Pun intended! But that may be what you guys are saying to yourself. ;)
If a 330 is roughly the same size reel as a 450ss, what would the 440 and 550 compare to?
Direct comparison is a little difficult since the 0SS series' are skirted spools and the Dams are non-skirted. Weight wise the 440 probably falls between the 450SS & 550SS and the 550 falls between 550SS & 650SS. The biggest Dam, the 270 Super, @ 21oz is pretty close weight wise to 650SS. The 330 weight falls between the 440SS & 450SS.
I really couldn't compare a 650 to a 270 super.
When you pick up a tuned 650, it sounds and feels like a well oiled machine in your hands.
The 270 feels like a Panzer Tank. Loud, Proud and up to the task.
I love them both, but there are definitely differences in design.
I am trying to determine (without buying first) if any of the Dam reels are enough reel for cat fishing. And I consider the 650ss as a minimum size reel for the catfishing we do. You can get by with smaller, but don't be surprised when you wreck your reel.
Quote from: Shark Hunter on December 01, 2017, 07:11:36 AM
I really couldn't compare a 650 to a 270 super.
When you pick up a tuned 650, it sounds and feels like a well oiled machine in your hands.
The 270 feels like a Panzer Tank. Loud, Proud and up to the task.
This is an excellent description of the two reels. The 270 Super makes a great catfishing reel...especially with the Motive Fab drag upgrade. Research spools before buying though, the better spools have a 3-stack while the cheesy one like I have only has a single washer. The 270 definitely wins the award for "most under-developed drag in a powerhouse reel". 8)
Quote from: Shark Hunter on December 01, 2017, 07:11:36 AM
I really couldn't compare a 650 to a 270 super.
When you pick up a tuned 650, it sounds and feels like a well oiled machine in your hands.
The 270 feels like a Panzer Tank. Loud, Proud and up to the task.
I love them both, but there are definitely differences in design.
I totally agree, I was just going by weight. All have sufficient line capacity, and actually more than is really needed. 25 to 35 years of technology and engineering can make a huge difference in balance and function. For some reason unbeknownst to me most all of those older Dam reels feel awkward or clumsy when I stick them on a rod. I've never been able to figure out why they feel that way but it must have something to do with balance or just my perception. They're a DAM ;D well built reel that will last a lifetime, though, that's for sure. Unless you're strictly going after 100# blues or flatties I would think all 3, the 440, 550 & Super, would stand up to most kitties.
Quote from: Midway Tommy on December 01, 2017, 06:20:11 PM
For some reason unbeknownst to me most all of those older Dam reels feel awkward or clumsy when I stick them on a rod. I've never been able to figure out why they feel that way but it must have something to do with balance or just my perception.
I think the larger models feel kind of awkward...but I love the smaller ones.
I've been fishing a 221 for bass(freshwater) and it's hard to top. 8)
650ss sewing machine and 270 Panzer.
Get my Drift. ;)
If I had to choose one for Catfishing. Definitely the 270.
Tommy is right. The 270 is Big and Clunky and Terribly balanced, but when you Crank this monster, You'll know what I mean.
All Business!
Quote from: Midway Tommy on December 01, 2017, 06:20:11 PM
Quote from: Shark Hunter on December 01, 2017, 07:11:36 AM
I really couldn't compare a 650 to a 270 super.
When you pick up a tuned 650, it sounds and feels like a well oiled machine in your hands.
The 270 feels like a Panzer Tank. Loud, Proud and up to the task.
I love them both, but there are definitely differences in design.
I totally agree, I was just going by weight. All have sufficient line capacity, and actually more than is really needed. 25 to 35 years of technology and engineering can make a huge difference in balance and function. For some reason unbeknownst to me most all of those older Dam reels feel awkward or clumsy when I stick them on a rod. I've never been able to figure out why they feel that way but it must have something to do with balance or just my perception. They're a DAM ;D well built reel that will last a lifetime, though, that's for sure. Unless you're strictly going after 100# blues or flatties I would think all 3, the 440, 550 & Super, would stand up to most kitties.
Mostly blues. 5-20 or so pounds with the occasional 30+ pounder. Usually caught in pretty strong current.
Waiting for my 2 speed super to get back from Fred working his magic on it. Built a one pice 13' rod for it to fish 50-60lb on. Want to try it on some big bat rays in the surf. That low gear ought to come in handy. Figure I'll have a few bat rays or a big bill from the cyropractor. Maybe both. Balance should be a big factor on that rig might even balance pretty good on it. Either way should be interesting
I've been pounding the pavement for one of those 2 speeds.
No luck yet.
It is almost done, Sheridan --
Replaced quite a few parts with NOS, needed to manufacture one tiny part -- lot of cleaning, burnishing, and polishing -- probably have 10 hours into it now, another 6 to go.
It is a labor of love to work on a reel as tough and rare as this -- it will be better than new.
You will be hopefully pleasantly surprised.
Am taking pics as I go.
Best,
Fred
Looking forward to seeing your pictures Fred!
Steve
Dang!
Sheridan,
You should be honored the Dam Master is fixing that reel for you.
16 hour build!
Holy Cow! :o
Wow Fred. Thanks for taking the time to see this thru. Glad I sent it to the master. Interested in how Adams drag set will work in it. Ought to be an absolute beast.
Summer crowds have thinned at the local pier and the water has cooled enough for the 7 gill sharks to show up. . Thanks for taking the time Fred Sheridan
This 2-speed with Adam's drag kit is going to be a beast! 8)
Quote from: mo65 on December 02, 2017, 03:03:18 PM
This 2-speed with Adam's drag kit is going to be a beast! 8)
A two speed? Wow! That really brings out my inner reel nerdness!
Shouldn't really compare the 650SS to the 270 though, two completely different reels.
I had a few come through my hands and I'm sorry I didn't hold on to them.
The 650 has 4.7:1 ratio, making it much faster and useful for some types of fishing, while the 270 is much slower making it a better choice for other types of fishing.
I like everything on those reels except the detachable reel stand.
Still nice reels though.
Sal
I consider the 270 a 20 plus pound fish catching reel. I like challenging myself one of the times when I went bottom bumping below a damn on the ohio river near me for grins I took my 221 with 10lb test berkley big game mono on a stiff 6ft bass type rod. Normally I would use a little bigger reel with 15-20lb for bumping below the damn as sometimes you just get a bunch of little eater cats sometimes some medium 10-15lb ones sometime reel big ones over 20lbs most of depends on what's in below the damn and what I can manage to net for bait. Anyways that day during the eclipse a while back all we were getting were mostly smaller eater cats in the 3-6lb range so I broke out the quick 221 put an ounce pencil drift weight on with a three way swivel the typical circle hook I would use for this stick on a hole little 3-4" thread fin shad and started to use it to bump. I knew it was a little under powered for what could potentially bite. But it was fun caught a hard fighting 26" and 24" drum that was peeling line in the current, bunch of small cats, one decent flat head that probably weighed around 10lbs that was pulling a lot of line out. Was a lot fun these little quicks have got some guts to say the least.
Nice rock head!
Very Cool. 8)
Drum, and buffalo as well, are underrated fighters; lots of strength.
Frank
Yeah I always enjoy getting into a good fight with buffalo, drum, cats, and big gar on lighter tackle. Big drum and buffalo I think are some of the best fighting fresh water fish, big catfish put up a fight, but pound for pound I think drum fight harder. That's why I love smallmouth pound for pound they put up good fight. Nothing like peeling drag to me no matter what's at the other end I enjoy it. Especially on old reels puts that much more of a smile on my face when it's on reels I have gone through.
We catch plenty of drum down here but have never caught a buffalo on rod and reel. My high school ag teacher would carry myself and his son up to the dam fishing. And he fished for drum. Only person I have known that liked them. Buffalo I like!
I think the 270 is more reel than needed for any catfish up to 30 lbs. Unless you fish narly structure or heavy current.
The 440 or even a 331 with upgraded drag would be what I would use. 440 has an adjustment for the bail that the D.A.M. reels don't have until later models.
They do have a plastic spool which doesn't bother me to much. Rap the arbor with some protective tape & use braid topped off with mono.
If I wasn't fishing heavy current or structure a 331 with a Finessa metal spool would be the reel I'd use for catfish in this size class.
I'd put the 331 on a faster tipped blank than the usuall spinning rod & want the blank capable of fishing 40 - 50 line.... Jeff
Quote from: handyandy on December 08, 2017, 03:38:41 PM
Yeah I always enjoy getting into a good fight with buffalo, drum, cats, and big gar on lighter tackle. Big drum and buffalo I think are some of the best fighting fresh water fish, big catfish put up a fight, but pound for pound I think drum fight harder. That's why I love smallmouth pound for pound they put up good fight. Nothing like peeling drag to me no matter what's at the other end I enjoy it. Especially on old reels puts that much more of a smile on my face when it's on reels I have gone through.
An angler after my own heart.
Frank
Quote from: Rivverrat on December 09, 2017, 03:33:23 AM
The 440 or even a 331 with upgraded drag would be what I would use. 440 has an adjustment for the bail that the D.A.M. reels don't have until later models.
They do have a plastic spool which doesn't bother me to much. Rap the arbor with some protective tape & use braid topped off with mono.
If I wasn't fishing heavy current or structure a 331 with a Finessa metal spool would be the reel I'd use for catfish in this size class.
I'd put the 331 on a faster tipped blank than the usuall spinning rod & want the blank capable of fishing 40 - 50 line.... Jeff
Some good advice there, Rivverrat.
Frank
Quote from: Midway Tommy on December 01, 2017, 06:20:11 PM
For some reason unbeknownst to me most all of those older Dam reels feel awkward or clumsy when I stick them on a rod. I've never been able to figure out why they feel that way but it must have something to do with balance or just my perception.
I think it is the way they balance also the handle angle on some models lends itself to a sort of awkward feeling. Easy to get used to though.
Drum are not only great fighters they are pretty good eating. Gar can put on a show with their quick turns & going air born at times..... TRASH FISH ? My Beehind!
Like to see a bass or trout go 2 days in August where most gar call home. More Apocoliptic survivor's the any thing else.... Jeff
Quote from: Rivverrat on December 09, 2017, 04:00:24 AM
Gar can put on a show with their quick turns & going air born at times.....
Gar are a challenge; with their bony mouths, if your hooks aren't in #1 shape & you don't set the hook with a little emphasis, you'll come up empty.
Frank
Quote from: happyhooker on December 09, 2017, 04:13:13 AM
Quote from: Rivverrat on December 09, 2017, 04:00:24 AM
Gar can put on a show with their quick turns & going air born at times.....
Gar are a challenge; with their bony mouths, if your hooks aren't in #1 shape & you don't set the hook with a little emphasis, you'll come up empty.
Frank
Rope lures, but sometimes they will make you cuss trying get it untangled from their teeth. They're a blast to catch, good eating to. I call gar southern pike, since they are shaped similarly, are more of a southern fish, and I love northern pike.
Just now saw your post. Gar are a fantastic eating fish. I always thought there hide would make a great pair of work boots... Jeff