I've also had nothing but amazing CS from Abu Garcia/Pure Fishing. I've only had to use them twice over the years, but they really made it right and very quickly.

 

I've only got one Gen3, and STX. I have 4 of the Gen2 Premiers and an MGX as well. I've had no real issues with the STX, but it's not quite as good a reel as the Premier's I own. And since I'm not a fan of the IVCB system, the new Premier is off the list. Between those things and all these quality issues, I agree with the poster earlier in this thread that said Abu really screwed the pooch on this Gen3 line. I'd bet their sales numbers are horrible compared the their Gen2 line.

new review on tackle tour says it's a great reel.

TT review is an indication of how the reel performs. It does not cover the percentage of reels being sent back for this defect as they only test the reels in their hands.

If ya switch my votes to go with the lews... I only have the Lew's® Tournament SS TS1-H not the pro but its the best performing baitcaster I've used hands down, so I can only imagine the pro would be even better. Sorry you've had so m so many problems with your gen 3

Maybe its just a certain batch from abu with the thumb-bar issues? They seemed real nice the half dozen times i played with one at the tackle shop,but that means nothing untill its out in the field getting a real-life workout..Hopefully it gets fixed soon! 

I also own the Lews TP1SH 7.1:1..After putting in a lot of time on it last summer/fall,i gotta admit that reel is a beast!

More drag pressure than any bass coul'd ever dish out,casts great,very light! I thought it looked like a cheap graphite body reel at first glance compared to the more "solid-feel" of the abu STX,,but it's performance did impress me out on the water.