The Lew’s MACH Smash Baitcasting Combo has caught the attention of both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. Testimony to its appeal comes from Shaye Baker, a gear reviewer who decided to involve his wife, Savannah, in the evaluation process. Their experiences highlight the combo's practical features and versatile design.
"I review a ton of fishing gear, and it is no doubt an absolute blessing to get to do what I do for a living," said Shaye. However, he humorously mentions how his wife savors receiving packages just as much. After voicing her frustration about the countless fishing supplies arriving at their home, Shaye arranged for Savannah to receive her very own MACH Smash Casting Combo, much to her delight.
"I review a ton of fishing gear, and it is no doubt an absolute blessing to get to do what I do for a living,"
This combo is particularly suited for female anglers or individuals with a lighter stature. With Savannah being 5’2”, Shaye carefully selected the 6’10” rod length from the available options of 6’10” and 7’2”. "While Savannah could have handled either of these, the 6’10” looked like the better fit and the more versatile of the two for her," he explained.
"While Savannah could have handled either of these, the 6’10” looked like the better fit and the more versatile of the two for her,"
The MACH Smash Casting Combo boasts several configurations including 6’10” medium heavy/fast and 7’2” medium/fast variations, all equipped with a reel featuring a 7.5:1 gear ratio. Shaye noted, "The 6’10” with the 7.5:1 rear ratio reel in a right-hand retrieve looked like a great option for my wife that would be capable of a wide variety of techniques." This thoughtful choice signifies the combo’s adaptability for different fishing styles.
Among the noteworthy features of the combo are the Winn Dri-Tac Ultra ProWeave reel handle knobs and external magnetic controls for the reel's brake. Shaye addressed the benefits of these attributes, stating, "To me, this reel is a good mix between the Lew’s LFS Speed Spool and the Lew’s Super Duty, which are two of my favorite reels of all time."
The combination of ease-of-use and functionality is crucial, especially for young or amateur anglers. Shaye praised the external brake control as a marker of accessibility, saying, "External brake controls are simply far easier to adjust on the fly, and they are definitely preferable for young anglers and those short on experience."
As for performance, Shaye described the MACH Smash as an impressive all-around reel. "It’s easy to adjust, casts fairly well, and I really like the Winn Dri-Tac Ultra ProWeave reel handle knobs, which provide a secure contact point for winding baits, setting the hook, and fighting in fish," he remarked. The reel specifications include a 15-pound max drag with 8 bearings and a line capacity of 12/110 (pound test in mono/yards).
"It’s easy to adjust, casts fairly well, and I really like the Winn Dri-Tac Ultra ProWeave reel handle knobs, which provide a secure contact point for winding baits, setting the hook, and fighting in fish,"
The rod itself does not disappoint. Priced at $60 when bought separately, Shaye expressed that it offers great value, suggesting it competes well against more expensive options. He noted, "For what you get, that’s a pretty dang good price." The rod features an exposed section of the blank for added sensitivity, traditional-size guides, and an EVA foam butt for comfortable casting.
One of Shaye's favorite elements is the rubbery feel of the Winn Dri-Tac split-grip. He explained how this design improves control during use, saying, "It’s almost tactile and allows for a great grip when fighting fish or making accurate casts."
In conclusion, the Lew’s MACH Smash Baitcasting Combo brings together comfort, adaptability, and ease of use, making it suitable for a range of fishing environments. Shaye and Savannah's enthusiastic review signals that it could be a worthwhile addition for both seasoned anglers looking for a reliable combo and novices ready to step into the world of baitcasting. As urban anglers continue to seek gear that fits their specific needs, the MACH Smash stands out as a compelling choice for efficiency on the water.
