Finessa 280 and 285 differences?

[basenjib123]

Can somebody point out the differences between these two Finessa Models?  Thanks.

[foakes]

There were 4 variations in these reels ranging from the early 280 to the latest 285's — which transitioned to the 330 a few years later.

Mostly just drag and crank knob colors, crank style, serial numbers or not, sideplate paint styles, under rotor metal cover, etc...

Most all parts will interchange.

In November 1956 the Quick Standard was succeeded by the Quick Finessa 280, which was followed by the Quick Finessa 285 in 1960. The Quick Finessa 285 eventually became the Quick Finessa 330 in 1967. This reel was the basis of the famous Quick Finessa 110-550 series of the sixties.

Best,

Fred

[basenjib123]

Thanks Fred, great info as always.  What would one look for on the earliest of the 280?   Thanks.

[foakes]

Look for:

MADE IN GERMANY marking on reel foot (with serial number)                                                                          [1956]
-          side covers with smooth black paint
-          foldable aluminium crank arm (without ball shape) — the curve connecting to the crank axle is cast
-          flattened plastic handle grip with relief
-          grey plastic brake nut
-          or red plastic brake nut

Best,

Fred

[basenjib123]

Thank you Fred.

[Midway Tommy]

Look for:

MADE IN GERMANY marking on reel foot (with serial number)                                                                          [1956]
-          side covers with smooth black paint
-          foldable aluminium crank arm (without ball shape) — the curve connecting to the crank axle is cast
-          flattened plastic handle grip with relief
-          grey plastic brake nut
-          or red plastic brake nut

Best,

Fred

Some of the early 280 examples ('56ish time frame) also had a copper/bronze colored side plate and back/rear of the rotor cup. They're kind of tough to come by but a neat find for the display.

[basenjib123]

Very interesting Tom,  Thanks!

[basenjib123]

Tom,  is just one side plate bronze or both sides?

[Midway Tommy]

Both, but also, some with copper sideplates had black on the rear of the rotor instead of copper. Make finding them interesting.

[basenjib123]

I got one with copper plate on one side,  black on the handle side and copper on the back of the spool cup.  Of course who is to say that black side plate wasn't put there in place of the original copper at some later date, right?

[Midway Tommy]

Those Finessas are so old that they've been mixed & matched enough times anything is possible. Heck, it might have come like that from the factory. 

[basenjib123]

Yes it could have come from the factory that way.   I have seen on the Super 270 some very interesting variances...i.e. different machining cuts, differences in the thickness of the bail trip mechanisms, many different spool configurations..some of the spool are two piece .. etc..

[foakes]

Those Finessas are so old that they've been mixed & matched enough times anything is possible. Heck, it might have come like that from the factory.  

Tom is right, I think —

Many 280's & 285's came from the factory, as found today — a few may have switched parts — but because of the toughness and durability of these reels — likely few parts such as sideplates, rotor shields, etc. — were switched around as a rule.  Exceptions would be spools, drag knobs, and crank knobs.

It is useful to study the history of spinning reels —

In the mid 50's, D.A.M. was already a 70 year old company that had been very successful, particularly in Europe.  They weathered (2) world wars — and now the focus was on taking head-on the battle of competition from other major reel makers who were capitalizing on the success and demand of quality spinning reels worldwide.

North America was a new market.  Manufacturers such as Mitchell, Zebco, Langley, Shakespeare, Airex, and many more — all had been making great marketing headway for 5 to 7 years before 1956.  

What D.A.M. did have was the old reliable, but clunky by modern standards SW68 & 250 Standard.

They needed to come up with a true competitor that would not only capably handle large fish, but also look cutting edge and modern against their competition.

The 280 took the place of the old Standard — and is to this day, a fantastic and reliable reel for most North American, and European fresh water species.

Worm drive, oversize bearing, steel and bronze components, top of the line engineering materials, metal spools, cutting edge features, simple looking and effective.

However, this was a time of change — and while the proven tough engineering stayed the same — some cosmetic features were added.  Crinkle paint, smooth paint, copper plates, copper under rotor, smooth painted under rotor, shiny steel under rotor shield, black, grey, and maroon drag knobs, various crank designs, and various crank knobs, etc..

I have around 100 pounds of complete 280's & 285's waiting to be restored, plus about 40 pounds of NOS parts to help with these restorations.  And all of the above examples and variations are represented in the waiting bins.

These reels will handle every species ranging from trout, salmon, steelhead, bass, stripers, cats, and giant carp.

Best,

Fred

[basenjib123]

Great insight Fred as always.   Do you see many of the Super Quick spools that are 2 piece?

[foakes]

Yes,

I have a lot of the older ones with multiple piece spools.

Best,

Fred