Since Enterprise Manufacturing/Valley?, took over the Newell operation -- it has been basically DOA.
It would seem that from the amount of knowledge -- and skill level of talent on this Board -- we could manufacture our own line of top quality reels similar to Newells.
We would be talking about SS components, plastic injection components, improved operation in a few weak areas. Do a complete line of reels from 20 to 60 pound rigs -- wide, narrow, mediums.
We know what to do, and the talent is all here.
However, it may be too much work, or too hard, or not enough interest, or?
That is perfectly understandable.
But it would be a worthy goal.
Someone I respect, told me one time -- "each of us has a choice to just sit on the porch with the rest of the old guys, talking about the glory days of yesterday -- or we can step off the porch and change tomorrow".
Maybe I am just one of the old guys -- but wouldn't that be something?
Interesting possibilities.
Best,
Fred
I like your thinking... 8)
Having Cortez Conversions and Pro Challenger on board would be a start.
It all comes down to $ and a design team to make it happen.
AT reel line. :)
I would like to see a Kevlar reinforced polymeric frame and sideplates. We would need a chemical engineer to help with the composition, a mechanical engineer to ffactoring the stress loading, and....
Valley Mfg evidently had someone that was really up to date on all the different polymers. Kevlar.....literally, a bulletproof reel. ;D
When you get started make a couple thousand 533 3.2s for Florida and I get the first four. ;D
That's funny Dwight! ;D
it's a tough market. :-\
i'll take a dozen in clear please ;D
Quote from: alantani on April 01, 2015, 08:46:42 PM
it's a tough market. :-\
X2
The Newell name will help but it will take a lot of $ to bring back this great product.
I own a few Valley Mfg. Newells and serviced a bunch of them and I really have to say they were on the right track. Quality control, fit and finish was on par or better than Carl's early P's and G's. I was sorry to see them shut down.
It's a huge possibility, it's a tough market though. If AT.com took it seriously it would easily be done
I was hoping that Pure Fishing (Penn) would have bought the rights for Newells from Valley Manufacturing but I guess they weren't interested in a niche reel company.
If you all do make this happen can you please please pretty please make a narrow, left hand, star drag, without a levelwind, cast control, as light as possible, 15lbs of drag (or more) and can hold 200 yds of 20lb mono?!
I love my Newell L-220 but it's basically a right hand reel that has been flipped over. The star drag is reversed for tightening and takes some getting used to. The spool release lever is on the front side of the reel and the way it pokes out can catch line coming off the spool.
Fred,
I am all about getting off the porch.
I don't think it a matter of work, or being too hard, and there is already interest.
Its the Cash it would take to get this off the ground.
I've been begging for almost two years for some Big Senator Stainless sleeves other than the ones from Electramate. They are finally happening only because of One man. Tom Hyrinuk.
I'm not saying its not possible. It just takes Money.
Its a Great Idea.
If this were to happen i'll say this alot of fisherman in Hawaii would be happy. Prices are outrageous at times. Wish i kept mine and ended up selling majority of them only to find out a few months later newell was going out of buisness. Lmk if this ever happens. Love to get my hands on some 550s again.
I have thought the same too Fred. I was imagining an aluminum one piece frame reel and a carbon fiber or magnesium spool. About as far as I got, but I honestly feel with the minds here, this is a genuine possibility. Maybe use some of the aftermarket and custom run parts currently available here on AT and make a reel with them, keeps cost down, similar to how some Pro Gear and Penn parts interchange.
I am going to be that guy, I have a marketing background, but put my name in for field tester as well. :)