Real World Tests: To help put the SuperDuty GX3 through the paces, I matched it with my self wrapped Rainshadow REVSB710MH-SB. This is a blank in Rainshadow's Revelation line rated for baits up to six ounces in weight. The blank itself is 4.1oz bare, and, in my build, came to 6.9oz when completed. Taking advantage of the GX3's deep spool, I loaded the reel with a straight shot of 30lb Sunline SuperNatural (0.441mm in diameter). I was able to fit about 110 yds of line onto the spool - plenty for the task at hand.

Matched here with my self-wrapped Rainshadow RESV710MH-SB blank

Casting: Lew's SuperDuty GX3 is equipped with a centrifugal brake system featuring six spring loaded brakes that can be switched on or off by opening the non-handle sideplate and accessing the brakes directly. Not often the case, for once, I remembered to set the brakes on this reel to maximum prior to my first cast. When I don't remember (more than half the time), it usually results in a professional overrun which in turn delays the reel's tests because when I have an overrun, it is very professional, and often requires a visit to intensive care to remedy.

The SuperDuty GX3 features a six-pin centrifugal brake system

I tested the GX3 with GanCraft's Jointed Claw 230, Baitsanity's Antidote TUG, and similar baits all in the two to four ounce range. I found it to be a very capable with baits in this range. In fact, it matched up so well with my REVSB710MH-SB wrap that the GX3 may have found a permanent home on that stick. My only complaint is the slight inconvenience of having to open that non-handle sideplate to make adjustments to the brakes aggravated by the fact that sideplate is not attached to the reel's frame. That attachment is not as critical if there is a method to adjust the brakes without the need to open the sideplate, but when it is necessary, that unattached component just invites being dropped and potentially lost in the water by inattentive, or impatient hands.

The reel's handle is a generous 100mm long

Retrieve: Reinforcing that old school vibe, the SuperDuty GX3 is available in only one gear ratio - 6.5:1. Given the reel's spool size, it's a good, general purpose rate of retrieve, but more importantly, despite not being designed with the specific purpose of bass fishing in mind, the gear ratio is just about ideal for a wide range of big baits from glides, to swimmers, to crankdowns, to top water wakes. Operation of the reel itself is acceptably smooth void of an geary feel or noise. Something that surprised me given its graphite frame. In fact, that frame does a surprisingly good job of holding it all together for a stable, solid feel.

The knobs are supported by two plastic bushings

Power: Complimenting the reel's larger frame is a long, 100mm handle giving you plenty of leverage when cranking that brass gear inside. Thanks to the modest retrieve ratio, everything comes together as expected and the GX3 has plenty of power and torque for the most demanding of crank downs (lipped big baits that behave like square bills) and deep diving cranks.

The brass gear features a 6.5:1 gear ratio

Next Section: A look at the SuperDuty's drag system