Breakdown

Performance: 8.37

Performance-wise, the focal point of the Lew’s Custom Pro Gen 3 casting reel is undoubtedly its new ParaMag ITB braking system. Once set, this fully magnetic system provides the ideal amount of braking in relation to casting speed, resulting in quiet performance that Lew’s says requires almost no thumb control.

Baits weighing from 3/16–1 ounce were thrown on the Lew’s Custom Pro Gen 3. Despite the ParaMag ITB braking system providing excellent overall casting performance for all reviewers, it was noted that its performance didn’t particularly stand out when casting baits at the lightest end of the above range in breezy conditions. Although the reel wasn’t totally immune to backlashes and seemed to cast better as lure weight increased, it does offer plenty of control to throw everything from a light finesse rig or Fluke to a heavy jig.

Plenty of fish were caught while testing out on the water, including a spotted bass pushing five pounds on a topwater bait. Reviewers who caught bass large enough to pull line reported the drag operated smoothly with no jerks or startup hesitations to speak of. During the fight, the handle knobs also offered excellent grip, even when wet.

Durability: 8.5

Our first impressions of the Custom Pro Gen 3 being a robust, quality reel largely carried over after weeks on the water. Reviewers mentioned how the reel engaged and disengaged with a firm, solid feel that continued throughout the testing period, and the retrieve remained smooth and consistent. Similarly, the reel’s finish mostly held up great, but one reviewer’s reel did show quite a few scuffs after multiple shore and kayak fishing trips. He also noted that he could get the frame above the levelwind to flex by purposely applying firm pressure to this specific spot, but this never happened or caused issues while actually fishing.

Value: 7.52

Although the Lew’s Custom Pro Gen 3 delivers good performance and attractive features in a compact, sleek package, opinions were mixed regarding its value for the money. The $279.99 price point came into question given the established and highly-acclaimed competition at or even below this price point, including heavy-hitters such as the Shimano Curado and Daiwa Tatula. However, given the reel’s advanced braking system, we felt the most linear comparison is drawn between the DC and SV variants, which are more in-step with the Custom Pro’s pricing. Many of our long-term past experiences with these and other competing reels provide a firm benchmark to compare against the Custom Pro Gen 3. While all reviewers enjoyed fishing the reel and appreciated its unique, innovative features, opinions on its value ranged from “decent” to “solid.”

Utility: 7.75

Able to effectively cast lures down to about 3/16 ounce and equipped with a shallow spool that has a capacity of 90 yards of 12lb pound line, we view the Lew’s Custom Pro Gen 3 casting reel as a great choice for general bass fishing duties when filled with thin-diameter line. Although we’d have no reservations using the reel for more demanding techniques like flipping or frogging, the reel’s aluminum frame and lightweight carbon side plates won’t exhibit the extreme rigidity of an all-aluminum reel. 

Two reviewers spent a lot of time cranking with Custom Pro Gen 3, including throwing medium-deep divers that put a lot of torque on a reel, and were thrilled with the cranking and long-distance casting performance. Additionally, the reel is available with 6.8:1, 7.5:1, and 8.3:1 ratios and comes with a long 95mm handle for efficiency and leverage, making it great for cranking and much more. We also appreciated the added utility of the built-in Speed Keeper hook keeper, Speed Dial line size indicator, and Speed Knot feature for a direct line-to-spool knot connection. 

Final Thoughts

Color preferences aside, our long-term testing of the Custom Pro Gen 3 concluded with it attaining mostly high marks and even pleasantly surprising some reviewers. Although the reel’s performance didn’t crush the competition during testing, and there was disagreement regarding value as well as the short and long-term durability, its unique features, compact size, and below-average weight help make it a very interesting player for under $300. While no reviewer proclaimed it to be the most unbelievable bang-for-the-buck on the market or an absolute game changer in this highly competitive price point, the Lew’s Custom Pro Gen 3 and its ParaMag ITB braking system made an impressive showing and proved to be a noticeable step up from more cost-effective Lew’s offerings we’ve tried.

Breakdown Summary