I just picked up a shimano bantam 10X sg for $15. It still turns so i think it might be in good shape. Are these things worth anything? If it still works, should I retire it or use it?

Old copy of the the Lews were pretty good reels back then!

At $15 you can use it or put it in a display. Either way !

As a Licensed Guide in Texas the RedRangers say use it as decoration or donate to a needy bassfisherman or youth group

Good Deal= whatever the customer thinks is a good deal, so you tell us.I think you did good. Id say use it.

Have you checked ebay prices?

I've got one of those same reels and I've been threatening to put it on a rod and use it for at least a couple years. Reason is because it is such a simple tool. I think the thing is ratioed at 3.8/1. Probably have to put it on my DD22 rod if that's the case.

I have a newer model bantam than that (70's model) that I have as a flipping reel and I have to say for a reel thats 40ish years old with little care, it throws and reels pretty good.

I still have about 6 of those, a lot better condition though. those reels are great for light line and real small baits like sr5 and sr7 rapalas

Picked up another one. Bantam 100 SG




This is one not as smooth and sounds like it needs a good cleaning. Opened it up and there is oil everywhere.

that 2nd reel looks to be in brand new shape for its age

Just finished putting it back together. Works great. Will be fishing with it tomorrow morning.

Shimano made the original Lew's Speed Spool. Then Ryobi. Whatever happened to Ryobi?

WOW! That takes me back to when I was a kid! Dad use to give me his older rods & reels as he would replace them. Those were not the forgiving reels of today & very difficult for a young kid to learn as his 1st baitcaster, LOL, I spent MANY an hour sitting on the bank picking out backlashes.

Took them to my local fishing spot and they worked great. The bantam 100 SG out performed the 10X SG. I believe it had a lot to do with me cleaning it. For that reason I decided to break down the 10X SG. Hope I can put it back together.



They dont compare to what you guys catch but I had a blast catching them on these reels.









Another skinny fish. It was actually the longest.

Long as you enjoyed it thats all that counts!

those fish look HUNGRY! reels look neat on the new rods too. im suprised reel companies have not done some sort of throw back style reels.

That would be a good idea Ban-D.

Retro Bantam!!

rich mans reel in the early 80s,,back when reels lasted.

While both reels are old both when properly cleaned can still work better than some of the newer reels. I have always liked the lower geared reels for spinnerbaits and crankbaits.

Yes! you got a great deal.

Where did you end up purchasing the reels from?

I found them on craigslist. I was actually looking for the bantam curado, but when I saw how cool these looked I couldn't pass them up. What sucks is that the bantam 100sg was drowning in oil. Its almost like the previous owner sprayed wd-40 in it.