Rare DAM Quick Reel — 441N

[foakes]

Finished up new builds on (6) DAM Quick 220's on Saturday.

Was going to also build another (6) DAM Quick 110 Microlites yesterday afternoon.

Wife asked if I would build a raised, caged garden box for her tomato plants.  She said "no rush", a couple of weeks would be fine (woman code for sure be nice if you would do it now).  So after 90 minutes it was completed and deer & gopher proof.

A few minutes later I got a call from a lady friend of ours across the road.  She broke her wrist 2 weeks ago, and needs 3 bales of hay from the feed store down in Auberry, plus a salt block, and (2) large 20' + oak branches fell off during the storm last week, blocking access to her barn.  Wondering if I could go get the hay and cut up the branches, sometime this week.  (Again, woman speak for sooner the better).  OK, got that done, another 3 hours down, after the chores.

So this morning, I wanted to get back to the 110 builds.

But I realized that I had some parts shipments to get out to members, and a couple of other reels to build.  So those should come first.

Got the parts shipped, and built (2) reels from new parts.

One is fairly rare and not often seen.

It is a DAM Quick 441N.

The year was 1974, and true to form, DAM was retiring their highly successful 7 year run of the 7 reels from the tiny 110 to the giant 550.

They came out with another (7) reels of small to large.

These were the "N" series.  (New Style).

Still had all of the great features, engineering, and over the top quality materials —- but with some improvements.  A nearly silent and very smooth anti-reverse mechanism under the rotor, a 3-setting, easy adjustment for the bail trip,  a new drag system for smoother operation.

However, in keeping the group to 7 reels —- they also added a new reel —- the 441N.

And what I consider a shame, they eliminated the high speed 221 slot —- and added this 441N, which is also a High-Speed at 1:5.

The high speed gears allow an angler to present their bait or lure more naturally in swift water, canals, and rivers.  This is a big game reel made for the European canals for large Carp, and other species —- along with targeting North American gamefish such as Salmon, Steelhead, Lakers, Pike, Muskie, and Stripers.  The angler can cast their bait upriver, and the high-speed will help keep it off the bottom as they retrieve it with the current downstream —- which is a natural presentation to the fish.

The 331N & 441N are the only two reels in the "N" lineup where the crank can be switched from left to right —- for left-handed anglers.

Unusual and a very capable reel seldom seen, and a fun build.

Now back to work on the 110's.

Best, Fred

[JasonGotaProblem]

Fred I wanna see pics of your cage build. I'm getting ready to finish mine. I put galvanized hardware cloth down 18" underground on all sides. While I was at it I tilled some good compost about that deep into my Sandy soil and broke it up about a foot deeper because I might eventually do peppers again. I saw a squirrel getting into my blackberries as I was getting ready to leave for my ill fated Smokies trip so I built a temporary cage. It worked, nothing got in. But that's not good enough so I drew up plans, it's time to make a more permanent setup. I had another thread elsewhere I'll post pics there.

[foakes]

Fred I wanna see pics of your cage build. I'm getting ready to finish mine. I put galvanized hardware cloth down 18" underground on all sides. While I was at it I tilled some good compost about that deep into my Sandy soil and broke it up about a foot deeper because I might eventually do peppers again. I saw a squirrel getting into my blackberries as I was getting ready to leave for my ill fated Smokies trip so I built a temporary cage. It worked, nothing got in. But that's not good enough so I drew up plans, it's time to make a more permanent setup. I had another thread elsewhere I'll post pics there.

Nothing fancy, and I'll take a few pics when it is light tomorrow morning.

Dug rectangular hole about 14" deep, lined it with chicken wire, filled with gro-mix veggie potting soil, affixed a timed drip line around the bottom, zip-tied the framework to the lumber, lid opens for access.

Faces South.  This keeps out the gophers, deer, squirrels, foxes, raccoons, skunks, bears, and birds.

We generally put in 2-3 vines — and that keeps us well supplied for salads & sandwiches for about 5 months, up until mid-September

Best, Fred

[oldmanjoe]

I like the N model line up .  You can build a 221 n  if so desired , even in a right hand cranker .

[JeffG]

I've had all the quicks with the exception of the 440's. I do some catfishing so I went straight to the 550 and super.

Thanks
Jeff

[bja105]

I ended up buying two 441N's last Summer. I bought one from a local seller on an online auction. Between the time I paid and it came to me, I found a second one at the flea market, even cheaper.
One is set up with the handle on the Right side, like a lefty would use. I can't see how to reverse it. I think there is a part difference, maybe the crosswind arm, or the DAM version. Am I right that I need a part, or am I looking at it wrong?

The other reel I spooled with line, but when I cast it on a long rod with heavy weight (surf fishing) the bail snaps shut. Is there a fix, like a stronger spring?

[oldmanjoe]

Yes you can change the slide for left hand cranking . 910 5022  I believe is the part number .
Fred will have them .

Under the spool there is a adjusting screw for the bail tension , 3 positions  Light , medium and  high .

[foakes]

I ended up buying two 441N's last Summer. I bought one from a local seller on an online auction. Between the time I paid and it came to me, I found a second one at the flea market, even cheaper.
One is set up with the handle on the Right side, like a lefty would use. I can't see how to reverse it. I think there is a part difference, maybe the crosswind arm, or the DAM version. Am I right that I need a part, or am I looking at it wrong?

The other reel I spooled with line, but when I cast it on a long rod with heavy weight (surf fishing) the bail snaps shut. Is there a fix, like a stronger spring?

A few things —-

First, yes you need a mirror opposite connecting arm.  #105024.
I have that part, no worries.

Next, there is a screw adjustment inside the rotor, right under the spool.  L, M, H.  Hard is for surf casting or any fishing where a heavy lure is cast. 

In addition, the switch pin and switch block that locks the bail back, can be worn or gummed up.  Remedy is to remove the bail, clean the (4) parts with a solvent, lighter fluid, or lacquer thinner —- then reinstall them with a drop of oil.

Caution here —-

There is a VERY TINY "E" clip in here that I call the clip from hell.  Easy to lose.

Basically, a full disassemble and service would likely be in order on both reels.

Best, Fred

[festus]

In addition, the switch pin and switch block that locks the bail back, can be worn or gummed up.  Remedy is to remove the bail, clean the (4) parts with a solvent, lighter fluid, or lacquer thinner —- then reinstall them with a drop of oil.

Caution here —-

There is a VERY TINY "E" clip in here that I call the clip from hell.  Easy to lose.

Basically, a full disassemble and service would likely be in order on both reels.

Best, Fred

I've dealt with that clip from hell and switch pin and switch block on those N series. At first intimidating then a piece of cake.

[bja105]

Thanks guys. I will dig into the bail this evening. Fred, I need to put together a wish list, as there are quite a few reels here that need a part.

[foakes]

Thanks guys. I will dig into the bail this evening. Fred, I need to put together a wish list, as there are quite a few reels here that need a part.

Sure, just PM me when you are ready.

Best, Fred