12The Lew’s booth at the annual ICAST fishing tackle tradeshow being held in Las Vegas this week has been buzzing with activity ever since Wednesday’s opening.Among the company’s Lew’s, Wally Marshall Signature Series and Mr. Crappie rod and reel brands are new product introductions for freshwater, inshore and crappie fishing. Everything from baitcast to spincast is getting attention, but it’s Lew’s greatly enhanced spinning reel lineup that has heads turning as much as reel handles in the exhibit.
The Lew’s Tournament HS (High Speed) Speed Spin series is certainly one that stands out because of a classy black body design highlighted with silver accents that fits the Lew’s heritage to a T. They feature a premium stainless steel 10-bearing system, lightweight graphite bodies, durable new finishes, stainless steel external screws and other corrosion-resistance materials. The components make them worthy for saltwater use as well as fresh.
Four models make up the series. The smallest is the TS100H, weighing 6.9 oz. and holding 150 yards/6-lb. test. Next size up is the TS200H, at 8.3 oz. and with a line capacity of 140 yards/8-lb. The TS300H weighs 8.4 oz. and holds140 yards/10-lb. Largest is the TS400H, weighing 9.6 oz. and holding 160 yards/12-lb.
Gear ratios for all but the smallest size are 6.1:1, delivering line recovery rates of 38-, 34- and 31-inches per turn (IPT), respectively, for the three largest in descending order. The TS100H has a 5.6:1, with a 25 IPT retrieve.
Rotors are digi-balanced. The main shaft is stainless steel. Pinion gearing is quality brass. Spools are lightweight and ported double-anodized aluminum. Bail wires are hollow stainless steel. An oversized titanium line roller helps reduce line twist, while a parallel line-lay oscillation system affords smooth line payout during casts. Adding to their flexibility for whatever the task, every reel comes with a rubber arbor adapter to quickly convert the spool to braid-ready.
Lew’s proven Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing provides a reliable and solid engagement that’s ready for action the instant the bail is closed. The drag system is a front-adjust carbon Teflon multi-disc sealed drag. Tournament HS Speed Spin reels are definitely symbolic of the Lew’s family tradition of styling, performance and value. Tournament HS reels retail for around $79.99.
Lynn Reeves, Lew’s CEO, and Gary Remensnyder, president, presented the award to Christie in front of a gathering of Lew’s customers, pros and members of the press.
ICAST concludes today. Some of Lew’s newest introductions are on the market now, most of the others will be available by mid-fall of this year.
For more information on Lew’s rods, reels and accessories, visit www.Lews.com.