What is the Most Over-looked, Capable, Inexpensive, and Versatile DAM Quick?

[foakes]

There are many, but surprisingly, my vote would be the 330 Finessa.

It will easily handle nearly any size fish ranging from Trout, Bass, Large Cats, Stripers, Salmon, Steelhead, Muskie, Pike, Walleye, Lakers, and more.

I have provided many to the European anglers targeting 40-50 lb. Carp in Europes canal systems.

They will last a lifetime —- then be handed forward to the next generation to continue doing their job well.

The all aircraft grade aluminum construction, frames, reinforcement points, worm-drive steel & bronze gearing, oversized bearing, and high capacity spooling —- make these extremely versatile tools.

DAM took no shortcuts in the quality construction of these reels (they didn't know about cheapening their products).

The gear ratio on the 330 is a little higher than normal at 3.5:1, which allows a faster retrieve —- but it still keeps the low-end torque required to handle surprise or trophy catches.

I have around 50 or 60 of these reels ready to restore for folks with new parts.

They are often very inexpensive at yard sales, eBay, or other places.

And they won't quit on you when a large fish is on the line. 

An always impressive and amazing reel every time I work on one.

Here are a couple that I completed yesterday for a client —-

Best, Fred

[oldmanjoe]

   There has and always be a 330 with me when I go fishing , absolut bulletproof reel !!

[pjstevko]

Fred out of curiosity.... how do these compare to a similarly sized penn greenie?

[foakes]

About the same size as a Penn 710 greenie.  Which is an above excellent reel.

The frame is stronger on the DQ —- but they are both great reels.

Best, Fred

[jgp12000]

Just to clarify are the 280/285 the same as the 330 In size & gear ratio? I know there are some parts that do not interchange regarding the spool.

[work2fish]

Thanks for this thread, Fred! I had been wanting to ask a similar question myself, and how you have answered it.

[foakes]

Just to clarify are the 280/285 the same as the 330 In size & gear ratio? I know there are some parts that do not interchange regarding the spool.

There are 4 variations in the 280/285 Finessas, and 2 variations in the 330's.

Gear ratios are the same in all at 3.5:1.  Most parts will work across all of the variations.  There are differences that will not work such as spool axle lengths, connecting arms, spool arbors, etc. 

Reel size is identical in all models.  It is right in the middle of the DQ sizing on their models ranging from Microlites to large saltwater reels.

Best, Fred