Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Welcome from Salem va,,,,,

Quote from: morlock on February 15, 2026, 04:08:00 PMAbsolutely! I am starting to learn a great deal about these vintage micro reels. So, I did look up all the ones Fred had on his list and I really liked the D.A.M lineup. I especially like the looks of the D.A.M junior. Any scoop on that one?

Not telling you what you ought to do —- but the DQ lineup, Penn Series, and Cardinal 3 reels are possibly twice the quality reels of the Mitchell 308/408 —- although the 408 is very good.

As far as the DQ reels go —- the Junior 240 or 245 are a fairly weak reel compared to the 265, 110, 110N, 1000, & 1001.  The Juniors were made at a lower price point to compete with the dozens of other reel makers of the time that were turning out lesser quality spinners for less $$$.

Hard to beat a DQ 265 Microlite.

The reasons are many, but primarily the steel "worm-drive coupled with a phosphor cut bronze main gear and steel crank shafts" are lifetime quality and nearly indestructible.  They also have oversized main ball bearings.  The gears and worm-drive is double or triple supported within a metal frame —- and there is no side-lateral offset pressure on the drivetrain.  It is exactly center-balanced and smooth.  The German engineers never made excuses —- they only made top quality.  No shortcuts.  Tolerances are within half a Mil, or exact —- and even after 50-60 years of use, there is no slop or degradation of original tolerances.

The Penns and the Cardinal 3 mentioned also have this worm-drive system.  It is bulletproof.

Best, Fred

Fred, that's exactly what I want, for you to tell me what to do. How else would I learn? The information you've given me so far is priceless, I really mean it! I've already read a bunch of your posts on different reels and I am mightily impressed with the depth of your knowledge on this subject. So, after looking at all available options, I narrowed it down to two. Mitchell 408 and DQ 265 Microlite. I already learned a good deal on the Mitchell sub-variants and will be aiming for the earliest model. What about the 265? Anything interesting going on from generational standpoint? The looks are important to me and as strange as it might sound, I am not a big fan of skeleton-type cranks. It has to be solid and round, that's what attracted me to the vintage Mitchells in the first place. The retro look is a must.  Also, the less plastic, the better. Thanks again!   

Another interesting reel I came across is an Italian-made Alcedo Micron M498. Is it any good?

Greetings, from Minnesota.  Looks like you're hooked.

Frank

Yes, sir... I've been contemplating another hobby to add to the few I have already. I also work on vintage outboards, anything pre-1960 and 10HP or less.

Quote from: morlock on Today at 01:31:07 AMAnother interesting reel I came across is an Italian-made Alcedo Micron M498. Is it any good?

Yes, they are excellent reels, just a little finicky.  And parts are unavailable mostly, or very, very expensive. 

Worm drive, solid little reels.

However, it is like using a vintage shotgun —- or harping back to your youth and buying an old VW camper van like the one you couldn't afford when you were 18.  The nostalgia and memories are great —- but the reality is that when you want to take the VW out for a weekend, now that you can afford one —- you have to work on it for 2 days every time you take it out —- then hold your breath that you will get back.

Here are a few 1960 Microlites built from all new parts inside and out.  Not repaints —- all new.

Best, Fred

Quote from: foakes on Today at 02:42:45 AM

Quote from: morlock on Today at 01:31:07 AMAnother interesting reel I came across is an Italian-made Alcedo Micron M498. Is it any good?

Yes, they are excellent reels, just a little finicky.  And parts are unavailable mostly, or very, very expensive. 

Worm drive, solid little reels.

However, it is like using a vintage shotgun —- or harping back to your youth and buying an old VW camper van like the one you couldn't afford when you were 18.  The nostalgia and memories are great —- but the reality is that when you want to take the VW out for a weekend, now that you can afford one —- you have to work on it for 2 days every time you take it out —- then hold your breath that you will get back.

Here are a few 1960 Microlites built from all new parts inside and out.  Not repaints —- all new.

Best, Fred

You know, I am starting to get really excited just from looking at your photos, Fred. You are absolutely correct about that "special" feeling from using vintage equipment be it a shotgun or fishing reel. Both can produce a fine meal at the end of a day, but with a lot more class and style.