Just received my 2nd Squidder 140 today...It has the Newell kit: Spool, support posts, reel base, knob, and speed clamp.
The reel has an interesting story behind it. The fella who first bought the reel new had used it to fish Montauk and beaches along the northeastern coast. He was a reel repairman for a local shop up there and I can tell because this reel was very well taken care of....it is near perfect....must have been his pride and joy. He eventually left it to his son who used it for the same purpose from the north east coast beaches to the Outer Banks. Evidently his son was a chip off the old block because he continued to care for the reel the way his dad did. I bought the reel from his son. There is absolutely no salt water corrosion anywhere on the reel...and the interior of the reel is as pristine as the exterior....even though the reel was only used in the salt. I thought my first Squidder (OEM) was real find....like new.....but this new acquisition, although well used was taken care of to the extreme.
I really prefer the classic looks of the original design Penn reels but these Newell kitted reels are supposed to be an upgrade, so I will probably fish this Newell kitted reel and just put my Oem reel on the shelf and admire it from time to time. I fish all my Penn reels, so if I shelve my OEM Penn Squidder, does that make me a "collector".....LOL!!!!
Very nice! Makes it even better, when there is some history to go along with a nice reel!
No pictures?
Well, my big score the other day, ran into a little hiccup, with my first 140 L, that I just picked up!
Didn't even notice, has a bent, left inner side ring, and a couple post are bent!
So, I see why a lot of them get upgraded!
Not sure how it happened, but they do not look that easy to bend to me lol!
ExcessiveAngler; I would post pictures if I could figure out how to do so...I am not computer literate. On most forums its pretty simple but I cannot figure this one out.
Anything can be fixed. I have bought "parts reels" and restored them to like new condition and use them to this day...so dont give up on it! I believe I saw some Squidder side plates and support posts on Ebay just the other day...and Newell support posts too....check it out.
I will try to get some pictues up on here....it would be nice to be able to post them!
Quote from: Flat Top on July 14, 2023, 03:05:39 AMExcessiveAngler; I would post pictures if I could figure out how to do so...I am not computer literate. On most forums its pretty simple but I cannot figure this one out.
Anything can be fixed. I have bought "parts reels" and restored them to like new condition and use them to this day...so dont give up on it! I believe I saw some Squidder side plates and support posts on Ebay just the other day...and Newell support posts too....check it out.
I will try to get some pictues up on here....it would be nice to be able to post them!
What are you viewing this form with?
I'm using an iPhone!
I can post pictures, but cannot do it, in private messages lol for some reason?
Viewing the forum with a PC.
Quote from: Flat Top on July 14, 2023, 05:52:22 PMViewing the forum with a PC.
Sorry brother, I can't help you with that one my friend, hate computers lol!
And I don't know a lot about computers lol!
I used a tablet for a while, and then been using iPhone since!
Much easier, using the phone, at least fir me anyway!
Thanks for the heads up on the parts,I don't know what I'm doing yet?
I'm thinking, I'm going to build 2, 146L Cortez conversion reels!
I guess, it depends, on what I bump into as well parts wise!
I have some Mag Power reels 970,980,990!
I didn't realize they were considered somewhat beefed up already!
According to Thorhammer, they are really strong, stock, out-of-the-box!
As much as I like them, they just aren't that pretty blue color, I love so much, that I see on a lot of these modified Cortez reels!
thats ok! One thing I have found over the years is the Penn reels do a phenomenal job as is. I have never had a Penn reel fail me yet in both salt and freshwater. Even if you never get upgrades your Penn reels will always perform and never let you down...if you keep up your end of the deal and maintain them properly.
1980-01-01 00.00.50.jpg1980-01-01 00.00.56.jpg
Well I finally got some photos to load here....double loaded, but I am getting there. Anyway, my OEM Squidder and the Newell kit Squidder.
I also made some Nylon casting brakes for both the Squidders and if anyone is interested in that I will try to post photos.
There you go lol!
Well, you know the old motto?
I'd rather be double stuffed, than under stuffed lol!
Did you get them like that or have you cleaned them up already?
ExcessiveAngler; "Double stuffed than understuffed"... that right there is funny! Next time wifey asks me why I am going back for seconds, I will have a good reply!
Actually both reels came in very clean. I have gone through the OEM 140 already...completely cleaned, serviced and installed carbontex drags, and the Newell kitted 140 is apart on the work bench now and will order carbontex drags for that one on Monday. What amazed me is that neither reel had a speck of salt water corrosion...the OEM was from California, and the Newell 140 was from New England so I expected some corrosion. Whoever owned these reels before I bought them kept them in excellent condition. I have not been so lucky with other purchases I have made over the years but for the most part even those reels are not an embarrassment to show off.....they cleaned up nicely.
Those are a couple of nice reels Flat Top. It's great to know the reels history. I noticed that it looks like you have a Jigmaster handle 24-66 on the post reel and a 24S-310 handle on the Newell kit. Curious to know which you like better. I have both on squidders and surfmasters and I go back and forth as to which I like better. The only handle I don't like is the one it originally came with 24-155. Tiny little knob. I fished mine stock for many years. You kind of get used to your hand slipping off at the worse possible time, but I wouldn't recommend it. Also curious if the free spool is better on the Newell kit.
John
Finest Kind; Thanks.....sometimes I get lucky.
As far as the handles are concerned, I am so used to the original torpedo style handles/knobs that I cant make a judgement on which is the best. I guess I will find out as time goes on because I have used only the originals. Many fisherman are very particular about their equipment or reel set ups, but I am not one of those fisherman. OEM Penn reels have served me so well for so long. I got my first Penn from my grandpa, he bought it used...it was a model 80 I believe....but dont quote me on that...I am 75 years old and the old brain aint what it used to be....but I do remember it was for my 15th birthday in 1963.
Both handles are stamped 24-155...maybe you can tell me about the knobs. I know one is original (torpedo) but the "T" knob I know nothing about. Was it from a later model Squidder?
Yes, the free spool is better with the Newell spool...probably due to the lighter weight....but, the OEM squidder casts like a dream with the plastic spool. I have yet to try the aluminum spool on that one.
My mistake Flat Top. The handle on the post reel looks bigger than a standard handle. I guess it's just the photo.That's why I thought it was a Jigmaster handle, which is just an upsized version of the standard Squidder handle. Same torpedo shape though. The flat knob handle is also one of my favorites. I think Penn has put it on different blades for different reels. I have it as aftermarket on Surfmaster, Squidder, and also OEM 965 International bait caster. I probably have too many spare parts floating around so I'm always changing things up to try to make the 'ultimate reel'! You might be better off not trying to second guess Penn!
John
Finest Kind; Thats what I like about this forum....I learn something every day! The "T" knob looks to be "riveted" as Penn did with all their factory knobs so I would say you are correct on that. When I saw this Newell kitted reel for sale, and after I read about the upgraded Squidders on here I decided to give it a go. It aint no Tiburon upgrade for sure, but it will be interesting to play with.
Flat Top, I only have a Newell spool on one reel, a 100 Surfmaster. It's an excellent spool, and I think the Newell kits are all highly regarded. I have heard that the bars hold the reel in better alignment which I would think would make for a better free spool and casting. Good luck with the reels!
John
Thanks Finest Kind; I should be able to get the Newell Kit out by the end of the week and I have a OEM Squidder to compare it to. If it casts as everyone on here says it will that would be superb. My Delmar and Long Beach reels cast just fine for the kind of fishing I do, but I have few spots where I would like more distance and thats why I got the Squidder.
Quote from: Finest Kind on July 16, 2023, 10:42:53 AMThose are a couple of nice reels Flat Top. It's great to know the reels history. I noticed that it looks like you have a Jigmaster handle 24-66 on the post reel and a 24S-310 handle on the Newell kit. Curious to know which you like better. I have both on squidders and surfmasters and I go back and forth as to which I like better. The only handle I don't like is the one it originally came with 24-155. Tiny little knob. I fished mine stock for many years. You kind of get used to your hand slipping off at the worse possible time, but I wouldn't recommend it. Also curious if the free spool is better on the Newell kit.
John
I thought that was just silly, they use that little white torpedo handle on the 146L!
I just picked up the 140L and 146L, the other day, and the one handle, is literally almost twice as big as the other one lol!
So they used the 24–155 on some bigger Reels as well?
I like the flat handles, that came on the mag 525 and GLS 25 reels, that's what I'm going to throw on the 146, till I get my new frame!
And yes, I love this place. I learn a lot of new things here every day! Lol.
Anybody know, what else those squidder bars fit on?
Or I guess what size Newell, they came off of?
I might know,where I can get a seat and bars really cheap, if there still there!
Quote from: ExcessiveAngler on July 16, 2023, 07:41:46 PMQuote from: Finest Kind on July 16, 2023, 10:42:53 AMThose are a couple of nice reels Flat Top. It's great to know the reels history. I noticed that it looks like you have a Jigmaster handle 24-66 on the post reel and a 24S-310 handle on the Newell kit. Curious to know which you like better. I have both on squidders and surfmasters and I go back and forth as to which I like better. The only handle I don't like is the one it originally came with 24-155. Tiny little knob. I fished mine stock for many years. You kind of get used to your hand slipping off at the worse possible time, but I wouldn't recommend it. Also curious if the free spool is better on the Newell kit.
John
I thought that was just silly, they use that little white torpedo handle on the 146L!
I just picked up the 140L and 146L, the other day, and the one handle, is literally almost twice as big as the other one lol!
So they used the 24–155 on some bigger Reels as well?
I like the flat handles, that came on the mag 525 and GLS 25 reels, that's what I'm going to throw on the 146, till I get my new frame!
And yes, I love this place. I learn a lot of new things here every day! Lol.
Anybody know, what else those squidder bars fit on?
Or I guess what size Newell, they came off of?
I might know,where I can get a seat and bars really cheap, if there still there!
magpower and gls handle wont fit squidder. they have 4/0 size holes. 112H small flat blade power handle is nice on a 146 size squidder or 100. 24=66 with flat paddle is good on about all smaller penns. 24-49 is too large for squidder IMO. Ted's blade is the perfect the length for small Penns too.
Quote from: thorhammer on July 17, 2023, 12:08:37 PMQuote from: ExcessiveAngler on July 16, 2023, 07:41:46 PMQuote from: Finest Kind on July 16, 2023, 10:42:53 AMThose are a couple of nice reels Flat Top. It's great to know the reels history. I noticed that it looks like you have a Jigmaster handle 24-66 on the post reel and a 24S-310 handle on the Newell kit. Curious to know which you like better. I have both on squidders and surfmasters and I go back and forth as to which I like better. The only handle I don't like is the one it originally came with 24-155. Tiny little knob. I fished mine stock for many years. You kind of get used to your hand slipping off at the worse possible time, but I wouldn't recommend it. Also curious if the free spool is better on the Newell kit.
John
I thought that was just silly, they use that little white torpedo handle on the 146L!
I just picked up the 140L and 146L, the other day, and the one handle, is literally almost twice as big as the other one lol!
So they used the 24–155 on some bigger Reels as well?
I like the flat handles, that came on the mag 525 and GLS 25 reels, that's what I'm going to throw on the 146, till I get my new frame!
And yes, I love this place. I learn a lot of new things here every day! Lol.
Anybody know, what else those squidder bars fit on?
Or I guess what size Newell, they came off of?
I might know,where I can get a seat and bars really cheap, if there still there!
magpower and gls handle wont fit squidder. they have 4/0 size holes. 112H small flat blade power handle is nice on a 146 size squidder or 100. 24=66 with flat paddle is good on about all smaller penns. 24-49 is too large for squidder IMO. Ted's blade is the perfect the length for small Penns too.
Darn it, John!
I guess, I rushed into this "like a bull in a China shop" lol!
This is very disheartening news to hear, as I was just about to buy two more 146s!
So, I took the handle off the 146, because I'm just a hard head, just have to see things for myself sometimes lol!
So I figured I would just go with the 140 sleeve, and it's the same size as the 146?
Looks like the brass sleeve is rounded off slightly, on both of them, and that really stinks! Why is there such a small sleeve on these on these reels?
Before I go any further with these squidders,
Is there an upgrade for the bigger sleeves?
Squidder came out in the 1930's and had small gears with small teeth, so everything within design limits. No bigger sleeve, but there is a stainless one. If you go SS sleeve and carbon drag with larger throw handle, you might easily defeat the stock brass gear, so you can hunt a steel one. Still small teeth, but at least steel. My Cortez squidders are easily some of my favorites, but IMO even a steel gear that small is way over matched and becomes the weak link in such a robust chassis. That said some large fish have been landed on stock Squidders and they were a drum mainstay at OBX for decades on a sweet honey Lami or Fenwick. I still have one hanging on a custom wrapped root beer Harnell.
Quote from: thorhammer on July 17, 2023, 04:19:39 PMSquidder came out in the 1930's and had small gears with small teeth, so everything within design limits. No bigger sleeve, but there is a stainless one. If you go SS sleeve and carbon drag with larger throw handle, you might easily defeat the stock brass gear, so you can hunt a steel one. Still small teeth, but at least steel. My Cortez squidders are easily some of my favorites, but IMO even a steel gear that small is way over matched and becomes the weak link in such a robust chassis. That said some large fish have been landed on stock Squidders and they were a drum mainstay at OBX for decades on a sweet honey Lami or Fenwick. I still have one hanging on a custom wrapped root beer Harnell.
Well, I had this idea, that I was going to build a few 146's as multi-purpose, do it all reels! Then, I could get rid of other gear and make my life a little easier!
As usual, I jumped in both feet first, without thoroughly checking things out first!
Hence my user name lol!
Both of my 140's have steel gears...were they swapped out or manufactured like that?
Some are OEM, depending on period of manufacture. Unless Black Pearl (Alan Chui) came up with a set of SS I missed seeing, I'm not aware of any such. Penn gears are steel or possibly moly steel; I can't recall exactly if they did that on Squidder and Surfmaster gears but someone else might know. Moly's are nice of you can't get SS.
Also, steel is noisier, just know that going in.
Quote from: Flat Top on July 16, 2023, 06:23:18 PMThanks Finest Kind; I should be able to get the Newell Kit out by the end of the week and I have a OEM Squidder to compare it to. If it casts as everyone on here says it will that would be superb. My Delmar and Long Beach reels cast just fine for the kind of fishing I do, but I have few spots where I would like more distance and thats why I got the Squidder.
So do your 140's have, or getting, upgraded gear sleeves as well?
I'm beside myself for not catching, that these brass sleeves were in such poor condition!
Looking at the diameter of them, they look way too thin, where the handle bolts on!
ExcessiveAngler, Thorhammer; I will double check those main gears/sleeves tomorrow just to make sure...I will let you know.
Note, surfmaster uses same gears and if you see a potential donor, you can easily check with quick take-apart plate, and they are cheaper than squidders.
I just checked....my main and pinion gears on both reels are steel (magnetic). The bridge is stainless with a steel shaft (shaft is magnetic) and the gear sleeve is bronze. The eccentric, pinion yoke, and drag washer set are brass.
Thanks thorhammer! I will keep that info in mind.
Sweet! SS drag washers are nice for corrosion, but for my money greased carbontex on polished brass makes for really smooth drag and with quick take apart you can service if needed easily enough. I lap brass drags out on 1000 grit wet dry with some oil on it.
thorhammer; I have never had an issue with the brass drag washers as well and the carbontex really improves the smoothness of the drag. I did some side by side tests on some old Delmar reels that I have comparing the OEM drags to the carbontex and I could definitely feel the difference. For grins I took that same old Delmar and attached it to a hanging digital scale and pulled 29 to 30 lbs with the drag locked down....it didnt slip....I called it quits right there. I usually keep my initial drag settings on all my reels about 8 to 10 lbs (I use 40 lb braid for the most part) and that seems to work very well for my purposes.
Finest Kind; I got the Newell kitted reel back together last night...cleaned, lubed and ready to fish. You were correct this Newell kitted reel will spin/free spool forever....and it is very smooth. Now I understand the difference that the Newell kit can make.
My good sir I think you've stumbled onto the one of the central tenets of this site (aside from "fishing, like life, is better with friends") which is that something can be just fine (like a factory penn reel) and not need any mods, but still have room for improvement.
JasonGotaProblem; 100%!!! I have some OEM Penn reels that I have been using since I was 15 years old (thats 60 years worth of salt water and fresh water use). None of them have ever needed anything but drag washers...they have all the original parts. I took good care of them, and still use them to this day.....and from 5 feet away they still look great. I am not embarrassed to fish them in public....and they do as they were intended to do...catch fish.
I thought the OEM Squidder I first purchased was the be all end all for long distance casting (smooth and great free spool), but this Newell kitted Squidder (my second purchase) I believe will out perform the OEM Squidder. Weather permitting I will give it a tryout tomorrow morning. Like you said anything can be improved upon.....but do the OEM Penn reels "need" improvement....no...they have served me well.
Quote from: thorhammer on July 18, 2023, 06:46:55 PMSweet! SS drag washers are nice for corrosion, but for my money greased carbontex on polished brass makes for really smooth drag and with quick take apart you can service if needed easily enough. I lap brass drags out on 1000 grit wet dry with some oil on it.
Thanks for the advise on polishing the brass drag washers Thorhammer. When I updated the drags in my Surfmasters and Squidders I replaced all the brass washers with the SS. Why? Probably because they came with the kit and I never really thought about it. I think I will change them back.
Quote from: Flat Top on July 19, 2023, 11:32:11 AMFinest Kind; I got the Newell kitted reel back together last night...cleaned, lubed and ready to fish. You were correct this Newell kitted reel will spin/free spool forever....and it is very smooth. Now I understand the difference that the Newell kit can make.
That's good to hear. Enjoy the reels!
Quote from: Finest Kind on July 19, 2023, 02:47:15 PMQuote from: thorhammer on July 18, 2023, 06:46:55 PMSweet! SS drag washers are nice for corrosion, but for my money greased carbontex on polished brass makes for really smooth drag and with quick take apart you can service if needed easily enough. I lap brass drags out on 1000 grit wet dry with some oil on it.
Thanks for the advise on polishing the brass drag washers Thorhammer. When I updated the drags in my Surfmasters and Squidders I replaced all the brass washers with the SS. Why? Probably because they came with the kit and I never really thought about it. I think I will change them back.
I'd leave them be. I just reused the brass ones because I'd buy a bunch of carbontex in different sizes because they go to a lot of Penns, instead of buying a bunch of kits for shelfies that MIGHT get fished. This particularly applies where I find a yard sale sleeper in good shape, but the original drags are melded crud on the brass washers. Polish, grease, new carbontex, done for a few bucks. I don't think you'd notice a difference in any actual fishing application, just that SS won't corrode up. IMO, using greased carbon drags vs. ole skool leather or asbestos significantly reduces corrosion on brass washers anyways. Makes a difference if you're piecing together a dozen LB 60's out of parts buckets but for a couple of user reels I'd go the kit. You can also polish the SS, just harder.
Thanks Thorhammer, good to know.
My dad's old Squidder. Why does it have different colored sideplates? One black and one maroon.
My guess is one side plate broke and was replaced but who knows. Don't think it would come from the factory like that