Lews SDW2S SDW2H SDW2SH SDW2XH SDW2SHL

Comprehensive Repair and Maintenance Guide: Lew’s SuperDuty Wide (SDW2 Series)

Models: SDW2S, SDW2H, SDW2SH, SDW2XH, SDW2SHL

The SuperDuty Wide Speed Spool (SDW2) is a heavy-duty workhorse designed for high-capacity applications like throwing large swimbaits, umbrella rigs, and punching heavy cover. Unlike the standard LFS frames, the Wide series features an all-aluminum frame and handle-side plate to eliminate flex under the extreme torque of large fish.

Series Specifications and Differences

While the chassis is identical, the gear ratios dictate the internal gear sets:

• SDW2S: 5.1:1 (Crankbaits and high-resistance lures)

   

   

• SDW2H: 6.4:1 (Standard versatility)

   

   

• SDW2SH / SDW2SHL: 7.1:1 (Jigs and plastics / L is Left-hand)

   

   

• SDW2XH: 8.0:1 (Speed recovery/flipping)

Step 1: External Disassembly

1. Handle Components: Remove the handle nut retainer screw, followed by the 10mm handle nut. Pull off the 95mm bowed handle. Note the order of the spring washers (curved side to curved side) behind the star drag.

2. Palm Sideplate: Pull the spring-loaded locking pin (located on the front-bottom of the frame) and rotate the sideplate upward to remove.

3. Spool Removal: Slide out the deep-capacity, double-anodized aluminum spool.

4. Gear Sideplate: Unscrew the three housing screws. Note that on the SuperDuty series, these screws are often different lengths; keep them mapped to their specific holes.

Step 2: Internal Inspection and Deep Cleaning

The SuperDuty Wide utilizes high-strength solid brass gears and a 10+1 bearing system.

1. Main Gear and Pinion: Remove the brass main gear. Because this reel is often used for high-impact fishing, inspect the brass teeth for "peening" or flattening.

2. Cleaning the Drive Shaft: The drive shaft on the SDW2 is reinforced. Ensure the anti-reverse ratchet at the base is free of debris.

3. The Carbon Drag: This reel produces up to 20 lbs of drag.

    

    

   • Remove the carbon fiber washers from the gear.

   • If they are saturated with oil, clean them with Isopropyl alcohol until dry.

   • For maximum longevity in heavy-duty applications, apply a thin coat of heavy-duty drag grease to the carbon washers.

Step 3: Braking and Casting Systems

The SDW2 uses an MCS (Magnetic Control System) rather than a centrifugal system.

• Magnetic Braking: The palm sideplate contains a bank of magnets. Ensure there is no metallic dust or sand attracted to the magnets. Wipe the inner spool flange (the flat surface the magnets act upon) with a clean cloth.

   

   

• Line Guide: This series features a titanium-coated Zirconia line guide. Inspect for grooves or cracks that could fray heavy braid or fluorocarbon.

   

   

• Worm Shaft: Given the wide spool, the worm shaft has a longer travel distance. Clean the "trough" of the worm shaft thoroughly with a cotton swab.

Step 4: Proper Lubrication

• Brass Gears: Use a generous (but not excessive) amount of high-tack synthetic grease. Brass-on-brass contact requires more lubrication than aluminum gears to stay quiet.

• The Spool Bearings: Clean the two primary spool bearings in a solvent bath. Since this is a "heavy" reel, use two drops of medium-viscosity oil rather than the thin oil used in lite reels. This helps manage the higher inertia of a heavy spool.

• External Lube Port: The SDW2 features an external lube port. This is specifically for the main gear. You can add a drop of oil here between full services to keep the gear teeth coated.

   

   

Step 5: Reassembly Protocol

1. Seat the Pinion: Place the pinion gear into the yoke and ensure the springs are standing upright on the posts.

2. Sideplate Alignment: Press the gear sideplate back onto the frame. If it doesn't sit flush, do not force it—wiggle the handle shaft slightly to align the gears.

3. Tension Adjustment: Once reassembled, tighten the tension knob (which features an audible click) until the spool has no lateral play.

    

    

Maintenance for Heavy-Duty Use

Expert Tip: If you use this reel in saltwater or brackish environments (common for swimbait anglers), pay extra attention to the Zero-Reverse one-way clutch bearing. Flush it with water after use and apply a very light coating of anti-corrosion oil.