DAM Quick 221 — High Speed

[foakes]

The year was 1968.

A year earlier, DAM Quick had introduced a new line of spinning reels.  The 110 Microlite, the 220, 330, and 550.

The acceptance and demand for these new reels, although they were expensive for their day —- was overwhelming.

The gear ratio on the 110 was 1:5.  The 220 & 330 were 1:3.

There was something missing, although only a few anglers would ever realize or know what was missing —- and for those that would appreciate the slight change in the 330 and 220 —- DQ came out in '68 with special high speed versions of these reels —- a 221 & a 331.

These had special gears and longer crank handles for better control and power transmission.

Knowing anglers needed a tough, strong, and capable high speed reel for retrieving bait more naturally with the current.  Plus in some cases a faster retrieve of a lure was needed.

Both the 331 and the smaller 221 were limited production runs.

For every (30) 330's, only one 331 was made.

For the smaller 221 —- the production ratio was much less.  About 1 in 50.

This morning, before going into town, I put together a new 221 from new parts out of the bins.

This is not a repaint.  It is a new reel just as the parts came from the factory.  Every part has been burnished to remove bin tarnish of 54 years, modern synthetic lubes.

This is a small but very capable spinning reel at only 11 ounces.

If someone wants this reel —- $100 and I will split the shipping.  Figure $105 to your door via Priority Mail.

Best, Fred

[Wompus Cat]

Is there a Lifetime WARRANTY with this ?    

[jgp12000]

I love my DQ 220, that 221 looks great Fred! I have to stop looking at this... I know the 1000 might be a superior reel but IMO the emblems on the older DQs and the AR lever design/sound just do it for me. It seems like with care, could virtually last forever.
 

[Milan S]

What a beauty...!!!

 

If I lived anywhere in America, Fred, believe me, you and I would see each other very often, hang out and exchange ideas and gadgets. As it is, looking from Serbia, there are not many possibilities for that.

[happyhooker]

Beautiful reel; for the build quality, you probably can't find anything close on the "new" reel market for that amount of $$.

Frank

[foakes]

Is there a Lifetime WARRANTY with this ?  

Yes, there is a lifetime warranty, Henry —-

Plus it will include a new extra bail spring.

And, as always, no payment until after you receive the reel and are satisfied with the finished product.

I take a lot of pride in my work —- and with 40+ years of experience and the superior, bullet-proof engineering and design of the DQ's —- it is never a problem to stand behind one's work.

The system I have developed with organized parts readily accessible, no clutter, good tools and techniques, and specializing in only a few quality brands —- makes a build come together in an hour.  And also guarantees a repeatable solid outcome —- regardless of how the reel arrives on the bench.

Might have worked on over 10,000 of these DQ's.

Best, Fred

[foakes]

Sold to a member.  Plus an order for a matching 331.

Thanks!

Best, Fred

[sandbar]

I need to pay more attention.
Nice reel

[BocaSnook1]

Fred,

Just got home from work.  I would have grabbed that DAM Quick 221 in a second!

The new owner is getting a great reel!

Tad

[mo65]

  The 221 is my favorite Quick...I fish one...what a fantastic reel!

[foakes]

The member who wanted the high-speed 221 asked if by chance I might have a high speed 331 available.

Put it together from new parts out of the bins yesterday.

Not a repaint —- all original factory finish.

This combo makes a great lifetime pairing.

Also sent out a spare bail spring for each reel.

Best, Fred

[Paul Roberts]

Wow. Spanking new! Definitely a deal!

[El Pescador]

Fred, THANK YOU for the anonymity using NO NAMES!!!  I appreciate that very much!

BUTT... let me sheepishly walk into the light from the unknown darkness...



It is I - El Pescador! who asked for both the BRAND NEW DQ 221 and asked Fred to throw in a similar quality DQ 331.

I have two words!!!!   STUNNING!!!



Both are clean as a whistle, accurate to the condition Fred stated in his post.  Cranks like a queen, and for the first time, I am tempted to make BOTH REELS Shelf Queens.  Until now, every reel I own is fished, some more than others, BUTT all have time on the water and all catch fish.

And Fred!  How you package a reel for shipment!!!!  POSTAL SERVICE IMPERVIOUS to Damage!!!!



Reels in a cloth bag!!!



Cloth bags in a padded Shipping bag...





Then in the FIRST BOX, well padded again.



And that wrapped box in another box!!!



Fred you wrap like a MAD DOG 

And the reels ALWAYS arrive in FLAWLESS CONDITION!!!!  Thank you SIR



All your reels arrive in perfect condition, you state the condition of the reel EXACTLY as it is, and you communicate during the shipping process, which I like, and your prices are more than fair to the buyer.

Now I need to make room for them in the garage, more on that later.

I'm happy as a lark!!!!

Wayne

[mo65]

   Fantastic purchase Wayne...and always stellar work Fred...those are iconic reels. 

[Bora]

This is excellent to see, great work and enjoy the fishing!