What is the flipping switch for?

It lets you engage the spool and reel in line with one hand while pitching or flipping, so you can set the hook faster in shallow cover.

How does it compare with Lew's lighter baitcasters?

The aluminum frame and brass gears favor durability and cranking power over low weight, so it suits power fishing more than all-day finesse work.

The large-capacity 34mm double-anodized spool takes heavier mono and braid well, which fits flipping and heavy-cover bass fishing.

It can work for a beginner, but the flipping switch and power-focused build are aimed at anglers who already pitch and flip for bass.

Lew's LFS reels use an adjustable cast control plus centrifugal braking; set the spool tension and brakes to your lure weight to limit backlashes.

At Field & Stream, for $214.99, as of our latest check.

13 stores we checked sell it, including Field & Stream, Amazon, Cabela's, Walmart, Bass Pro Shops.

$214.99at Field & StreamChecked 2 h ago

Compared across 13 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.