Lew's Super Duty GX3

[plawren53202]

Wanted to post my thoughts about this reel but quick back story on my purchase, because it is not one of the Lew's models you hear a lot about. I was getting ready to fish a tournament a few weeks ago and wanted to put together one more heavy combo. Had the rod already, and in circumstances not relevant to my review I had a chance to pick up a GX3 new in box for a decent amount under retail. 

 

Got home and as I looked more into the reel, I was pretty disappointed in my rash decision. Biggest thing was that I did not realize at the time that the GX3 is a graphite frame. At its retail price point, and stated purpose of being a reel capable of handling heavier functions (even having the option of a bait clicker for catfish or other big game fish), I just assumed an aluminum frame. Nope. Also I was a little concerned because I couldn't hardly find any user reviews anywhere. Plus, once I got it mounted on the rod, I realized it is bigger than my other baitcasters (Lew's Tournament MP, Classic Pro, Daiwa Fuego CT, BPS Johnny Morris Signature) so I was pretty concerned about ergonomics and comfort. Also wasn't thrilled that it has only internal centrifugal brakes. And finally, (insignificant, but oh well), it's just a darn ugly reel. I mean REALLY ugly.

 

After having used it for several outings now, I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised, actually pretty darn shocked compared to my low expectations after getting home and reading up on it. First, it casts great. No issues at all with either distance, or backlashes; it is quite smooth, and the brakes work well. Caveat, I've only been casting heavier baits like 1/2 oz. or heavier spinnerbaits, or 6XDs, so I can't say how it would cast with lighter baits. Out on the water I really haven't noticed the bigger size, and that even includes last Saturday when I was throwing mainly it for several hours. A benefit of the bigger size is it has a huge spool, so if I ever hook Moby Dick he can make about a 2 mile run before I run out of line LOL. It doesn't have the super buttery smooth feeling of my better reels, but at the same time there's no noticeable gear noise, grinding, etc. All in all it has performed very well. Now, I still haven't gotten over that it is just a butt ugly reel LOL, but I can live with that.

 

So, just posting this review in case anyone is like I was, looking for info on it and having trouble finding it. All in all, it has performed well for me. I will say that it seems to not really be an ideal fit for any niche of the fishing I do...but it's still a reel, and if it casts well, doesn't backlash unusually bad, and horses them in when hooked, then I guess I can't really ask for much more. I would not recommend paying the full retail for the GX3 (unless you had a more specialized use for it like catfishing, maybe throwing A-rigs or huge swimbaits, or maybe some saltwater applications), but on the other hand, I can't say I necessarily regret picking one up NIB for a decent amount under retail.

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

@plawren53202:  Good stuff.  I looked at that model but opted to pick up a couple of SuperDuty 300’s instead, primarily because of their aluminum frames and side plates (although only the side plate on the handle side is aluminum). The 27-position external brake adjusts to meet my needs. Works well with baits such as the SPRO BBZ-1 Jr.  I have used mine for larger T-rigs and jigs with no problems. So much depends on the rod obviously.

 

One additional caveat. If you use left-hand reels, Lew’s only offers 7.5:1 ratio.  I gotta look into Shimano for a slower speed 300 reel.