+1

I've used Abu, Lews, and Shimano and all I own now are Shimano. Even the cheaper ones like the Citica are pretty good for the $. Curado and Chronarch are fantastic.

Every single Shimano reel is made in a Shimano factory. It is not outsourcing.

What T54 said. Not all Shimanos are made in Malaysia either. Above a certain level they're still made in Japan. Aldebaran, Metanium, and all the other high end products are still produced in Japan. I know when they first started Malaysian production, everything from Chronarch up was Japan built. Daiwa does the same thing. Steez and some others are built in Japan while the lower end models come from a Daiwa facility elsewhere.

I have put a little oil on the bearings of the shiamnos I have and plan on testing them tomorrow.

I have narrowed it down to the 2 Lews below, any advice on either? Also, what is your typical, or an average, gear ratio that is best all around? (6 something or 7 something)

Lew's BB1 Pro Speed Spool Low-Profile Baitcast Reel

Lew's Tournament Pro G Speed Spool Low-Profile Baitcast Reel

What are you going to do with them? For general use, 5.5-6 is my preference. For cranking, swimbaits, etc, something like 5:1 would make more sense. For fast-moving stuff, or things like jigs where you don't want to waste time reeling slowly pulling it up from the bottom, a 7:1 can be nice.

That being said, a 6:1 can be used for most anything.

I prefer the pre G model Curado baitcasters it just that simple.

I agree. I have some old greenies I bought mid 90's and still going strong. I have switched to using them for stripers and sandies now because compared to my new reels they are like holding a tank. I have a g6 curado that just wasn't any good. Have not bought a Shimano since. Reports say that they are building a quality product again though.

I went over the weekend and tested some Lew's out. I have landed on getting the new BB1 Pro. Lightweight, smooth, powerful, great reel.

I need some help/advice though. I am ordering 4 reels this morning, but not sure what to order. I am fishing as a co right now before switching over to the boater side so I try and keep what I bring on a boat limited. I figure if I have a crank bait/rattletrap/moving bait on a rod, then a jig/soft plastic, maybe a Carolina rig, and then another rod for whatever, such as swim bait, top water this time of year, another texas rig rod if one has a jig, etc. I am ok.

So knowing that, would the following be a good idea? If not, please let me know your thoughts from experience and knowledge.

1 - 5.1:1

2 - 6.4:1

1 - 7.1:1

Or

2 - 6.4:1

2 - 7.1:1

Or hell

4 - 6.4:1

I have Lews, Daiwa, and Shimano reels. I have some in each brand that I really like and had some in each brand that I did not like, it depends on the model. I think the E series Shimano made were the best so far. I have some of the I series and like the shape but Im not all that impressed with them as much as the E series. The B series were bullet proof, just a little bulky in shape.

Daiwa, I love the Steez and the Sol but did not like the Tatula, it was just a little too wide in shape for me.

Lews, I love the Super Dutys, BB1 and BB1 Pro, but not so much the Tournament Pro.

Jason,If you aren't planning on deep cranking I would go with two 6-1 and two 7-1 or one 6-1 and three 7-1.

Thanks for the reply. That is a good point because honestly to this point I have only had to deep crank just once, the majority of the time I am fishing other techniques.

Thanks!

I agree. You can always turn the handle slower if the situation requires it. That lower-ratio reel could be spending a lot of time in the box fishing behind the typically fast-moving pros.

For anyone experiencing casting noise in Shimanos with SVS Infinity braking, the solution is very simple. Open up the side plate and you will see a brass colored ring. Wipe it off and then apply a layer of oil on the ring. A drop of oil on each of the plastic brake weights is good also, but not necessary. It's quick and simple. This applies to Curado 200I series, 13 Metanium and Chronarch CI4+. The new SVS Infinity that was released in Casitas and Curado 70 requires much less frequent lubrication. With the old style, I find myself having to lube about once a month. With the new style, I haven't had to do it on my Casitas, which is 6 months old.