Quick 3000 champion series spinning reel

[tkennedy101]

I found a brand new quick 3000 in original box.  I own many penn ss spinning reels.  Are these reels made for salt or fresh water.  How do they compare to the penn ss series spinning reels.  Are they made in Germany?  Thanks for your time.

[foakes]

Welcome aboard!

Depends on which DAM Quick 3000 you are referring to?

There is a DQ 3000 Championship Series reel that was introduced in 1977 with a skirted aluminum spool.  Made in Germany.  Salt or heavy duty fresh water.

And, there is a DQ 3000 introduced within the last few years.
This reel hearkens back to the previous high quality models produced 45+ years prior.  It is designed in Germany —- but produced in Asia.  There is a long time association with Okuma & DAM Quick.  Although a very high quality reel —- and while it is touted as being up to the "severest global fishing conditions" —- I would not personally use it in salt water.

Too many bearings, and small parts that will require frequent service and maintenance.  Although a great fresh-water reel.

While these last 3000's are an excellent series of reels (1000 - 2000 - 3000 —- 4000) —- there are some key features missing as they have attempted to revive the rock solid reliability and capability of the earlier series —- and stay within a targeted manufacturing budget.  However, they are beautiful and capable reels.  They were produced in limited numbers with boxes, passports, spare spools, and serial numbers.  These were never meant to be a big seller —- just an attempted nostalgic return to the "Golden Age" of top quality spinners.

This more modern series of DQ's was basically a statement as well as an experiment in the transition between the good old days and more modern times.  And these were produced in limited numbers —- and then discontinued due to the fact that it cost more to produce these reels then they sold for.  Sometimes, manufacturers launch these test balloons to measure if there is consumer reception —- and also to show a connection between previous European & US manufacturing operations —- and Asian production facilities.

The earlier series of DQ 3000 - 3001 - 3002 reels are very comparable to the SS series of Penn Spinners both in function and quality.

The latest version is not as up to the salt-water task, in my opinion, as the earlier series.

The Penn SS spinners are tough and capable reels, as are the DQ's of the same era.

I can get into very small details concerning materials, construction, operation, and engineering durability & differences —- but that would bore most folks to sleep.

Best, Fred

[quang tran]

Total agree with Fred ,Dam Quick 1000-5000 ,1001-5001 and peen SS perfect for salt water that I prefer more than new reels . It's easy to clean up every trip ,take only few minutes to remove ,wash them up and lube while new reels no matter what they do salt water still get in and take to much time to clean up

[tkennedy101]

Its the champions model. On the front of the spool it has printed Asbestos disk brake. Wish i knew how to post a picture but needs a url code.

[foakes]

One of the all time great reels.

Versatile, capable, strong, made in Germany. 

Will cover a lot of target species.

Fresh or salt.

Best, Fred

[tkennedy101]

How can you find out when it was built? Still has warranty card, waiting to be mailed, and extra parts.

[foakes]

How can you find out when it was built? Still has warranty card, waiting to be mailed, and extra parts

These were only produced from 1977 to 1981.

No exact date or year is possible, except this range.  These have a subtle serial number on the side of the foot.  But it does not correspond to any records that are still around.

So, 43 to 47 years old —- and way ahead of its time in features, engineering, manufacturing, and toughness.

Best, Fred

[tkennedy101]

Thanks for the input.  Would you consider it to be on par with the penn 4500ss or 5500ss.  Thanks for your time.

[foakes]

Thanks for the input.  Would you consider it to be on par with the penn 4500ss or 5500ss.  Thanks for your time.

Size-wise, probably more comparable to the 650 or 6500 series Penn Spinfishers —- just doing a quick frame comparison.  Spool & rotor capacity might be different —- didn't check that.

Both the Penn Spinfishers & the DQ Champions are excellent reels.

Each has some slightly better scores in a few minor areas —- but either will get the job done for decades plus.

When you move into the graphite bodied Spinfishers —- the DQ is superior.

Best, Fred