Ryobi MX 50B: Worth servicing?

[Jim O]

I went on a day charter to Catalina Island in the mid-80s.  Everyone on the charter got handed a free Ryobi MX 50B.  Not bad.  I caught a yellowtail with it that day. 

Anyway, it's been in a box ever since, and I'm wondering if it's worth servicing.  Would parts be available?  I can't find any info about this reel anywhere. I doubt it's junk or they wouldn't have been giving them away to future customers.  If anyone knows anything about the reel, I'd like to hear from you.  Thanks.

[MACflyer]

Had a used gold Ryobi spinning reel several years ago. All metal with an aluminum skirted spool. Think it was a 40 or 50 size, but don't remember if it was a MX. Used it a few years in saltwater, not heavily, and had no complaints or issues. Drag was not great, slow compared to today's spinning reels, but easy to service. Think it only had one bearing. If yours wasn't used much, I can't imagine it needs any parts. I would service it and use it. Don't think they have a lot of value, but don't really know.

[cbar45ive]

Had a pair of SX-5's Silver Clouds. They were tanks after I upgraded the drag. Removable bronze bushings at each end of the main gear and one at the pinion. The black anodizing on the spool was quite good. Regret selling those.

[Jim O]

How did you upgrade the drag?  The only complaints have been the heavy weight and weak drag.  All I really know is it handled a nice yellowtail for me.

[cbar45ive]

How did you upgrade the drag?  The only complaints have been the heavy weight and weak drag.  All I really know is it handled a nice yellowtail for me.

Replaced the soft washers with Penn part no. 6-60 (carbon fiber HT 100's), and polished the metal washers making sure they were flat/smooth.

[Jim O]

Thanks!  Great to know.