I got one for my birthday from Academy Sports for $199 and have the option to return it for another reel.

I used it one time and it is a awesome reel. It's smooth as silk and casts forever.

Last week I talked to a "reel guy" and he didn't think this reel would last 15 years.

I routinely use 20 year old reels that work great and want this new reel to be in my arsenal in 15 years. I maintain and upgrade my own stuff.

So, if you were in my shoes ... what would you do?

Keep it stuff only last as good as you keep it.

I was thinking more about the replacement parts and the option for high dollar super parts in the future.

Should I pick another, more common, reel for the two hundred beans?

The odds of Lews developing the aftermarket parts craze that is Daiwa, and to some extent Shimano, is very low.

that's a good point

Do you think any of the Shimano G series low profile reels will be operational in 20 years? I don't...they will be loose as a goose regardless of how many parts you replace. Times are changing and the product suffers, grafite and plastic just don't hold up as well as aluminium and SS but they do weigh less and that seems to be the goal now. Lews are quality reels with great customer support. I wouldn't hesitate a second to buy more (I already own them) as I find them well made and smooth as silk. Lews has been around a loooong time and the younger generation is involved with the business. Your reasoning (based on here say) is akin to buying a Ford or Chevy over those new fangled Datsuns (nissans). People said they'd never last but look at them now.

shimano has gone to the low end of the mfg process, IMO. I would keep the Lews, as it is a VERY nicely built reel.

I checked last night and you can buy after market bearings for this reel. I know one day in the future I will need them so that makes me feel pretty good about having one.

Yep, you can get bearings for almost any reel from aftermarket suppliers. Drag washers need to be replaced on occasion and they can readily be found after market. Donor reels often are a good place for replacement parts and often overlooked. Springs , screws, and other widgets are often interchangeable between all types of reels. Don't be scared off a brand by the myth of not finding parts. If it breaks, a savey reel mechanic can get it back on line toot sweet.

I think you'd be hard pressed to find parts for many, if any, of today's reels in 15-20 years. The days where companies came out with a solid reel and let it sit on the market are all but gone. Many of today's anglers are glued to the computer during Icast waiting to see the latest and greatest. Companies are trying to outdo themselves and models aren't lasting as long as they used to.

Nothing wrong with the lews reels, from all the reviews I have read they keep getting good reviews from everyone. Just give them a try.

I think I am going to hang on to it.

Now all I have to do it learn how to work on it.

Thanks for all your help guys!

I have one of the new Lew's Super Duty reels on my crank bait rod and I think you would have to spend a LOT more than 200 bucks to find one as good, much much more to find one better.

Go find another reel guy. Anybody that can predict how long a reel will last is a nut. Can he predict the end of world too?

Who cares what the reel guy said. Bring it back and get a calais 100 for $199.88