Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Spinning Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Abu Garcia/Garcia/Mitchell => Mitchell => Topic started by: reelynew on February 01, 2023, 09:24:16 PM

Title: 308 vs 408
Post by: reelynew on February 01, 2023, 09:24:16 PM
Hi Guys,

Sorry if this is a somewhat redundant question for you all, but I seem to be finding some conflicting information on these reels and was thinking you all would most definitely know, before I think of purchasing one.  I had read that the 308 does not come with a bearing, but I am now seeing one in a schematic.  If that's true, what are the differences between the two reels? 

Thanks,

Matt

Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: foakes on February 01, 2023, 10:00:50 PM
Both have bearing assemblies, Matt —

The 308 is black with a gear ratio of 1:3.

The 408 is identical in size —- it is dark blue and a high speed version at 1:5.

These are great little microlight/ultralight reels.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: reelynew on February 01, 2023, 10:55:29 PM
Quote from: foakes on February 01, 2023, 10:00:50 PMBoth have bearing assemblies, Matt —

The 308 is black with a gear ratio of 1:3.

The 408 is identical in size —- it is dark blue and a high speed version at 1:5.

These are great little microlight/ultralight reels.

Best, Fred

Thank you Fred. 
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: handi2 on February 01, 2023, 11:02:19 PM
Actually it's 3.1 and 5.1
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: reelynew on February 02, 2023, 01:11:29 AM
Thank you Gentlemen.  Looking now at some photos of them both, I am seeing the high speed label on the 408.  I am not seeing a palm in the face emoji. 
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: Midway Tommy on February 02, 2023, 03:52:39 AM
Here's a 308 - 408 part comparison. 308 is on the left & the 408 is on right. The 308 is an early example. Pretty easy to see the minimal differences. The main gear closeup ended up a little grainy.

(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/17004-020223034456-37613695.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/17004-020223034456-376122112.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/17004-020223034458-37614163.jpeg)
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: reelynew on February 02, 2023, 04:52:47 AM
Thanks Tommy - That's a great illustration.  Looking at the tiny teeth in the 408, I can see why it is high speed.  Looks like the main gear of the 408 used a different material than the 308. 

Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: Gfish on February 03, 2023, 03:43:33 PM
Yeah. Looks like bronze(408) vs some kinda aluminum alloy(308).
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: CincyDavid on February 10, 2023, 07:05:36 PM
I have a couple of 308s and want to like them, but they are the only reels I own that smack my knuckles with the bail wire due to the way I hold the rod. 
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: handi2 on February 10, 2023, 07:14:49 PM
Quote from: CincyDavid on February 10, 2023, 07:05:36 PMI have a couple of 308s and want to like them, but they are the only reels I own that smack my knuckles with the bail wire due to the way I hold the rod. 

Yes they do..!!
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: foakes on February 11, 2023, 01:11:38 AM
Never had that issue.

Guess I hold my rod differently, or smaller hands, or something?

308's & 408's are terrific reels —- particularly the 408.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: Balvar24 on February 12, 2023, 03:12:59 AM
Love the Gleason gears in the 408's.
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: philaroman on February 12, 2023, 05:51:10 AM
Quote from: handi2 on February 10, 2023, 07:14:49 PM
Quote from: CincyDavid on February 10, 2023, 07:05:36 PMI have a couple of 308s and want to like them, but they are the only reels I own that smack my knuckles with the bail wire due to the way I hold the rod. 

Yes they do..!!

don't ever play w/ a "horn" half-bail  >:( :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: Midway Tommy on February 12, 2023, 05:16:40 PM
Quote from: CincyDavid on February 10, 2023, 07:05:36 PMI have a couple of 308s and want to like them, but they are the only reels I own that smack my knuckles with the bail wire due to the way I hold the rod. 

 :o
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: Gfish on February 13, 2023, 04:25:02 PM
Would a 408 main gear fit into a 308. Looking at Tommy's picture, everything between the 2 looks the same except that.
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: foakes on February 13, 2023, 04:52:03 PM
Yes, Greg —-

The gears will interchange easily between the 308 & 408.

However, the bearing pinion assembly will also need to be changed along with the main.

And, the 309/409 "Lefty" Mitchells will also interchange with each other.

Best, Fred

Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: DON3099 on March 15, 2023, 01:29:02 PM
Two of my reels. The blue one is a 408 I repainted, the camo is a 308 conveted to a 408 also repainted
Title: Re: 308 vs 408
Post by: foakes on March 15, 2023, 03:37:07 PM
Very well done, Don!

Looks great.

Best, Fred