Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Thanks for the link!

Opps I did it again....

Those 170g SK jigs are killer during the day..... but don't tell anyone!

Quote from: Rocket Dog on April 03, 2026, 07:30:03 PMI have been trying to control my gear addiction,  but couldn't pass up some N.O.S. gear sets. Newell 500/112h 5:1 will be going into my Red T3N, and I'm switching the Newell 4:1 gear set for the new Accurate 4:1 set.

Newell gears are as smooth as the Accurates after they wear in.

I recently acquired a Daiwa 70x to add to my Ultralight collection as pictured below and seen on this thread:   https://alantani.com/index.php/topic,29990.0.html

Those little 70X's are great reels, John!

Best Regards, Fred

How do these reels compare to the Daiwa MiniMite 500C?

While I understand the 500C is lighter -- and the "C" designation indicates ball bearings rather than the bushings found in the standard 500 model -- the most striking difference to me is the market value.

Daiwa 500C:  Currently commands a premium price of $100+.

Daiwa 70x: I recently acquired this for $15 (plus tax and $8 shipping).

At that price point, the 70x feels like a good-value addition to my collection.

Quote from: jtwill98 on April 28, 2026, 09:29:19 PMHow do these reels compare to the Daiwa MiniMite 500C?

While I understand the 500C is lighter -- and the "C" designation indicates ball bearings rather than the bushings found in the standard 500 model -- the most striking difference to me is the market value.

Daiwa 500C:  Currently commands a premium price of $100+.

Daiwa 70x: I recently acquired this for $15 (plus tax and $8 shipping).

At that price point, the 70x feels like a good-value addition to my collection.

The 500C is the smallest in the silver series.  It has nylon bushings, as does the 700C, and most 1000C's

The Mini-Mite is gold, has bearings, and a spring-loaded folding crank handle.  It is between the 70X and the 500C, size-wise

There are many micro & ultralight Daiwa reels from the late 70's and earliest 80's.  They are similar in engineering, have metal bodies & frames —- all are excellent reels in my judgement.

One thing that most folks do not know —- is that most of these silver series reels with nylon bushings —- can very easily be switched to ball bearings.

Just measure the ID, OD, and thickness of the nylon bushings —- then install the same size bearing from about 50 different bearing manufacturers, including BOCA bearing.

The 70X actually has brass bushings —- which are very tough and no need to switch to ball bearings —- which cannot be done anyway.

I'll be having a large tackle sale this Friday & Saturday.  Around 70 rods and about 200 reels offered.  Weather is supposed to be spectacular.  Hope to sell a couple.

Best, Fred

I'm not sure about size 500 ,700 and big size 5000 and up ,all silver series ,D series ,and Regal 1000-2600 use 14x7x3.5 on the crank and 14x7x5  on rotor .with ball bearings installed it will last for long time .I just clean up these reels ,they work like new

Excellent purchases, Quang!

Thanks for sharing what you do. 

You do know your way around these quality reels!

Best, Fred

Those Shimano Spirex spinners with the double handle and the rear drag, seem to be really popular and expensive on "da Bay"now.

Tackle shop at the coast had all Owner hooks 50% off. Got a cpl years' worth.

Stopped at a consignment market thing on the way home and they had some cool stuff:
Magnuflex yellow 12ft rod with an old cheapie GK spinning reel for $30, let that sit. At the back of the store I found an old All Star rod, '90s vintage. Light action, 7ft casting rod, remarkably fully intact, $5. Couldn't leave that!

Now do I buy and super tune an old Daiwa PMF1000? Or get an Amazon BFS reel?

Magnaflex are nice rods and well thought of.  They were considered comparable to Fenwick and Lamiglas in their day.

I just picked up a couple of packs of crimps, swivels and some Owner #2 Mutu hooks.

Quote from: oc1 on May 11, 2026, 06:15:44 AMMagnaflex are nice rods and well thought of.  They were considered comparable to Fenwick and Lamiglas in their day.

I recognized the brand and it seemed like a well-built rod. Wish it'd had a 704z on it!

Just ordered the foam grips and last couple of guides for my Phx PHD 809XH rod build. I've had the blank for a year and just now getting to build it. This will be my fourth build and my new Cedros goto rod.