The Lew's Custom Lite rods are built to exceed competitive angling standards at a fair price point, and we were beyond excited for our team to get their hands on some of these slick sticks. Out of the gate, our reviewers commended the aesthetics of the Custom Lite, praising the design starting with the sleek carbon fiber wrapping on the blank, down to the Winn Dri-Tac ProWeave handle and the EVA foregrip and butt. Based on the wide range of models and premium titanium oxide guide inserts, it’s easy to see that this rod lineup means serious business.

In-hand, the Carbon Lite felt relatively lightweight to most reviewers thanks to the HM85 graphite blanks, and a few mentioned that some of the casting models felt designed to fish the corresponding technique with the rod tip down. Even though they noted that few of the rod ratings seemed slightly inflated, our team was pleased to find that the Lew's Custom Lite rods offer a lightweight build that swings above its expected weight class.

“The woven handle gives it a carbon look but has a nice feel and makes the rods look different from most of the stuff on the market. The actions seem to be rated a power less than how they actually feel. Mediums feel more like medium heavy.” - Jacob

The Lew's Custom Lite Rod Series offers a mixed bag of performance characteristics. Reviewers found that the rods performed well in their specific niches, showcasing strengths tailored to their intended techniques. For instance, the rods designed for power fishing applications displayed a good balance of action and taper, allowing for effective presentations with light lures.

However, sensitivity across the series had mixed reviews, with some anglers noting a lack of responsiveness, especially when compared to other rods in a similar price range. The rods handled various baits reasonably well, but a consistent theme emerged: they excelled in certain applications while falling short in others. One highlight was the series' ability to hold up to rigorous use. Components like the Winn Grip and guides proved robust, contributing to an overall positive perception of the series' usability by enhancing grip after the rod butt got wet. While the Lew's Custom Lite Rods earned commendations for their intended purposes, the lack of uniformity in sensitivity and performance across different techniques led to an overall performance rating of 7.5. Anglers seeking specialized rods for specific applications within the series may find these offerings particularly well-suited, but those expecting a versatile, all-encompassing performance might encounter some limitations.

“While possessing excellent action and taper, the rod (7' Med LT Casting) lacked sensitivity, making it challenging for techniques like fishing a shaky head; however, it excelled as an effective small cranking rod, enabling easy maneuvering of squarebills around cover with smooth loading during fish fights.” - Walker

The Lew's Custom Lite Rod Series stands out for its robust construction and impressive durability, earning a collective rating of 8. Across various fishing scenarios, from long-distance casting to rough handling, the rods proved resilient and maintained structural integrity. The components, such as the titanium oxide guide inserts, received positive feedback for their ability to withstand wear and tear. Even after extended use, the rods exhibited minimal signs of damage, with guides staying straight and grips maintaining their quality. Anglers appreciated the rods' capacity to endure challenging conditions, whether on the water or during transportation.

One noteworthy aspect was the longevity of the Dri-Tac grips, which remained tacky and comfortable after extended periods of use. While some anglers reported minor wear around the bait keeper area, it didn't compromise the overall functionality of the rods. Ultimately, it became evident that the Lew's Custom Lite Rods excelled in the durability department, showcasing a build that can withstand the demands of avid anglers. The high rating of 8 reflects the series' ability to maintain performance integrity over time, making it a reliable choice for those seeking long-lasting rods.

“As for durability, I would say great. Not saying I tried to break it while fighting fish, but after locking down my drag, there were no issues at all. The guides are all still perfectly straight, Winn grip handle still in nice shape, and the bait keeper never bent out.” - Doug

The Lew's Custom Lite Rod Series presents a mixed bag in terms of value, warranting an overall rating of 7. Priced in the range of $169.99 to $189.99, these rods offer a blend of quality construction and performance, but certain aspects leave room for consideration. On the positive side, the series caters to anglers on a budget, providing an opportunity to acquire technique-specific rods at a relatively affordable price point. The inclusion of features like the Winn Grip handles and titanium oxide guide inserts adds value to the series.

However, concerns arise when comparing sensitivity to other rods in a similar price range. While the rods excel in durability and functionality, the dampened sensitivity could hinder some techniques that require more subtle bite detection. The rating of 7 reflects the balance between affordability and performance, with potential for improvement in sensitivity and more accurate rod ratings to enhance overall value. That said, the Lew's Custom Lite Rods still offer good value for anglers prioritizing durability and a strong backbone at a reasonable cost.

“I think the Lew's Custom Lite Casting rods represent an excellent value for an angler on a budget who wants a technique-specific rod for their favorite technique, or someone who wants to fill out an entire lineup of technique-specific Lew's Rods.” - Tyler 

Our reviewers felt mixed on the utility of the Lew's Custom Lite Rod Series as well, giving the rods an overall rating of 7.5 in this category. Designed to cover a broad spectrum of techniques with 28 different model options, these rods showcase premium performance but exhibit some nuances that impact their utility. While the casting and the spinning models seemed at home with their given techniques, users praised the versatility of the rods within the crankbait lineup and how the moderate-fast tapers of the lineup allowed them to seamlessly switch from jerkbait to crank to spinnerbait.

However, concerns arise when examining sensitivity, especially in the context of finesse fishing. Some users reported a lack of sensitivity, affecting the rods' performance in scenarios where detecting subtle bites is crucial. Additionally, the slightly awkward handling mentioned in close-quarters situations could impact the overall utility for anglers who frequently fish in tight spaces. The Lew's Custom Lite Rods offer commendable utility, covering a range of techniques effectively. The rating of 7.5 reflects the series' ability to fish moving baits, but the noted drawbacks, particularly in sensitivity and handling finesse presentations, highlight areas for potential improvement to enhance overall utility.  

The Lew's Custom Lite Rod Series certainly impressed our reviewers as a lightweight and affordable choice with 28 models catering to diverse techniques, earning commendations for its sleek design, lightweight build, and premium components. Initial positive impressions were backed by a performance evaluation that highlighted strengths in applications like spinnerbaits, squarebill crankbaits, and jerkbaits. However, a noted challenge in maintaining sensitivity, especially in finesse scenarios, as well as a few of the rod ratings feeling off, drew a consensus that the Lite series fell short of swinging above its weight class in terms of pricing, yet the cost was an accurate reflection of the series' quality and performance.

Durability stands out as a key feature, with the rods proving robust under rough handling and extended use, earning a high rating of 8. The affordability and resilience of the series position it favorably for anglers who want a workhorse rod that will stand up to the wear and tear of daily use. Value, however, received a rating of 7, with some users questioning whether sensitivity and versatility from model to model justifies the price range of $169.99 to $189.99. Despite these concerns, the Custom Lite series shows promise, and these rods do exactly what they are designed for, scoring a 7.5 in the utility assessment. In conclusion, the Lew's Custom Lite Rod Series stands as a compelling option, offering impressive durability, good performance, and a sleek design at an attractive price. Addressing user feedback regarding sensitivity and handling could further elevate the series, solidifying its place as a reliable and adaptable choice for anglers.