I've spent a lot of time out on the water lately with the lew's laser mg reel, and honestly, it's been a bit of a surprise how well it holds up compared to some of the more expensive gear in my locker. If you've been fishing for any length of time, you know that the "budget-friendly" category is usually a total minefield. You either find a hidden gem or you end up with something that sounds like a coffee grinder after three trips to the lake. Luckily, this one definitely leans toward the gem category.
Lew's has a reputation for making stuff that just works without a lot of unnecessary fluff, and this reel is a perfect example of that philosophy. It isn't trying to be a $400 magnesium masterpiece, but it doesn't feel like a toy either. For anyone looking to get into baitcasting or just wanting a reliable backup that won't break the bank, there's a lot to talk about here.
Out of the Box Impressions
The first thing I noticed when I picked up the lew's laser mg reel was how it felt in the hand. It has a low-profile design that sits really comfortably on the rod. I'm a big fan of how Lew's handles their ergonomics. Even on their more affordable models, they seem to understand that if a reel is uncomfortable to palm for eight hours, you're not going to use it, no matter how cheap it was.
The frame is made of a one-piece lightweight graphite. Now, some gear snobs might turn their nose up at graphite because it's not aluminum, but for a reel at this price point, it's a smart move. It keeps the weight down to about 7.2 ounces. That might not sound like a big deal, but when you're making five hundred casts a day with a heavy jig, your wrist is going to thank you for every ounce you saved. The sideplates are also graphite, and while they feel sturdy enough, you'll want to avoid banging them against the metal gunwale of a boat too hard.
Let's Talk Performance
When it comes down to it, a reel is only as good as its ability to throw a lure. The lew's laser mg reel uses a fairly straightforward magnetic braking system. You've got the external adjustment dial on the sideplate, which is super easy to click through. I found that it's pretty forgiving, even if you're still working on your thumb control.
I took it out on a windy afternoon to see how it handled some lighter jerkbaits. Usually, wind and light lures are a recipe for a "professional grade" bird's nest, but the magnetic brakes did their job. I didn't have to crank them all the way to the maximum to keep the spool under control. It has a decent 8-bearing system—well, it's actually 7 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings plus a Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing. In plain English? It's smooth. It's not "buttery" in the way a $300 reel is, but it doesn't have that gritty feel you get with some other entry-level options.
The drag system is another highlight. It's a Rulon drag, and it's rated for about 15 pounds of max pressure. While I haven't hooked into any monsters with it just yet, I did have a decent four-pounder try to dive under the boat, and the drag remained consistent. There wasn't any of that jerky, "stuttering" release that can snap a light line. It's smooth enough that you can trust it when a fish decides to make a run for the weeds.
The Little Things That Matter
One thing I really appreciate about the lew's laser mg reel is the handle design. It features the "Power Handle" with those oversized EVA foam knobs. I know some guys prefer the hard plastic or rubberized grips, but for me, the foam is great when my hands are wet or covered in fish slime. It gives you a lot of leverage, which is exactly what you want when you're trying to haul a bass out of thick cover.
Then there's the spool itself. It's a drilled, machine-forged anodized aluminum spool. It looks sharp, but more importantly, it's light. A lighter spool starts spinning faster with less effort, which helps with those shorter, more technical casts. I've been using it for skipping jigs under docks, and while I'm not a pro at it by any means, the reel definitely made the learning process a lot less frustrating.
Is It Durable?
This is always the big question with graphite-framed reels. I've been using this specific lew's laser mg reel for about four months now, taking it out at least once a week. So far, I haven't noticed any flex in the frame when I'm pulling against snagged lures. The gears still feel tight, and the "Zero Reverse" anti-reverse is still instant.
However, because it is a graphite frame, I wouldn't recommend this as your primary heavy-duty punching reel for the thickest mats imaginable. For that kind of work, you really want the rigidity of an aluminum frame to prevent any torque. But for your standard plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures? It's more than capable of handling the stress.
Who Should Buy This?
I think the lew's laser mg reel hits a very specific sweet spot. If you're a parent looking to get your teenager their first "real" baitcaster, this is a perfect choice. It's high-quality enough that they won't get frustrated by equipment failure, but it's affordable enough that if they accidentally drop it in the lake, it's not a financial catastrophe.
It's also a great option for the weekend warrior who wants to have five or six different rods rigged up and ready to go. Let's be real—most of us can't afford to put a top-tier reel on every single rod we own. Using something like the Laser MG for your "secondary" techniques (like maybe a dedicated topwater rod or a jerkbait setup) allows you to save your big budget for your main cranking or flipping setups.
Any Downsides?
No piece of gear is perfect, and there are a few things to keep in mind with the lew's laser mg reel. First, as I mentioned, it's a graphite frame. It's light, but it's not indestructible. If you're incredibly hard on your gear—like, throwing it in the bed of a truck without a cover—you might see some wear and tear faster than you would with a metal reel.
Second, the aesthetics are pretty basic. It's a black-on-black-on-black look. Personally, I like the stealthy vibe, but if you're looking for something that's going to win a beauty pageant or match a specific bright-colored rod, this might feel a little plain.
Lastly, while the 6.4:1 gear ratio is a great "all-arounder," it's the only option usually available for this specific model. If you're looking for a super-fast 8.1:1 for burning lures or a slow 5.4:1 for deep cranking, you might have to look elsewhere in the Lew's lineup.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the lew's laser mg reel is exactly what it claims to be: a workhorse. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of the Tournament Pro or the custom shops, but it gets the job done. It casts far, the drag is reliable, and it won't leave your wallet empty.
I've found myself reaching for this rod/reel combo more often than I expected lately. There's something to be said for a piece of equipment that you don't have to baby. I know that when I click that thumb bar and let it rip, the lew's laser mg reel is going to do exactly what I need it to do. If you're on the fence about whether a "budget" reel can actually perform, give this one a shot. You might just find it becomes one of your favorites, too.
Anyway, that's my take on it. If you're looking for a solid, dependable reel that punches way above its weight class, you really can't go wrong here. Now, if you'll excuse me, the weather's looking a bit too good to stay inside typing. Time to go see if the bass are biting.