Is the Lew's Speed Spool RX worth it for a beginner?

Yes, if you want a right-hand baitcaster for bass at a low price. It casts well once you set the spool tension and brakes, and the aluminum frame holds up better than graphite reels at this price.

What line should I put on the Speed Spool RX?

Most owners spool 12- to 17-lb fluorocarbon or monofilament for bass, or 30- to 50-lb braid for flipping. The 34-size spool handles those weights comfortably.

Is it right- or left-handed?

This model is right-handed: you hold the rod with your left hand and crank with your right. Lew's sells left-hand versions of some Speed Spool models separately.

How does it compare with the Lew's Tournament MP?

The Tournament MP adds a more refined drag and smoother bearings at a higher price. The RX is the better pick if you are buying your first baitcaster or want a spare.

What is the gear ratio good for?

At 7.5:1 it retrieves about 30 inches per handle turn, which suits jigs, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and most moving baits. Deep crankbaits are better served by a slower reel.

The reel, a reel bag and Lew's paperwork. Rod and line are not included.

Lew's Speed Spool RX Baitcast Fishing Reel

Last price we saw

$169.95at Walmart, last seen Nov 1

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Our take on the Lew's Speed Spool RX Baitcast Fishing Reel

The Lew's Speed Spool RX is a right-hand baitcast reel built for bass fishing, with a 7.5:1 gear ratio that pulls roughly 30 inches of line per turn of the handle. It uses an aluminum frame and 7+1 bearings, weighs about 0.6 lb, and carries a 34-size spool in a red finish. The 7.5:1 ratio is the middle of Lew's lineup: fast enough for pitching and flipping, slow enough to crank a squarebill without overworking your wrist. It is a budget-to-mid tier reel, so expect it to undercut Lew's higher-end Tournament models rather than match them.

Best forBass anglers on a budgetPitching, flipping and Texas rigs