Drag: Rated at up to twenty four pounds of maximum pressure, the SuperDuty GX3's drag is made up of three carbon matrix and two metal washers. The metal washers pull double duty. One features tiny teeth while the other has a sort of hangnail like protrusion that reaches down to the other's teeth. In tandem the two washers create a clicking noise when the line is pulled out of the reel - the audible drag. For those of us who maintain their own reels, this is a much cleaner implementation of such a system because there are no small pins or springs to lose during disassembly.

The drag stack is a proven composition

When fishing big baits, my drag is locked down pretty tight. Using strong line affords me this precaution, so it takes a pretty feisty fish to pull any line. Unfortunately, that did not occur during the GX3's testing period, but the reel's drag composition is solid and pretty typical of what's found in the majority of reels today. Honestly, I can't recall a reel featuring a drag stack similar to this as being anything but reliable.

The audible drag is enabled by metal washers that pull double duty

The reel's finish is has the appearance of being coarse, but it is actually very smooth with a matte or egg-shell kind of finish

Design & Ergonomics: I've referenced the term "old school" a lot during the SuperDuty GX3's write-up because this reel has the vibe of being built about twenty years ago. What's really responsible for that vibe is the reel's overall palming profile. The GX3 sits high in the reel seat. It's as if there was no effort to make the reel's profile smaller. That's not to say it's cumbersome to use - far from it. I just find it odd, in today's day and age, that the reel sits so high in the seat.

This lever on the right, at the back of the non-handle sideplate enables a bait clicker - somewhat repetitive considering the reel has an audible drag. The clicker is obviously louder

With no bearings at the handle knobs, we didn't expect one at the levelwind, but we checked just in case. It's a plastic bushing

When searching for a reel suitable to throw big baits, it's easy to take a narrow view on its functionality, but that baitclicker on the non-handle sideplate of the GX3 is an indication this reel is built for much more than the purpose for which we used it. Case in point, Lew's designates this reel as saltwater safe, so if you're looking for a reel to pull double duty for other species, the GX3 certainly has that versatility.

The SuperDuty GX3 is very tall in the reel seat

Price & Applications: The great news about this reel is it retails for only $159.99. Big bait anglers are always on the lookout for reels with enough line capacity and durability to handle their oversized lures, yet not break the bank. I find that kind of ironic considering the amount of money some are willing to spend on their baits. Nevertheless, the SuperDuty GX3 slides right in to that acceptable range in price with performance worthy of slinging big baits. The fact that the reel is obviously built for more than just that purpose will appeal to those who fish for more than just one species.

Conclusion: I have mixed feelings about Lew's SuperDuty GX3. If you're looking for a solid performing reel with good line capacity at a decent price for slinging your big baits, this reel is totally that. On the other hand, if you value refinements like a low position in the reel seat, easily adjusted brakes, at least one bearing under the handle knobs, the GX3 has yet to make it to that level of scrutiny on the design board.

Lew's SuperDuty GX3's performance overrides its form

The reel did everything I asked it to do and with zero difficulty, and considering its price, that's all I could ask for. However, it does has some oddities and compromises that make it feel out of place in today's market. For those of us who expect more, those challenges might get in the way, for others who are not concerned and appreciate its price point, Lew's SuperDuty GX3's is a reel whose performance certainly overrides its form.

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