Lew’s reels are top-rated and a reputable, recognizable brand in the world of recreational fishing. It may make you wonder, where are these reels made, and who makes them in the first place?
Lew’s reels are manufactured by various companies, but the majority of their reels are made by a South Korean engineering company called Doyo. They have multiple factories across South Korea and China, where most of the reels are manufactured and assembled. Some reels are also made in the US, but the parts may be manufactured back in Asia, especially China.
But Lew’s journey into becoming a widely popular brand in the fishing industry has a long and exciting story, stretching far back to the post-World War 2 era. Its founder, Lew Childre, had a bright idea on one fine day to launch a revolutionary fishing brand.
The Origin Story Of Where Are Lews Reels Made
Lew Children’s story started back in 1949. Prior to that, he and his wife ran a small tackle shop. The eureka moment for Lew happened when he pulled out some bamboo poles for a customer.
One thing that bugged him about the bamboo poles was their inconsistency. And so he decided: he should strive to build better fishing products, the best out there.
Initially, he produced the fishing poles with domestically grown bamboo. His products were of supreme quality, but a few problems remained.
You see, bamboo supply in the US was quite limited, and the production cost was so high his final product was sold at least four times higher than the other competing brands.
He then began his quest to find more premium quality bamboo, ending up in Japan. There he formed a partnership with a company named Fuji to launch their produced materials into the US market and sell better quality fishing products.
Ever since then, through innovation and diversification, Lew’s brand has amassed a reputation in the industry over time. Currently owned by BDT Capital Partners, their headquarters are currently located in Springfield, Missouri.
Related: Where Are Abu Garcia Reels Made?
The Reason For Their Popularity
Lew’s are dynamically innovating and developing their reels and poles technology. They keep releasing better and newer types of poles and reels that quickly pick up in the market.
One such famous example, where their innovation has done wonders for the company’s reputation and sales, was the Speed Spool baitcast reel.
The new bait caster reel picked up widespread popularity amongst fishermen. It’s an odd-looking teardrop shape and narrow spool grips quickly into your hands.
The design gave then American anglers unprecedented experience in fishing which they very much liked.
The company has received the “Best Rod and Reel Combo” award six times consecutively for this very reason of innovation.
But What Are These Made Of?
Lew’s reels are made of a varied range of raw materials. You would find reels made out of stainless steel and aluminum. Some are even made of C40 carbon or graphite. There are also reels out there made of synthetic material and anodized aluminum.
Current Reputation In The Market
In the present day, Lew’s is a well-established brand with a strong loyal consumer base. The quality of goods they deliver, constant innovation, and their diverse range of products have cemented their place in the industry.
Some well-known accessories they have introduced in the market include telescopic graphite Speed Sticks, Fuji V frame guides, and aluminum oxide guides.
Across various e-commerce websites and fishing forums, Lew’s market reputation is clearly visible. They have amassed great positive public reviews despite their somewhat pricey products.
Buyers all across the net would confirm that in spite of their relatively expensive accessories, the experience they get in return is absolutely worth it.
Which Reel To Buy?
With so many choices presented by Lew’s, it can be challenging to decide which of them to pick. Especially as a beginner, it is not just about the price, but also about the experience and feel.
While purchasing one, you should keep a few things in mind. The weight of the reel matters; a lightweight reel would undoubtedly enhance the fishing experience. Some reels also have a specific hand orientation that they work in, while others are ambidextrous.
Other factors to consider are the reel’s strength, which could contribute to how much weight it can pick up. As well as that, the material the reel is made of.
Some reels could have a manageable weight to work with, but the material may break after a few uses. And looking for a high-end reel would be more costly.
Finally, the environment you will fish in matters. While all reels are suitable for freshwater fishing, saltwater bodies need better quality reels to work with.
Usually, because saltwater bodies have bulkier fish, you need to ensure the reel is strong enough and doesn’t break off.
FAQs
Are Lew’s reels made in China?
Its manufacturer, Doyo, has factories in South Korea, China, and other Asian countries. Most of their products are manufactured in China, while the assembly may be done elsewhere. Doyo runs strict quality checks, which ensures consistent and stringent reel quality.
What is the price range of these reels?
It would largely depend if you were buying spinning reels or the baitcaster ones. Spinning reels are comparatively cheaper. Spinning reels range anywhere from $25 to just around $100 or less.
The baitcaster ones are way more costly. At the lowest, they start from a bit more than $100, and the average would be $150+. Higher-end reels could cost you as much as $370.
Relevant: What Size Braid for Baitcaster
Should I buy a spinning reel or a baitcasting reel?
The main difference between these two types of reels lies in the size of the prey being caught. Baitcasters are more suitable for heavier lures while spinning reels are easier to use.
On top of that, you should also keep in mind your available budget. We covered in the last question that baitcasters could cost around three folds more than their spinning counterparts.
Conclusion
So there you have it! A fishing line company with an exciting and reputed history and the story of their path to innovation and popularity. Lew’s primarily has most of their products made by the South Korean engineering company, Doyo.
And you can tell they have done an exemplary job in delivering the most consistent and widely recognized, and celebrated accessories out there in the market. Hope you are all clear about where Lews reels are made.
