Hi guys,
After reading Alan Hawk's very good review here: http://www.alanhawk.com/reviews/lth10.html
I bought one of these reels for Christmas, I'm really happy with how silky smooth the drag is, and how much factory grease is in the reel, it shows they actually care. It's a cheap backup reel and mostly will be used by family and friends when visiting.
That looks like a very nice, back to the basics type of reel. Live the color too.
yeah really happy with it Bryan, and about $142 delivered, you can't beat that price!
I think this reel is going to have quite an effect on the price of all large spinners that cost more than it. Excellent value!
Sales went through the roof alter Alan Hawk's review!
someone needs to employ Alan under contract and build a bullet proof spinner for a decent price, they'd take over the market overnight!
I've been meaning to pick one of those up. Solid reel at a good price. Thanks for sharing Nicko.
They do look lioe nice reels, and I certsinly repect Mr. Hawks fine review. I think it should be a great reel at that price point, but you gotta believe the more expensive reels are of a different overall quality. I know alot of the engineering that goes into higher priced spinners involves, more complex designs, and better overall quslity parts, but they must also use higher quality and closer tollerance machining and casting processes. Not just more parts The Van Steel for instance has a crazy strong, but other flaws become apparent. I think when certain parts are upgraded to increase strength, drag capacity, etc, everthing needs to work in harmony at these greayer forces, and inevitsble something becomes the weakest link. If reels csn be fished at much greater drag settings then the entire reel was designed for, something will likely wear more quickly and/or fail. However a pinion bearing and a frame failure are not exactly equal failures. It will be interesting to see what, if any, problems might show themselves down the road with this reel. Looking back at a particular model of reel's service history can teach you alot about the reel. Tough to beat real world use as a testing ground I hope this reel turns out to ve as solid as it appears I know tue old penn spinners are solid and reliable. I know Alan put er through the paces so they are definately worth a try at that price.
I guess the good thing is Alan does put them through their paces and scores every reel out of 100 regardless of price point, so it gives you a good overall idea of how each reel fairs against the best spinners available.
With him also critically evaluating just about every part of each reel, I'm confident that this cheapie will be helping me catch big fish for years to come. Am I going to fish this over my Stella sw 8000? nope! This reel will be used to troll, float live baits for Spanish (king) mackerel and will be used by guests and visitors. Next trip though I'm going to christen it with a nice big red or three.
The "Other Alan" --
Most of you may already know -- but I'll explain for those who may not know Alan Hawk.
Alan Hawk is an "experts expert" on spinning reels. Primarily HD Salt models.
His reviews and opinions are waited for by every professional in the angling world -- and taken for the Gospel.
He maintains his own website, purchases reels with his own funds, tests each for 100 hours or more, completely disassembles, analyzes, and points out all weak and strong points -- then gives them a numerical rating -- and explains every detail. He is completely independent and self-funded because of his passion for the mechanical aspect of HD spinning reels.
He will not allow any sponsers, companies, or individuals to influence his work in any way.
He is sort of like the "Consumers Reports" of spinning reels -- except he takes it a few steps further since he has an engineer's mind, and lives fishing.
He has made many major companies very upset with some of his brutally honest reviews -- to the point of them suing him many times, unsuccessfully. Not to mention making threats to him personally.
He has an attorney who stays very busy handling his legal issues -- which Alan just laughs off -- since he has testing, documentation, and contacts with many engineers who will collaborate his testing and conclusions regarding fishing reels. When documentation and testing is complete -- it is stored & sealed under an escrow arrangement with Alan's attorney.
This is probably overkill -- and Alan is the type of guy who you must be careful asking what time it is -- since he will immediately tell you how to build a watch -- and probably better than the original manufacturer -- with documentation and testing.
All of my long story brings me to this point:
We all owe Alan a lot -- and always learn from him -- he is the Master of HD spinners.
In this day and age of Wal-mart, Big 5, Asian manufacturers, and clever marketing gimmicks -- Alan is a breath of fresh air to our industry.
Best,
Fred
i was always glad we had our own in house legal department!!!!!
Your comments are right on the mark Fred.
It's a shame we don't have more Alan Hawks doing independant, unbiased and unsponsored reviews on more everyday products that we are presented with.
It would certainly make manufacturers more accountable.
I bought one 4 months ago just to go thru it and check it out. The body needs to be lightly greased inside but not much more to do to these reels. Grease the handle and cap openings and put it to work.
You can donate money to Alan Hawk on his website, I've given him a bit of cash as I think he's worth it!
I have one of those reels and it does have the smoothest drag of my spinners. The first day that I used I caught a very large red snapper with it.
Check the Amazon site, Lethal 100 for $120 & free shipping.
You convinced me to buy one!
www.srmo.com has them a little cheaper, and Ive ordered from them a few times.
Ive been very happy with my lethal 100, but havent had a chance to catch anything big enough to give it a real workout. Polished and refined it is not. In fact, it doesnt feel as refined even as my older fin nor sportfisher. But it is built like a tank, and you cant get a similarly capable reel for anywhere near the price.
Ive got my eye on the new Quantum Cabo 100/120 next. All the strength of this reel, with a more refinement, and an even better drag.
Just curious what refinements does the Cabo have over the lethal?
I yoyo-ed with my first LT100 (spooled with 50 lb braid mounted on a Daiwa STW70MHS) on the 2014 Alan Tani SOA Charter; landed three YT at Cedros in the 20-25 lb range.
Ordered my second LT100 today from srmo.com; will be spooled with 100 lb braid and mounted to a Daiwa STJ70XHFS.
Both LT100's will be in my planned set of five spin setups for the 2015 June Alan Tani SOA Charter, complemented with five comparable conventional setups.
This "refinements" discussion of this reel vs. that reel is all relative. Like most other things in life, it's the ability of fisherman that makes the difference, IMHO.
For example, back in his heyday, Greg Lemond on a Walmart steel-framed, 10-spd, bike would still drop most weekend warriors riding the most advanced, lightest carbon fiber, 22-spd, bike available today.
Quote from: Porthos on January 07, 2015, 05:41:59 AM
I yoyo-ed with my first LT100 (spooled with 50 lb braid mounted on a Daiwa STW70MHS) on the 2014 Alan Tani SOA Charter; landed three YT at Cedros in the 20-25 lb range.
Ordered my second LT100 today from srmo.com; will be spooled with 100 lb braid and mounted to a Daiwa STJ70XHFS.
Both LT100's will be in my planned set of five spin setups for the 2015 June Alan Tani SOA Charter, complemented with five comparable conventional setups.
This "refinements" discussion of this reel vs. that reel is all relative. Like most other things in life, it's the ability of fisherman that makes the difference, IMHO.
For example, back in his heyday, Greg Lemond on a Walmart steel-framed, 10-spd, bike would still drop most weekend warriors riding the most advanced, lightest carbon fiber, 22-spd, bike available today.
A lot of guys these days still use handlines over here on the reef and clean up. This reel is cheap with more drag than I'll ever use, can't wait to smash something big with it next trip!
Regarding the Lethal LT100, I bought mine after using my friends. Bought it for the simplicity, the price, and the strength. I read Hawk's review after I bought it.
I got mine on Monday and a couple of changes to the reel should help.
1.The openings where the stem meets the body have been filled in. Now it's solid with indents.
2.A couple of spacer washers are included to adjust the lay of the line.
As for reports of the handle breaking it's easy to imagine as the handle sits very wide of the reel. The operator needs be careful with mechanics when hard reeling. JMO.
Steve
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/swill88/AT%20Uploads/LT%20100_zps8gihzais.jpg) (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/swill88/media/AT%20Uploads/LT%20100_zps8gihzais.jpg.html)
Funny I just ordered 4 more handles for these reels. They do break easily but I think some of that happens when they bear down on the handle instead of lifting the fish with the rod. At lease they don't cost much. Right around $12.00 plus shipping.
Keith
Quote from: handi2 on January 28, 2016, 11:44:21 PM
Funny I just ordered 4 more handles for these reels. They do break easily but I think some of that happens when they bear down on the handle instead of lifting the fish with the rod. At lease they don't cost much. Right around $12.00 plus shipping.
Keith
Sounds like it's a good idea to carry an extra handle on a trip.
Steve
Quote from: swill88 on January 29, 2016, 12:12:10 AM
Quote from: handi2 on January 28, 2016, 11:44:21 PM
Funny I just ordered 4 more handles for these reels. They do break easily but I think some of that happens when they bear down on the handle instead of lifting the fish with the rod. At lease they don't cost much. Right around $12.00 plus shipping.
Keith
Sounds like it's a good idea to carry an extra handle on a trip.
Steve
Those handles also fit the 60/80 sizes of the lethal and older sportfisher series as well. Very nice upgrade for those reels.
Quote from: foakes on January 06, 2015, 03:27:09 PM
The "Other Alan" --
Most of you may already know -- but I'll explain for those who may not know Alan Hawk.
Alan Hawk is an "experts expert" on spinning reels. Primarily HD Salt models.
His reviews and opinions are waited for by every professional in the angling world -- and taken for the Gospel.
He maintains his own website, purchases reels with his own funds, tests each for 100 hours or more, completely disassembles, analyzes, and points out all weak and strong points -- then gives them a numerical rating -- and explains every detail. He is completely independent and self-funded because of his passion for the mechanical aspect of HD spinning reels.
He will not allow any sponsers, companies, or individuals to influence his work in any way.
He is sort of like the "Consumers Reports" of spinning reels -- except he takes it a few steps further since he has an engineer's mind, and lives fishing.
He has made many major companies very upset with some of his brutally honest reviews -- to the point of them suing him many times, unsuccessfully. Not to mention making threats to him personally.
He has an attorney who stays very busy handling his legal issues -- which Alan just laughs off -- since he has testing, documentation, and contacts with many engineers who will collaborate his testing and conclusions regarding fishing reels. When documentation and testing is complete -- it is stored & sealed under an escrow arrangement with Alan's attorney.
This is probably overkill -- and Alan is the type of guy who you must be careful asking what time it is -- since he will immediately tell you how to build a watch -- and probably better than the original manufacturer -- with documentation and testing.
All of my long story brings me to this point:
We all owe Alan a lot -- and always learn from him -- he is the Master of HD spinners.
In this day and age of Wal-mart, Big 5, Asian manufacturers, and clever marketing gimmicks -- Alan is a breath of fresh air to our industry.
Best,
Fred
After all this interesting background information, I have to ask the obvious question: Do you know him personally Fred?
Will you be the one to unmask batman?
~
No,
I do know Alan Hawk through some private correspondence over the years.
But not in the flesh.
He is a very private person -- and I am sure we all respect that position.
Personally, I am very grateful for the work he does for us.
He takes care of HD salt spinners, our Alan T. takes care of Conventionals.
Every evaluation ever written by anyone, is to a large extent -- personal opinion based on examination and experience.
Each of us need to make our own judgements when it comes to service, purchasing, using, etc.
However, forget about personalities -- each one of us is different -- and we are constantly evolving -- learning more every day -- as long as we are breathing.
So the work that both of the Alan's do -- is so important to our interests in regards to Salt Water Reels.
I do not agree with everything Alan T. or Alan H. profess -- but likely around 98% I do agree with.
Our small differences in opinion or presentation are minor, compared to the excellent work they do for us.
Best,
Fred
Hi All,
Nice to see some serious support for Alan Hawk, where in another current thread he is coming in for what I consider unjustified criticism.
Like our own 'leader', Alan H does all the reviews and publication from his own pocket and time – his munificence to the angling world. We would all be in a more sorry place if people like Alan H and Alan T didn't bother, and we would be blundering around in the dark.
Of course, despite your best efforts, you are never going to please everyone, there will always be people with different opinions, which is their entitlement – but the fact that they are prepared to donate very many hours each week, month and year to the benefit of others is their strength.
My next comment comes from years of similar personal experience, when my wife and I used to run the UK Shark Tagging program, run on a purely voluntary basis; often needing us to work an additional 40 hours a week, just for that cause. For as soon as you are prepared to stand up and start doing something, that some folks believe is done for vanity or ego; then they will start throwing bricks at you, despite the fact that your motivation is purely and wholly munificence. A departed friend coined the phrase to describe it: "the politics of envy", which is entirely accurate.
In closing, we shouldn't criticise those that volunteer their services for free, to try and make our world a better place, but we should applaud them, and support them to the fullest.
Cheers from sunny Africa
Jeri
Thanks, Jeri --
You said it much better than I could.
And you are exactly right on.
Bobby Kennedy used to say --
You can never get 100% consensus -- 20% of the people are against everything, 100% of the time.
Best,
Fred
Hi Fred
'Bobby Kennedy used to say --
You can never get 100% consensus -- 20% of the people are against everything, 100% of the time.'
I think your quote puts a very accurate perspective on it, firstly when taken at face value, it is accurate, but secondly, as a politician, there is bound to be a 'back story' to what is being said, and hence, and especially from politicians, people get sceptical about the 'truth' of what is being said. Though I don't want to get into American politics, but politicians the world over are guilty of saying one thing and meaning another.
Perhaps, the 'human condition' of the 21st Century, we are continually faced with people saying one thing, but it hides an ulterior motive, so we are becoming inherently distrusting of what people say. So, when faced with someone that is genuine, we have difficulty believing the truth, or the veracity of the wisdom being imparted.
A sad way to be going, but that is what we are faced with, especially now as we have global instant communication, even like this forum, folks all round the world potentially reading my thoughts.
Cheers from hot and sunny Africa
Jeri
I came across this picture today of some guys that fish our area. His reel broke at the stem. I've heard of this happening but haven't personally seen it.
That's not good :-[
Marc..
I have one I hope that doesn't happen, but if it does, I got a new Cabo 60 and 80 for like $ 189.00 for both still in boxes.
"No Boundries Oman" Just posted a photo on Facebook of a snapped stem...I'm guessing if you fish it at half of the drag numbers they state you'll be fine.
My first thought would be that someone needs to contact Fin-Nor directly with this issue.
I would expect them to take care of the issue by coming out with a fix in the form of a stronger body/stem.
These should be switched out for all LT-100's sold to date. The reel could be sent back to a factory service center -- or an authorized independent.
The appropriate method of repair/upgrade -- would be to issue a TSB (technical service bulletin) to all dealers and authorized shops.
This would be the right thing to do immediately -- if not, and providing the concerns are well known to the angling public & Fin-Nor -- they would just be shooting themselves in the foot.
They can be a solid and honorable company doing things right -- growing both consumer and dealer confidence.
Or they can go the way of a hundred other companies that have come and gone over the last 25 years in the tackle industry.
This is not a big deal -- if handled properly. All products have issues -- it is how they are taken care of that makes the difference.
Just my opinion.
Best,
Fred