mark poulson Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Last Christmas I bought two of the Team Lew's Pro TLP1SH baitcasters. I love the reels. They have the 80mm bowed carbon fiber handle.I had the handle on one of them break yesterday.On a hookset, the handle on the side with the knob that I was holding for the hookset broke. Has anyone else had this happen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted February 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2014 Bob, I also have a lot of rods on both sides of my front deck, so my first thought was, did I step on it? But it was on the left side of my deck, so I think not. I am not a ballerina any more, since I have sciatica. I don't move around that much up there. I tend to stand either directly behind the TM pedal, or on the right side, because my balance is better from that side. I do step on the handles of the rods on the right side sometimes, but it's usually just barely on the knobs, and I'm used to working on scaffolds, so I am very aware when I step on things and keep things out of the way. In all my years of fishing I have guillotined a rod with my trolling motor, but I've never broken one by stepping on it. Watch, now that I've said that, I'll probably go out and break one the next trip! Hahaha These are my first Lew's reels, so I really didn't know what to expect, but my friend has several and really likes them, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I bought two on sale for $150+- each. Aluminum frame and side plates, 11 ball bearings, both centrifugal and magnetic brakes, 5.9 oz., I figured it was worth taking a chance. With computer controlled machining all of the new reels are amazing now. These reels are a pleasure to fish with, and cast like a dream. It's funny, but the only thing I don't like is their handle, which is only 80mm long. When I first looked at them in my hand, I thought they would be too small. But I don't really notice it when I'm fishing with them. I spoke to Alison, the customer service rep. for Lew's, and she's going to see if they can send me another handle. That would be great. Fingers crossed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted February 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2014 I just got off the phone with Lew's, and they are sending me a new handle, free. Plus they are upgrading it to the 85mm handle that comes on the newer Pro series. I guess they have had issues with this handle before. Great customer service. Thank you Alison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted February 19, 2014 Report Share Posted February 19, 2014 If you don't quit being so rough on your toys we're gonna have to send you to your room little mister. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted February 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 But dad, the dog did it! I actually went out and put some crazy glue into the cracked/delaminated spots, and then held them clamped with a pair of needle nose pliers. It seems to be holding fine, at least until I get the new handles. I bought one for the second reel I have from Lew's, so I covered the cost of their shipping. Hahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted February 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2014 (edited) The replacement handles Lew's sent me are a much more finished looking product. The original handle had square edges, and was thicker. The new handles have eased edges, and seem to be thinner and more refined. The new handles have different knobs, but I don't really notice any difference fishing with them. Edited February 28, 2014 by mark poulson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
