Since I’ve learned to throw a baitcaster, though I’ll admit it’s not graceful, I’ve been on the search for a tough-as-hell baitcaster that I can depend on for years to come and I think I may have found it. Designed to be the toughest baitcaster in bass fishing, Lew’s Super Duty Speed Spool series has just received a performance boost, adding about 40 yards of line capabilities, with a new wide spool version for their line of reels. 40 yards is a lot of line when it’s just you in a little boat vs a ten pound largemouth bass with her eyes set on a big stump, looking to break you off.
The Super Duty Wide Spool model SDW2SH, features a high-speed 7.1:1 gear ratio, will be the first available, making its debut in limited quantities at the 2016 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo in early March.
“The Super Duty Wide Spool series incluces four right-hand models and one lefty and holds up to 190 yards of 14-pound test line,” said a Lew’s press release. “The line capacity of the original Super Duty reel series is 150 yards of 12-pound test. Super Duty baitcast reels are designed and built for heavy-duty fishing applications, such as flipping heavy jigs on big line, handling the large and cumbersome umbrella rigs, and fishing big crankbaits and giant swimbaits. All Super Duty models feature an 11-double shielded stainless steel bearing system housed inside a one-piece aluminum frame that is fitted with a no-flex aluminum sideplate on the handle side. Gears, crankshaft and worm gear are high-strength brass.
The palming sideplate is lightweight graphite featuring SoftTouch rubber paint for a sure grip and durable finish. Cast control is managed using Lew’s proven Magnetic Control System (MCS), requiring just a click of the external dial to adjust the magnetic brake settings. The Zirconia line guide is titanium coated to reduce friction. Anti-reverse is Lew’s time-tested Zero Reverse clutch bearing system.
Super Duty reels feature a forged, double-anodized aluminum U-shaped spool that is braid ready.
The spool’s tension knob is knurled aluminum with an audible click during adjustments. Also audible is each click adjustment made to the dependable rugged carbon composite drag system that delivers up to 14 pounds of drag power. All Super Duty Wide Spool models are fitted with a bowed, anodized aluminum 95MM power-cranking handle with oversized round EVA knobs.”
Coming soon after Bassmaster Classic, additional models in the new lineup include “the SDW2S with a 5.1:1 gear ratio reel and 21 IPT; SDW2H with a 6.4:1 gear ratio and 28 IPT; and SDW2XH with an 8.3:1 gear ratio and 35 IPT. Left-hand model SDW2SHL is a 7.1:1 gear ratio reel with 31 IPT.”
The 2016 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo will take place March 4-6, in Tulsa, OK. All Super Duty Wide Spool models are expected to be available by May. MSRP is $199.99 each.
For more information on Lew’s new Super Duty Speed Spool, check out their website, Lews.com.
