Bass Fishing Dec 2016 | Page 74

2017 BUYER’S GUIDE SPINNING REELS 1. Lew’s Mach II Speed Spin Series This rad-looking black and green reel features a high-speed 6.2:1 retrieve ratio and a Winn Grips knob. Lew’s added nine stainless-steel double- shielded ball bearings plus a clutch bearing. It comes in two sizes. $79.99 1 lews.com 2. Lew’s SSG Speed Spin Series The skeletal graphite rotor cuts weight, but not strength. An oversized line roller is said to reduce line twist, while the 6.2:1 retrieve ratio eats up line quickly. It comes in four sizes. $49.99 2 lews.com 3. Lew’s Laser G Speed Spin Series Graphite with a metallic finish makes this low- priced reel an attractive, yet light and durable product. It has an eight-bearing system with alu- minum spool and handle. It comes in four sizes. $39.99 3 lews.com 4. One 3 Creed Series One 3 minimized weight with what it calls Air Foil carbon design for the frame, rotor and han- dle in its Creed series of affordable spinning reels. Air Foil is basically a carbon skeleton with the extra cut out. Three models are available: GT (shown – $89.99), X ($59.99) and K ($49.99). Each comes in four sizes. 13fishing.com 5. Okuma Helios SX Spinning The woven C-40X carbon fibers used to make the body, side plate and rotor on the Helios SX are said to result in parts that are 25 percent lighter and 50 percent stronger than comparable graphite reel components. It comes in three sizes. $129.99 4 okumafishing.com 5 72 FLWFISHING.COM I DECEMBER 2016