Lews BB25SS

Repair & Maintenance Guide: Lew’s Custom Lite SS (BB25SS / CLSS1SH)

The Lew’s Custom Lite SS (CLSS1SH), often referred to by its platform designation BB25SS, is a high-performance Bait Finesse System (BFS) reel. At only 5.0 ounces, it utilizes a proprietary Tanso Tech™ frame and a super-shallow 30mm Duralumin spool.

Because this reel is designed to throw lures as light as 1/16 oz, it has incredibly low tolerances. Even a small amount of salt or heavy grease in the wrong place will kill its "finesse" capabilities.

Step 1: External Disassembly (Right-Handed)

1. Handle Removal: Use a 10mm nut driver to remove the handle nut (Counter-Clockwise to loosen). Remove the 95mm carbon fiber handle.

2. Star Drag & Speed Dial: Spin off the star drag. Note the Speed Dial® on the tension knob—this is a small bezel you can rotate to remind yourself what pound-test line is on the reel. Unscrew the tension knob and remove the small internal bearing and washer.

    

    

3. Shallow Spool Access: Rotate the palm-side plate and remove it. Carefully slide out the 30mm Shallow Duralumin Spool.

   • Warning: This spool is extremely thin to save weight. Do not drop it or apply pressure to the spool walls, as it can warp easily.

Step 2: The QuietCast® ACB Finesse System

The BB25SS features a specialized 6-pin QuietCast Adjustable Centrifugal Brake.

• Brake Pins: On the side of the spool, you will see 6 miniature white pins. For BFS applications, usually 2 pins "on" (pushed out) is the sweet spot.

   

   

• Friction Hub: The brass ring inside the palm side plate is the braking surface.

  • Maintenance: Since BFS reels rely on ultra-low start-up inertia, this ring must be perfectly clean. Use a swab with alcohol to remove any residue. Do not oil this ring unless the reel is making a high-pitched "zing" sound on the cast; if it is, use a "dry" swab that has just a trace of oil on it to wipe the ring.

Step 3: Interior Gear & P2 Super Pinion

1. Opening the Tanso Tech Frame: Remove the three screws from the gear side plate. The Tanso Tech material is a high-tech composite; be very careful not to cross-thread the screws when putting them back in.

2. Speed Gears: You will find Hard Anodized Aluminum Alloy Speed Gears.

    

    

   • Cleaning: Use a soft-bristled brush and alcohol. You must remove every trace of old, darkened grease. Aluminum-on-aluminum friction creates fine "dust" that can turn grease into a grinding paste.

   • Greasing: Use a light synthetic grease. Do not "pack" the gears. A thin film on the teeth is sufficient.

3. P2 Super Pinion: The pinion is supported by a ball bearing. This keeps the gears in perfect mesh. Flush this bearing with alcohol and apply one drop of very thin oil.

    

    

Step 4: Specialized Lubrication for BFS

• Spool Bearings: The BB25SS uses 11 stainless steel double-shielded bearings. For maximum finesse distance, use a super-thin BFS-specific oil. Standard reel oil is often too thick and will "choke" the light spool.

   

   

• Worm Gear: Apply a single drop of oil to the worm gear. Avoid grease here, as it will attract dust and slow down the level wind's oscillation.

• Carbon Fiber Drag: The 20-lb drag system is overkill for finesse, but it ensures a smooth payout. Keep the carbon washers dry. If they feel sticky, wipe them with alcohol.

BB25SS Troubleshooting & Specs

Common Issues:

• Sudden Loss of Distance: Usually caused by a tiny amount of oil migrating from the spool bearing onto the Centrifugal Brake Ring. Clean the ring with alcohol.

• Grinding under Load: Check the P2 Pinion Bearing. If this bearing is dry or damaged, the aluminum gears will flex and grind against each other.

• Thumb Bar won't engage: Check the External Lube Port on the bottom of the reel. Sometimes grit enters through this port and jams the clutch link.

Pro Tip: This reel features the Speed Keeper® hook keeper. When cleaning the reel, ensure no hook points have scratched the Tanso Tech frame around the keeper, as deep scratches can collect moisture and lead to internal corrosion.