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Compact and Strong: The Lew's Super Duty SD1H Baitcaster
(continued)
  Brakes:
Other than the spool tension knob located by the handle, the SD1H Super Duty
uses the Magnetic Control System or “MCS” for short. This external control dial
is located on the outer side plate and allows for easy adjustment. While the
spool tension knob helps slow your spool at the end of a cast, the MCS controls
spool tension as the lure flies towards it's target, making it very useful for
preventing backlashes while casting into the wind. For average conditions and
baits, once I set my spool tension knob I often set the MCS to anywhere between
a 0 to 3 setting.
The anodized aluminum deep spool features a braided line connection hole
Performance Ratings for
Lew's Super Duty SD1H |
Retrieve (1-5) |
Drag (1-5) |
Power (1-5) |
Casting Range (1-5) |
Brakes (1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10) |
4 |
|
|
|
5 |
20 |
25 |
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You'll find a bearing on each end of the worm shaft
Features:
Notable features on the Lew's SD1H include a swept and ported handle and drag
star, large paddle grips, 11+1 ball bearings, external magnetic cast control
dial, and all the “clickies” you'd expect to find on a quality reel. There is no
included reel oil or cover.
The gear box protrudes a bit but never bothered me in the least
Features Ratings for
Lew's Super Duty SD1H |
Ext Brake Adjust? (1-2) |
Level wind. Bearing (1-2) |
Knob Bearings (1-3) |
Micro Clicks (1-3) |
Reel Cover (1-2) |
Oil (1-2) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10) |
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
11 |
14 |
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The handle knobs are thin compared to other reels
Design and
Ergonomics:
The entire body
of the reel is done in a matte soft-touch armor finish. It not only looks
stealthy, but feels very soft and pleasant to hold all day long. The compact
body of the reel makes it easy to palm without a hint of discomfort. It's a bit
heavy overall at 8 ounces, but is still in the ball park of other reels on the
market.
Getting a precise handle measurement at TT HQ
The
bearing-supported handle knobs resemble ping pong paddles in shape. They are
nice and wide in diameter, but their thickness is on the thin side. It took me
awhile to get used to their feel, but I quickly became familiar with them. Sure
they are comfortable enough, but I'd still prefer a bit chunkier handle with
some texture for a more positive grip.
Unscrew the long bolt across the reel for easy access to the side plate
Design and Ergonomics Ratings for
Lew's Super Duty SD1H |
Handle Length (1-5) |
Knobs (1-5) |
Palming (1-5) |
Overall Weight (1-5) |
Ease of Breakdown (1-2) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10) |
5 |
|
|
|
4 |
20 |
25 |
|
The brass pinion gear
Application Ratings for
Lew's Super Duty SD1H |
Horizontal (1-5) |
Vertical (1-5) |
Finesse (1-5) |
Big Baits (1-5) |
Topwater (1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10) |
5 |
|
|
|
4 |
19 |
25 |
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The titanium coated
line guide is ready
for braid
Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
|
Lew's
Super
Duty
SD1H
Casting
Reel
Ratings
(?/10)
|
|
Construction/Quality |
Nice fit
and
finish
overall.
The reel
looks
and
feels
nice. |
9.0 |
|
Performance |
The reel
performed
great
with the
exception
of the
unrefined
drag
performance
at the
highest
settings. |
8.0 |
|
Price |
Competitively
priced |
8.5 |
|
Features |
Nothing
crazy
but
solid
features
that all
work
well |
7.85 |
|
Design
(Ergonomics) |
I like
the big
handle
and
small,
easy to
palm
body |
8.0 |
|
Application |
A nice
reel for
most
average
and
larger
baits.
Not JUST
a heavy
duty
reel! |
7.6 |
|
Total
Score
|
8.15 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus
Minus
|
|
+ Nice
casting
performance |
-
Unrefined
drag at
high
settings |
|
+ Large
handle
and
knobs |
- No
bundled
oil or
cover |
|
+
Compact
Size |
|
|
+ Easy
to use
external
brakes |
|
|
+
Affordable |
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The Super Duty doesn't even break a sweat on small Stripers, although yours
truly sure did in the unexpected heat!
Conclusion:
My
first experience with a Lew's reel has proven to be a positive one. The Super
Duty SD1H is a fine product at an affordable price from a manufacturer that's
been in the game a very long time. While casting reels with deep spools are not
so common these days, they definitely deserve a place in the arsenal of some
anglers. The extra bit of line capacity is great for long distance casts and
chasing bigger fish that will actually take some line, unlike most bass! Combine
that with the other features this reel possesses and it all equals one strong
little package. If you've been a diehard Shimano or Daiwa guy or gal that's
looking for something different, give this reel a shot!
Looking for the
Lew's Super Duty Reels?
Try
Tackle Warehouse.
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