.
Drag performanceMixedThe 15-pound drag handles typical freshwater fish, though it feels less smooth at higher settings.
Handle comfortPraisedThe 95 mm bowed handle and Winn Dry-Tac knobs are comfortable over long casting sessions.

About the Lew’s Reactor Baitcast Fishing Reel

The Lew's Reactor Speed Spool is a baitcasting reel for freshwater or saltwater fishing. It has a lightweight SLP graphite frame and side plates with 3 drain ports. The spool is anodized aluminum.

For casting, an externally adjustable magnetic control system (MCS) controls the spool. On the retrieve, an 8-bearing drive system uses stainless steel double-shielded ball bearings, plus a zero-reverse anti-reverse bearing. The main gear and crankshaft are solid brass.

The handle is a 95 mm anodized aluminum bowed design with Winn Dri-Tac knobs. The Rulon drag system provides up to 15 pounds of drag power. The line guide is zirconia.

Type

Baitcasting reel

Water

Freshwater or saltwater

Frame

SLP graphite frame and side plates with 3 drain ports

Spool

Anodized aluminum

Handle

95 mm anodized aluminum bowed handle with Winn Dri-Tac knobs

Cast control

Externally adjustable magnetic control system (MCS)