Retrieve: Click the reel over to engage the spool and the first thought that comes to mind is solid. That aluminum frame in support of a brass alloy gear, connected to the 95 millimeter handle deliver solid, reliable service during the retrieve. The AH-Tier 1 is a smooth reel and I barely gave it a second thought fishing jerkbaits and small cranks just to get a feel. That 7.5:1 retrieve ratio, once considered fast, is now very status quo and suitable for just about any application.

The guts of the AH-Tier 1

Power: While I wouldn't recommend this reel for deep cranking or pulling any lures with considerable resistance in the water, the AH-Tier 1 has plenty of power for everything else. That afore mentioned handle gives you plenty of leverage and that brass gear never felt underpowered while working my jigs and soft plastics in thick weeds and battling fish away from cover.

Drag material is a single composite washer

Drag: If there was one area that concerned me with the AH-Tier 1, it was the composition of its drag. Lew's higher end reels are typically equipped with carbon washers for drag material. The AH-Tier 1 features the same drag composition as the less expensive Speed Spool LFS - a single composite disc sandwiched between a steel washer and the main gear. This single, composite washer is rated to deliver up to 15 pounds of maximum drag pressure and while I did not have it dialed up to anywhere near max, what I look for in a reel's drag is smooth performance. I did not have any issues with regards to that character in the AH-Tier 1's drag.

The AH-Tier 1's spool is a good depth for a variety of general purpose diameter lines

Design & Ergonomics: Lew's AH-Tier 1 casting reel is a very comfortable size and shape to work with all day. It's not the lightest reel on the market, but it's also not what I'd consider burdensome. The flat, t-shaped knobs on that long, 95mm handle, have a little texture to them that is very comfortable to grasp. I keep coming back to the word solid, when thinking about this reel, because that's pretty much the best way to sum it up.

Bearing support at the pinion is always a welcomed feature

Price & Applications: Priced at $179.99, the AH-Tier 1 steps into one of the most competitive price points in the casting reel market. With that price point usually comes more sophisticated features and retrieve ratio options that would normally bury a reel like this, but where this reel has a leg up on the competition is the purpose for which it is built - to help military veterans. With that in mind, with this reel, it's just as much about supporting a great cause as it is the fishing.

Conclusion: It's not often you find a manufacturer producing something to benefit a charitable cause not directly associated with the industry for which they do business. There's no doubt many military veterans enjoy the outdoors, but more relevant to their needs is the ability to get back to normal day to day life.

 
While Lew's American Hero Tier-1 LFS casting reel is a basic, no frills, solid little package, the purpose for which it exists should not be overlooked

Calling attention to the need to support our veterans in this regard along with making a product whose proceeds will go to aid in the efforts to help is something to applaud. So while Lew's American Hero Tier-1 LFS casting reel is a basic, no frills, solid little package, the purpose for which it exists should not be overlooked.

Looking for a Lew's American Hero Tier 1 LFS Casting Reel?

Try TackleWarehouse