The year was 1968.
A year earlier, DAM Quick had introduced a new line of spinning reels. The 110 Microlite, the 220, 330, and 550.
The acceptance and demand for these new reels, although they were expensive for their day —- was overwhelming.
The gear ratio on the 110 was 1:5. The 220 & 330 were 1:3.
There was something missing, although only a few anglers would ever realize or know what was missing —- and for those that would appreciate the slight change in the 330 and 220 —- DQ came out in '68 with special high speed versions of these reels —- a 221 & a 331.
These had special gears and longer crank handles for better control and power transmission.
Knowing anglers needed a tough, strong, and capable high speed reel for retrieving bait more naturally with the current. Plus in some cases a faster retrieve of a lure was needed.
Both the 331 and the smaller 221 were limited production runs.
For every (30) 330's, only one 331 was made.
For the smaller 221 —- the production ratio was much less. About 1 in 50.
This morning, before going into town, I put together a new 221 from new parts out of the bins.
This is not a repaint. It is a new reel just as the parts came from the factory. Every part has been burnished to remove bin tarnish of 54 years, modern synthetic lubes.
This is a small but very capable spinning reel at only 11 ounces.
If someone wants this reel —- $100 and I will split the shipping. Figure $105 to your door via Priority Mail.
Best, Fred
Is there a Lifetime WARRANTY with this ? :cf ;D
I love my DQ 220, that 221 looks great Fred! I have to stop looking at this... I know the 1000 might be a superior reel but IMO the emblems on the older DQs and the AR lever design/sound just do it for me. It seems like with care, could virtually last forever.
What a beauty...!!!
:o
If I lived anywhere in America, Fred, believe me, you and I would see each other very often, hang out and exchange ideas and gadgets. As it is, looking from Serbia, there are not many possibilities for that.
Beautiful reel; for the build quality, you probably can't find anything close on the "new" reel market for that amount of $$.
Frank
Quote from: Wompus Cat on August 11, 2022, 10:26:46 AMIs there a Lifetime WARRANTY with this ? :cf ;D
Yes, there is a lifetime warranty, Henry —-
Plus it will include a new extra bail spring.
And, as always, no payment until after you receive the reel and are satisfied with the finished product.
I take a lot of pride in my work —- and with 40+ years of experience and the superior, bullet-proof engineering and design of the DQ's —- it is never a problem to stand behind one's work.
The system I have developed with organized parts readily accessible, no clutter, good tools and techniques, and specializing in only a few quality brands —- makes a build come together in an hour. And also guarantees a repeatable solid outcome —- regardless of how the reel arrives on the bench.
Might have worked on over 10,000 of these DQ's.
Best, Fred
Sold to a member. Plus an order for a matching 331.
Thanks!
Best, Fred
I need to pay more attention.
Nice reel
Fred,
Just got home from work. I would have grabbed that DAM Quick 221 in a second!
The new owner is getting a great reel!
Tad
The 221 is my favorite Quick...I fish one...what a fantastic reel!
The member who wanted the high-speed 221 asked if by chance I might have a high speed 331 available.
Put it together from new parts out of the bins yesterday.
Not a repaint —- all original factory finish.
This combo makes a great lifetime pairing.
Also sent out a spare bail spring for each reel.
Best, Fred
Wow. Spanking new! Definitely a deal!
Fred, THANK YOU for the anonymity using NO NAMES!!! I appreciate that very much!
BUTT... let me sheepishly walk into the light from the unknown darkness...
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7588-030922185627-370941178.jpeg)
It is I - El Pescador! who asked for both the BRAND NEW DQ 221 and asked Fred to throw in a similar quality DQ 331.
I have two words!!!! STUNNING!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7588-030922185628-37095865.jpeg)
Both are clean as a whistle, accurate to the condition Fred stated in his post. Cranks like a queen, and for the first time, I am tempted to make BOTH REELS Shelf Queens. Until now, every reel I own is fished, some more than others, BUTT all have time on the water and all catch fish.
And Fred! How you package a reel for shipment!!!! POSTAL SERVICE IMPERVIOUS to Damage!!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7588-030922185623-37092255.jpeg)
Reels in a cloth bag!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7588-030922185621-370911317.jpeg)
Cloth bags in a padded Shipping bag...
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7588-030922185620-370902298.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7588-030922185616-370881189.jpeg)
Then in the FIRST BOX, well padded again.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7588-030922185615-370881406.jpeg)
And that wrapped box in another box!!!
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7588-030922185611-370851443.jpeg)
Fred you wrap like a MAD DOG :o
And the reels ALWAYS arrive in FLAWLESS CONDITION!!!! Thank you SIR :al
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7588-030922185625-370931767.jpeg)
All your reels arrive in perfect condition, you state the condition of the reel EXACTLY as it is, and you communicate during the shipping process, which I like, and your prices are more than fair to the buyer.
Now I need to make room for them in the garage, more on that later.
I'm happy as a lark!!!!
Wayne
Fantastic purchase Wayne...and always stellar work Fred...those are iconic reels. :fish
This is excellent to see, great work and enjoy the fishing!