Lew's Tournament MB Backlashing Issue

I bought a Lew's Tournament MB in like new condition from a local guy for a good price. I really like the reel, however, I can't seem to adjust it properly to keep it from backlashing badly. I don't have this problem with my other Lew's Speed Spool LFS reels. I have adjusted the spool tension and magnetic brake and downloaded the owner's manual and tried to adjust the internal centrifugal brake too. No change. I am not new to baitcasting reels and don't have this problem with my other Lew's reels.

Any ideas? Is this a known issue with this particular model/design? Does Lew's have good customer service?

This might be why you got it at such a good price. It sounds like you could possibly be missing some parts internally.

I don't think so. The seller is a good local guy who fishes tournaments. He's probably a forum member.

Well your story isn't isolated brother!

I have 2 Pro Ti's and one of them I can cast perfectly and the other one backlashes on almost every cast.

I have set the malfunctioning one every way that it can be set and it still does it.

I bought both of them brand new from Academy.

I have several other Lew's reels and have no problems with any of them.

BigDozer66, I hate that you have a similar problem. Weird. Glad to know I am not the only one. The reel looks great and seems well designed. I really like it but got a backlash so bad I had to cut the line out of it. I haven't had to do that in probably 20 years.

Not trying to be smart,but have you contacted Lews ? and what did they say? I have a Lews reel that I bought new and it has always made a noise when I cast it.I have had it professionally cleaned and checked out,it is one of my favorites so I live with it.My partner can't hear very well so it don't bother him

What line? I have one that is backlash city with braid or flourocarbon. It does fine with 15lb Big Game.
I bought it a few years ago after everyone was raving about Lew’s. I went back to Shimano and Diawa after that because I was frustrated it was so picky about line.

I use Stren 14lb mono. I like the Lew's Speed Spool LFS reels so much that I just bought another one used in like new condition that popped up locally on Facebook a couple of hours ago. The seller is changing all his stuff to Shimano. I like a good deal on barely used stuff. I checked it out thoroughly and am very familiar with that particular model.

I haven't contacted Lew's about the Tournament MB yet. No warranty since I am the second owner and it is a couple of years old. I may take it to my local reel repair guy since it is out of warranty. I just wondered if this was an issue with that model and others have had the same experience. It has been discontinued.

Update: Went to the lake this evening and tried the used SS LFS reel I bought today against the MB with the backlashing problem. No comparison. The SS LFS could be cast a good distance without backlashing even with my thumb off the spool. The Tournament MB wanted to backlash every time. I'll see about sending it in to Lew's.

The Lew's Tournament MB reel in question is in the mail on the way to Lew's for repair. The Lew's "Speed Service" on their website sounds impressive and fast. I'll let you all know what was wrong with the reel and about my experience with the Lew's service department.

I like the Lew's reels I own. I hope they move their sourcing or manufacturing out of China to a friendlier country. I am avoiding buying Chinese made stuff as much as possible. The MB reel is made in Korea but the Speed Spools I own were all made in China.

I have 5 various Lews and am happy with them. Then I bought a bb1 and ended up throwing it in the trash a few months later, some just appear to be duds.

That stinks to know there are some duds. I hate you could not make it work. I hope they can fix mine or will replace it. I really like the look and quality of the reel. It casts well... too well...

I got a call from a nice lady from Springfield, MO (Lew's) just a few minutes ago to pay for the repairs on the Tournament MB. She said the tech replaced a bearing and a few other parts and cleaned and lubed the reel. She said one "clutch" part in particular was responsible for the backlashing issue. The cost was $30, including shipping. It will be shipped to me tomorrow. I'm pleased with the customer service, cost and time frame so far.

I received the repaired Lew’s Tournament MB this afternoon. I checked with the mailman at the boat ramp when I was going out to fish this afternoon and got it. No kidding.

I’m happy to report that it is repaired and as good as new. It casts a long way without backlashing like my other Lew’s reels. It is super smooth to cast and retrieve.

I’m very happy with Lew’s customer service and turnaround.

I only wish Lew’s would stop sourcing so many of their products from China. Maybe they will.

Update: I fished with the Tournament MB all morning today, about 4 hours, and it performed well. I am pleased with it. The original owner must have had problems with it early because it is like new condition.