This could be my most durable spinner.
(https://oi1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/P1050846_zpspr7org5z.jpg)
(https://oi1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/285%20finessa_zpsvnkxbhqk.jpg)
I like the removable side plates and extra screws at the rear and on the badge.
(https://oi1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/removeable%20sideplates_zpskyxxzotk.jpg)
The spool is metal and two things that are also metal are the pawl for the line out alarm on the spool and the spool cap.
Even my 3001 has plastic for those parts.
(https://oi1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/285%20spool_zpsic8qbhvf.jpg)
The drag is quite simple but is adequate and durable for its intended line weight.I found it would probably be good for even ultra light lines given its sensitivity and range.
(https://oi1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/285%20drag_zpsysqaqhq2.jpg)
Did you notice the body and side plates are painted on the inside also.
(https://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/P1050947_zpsrf40lztm.jpg)
I like this reel very much.
Greg
I've been on the fence about picking up a Finessa...you're convincing me Greg. Great looking rock solid reel. 8)
Cool looking reel, Greg!
Quote from: mo65 on April 20, 2019, 01:38:36 AM
I've been on the fence about picking up a Finessa...you're convincing me Greg. Great looking rock solid reel. 8)
You would love it Mo.
Quote from: Darin Crofton on April 20, 2019, 03:12:43 AM
Cool looking reel, Greg!
Yes Darin, I like the 330 and 331 that came after this 285 and the 280, as Fred has told us.
I believe the 280 first appeared in 1956 and the 285 in 1960. Then the 330 and 331 in 1967.
I got a great deal on this one from Canada. Very happy. I really like the look of the first model 280...hmmmmm?
Greg
You guys are pretty sharp...
Few folks know the quality and functionality of these durable old DQ Finessas.
As soon as you disassemble it — the overkill frame reinforcement, attention to balance, metal spool, simple and foolproof A/R at every 45 degrees on the main gear, combination of metals working together for smoothness as well as longevity — are evident to knowing reel-smiths.
No, they are not sexy, not a lot of bling, old school, and a dull reel compared to the latest Tupperware marvels coming out of Asia today. However, IMO, it is impossible to fault a reel that is 60+ years old — with tolerances designed at a half Mil — and after a service and restore — the tolerances are still at a half Mil — and the reel is ready for another 60 years of reliable service.
For those of you who know engines — sort of like the old Ford 300 CI Straight Six. Cast iron block heavier than a V8 — giant crank anchored by (7) main bearings, timing gear (not chains or belts), not a speed demon — but the low end torque and power to pull logs uphill when coupled with the right gears.
These Finessas are a 330 size reel. They came out at a time when DQ was offering the Super 270 also. The 270 was a big, tough spinning reel, designed for the Salt as well as the canals of Europe — where fish in the range of 40-60 pounds were the target. But anglers wanted a smaller reel — but with the capabilities of a winch — so the Finessa (more finesse, more refined, smaller) was designed by the same engineers who brought us the SW68 & 270 Super — then a little later, the Microlite 265. All of these reels had two things in common — their toughness and quality.
I service and restore these — and the only thing needed to improve them (and it is not even necessary, but I like it) is a CF greased with Cal's in place of the factory resistex drag washer.
These will handle Steelhead, Trout, Bass, Large Salmon, heavy Cats, Stripers, Walleye, Pike, big Carp, Muskies, and other game fish. Some folks use these for the Salt — but like any reel used in the Salt — more regular service is required.
A true workhorse, and an example of an era when tools were manufactured to last past a person's lifetime.
Best,
Fred
Fred
When I got my first DAM reel, a 220, in about 1983, I did not really know how good it was and did not appreciate it as much as it deserved.
Well I have learnt a lot about DAM reels since then, thanks mainly to you.
I now have 6 of these reels and value them greatly.
Thanks again Fred.
Greg
Wow, Greg, that's the best looking Finessa I've seen. The Finessa 285 was the first DAM Quick I ever did a complete overhaul. I let my stepson cast it a few times and he also said that it was was the strongest, most well built spinning reel he'd ever seen. Not really much to go wrong with one of these. Of course one might get dropped and the reel foot breaks or a handle or bail wire gets bent.
Is there a big difference in the Finessa 280 & 285? Seems like there's more of the 280's around? Thanks!
Quote from: Darin Crofton on April 20, 2019, 09:39:51 PM
Is there a big difference in the Finessa 280 & 285? Seems like there's more of the 280's around? Thanks!
Darin
I can only speak for their outside appearance, but from what I can see the handles, handgrips and colour of the spool caps can vary.
Some 280 reels I have seen also have different colours on the body parts.
Fred or Tommy would be able to tell you a lot more.
Greg
Quote from: Darin Crofton on April 20, 2019, 09:39:51 PM
Is there a big difference in the Finessa 280 & 285? Seems like there's more of the 280's around? Thanks!
No major differences, Darin —
This was my response to a member a year, or so, back —
There were 4 variations in these reels ranging from the early 280 to the latest 285's — which transitioned to the 330 a few years later.
Mostly just drag and crank knob colors, crank style, serial numbers or not, sideplate paint styles, under rotor metal cover, etc...
Most all parts will interchange.
In November 1956 the Quick Standard was succeeded by the Quick Finessa 280, which was followed by the Quick Finessa 285 in 1960. The Quick Finessa 285 eventually became the Quick Finessa 330 in 1967. This reel was the basis of the famous Quick Finessa 110-550 series of the sixties.
Best,
Fred
Quote from: Darin Crofton on April 20, 2019, 09:39:51 PM
Is there a big difference in the Finessa 280 & 285? Seems like there's more of the 280's around? Thanks!
Also the Finessa 280 didn't have the quick pop off spool. Well, I'm not sure all 280 had this type spool. Fred probably knows.
Fred wrote (For those of you who know engines — sort of like the old Ford 300 CI Straight Six. Cast iron block heavier than a V8 — giant crank anchored by (7) main bearings, timing gear (not chains or belts), not a speed demon — but the low end torque and power to pull logs uphill when coupled with the right gears.) Yeah like if Mercedes made jeeps, precise, tough, over built!
Thanks for the info guys, I have a couple Dam's and trying to learn more about these tough reels!
One thing I wish DAM had kept on their 330, 331, 3000, 3001 and 3002 models is the screw at the rear of the sideplate.
I can see daylight between the plate and the body on my 331 and 330 and 3001 at this point on those reels.
Yes, I know it is a trivial thing, but makes me appreciate the 280,285 build.
I must add that I just received an early 330 that has the same 4 screw side plates as the 285, but not the metal spool.
(https://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/P1060108_zpspow9sgi2.jpg)
I have never seen that before, Greg —
Maybe something is bent or not tight, or too tight.
Can you show us a few photos?
Best,
Fred
Or maybe I have not put enough grease on the inside of those plates.
I will take those pics Fred.
Grease is only useful for stemming water intrusion — there should not be any daylight shining through the reels you mentioned unless something is not right, Greg.
Best,
Fred
The 331 is in very good condition. The other two, not as good, but fine working reels.
(https://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/331_zps8jpce4zo.jpg)
(https://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/3001_zps07y3sepl.jpg)
(https://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/330_zpshws3tnow.jpg)
none of the sideplate screws are under tightened or over tightened.
Greg
Without seeing the whole reel, or body area, I'm thinking the side plates have gotten warped some how. If it were me, I would put a thin piece of wood, like a popsicle stick or a little thicker, under each end of the sideplate with the sideplate face down, and with a small block of wood just the size of the sideplate at the screw hole on the inside of the sideplate, being careful not to hit it too hard, lightly hit the block of wood with a hammer to try to cup the sideplate so that the front and rear both seat on tight onto the body. If there's a little gap in the center the screw will easily make that tight. If you warm the sideplate up with a hairdryer first it should bend a little easier.
Tommy has the right answer, Greg...
Best,
Fred
Thanks Tommy and Fred. I was expecting to get a "me too" reply or two, but now I am a little concerned, as Fred said he has never seen this before. I only own 5 DAM reels and the other two are my 270 and 285 and we know this can't happen to them. I will keep you posted.
cheers
Greg
Right, Greg —
Not trying to impress anyone — quite the opposite — just stating observations based on quite a bit of DQ experience over 40+ years. However, I may have worked on a few thousand of these over the years, and still have around 400 DQ's of most models in the storage bins — and even on the roughest examples — have never seen this. Currently have 11 on the bench that were completely restored for clients last week, along with another 18 that are still in line that have not hit the bench yet.
The way the sideplates mate with the frame — does not normally allow this bending. It is tight and exact.
Possibly, the only thing that occurs to me is someone tried to pry these off when they were either stuck with dried grease, or salt encrusted.
In those cases, I use an old dull pocketknife set into the mating break — with a dense rubber platform pad — and a hammer to tap the top of the blade to break the seal.
Your examples are kind of weird — but try to straighten them out as Tom suggested, a little at a time until they are back to square.
If by some chance, you ruin the plates — I may have some extras to send to you — at least for the 330 & 331 — N/C.
Best,
Fred
Thanks for your help Fred. I'm sure I can get them right with the hair dryer and a little softly softly with the rubber hammer.
I know the 3001 and the 330 did not have an easy life.
best regards
Greg
I finally scored a pretty clean Finessa. Man...is that oscillation arm screw tiny or what? Had to break out the trusty Teeny Turner. Inside was the usually waxy brown grease. All parts appeared to be present and accounted for until I got to the spool. The drag stack looked wrong...no wonder...it's a 330 spool! Oh well, it looks good, I suppose I'll run across the correct spool some day. 8)
I just "made a deal" on a Finessa, too... . your reel looks to be in a LOT better shape, Mo !! This will be my first Dam....and I'm starting with a real "basket case" :D
Quote from: Crow on October 13, 2019, 10:51:25 PM
I just "made a deal" on a Finessa, too... . your reel looks to be in a LOT better shape, Mo !! This will be my first Dam....and I'm starting with a real "basket case" :D
They are pretty straight forward Arlyn. About the only stumbling block on these is the handle pin. Don't rush into it. Follow Fred's advise to remove it, there are many threads in the Quick section discussing the dreaded pin.
No worries there, Mo....it doesn't HAVE a handle :D...I told you it was a "basket case" :P
Looks like a line roller and nut might be in order, too ! I'm just hoping the "innards" are all there ::)
280/285 spools are metal.
330 spools are plastic.
However, they interchange with no issues.
The 330 took the place of the Finessa -- same size -- most parts will work on both -- with a few exceptions.
When the 330 series came out -- it soon included the 110, 220, 221, 331, 440, and 550.
This new series effectively eliminated the 265 Microlite, 238, 240 Junior, 248, Finessa 285, and the 270 Super.
The 110, 221, and 331 are all high speed 1:5 versions -- compared to the standard 1:3 ratios of the others.
When you guys figure out what you need -- glad to help provide parts, if needed.
Best,
Fred