Way back in April 2002, I received a new reel from the Lewtham Stable. Most anglers are probably aware of the cheaper end of this companies’ products, that is the Leeds series of trotting reels, and, indeed, for many of today’s generation of centerpin users the Leeds may well have been their first pin.
When I first opened the box the blue colour struck me as being a little unusual, but I quickly overcame my first reservations and looked at the overall quality of the manufacture and was impressed. These reels come in two spool widths 0.75” and 1” the spool diameter is 4.25” the reel on test was the narrow drum version.
The test reel is machined from high quality aluminium bar, the same stuff as used in the aerospace industry, and the spool turns on two ball races this gives the advantage to those who feel more comfortable to trotting in the reel down position.
The spool is of the solid drum variety which gives the massive advantage of reducing the problem of line bury to virtually zero. It can be very easily removed and the ball races can be extracted for cleaning and re-lubricating as and when necessary though a pair of circlip pliers is need for the removal of the bearings.
The outer rim of the spool is deeply knurled to make batting the line back nice and easy and for those who prefer it there are six large holes for you to stick a finger in to retrieve line that way as well.
I am aware that there may be the odd person left that still uses handles and they have also been provided and can be easily removed…. By those who prefer not to use handles!!
The check mechanism is a superb piece of kit it is operated by turning a lovely knurled brass knob on the back of the reel and it sounds marvellous when a decent barbel streaks off with the bait!
The provision of a decent check is important as it means that the reel can be effectively used for ledgering for barbel in the traditional way using the reel as a baitrunner!!
The reel spins very freely even straight out of the box and gets better with use this means that you can trot even in quite low flows using light gear.
For those who wish, you can ‘Wallis’ cast with it as the inertia is low enough to be easily overcome.
I have used the reel all season in different situations on rivers across the North of England. Throughout my time with it the reel has behaved superbly and has been utterly dependable whether it has been used for trotting or ledgering.
So do I have any criticism of it? Well yes one! The reel seat is a cast aluminium number which is coloured black – a nice brass one would look so much nicer!! Pretty please Mr Lewthwaite??
Does the reel get the Alan Roe stamp of approval? Well yes it does it is good solid piece of kit that will last for many years and give good service and for that I heartily recommend it.
I have become quite fond of the test reel and it may have to enter my permanent collection!!
The RRP of the reel is at present £140 a wooden box can be had for an extra £30
M. A. Roe
March, 2003
