This must be the Rodney Dangerfield of baitcast reels. Seems not to get enough respect. I just had my TDX serviced by the REEL MECH .It went from an already great reel to awesome. I've got other high end reels, but the TDX supertuned gets used the most. When conditions limit me to just one or two rods, this reel can do it all. Cast far. Throw 1/8. Into the wind.  I have larger hands so the profile doesn't bother me. Now...the rash that this reel developes over time is DISTURBING. She ain't purty, but she's a keeper.

The supertuned version is a much better reel than the normal version for mere 10 dollars more, has all the goodies and looks, as you mention, the finish does have that  >  tendency to develop rash prutty fast.  

I don 't know, maybe the fact that it 's not a true low profile took it 's toll on how people visualizes the reel ......... they obviously don 't know it 's one of the best reels ever manufactured with the ability to perform tasks other reels couldn 't. I liked mine very much for the brief period of time I owned it, the person I sold the reel to just loves it and there are lots of reasons to do so.

Great reel.

When you get those support bearings cleaned out the right way, and re-lubed with quality oil they do tend to be some mighty fine reels...Really under-rated!!

Tight Lines All!!!