I assume the newer abu drag system, which uses three drag washers and three steel washers on top of the gear and one carbon washer below, is better than the old ,which uses one drag washer and one steel washer above the gear and one drag washer below.
BUT...I can only assume because I have no practical experience and/or empirical evidence to support my theory. Can some of you more experienced than I weigh in on this? Lets assume Carbontex washers in both systems.
I am in the process of swapping out an old drag system withe a new one in a 5500c3. Hopefully, it's not a waste of time. If nothing else I am learning Abu schematics and part numbers.
Pictures below illustrate "old" vs. "new".
(https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTpsVfLkkiotM_7xz4A4O73aS7Z0cWdoXBeGeVu0GWdTDRdJrBU)
(https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTHWatbVZomtUpnIxx_-I7cg5xM5RMwEAtBvM8ip03G_J9Cg3ZrWA)
More contact surface = more drag.