Picking fishing reels often comes down to how you fish, not just how much you spend. One option prioritizes faster retrieve and more line capacity for covering water, the other leans into a higher bearing count and heavy drag in a compact metal body that lists both freshwater and saltwater use. With a $16.11 spread between $23.89 and $40.00, the decision is about which trade-offs match your target species and technique.
Quick Verdict
Choose the Lew's Speed Spin 300 RH/LH Spinning Fishing Reel 6.2:1 if you want the faster 6.2:1 gear ratio and the larger listed braid capacity of 15 lb/230 yds, plus the aluminum and graphite construction described for lightweight freshwater sessions. Choose the 12BB Metal Spinning Fishing Reel 5.2:1 if you want the lower listed price of $23.89, 12 ball bearings, and the listed quadruple disc carbon drag delivering 18LBS of drag with a full metal build that lists freshwater and saltwater use.
At a Glance
| Reel | Listed Price | Gear Ratio | Ball Bearings | Braid Capacity | Drag Style / Drag Note | Construction Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lew's Speed Spin 300 RH/LH Spinning Fishing Reel 6.2:1 (SS300HSG2C) New in Pkg | USD 40.00 | 6.2:1 | 10 | 15 lb/230 yds | Front Drag | Aluminum Spool, Aluminum and graphite, Anti-Reverse, Gear Support System |
| 12BB Metal Spinning Fishing Reel 5.2:1 Freshwater Saltwater Left Right Hand Reel | USD 23.89 | 5.2:1 | 12 | 15lb/200 yd | Front Drag | 18LBS quadruple disc carbon drag | Full metal, stainless steel main shaft, brass gears |
Where Each Fishing Reel Wins
Lew's Speed Spin 300 RH/LH Spinning Fishing Reel 6.2:1 Wins For
- Faster retrieve: Listed 6.2:1 gear ratio compared to 5.2:1 on the alternative.
- More listed line capacity: 15 lb/230 yds versus 15lb/200 yd.
- Lightweight freshwater focus: Description highlights aluminum and graphite construction, near-shore use, anti-reverse, and gear support system for smooth performance on bass and other freshwater species.
12BB Metal Spinning Fishing Reel 5.2:1 Wins For
- Lower listed price: USD 23.89 versus USD 40.00 at the top of the range.
- Higher bearing count on the listing: 12 ball bearings versus 10.
- Heavier drag and metal build: Lists quadruple disc carbon drag delivering 18LBS, plus extra-hard stainless steel main shaft, precision-machined brass gears, and thickened metal bearings, with freshwater and saltwater listed.
Product Notes
Lew's Speed Spin 300 RH/LH Spinning Fishing Reel 6.2:1 (SS300HSG2C) New in Pkg
This reel is presented as a versatile freshwater option in Charcoal Gray, listed as New with a front drag system. The description points to a lightweight aluminum and graphite build intended for extended sessions, with features like anti-reverse, gear support system, and near-shore capability. The 6.2:1 ratio and 15 lb/230 yds braid capacity suggest it is set up to pick up line quickly and hold more line than the other option here. A good fit if you prioritize retrieve speed and capacity for bass fishing and want the Lew's Speed Spin platform. The limitation is the higher listed price of USD 40.00 and the narrower water-type listing, which centers on freshwater rather than the dual freshwater and saltwater listing of the alternative.
12BB Metal Spinning Fishing Reel 5.2:1 Freshwater Saltwater Left Right Hand Reel
Listed in Black as New with front drag, this reel emphasizes a full metal approach with a stainless steel main shaft, brass gears, and wire cups. It shows 12 ball bearings on the listing and a 5.2:1 gear ratio, with braid capacity listed at 15lb/200 yd. The standout detail is the quadruple disc carbon drag described as delivering 18LBS, paired with a compact low-profile design and concealed side cover release noted for comfort over many casts. It also lists both freshwater and saltwater use and left/right hand configuration. The trade-off is the lower listed capacity and the slower listed ratio compared to the Lew's option, which matters if you want to cover water quickly.
Final Choice By Use Case
- Pick the Lew's Speed Spin 300 if you fish freshwater for bass and want faster line pickup and extra capacity in a lightweight aluminum and graphite package, and the USD 40.00 listed price fits your budget.
- Pick the 12BB Metal Spinning Fishing Reel if you want the most affordable listed price at USD 23.89, a full metal build with 12 ball bearings, and the listed 18LBS carbon drag with freshwater and saltwater versatility in a compact body.
Both list front drag and left/right hand use, so your call comes down to speed and capacity versus price, bearing count, and heavy drag in metal construction.
