I just realized that accurate discontinuation of old 270, 197 etc. i can easily take apart and service annually. What parts are usually in need of replacement? Bearings and drag washers? Bearings are easy. Drag washers??
the only things that can fail and absolutely cannot be sourced elsewhere are the gears. bearings are standard. drag washers could be hand cut from a sheet of carbon fiber. that's really it. just the gears.
I was thinking about a 197 too. Guess I'll think harder.
My understanding is that the very early Boss reels hd a unique German anti-reverse bearing that is no longer available.
yeah, i had to dremel out the cup for the anti-reverse roller bearing to make the EWC anti-reverse roller bearing fit.