Newell Model # Code?

[Redfish King]

What is the difference between a Newell S332-5 and a PR338-5 I do know the PR means purple.Also Just what is the break down of the model codes for Newell.By the way this web site put me onto Newell reels I was needing a further cast for surf fishing.Let me tell you these things are not reels at all they are ROCKET LAUNCHERS !!!! Very unique reels anyone in love with fishing should try one of these out--Im a fan.Be careful though I bought one about 6 months ago I now own 4.

[Newell Nut]

332: The first number is the line design of 30 lb mono. The second two numbers represents 320 yds of mono. So a 332 hold 320 yds of 30 lb mono. The 338 holds 380 yd of 30 lb mono. As the second two numbers gets large the spool gets a little wider.
Can you use 40 lb. Certainly but does not cast as well due to stiffer line.

440: 400 yds of 40 lb mono The 400 series has a larger diameter spool than the 300 series but the drive system is identical to the 300 series. 25 lb drag, single anti-reverse dog. The only difference is the length of the jack handle.
Save all the schematics in your computer and then compare part numbers and you will see.

The difference in a no letter, C, G, and S series is more difficult to explain. Carl was constantly trying to become more corrosion resistant so you will see some with SS bearing cups that later turned to plastic and later back to SS bearing cups again. You find both in the S series. You drive system and drags are still interchangeable. Some have screws that extend through the base and post from left to right and some have short screws on either side. The models followed with a J for jigging just have the addition of a bar on top for extra strength. Every thing else in the reel is the same. Then you have early Ps and late model Ps. Lots of differences in the two versions

500 series: It gets a little different. Same diameter spool as the 400 series but large gear and drags. 35 lb drag system and double anti-reverse dogs.

600 series: bigger in diameter again and bigger gears again and a 45 lb drag system and double anti-reverse dogs and this tank is only 24 oz.

[john2244]

Thanks for the review of Newell reels. Interesting that the larger Newell reels have a double dog system, I did not know that.

John

[BMITCH]

Thanks for the review of Newell reels. Interesting that the larger Newell reels have a double dog system, I did not know that.

John

X2

[BMITCH]

Double dogs......?? Has anyone tried to double dog say a 235-5?

[Newell Nut]

No need to double dog a 25 lb drag reel in my opinion except for fun. You could technically fish 40 lb line on it since it is the same basic gearing as the 400 series. Just does not hold as much line. Carl did the right thing designing double dogs in the reels when he went to the 500 and 600 series with stronger drags.

[bluefish69]

I work on a boat that fishes rocks & wrecks every day. We use 30 & 40# line all the time. The boat only buys 40#. I use Newell 220's daily with 40# Braid. There are stray Striped Bass, Blues. Cod when we go off to 100+' of water.

Mike

[Newell Nut]

A 220 with 40 lb braid will whip some big fish. We are not allowed to use braid on the party boats here. If I could use braid I would catch all of my mangrove snapper with a 220.

[BMITCH]

I have a C220-5 that is tanked as far as I know. CF drags, alum.spool, Tib frame. Is there anything else that could be done, other than the handle , like maybe SS bearing caps? This is a pretty awsome reel. All my smaller reels are Newell's. Love them for everything from PB bass and blues to surf fishing. I really like how lightweight they are. I've also had the opportunity to get quite a few long fin on these.










BTW does anyone have a "P" type(aluminum) handle shaft for this? If so you can just PM me.

Thanks,
Bob

[WreckinBall]

The difference in a no letter, C, G, and S series is more difficult to explain.

The following bit of information might help with that.  I read it when it was posted on another board some years ago and decided to save it for reference, but I did not write it.  It is not a detailed description by any means, but it does highlight the major differences in broad strokes and describes the chronological (de) evolution of the product line. 

Original "All Newell" reels had no letter prefix, but were easily identified because the side plates did not have protective stainless steel rings guarding the plastic from being chipped or cracked. Circa 1979-81

The "P" series had the stainless steel protective rings on the inside and outside of the side plates. Circa 1981-1984

The "G" series was introduced replacing a number of aluminum parts with "graphite" material ie - reel base, spool, support posts (bars), star, and handle. Circa 1985-1989

The "No Letter" series was introduced in 1990 that basically did away with pressing logos, and went to painted script (negatives) molded in the reel. Circa 1990-1991

The later "No Letter" series started the use of bearing retainers molded into the side plates thus eliminating the traditional stainless steel bearing cups. Circa 1992-1994

The "C" series was introduced incorporating long, through frame screws hoping it would produce more rigidity to the reel. This, along with some terrible stainless steel was a disaster that Newell would like to forget. Circa 1995-1997

The "S" series was introduced with "sealed bearings", and better stainless steel parts, but like the model before the bearings he was sold did not hold up to saltwater exposure. Circa 1998-2005

The new "S" series came out in late 2005 that reverted back to prior technology using stainless steel bearing cups in the side plates, and did away with the long, through frame screws by using the threaded bases and support posts that use the short assembly screws.
Circa 2005-Present

Approximately 2 years ago Newell reintroduced the "P" series to the market, but in a limited number of models that included some 500 series to replace the old 400 series. Circa late 2004-Present

A little over a year ago they introduced a red reel, again in a limited number of models, that have found favor in the far eastern market, but not so well over here. Circa 2005-Present

They are introducing a purple reel that was promised 5 or 6 years ago, but due to some unfortunate circumstances was not able to be delivered in any quantity.

Written in 2007

I am still a big fan of Newell reels, but with the exception of a late-run P-533 I prefer to fish the Blackies and original-run P-series reels because I do not believe Mr. Newell's reels improved over the years.

[Tunacious]

The difference in a no letter, C, G, and S series is more difficult to explain. Carl was constantly trying to become more corrosion resistant so you will see some with SS bearing cups that later turned to plastic and later back to SS bearing cups again. You find both in the S series. You drive system and drags are still interchangeable. Some have screws that extend through the base and post from left to right and some have short screws on either side. The models followed with a J for jigging just have the addition of a bar on top for extra strength. Every thing else in the reel is the same. Then you have early Ps and late model Ps. Lots of differences in the two versions

500 series: It gets a little different. Same diameter spool as the 400 series but large gear and drags. 35 lb drag system and double anti-reverse dogs.

600 series: bigger in diameter again and bigger gears again and a 45 lb drag system and double anti-reverse dogs and this tank is only 24 oz.

I wrote this for another board in November 2003.

Newell Reel History at a Glance

Disclaimer...lol....I'm not an expert. If I'm uncertain of a "fact", I state so in the sentence. Also, I'm sure that I've probably left out some information. One must understand that in post P series Newell's there were minor mods being made on a continual basis. Also, I'm not as "schooled" on the C or S series reels.

Carl's main business has never been in fishing products. His main business is injection molding. He started his fishing product line as a hobby since he use to be quite a fishing enthusiast.

   AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS FOR PENN REELS
•   Before Carl began to produce reels, he made aftermarket products for Penn reels. These included bushing cups as well as anodized aluminum bases, posts and spools. These were sold separately or in kits. In addition, he produced kits that included sideplates (with ss bearing cups) to fit the 500 jigmasters. This was called the 300-C. It came in '99 (332) and 501 (322) sizes as well as the 500 (338) size. These after market parts made the Penn's lighter and stronger.

   BLACKIE SERIES (approximately mid 70's thru early 80's)
•   These were the first reels manufactured by Carl. They're referred to as the blackie series since there was no outer stainless steel (ss) ring around the sideplates, however, there was an inner ss ring. The highlights of this series included:

•   Aluminum reel bases, spools, posts, star and handle. The spools had a metal hub for the metal clicker. The posts had holes bored into them to decrease weight. The handles were all solid aluminum.
•   SS parts included: jack handle, main gear, pinion gear, dog, clicker set, bearing cups, bridge assembly, bridge sleeve.
•   Gear ratios - 4:1 and 5:1
•   Unitized bridge assembly....i.e. no flying dog springs.
•   Main Gear/Bridge Sleeve - The bottom of the main gear was recessed so as to be able to accommodate a 4th fiber washer. This fiber washer made contact with a fixed ss washer on the bottom of the bridge sleeve. Therefore, this was a 4-stack drag system with jigmaster size washers.
•   Model Numbering System - There was no letter to designate this series...i.e.) 220-F
In addition to the F designation, there may have been a T designation also, I'm not sure. F designated 5:1 and an M designated the reel as 4:1  All model numbers as well as the "Newell" and "ball bearing" logos were inserts.
•   Models: 220-F, 229-F, 235-F, 322-F, 332-F, 338-F, 338-J (or FJ), 344-F, 344-J (or FJ). The J stood for jigging. These "J" models came with a ss top bar.
•   Pros - High quality, light aluminum components, high quality ss parts, great freespool, quality control was excellent. I believe the fiber washers were high quality also.
•   Cons - Sideplates often cracked in areas around screws if tightened too much. Sideplates could also chip due to material rigidity. There were no ss rings. High maintenance was required to keep corrosion away.


   P SERIES (approximately early 80's thru mid to late 80's)
•   This was the next generation of reels made by Carl in his Glendale plant. The highlights included:

•   Aluminum reel bases, spools, posts, star and handle. The star, though still aluminum, was slightly different from the Blackies and the aluminum handles now had holes bored into them. The sideplates were redesigned to be thinner and not as rigid as the blackies.
•   SS parts were the same as the blackies. In addition, Carl added ss rings to the new sideplates – inner and outer.
•   Gear Ratios - Same as the blackies.
•   Unitized bridge assembly - slightly different than the blackies.
•   Main gear/Bridge sleeve - Pretty much the same as the blackies. I believe the circlip on the top of the bridge sleeve was different. Bridge sleves were either ss or brass. Also, some main gears came with a brass insert. This helped with heat dissipation.
•   Model Numbering System - The P was the letter designation in front of the model number - i.e. P220-F. In addition to the F,  I believe there was also an M and T designation after the model numbers. The models came in 5:1 and 4:1 gear ratios. All logos on the plates were still inserts.
•   Models - Same as the blackies except for the P designation. Also, the 400 models were introduced - P440, P447 and P454.
•   Pros: Same as blackies. The sideplates were vastly improved.
•   Cons: High maintenance to maintain corrosion resistance.


   G SERIES (approximately late 80's to early 90's)
•   The 3rd generation of Newell's were made with a new idea in mind, namely, to make the most corrosion resistant reels made. Graphite composition was to become Carl's new obsession. Beginning with the G series, minor changes were made to production reels without changing series.

•   Graphite bases, spools, posts, handle and star.
•   Changes/Variations -  Early G's had an all graphite base with a brass foot drilled into the base, otherwise they were all graphite. The graphite spools retained the metal hub. The posts had logo inserts. Early G handles retained the P series aluminum handle, followed by an all graphite handle (red line) with the N logo insert in the knob, followed by an all graphite handle (red line) and no knob insert. Screw fittings for the knob were not recessed. The G322's only had P series aluminum spools. Carl never made a graphite spool for the 322 models.
•   SS parts - Early G's retained the ss jack handle, followed by a new graphite topped jack handle. The early G's retained the ss clicker set, followed by an all graphite set.  The very early G's also retained the P main gear, therefore it could accommodate a 4th washer. Later on, the main gear was no longer recessed on the bottom, therefore, this was now a 3-stack system. The bridge sleeves were now brass without the fixed ss washer on the bottom for the 4th washer. The ss bearing cups were unchanged.
•   Gear Ratios - No changes.
•   Unitized bridge assembly - Pretty much the same as the P's I believe. There may have been minor changes where the G and P assembly's were not interchangeable.
•   Main Gear/Bridge Sleeve - See SS parts section.
•   Model Numbering System - The letter G was the model designation in front of the model number....i.e.  G220-F.
•   Model Numbers - Same as the P's except for the G designation
•   Pros - Same as P's, high quality parts and quality control were excellent. Weight was reduced due to the graphite components. The reel was much more corrosion resistant, had better freespool, more natural bait presentation due to the lighter spool.
•   Cons - Some graphite breakage


   "NO LETTER" SERIES (approximately early 90's through mid 90's)
•   4th generation Newell reels. There weren't many changes in this series from the G series except for one very important factor.....Quality control. While this was still a fairly decent series when it came to quality components, the quality control begins to fall apart about this time.

•   Graphite bases, posts, spools, stars and handle.
•   Changes/Variations - The graphite bases remained pretty much the same, with no ss foot yet. The posts no longer had the "Newell" logo insert, instead, they were now engraved with white lettering. The spools, while remaining graphite, no longer retained the metal hub, instead, it was changed into graphite. The handle now had a white line instead of red. The sideplates no longer had logo inserts. They were now engraved with white lettering.
•   SS Parts - The jack handle retained the graphite top. The clicker set was plastic. This was the last series to retain the ss bearing cups.
•   New Models - 500 and 600 series....533, 540, 546, 550....631, 636, 641 and 646.
•   Gear Ratios - 200/300/400 series came in 3.6:1 and 5:1. The 533 came in 4.6:1 and 5.5:1. The 540 came in 3.2:1, 4.6:1 and 5.5:1. The 546/550 models came in 3.2:1 and 4.6:1. The 600 series came in either 3:1 or 4.2:1. There was also a short run of 322-5 and 322-3.6 size reels made. Some were designated as 322-5 (or 3.6) while others were designated as "300". These were the numbers engraved onto the sideplates. Old P series aluminum spools were used. Some spools spread due to incorrect mastic mixing at the factory. Most spools, however were leftover P series spools and they were fine. I got lucky....!
•   Unitized bridge assembly - No major changes.
•   Main gear/Bridge sleeve - 200/300/400 main/pinion gears retained the same 3-stack jigmaster size drag system. The 500 models used a larger main/pinion gear that had 4/0 size drag washers, actually a bit larger. The 500's used a 3-stack system. The 600's used the same size drag washers as the 500's but the main gear accommodated a 5-stack drag system.
•   Model Numbering System - The "no letter" series didn't have a letter in front of the model numbers. Also, instead of an F, M or T to designate the gear ratio, the actual gear ratio number would follow the model number.  I.e.)      220-5
•   Model Numbers - No pre/post letter designations. 500 and 600 models were added to this "no letter series (see New Models).
•   Pros: Pretty much the same corrosion resistance as the G's. One more metal part was removed from the models, namely, the metal spool hub. Again, Newell's goal is to produce the most corrosion resistant reels.
•   Cons: Graphite breakage's continue, especially the 550 model bases and all model handles.


   "C" SERIES (approximately mid 90's thru late 90's)
•   5th generation models are introduced. Quality control is still a major concern. In addition, ss components are now a major issue. Inferior ss is now corroding while sitting in the retail outlets. Bearings are also a weak point. This series is widely considered to be the weakest of all series.
•   Graphite bases, posts, spools, stars and handles.
•   Changes/Variations - A ss foot is added onto the graphite base to help stop cracking issues. The handles, while retaining the white line, now have a recessed screw on the knob. The former models had the screws actually protruding from the knob hole, thus causing rubbing against an anglers' hands.
•   SS Parts - The last remaining external parts, namely the bearing cups, are now replaced with an adjustable left plastic cup and a fixed right cup. The right cup can no longer be taken off, instead, the right plate must be disassembled to reach the right bearing.
•   New Models - None. There was another short run of 322-5 (or 3.6) reels made. The sideplates were designated as "300". Some of these 322 aluminum spools spread because there was one bad batch of mastic made at the factory. Most spools were taken from leftover P series spools so they were fine.
•   Gear Ratios - No changes.
•   Unitized bridge assembly - No changes.
•   Main gear/Bridge sleeve - No changes.
•   Model Numbering System - The C preceded the model number in this series. The exception was the 300 (322) models.
•   Model Numbers - No additional models were added to this series. I believe that toward the end of this series (late 90's), the 400 models were discontinued. However, this may have happened during the next generation.
•   Pros - The ss bearing cups were now replaced with plastic ones, therefore bringing Carl one more step closer to the corrosion resistant pinnacle.
•   Cons - Major ss corrosion problems ensue along with other quality control issues. Graphite breakage's continue along with the plastic bearing cups.


   "S" SERIES (approximately late 90's to present)
•   Graphite bases, posts, spool, stars and handles.
•   Changes/Variations - The reel base screws now "go thru" the base. An adjustable left ss bearing cup is now available. Also, during this time period, an aftermarket  aluminum handle is made in the 400 size. This size will also fit well on the 500/600 models. Make sure you add some locktite to the screw and do NOT let the locktite touch the plastic areas.
•   SS Parts - no changes.
•   New Models - None
•   Gear ratios - no changes.
•   Unitized bridge assembly - Changes made, I believe, for the new screws. Plates were also modified because of the thru screws.
•   Main gear/Bridge sleeve - no changes.
•   Model Numbering System - An "S" now preceded the model number.
•   Model Numbers - As stated in the C series section, the 400 models may have been discontinued during this time. It may not have affected certain regional markets      (i.e. Hawaii).
•   Pros - Again, from Carl's standpoint, the reel has become as corrosion resistant as possible.
•   Cons – Quality control issues are improved slightly. Handle breakage continues, especially for those folks cranking upwards.


Currently, there are a limited number of "new" P series reels.  I believe Carl made the aluminum parts out of 6061 aluminum stock this time around. I've heard the aluminum parts are better. I've heard negative comments about the holes on the posts, while the new handles are stronger. The mains are a 3 stack system, not 4 like the original P's.

Carl is also making a minor mod to the current S series. He's no longer making the thru screw models. He's back to the original design. He's also going back to having ss bearing cups on both sideplates. So, if you want an S series with metal bearing cups, wait until they arrive in stores. They just started making the S series mods in October '03.

That about sums it up.

Rev. 11/17/03

[alantani]

stickied!!!!!

[Frank]

Good to see you posting Tunacious. I lost track of you for about a decade. Any time I'm asked by someone to explain the differences in Newell reel series I send them a copy of your "Newell Reel History At A Glance". None better on the internet.

Frank

[Tunacious]

Thanks! 

[john2244]

Thanks for posting the Newell info.

John