Reel Repair by Alan Tani

There is a slight chance that I have a SS 15-49, I will search today.

Indeed, the alloy spools are better than the chromed brass ones. The brass ones tend to spread and deform; at least, all the ones I've seen have done so.

The 349 Master Mariner is a better reel in many ways if you have the option, of course not everyone has that, but here in the UK the 49 was used a lot for conger eels on charter boats years ago, and they wreck gear! The eels, that is, not the boats!

I almost packed my 349 for tonight's trip now I'm kinda wishing I had brought it.

The 349/349H are a different class of reel and much stronger than the 49H. 

I recalled Sal did an expose on the 49 a few years back trying to beef it up with 349 internals and it worked. The 349H is the beefiest Mariner model with heavier Senator size internals.
My 49 reels will not be displays collecting dust in the living room or paper weights.
I have been using my 49L and my Blackfish Special at Creek Pt and I hooked into Cownose Rays. It worked great so far.

No luck on the SS 15-49.