Lew's Pro-Ti SLP Speed Spool Casting Reel Product Review

Reel Review

Lew's Takes It To The Next Level : Pro-Ti SLP Baitcaster

Date:	1/20/20
Tackle Type:	Reel
Manufacturer:	Lew's
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 8.17 - EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD

Introduction: Encouraged through my experience with Lew's best selling, $99.99 Speed Spool LFS, I felt it was about time we took a look at the brand's flagship model. Featuring an aluminum frame and sideplates, the Lew's Pro-Ti SLP is touted as the best reel Lew's has made to date. Does it stand up to the hyperbole? Let's find out.

Introducing Lew's Pro-Ti SLP casting reel

Lew's Pro-Ti SLP Casting Reel Specifications
Line Capacity - Rated	12/110
Line Capacity - Spool Volume	15 cm³
Retrieve Ratio	7.5
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated	14 - 30
Weight	6.4 oz
Spool Weight	12 g
Handle Length	95 mm
Bearings	10 + 1
Bearings per Knob	2 bearings
Levelwind Bearings	2 bearings
Rated Max Drag	20 lbs
Origin	Made in Korea
MSRP	$349.99

The Pro-Ti SLP is not made of titanium, but it does have a titanium deposition finish giving it a kind Terminator 2, liquid metal-esque look

Impressions: The Lew's Pro-Ti SLP casting reel certainly has the cosmetics worthy of a flagship model. It features a titanium deposition finish giving the reel a liquid metal type of appearance that although a different process, is very reminiscent of reels like Shimano's Calais/Antares and Abu Garcia's JDM Revo Elite Aurora. The reel's purple highlights evoke an historical aura of prestige, royalty, wealth, power.

The finish is carried all the way around the reel

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this reel for me was its weight. At only 6.4 ounces, I found it difficult to believe the reel is made with an aluminum frame and sideplates. Though my review specimen is a right handed reel, the Pro-Ti SLP is also available in lefty.

All spooled up and ready for some action

Real World Tests: I spooled the Pro-Ti SLP up with some 14lb Sunline Shooter Fluorocarbon and put it right to work on board a brand new iRod IRA7104PRG-H Bub's Punching Rod.

The reel's centrifugal brakes

Casting: Unlike the Speed Spool LFS I reviewed in March which had a magnetic braking system, the Pro-Ti SLP is equipped with a more sophisticated 6 pin, 27 point adjustable centrifugal brake system Lew's refers to as ACB (adjustable centrifugal brake system).

A look at the reel's 12 gram spool

I was rather proud of myself, before the first cast with a brand new reel and brand new to me braking system, I actually remembered to dial the Pro-Ti SLP's external brake adjustment dial to somewhere close to maximum. Far too many first days on the water with a new reel have been spoiled by forgetting this very important step.

Spool access is through the pop off sideplate via this lever

It's a very fortunate circumstance that I remembered, because the Pro-Ti SLP is a very capable reel. All I had tied onto the end of the line was a three eighths ounce tungsten weight and a 4/0 straight shank worm hook (Gamakatsu Finesse Heavy Cover) rigged with a Berkley Powerbait MaxScent Critter Hawg. My first cast was actually a pitch to get a feel for the rod and reel, but my second attempt was a simple roll cast to which I was pleasantly surprised by the Pro-Ti SLP's performance.

Only one retrieve ratio is available in this reel

Part of what defines a high end casting reel is the ease by which you can cast them. It takes minimal effort to get a bait flying through the air with the Pro-Ti SLP.

The 6 centrifugal brake pins on the reel's spool are not adjustable, but that external dial provides a great deal of adjustment leeway to dial the reel into your casting style and environment.

The Pro-Ti SLP comes with a stock, 95mm swept carbon handle

Next Section: Aluminum alloy main gearing...