Very Strange Mag 970

Maxed Out · August 26, 2017, 06:33:29 PM

Bought myself a nice mag 970 a while back and this big black knurled knob was in the place of the standard mag adjustment screw. I'm definitely scratching my head on this one ?!/!?

It was purchased new in 1996 at a tackle shop in devils hills NC. Not sure if this was done at the tackle shop or if it is a factory modification.

Anyone have any idea what the heck this is

-Ted

Alto Mare · August 26, 2017, 06:58:38 PM

Its a custom part, it was talked about here a few years back:
http://alantani.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=ml90f6qt2rmr61j69uba9fqn46&topic=8233.msg71510#msg71510

https://www.blakdogtackle.com/images/reeltune_BDT_0156bl.jpg?osCsid=7e5bb1bf62ccab8edf4dfb3d3cce6e69

Maybe he couildn't find the original magnet. I thought about ordering one for a jigmaster at that time, but didn't think it would fit.

Maxed Out · August 26, 2017, 07:22:27 PM

Thanks for the info Sal

Figures I got myself a junker garage made 970. Hopefully I can find a buyer on eBay if I don't picture that side LOL

Ted

Tiddlerbasher · August 26, 2017, 08:08:06 PM

Ted, these are not uncommon in the UK. Tournament casters, beach casters (including me) use them on reels - typically ABU, but I've modded Slosh20, Okuma and a few others.
The general idea of the large 'knobbly' is so you adjust the spool control during flight to optimize distance. Tournament casters in the UK can typically hit over 300yds on a good day

Tiddlerbasher · August 26, 2017, 08:10:49 PM

This mod really does work! Play with it- get used to it - you never know you might actually like it

I certainly don't think it's a junk reel

xjchad · August 27, 2017, 02:50:50 AM

Max
If you don't want it, maybe we can work out a deal?
I've been looking for one.

Gfish · August 27, 2017, 04:17:55 AM

Kinda looks like it'ed interfear with your left hand/wrist during the retreive.
Gfish

SoCalAngler · August 27, 2017, 07:02:17 AM

Like already stated that style of knob is pretty common with the tourney casters and surf fishermen. Check out surf fishing reels and you will see them. If you want look up Release, then Truth, now Seigler Reels and look at their SM Surf and SS Star reels and you will see the same style of knob on their stock reels.

oc1 · August 27, 2017, 07:33:01 AM

It is supposed to stick way out and get in the way so it easy for your hand to find it without looking. A pretty expensive upgrade. There are videos around of tournament casters adjusting the mags while the casting weight is flying through the air and on its way. I can't imagine a cast long enough that you have time to fiddle with the mag setting in flight.
-steve

fishhawk · August 27, 2017, 01:12:21 PM

Ted, I don't think you'll find a serious distance caster that don't use these. I have them on my ambassadeur's and they work! Play with it if you have a long rod (10'+) If you don't have a surf rod then it's pretty useless. It's really quite the rush when you can "dump" your spool!
Even though I'm not familiar with your 970 but do know the spool is larger than your typical distance casting rig so it might not work as well. It was definitely someone's experiment. Whether it works or not is the mystery! Put it on da bay, lots of people would bid, I would!

Pelagicide · August 22, 2018, 09:37:36 PM

One man's junker garage experiment is another man's precision tourny equipment

I just picked up a 970 on eBay that is as close to mint condition as a used reel can be - not a single scratch and the chrome is like a mirror - the guy I bought it from said it's never even been spooled, and I actually believe it, I'm usually very skeptical of claims like that but with it in this condition. I ordered a couple of ABEC 7 bearings for it and when I see one of these I'm for sale I'm going to snatch it up and I will have a far cast Red Drum catching machine that I wouldn't be embarrassed to walk out on a tournament field with it. I just wish Cortez Custom would hurry it up and make a one-piece frame and side plates for it!

ez2cdave · November 18, 2018, 11:29:09 PM

BTW - That "Devils Hills. NC" is actually Kill Devil Hills, NC - LOL !

Tight Lines !

Riy2018 · November 29, 2018, 02:47:42 PM

Quote from: Maxed Out on August 26, 2017, 06:33:29 PM

Bought myself a nice mag 970 a while back and this big black knurled knob was in the place of the standard mag adjustment screw. I'm definitely scratching my head on this one ?!/!?

It was purchased new in 1996 at a tackle shop in devils hills NC. Not sure if this was done at the tackle shop or if it is a factory modification.

Anyone have any idea what the heck this is

-Ted

Beautiful Reel. I have 980 model and also will upgrade Mag Kit from Chad.
Im on ebay looking for the 970 model.

Darin Crofton · November 29, 2018, 03:04:22 PM

Hey Ted,
I found your reels brother, pretty cool little reel!
Darin

thorhammer · November 29, 2018, 03:53:16 PM

It's Kill Devil Hills. Neither of you two need those reels in Fla or Wash state and need send them home to me in NC where they will get to go home on the OBX. Ryan White, owner of Hatteras Jack B&T down the Banks in Rodanthe, custom mags like this. He is the dealer for Century; his father taught me to cast conventional surf rod behind the shop 25 years ago.