Finessa 280/285

[jgp12000]

I have 2 Finessa reels now,one has the small handle knob,I recently
Saw an ebay ad with a similar reel stating it was a 1957 Finessa Junior Super 280? I have never seen "Super"anywhere else except
for a 270.So maybe a typo?

https://ebay.us/m/7xFnDi

I just got a Finessa 285 with a T-handle knob.

My question to Fred is are these reels the same internally & physically except for the handle? Can 331 gears be installed?

[foakes]

Good morning, James —-

DAM Quick of course manufactured the Finessa reels. 

However, there were (4) versions, plus some minor variations even within each version —- some cosmetic, some mechanical.

The 280 & 285 are somewhat different —- although, a lot of the parts will interchange.  The latest model is the 285, which is actually a model pre-curser to the 330/331.

331 gears may or may not fit in a 280, they might fit in a 285, I have never tried that.

The eBay seller may be trying to reach a larger audience of buyers by stating Finessa, Junior, Super —- I don't know?

There are the (4) Finessa (280-285), various versions of Supers (270), and then the Juniors (240-245), also in various versions.  All are from the mid to later 50's, up into the earliest 60's just before the 7 reel series was introduced —- which included the 110, 220, 221, 330, 331, 440, and 550.  The 285 Finessa with the torpedo crank knob was a close match to the 330.

While these Finessas are possibly one of the most versatile sized and strongest reels DQ ever produced —- they are not that expensive.  The frames, bearing, gearing, and engineering are extremely tough and capable.

I have around 40 or 50 of the Finessas, and probably another 50 or 60 330's.  Plus all needed new parts for all of the versions.

I consider these excellent reels for most types of target species —- but they are kind of vanilla or white bread.  Fairly common and often taken for granted.

If you are looking for another one, I have plenty for a LOT less than the sellers asking price.  And there are plenty for sale elsewhere for between $30 to $50.

Best, Fred

[Midway Tommy]

That seller offers an awful lot of Dam Quick parts and reels. He is quite proud of his inventory and has a history of asking absurd prices for them.    I don't know how he sells anything. 

[jgp12000]

Yep me either Tom.The 285 I just got was $22 after shipping,cheaper that a modern
Less quality reel,so had too...I said I was going to lay off spinners for a while

[jgp12000]

I got the 285 today & noticed it has an extra step on either side at the A/R lever,see photos.280 on the left, 285 stage right.

[foakes]

These notches were changed a bit and simplified in later years, James —-

There are (2) A/R clutch positions in the middle —- on each side of the higher protrusion in the middle, that are A/R disengagement positions.

The (2) outer notches are for positioning the crank on the left side for a right-handed angler, or the right side for a left-handed angler.  These are A/R "ON" clutch positions.

When you look at the utter simplicity of just changing the crank from left to right —- the simple genius becomes apparent.

Compared to a Mitchell, for instance, that requires about 20 LH parts to accomplish the same result. Or just buy another reel.

Best, Fred