Reel Repair by Alan Tani

It was SO cheap on ebay that I grabbed it. I own a 220, 330, 440 and 550, none of which get fished much because they just don't "speak to me". For whatever reason my Shakespeare Royal Maroons and Brettons are my go-to reels, but I took an instant liking to this 285. I have to really sit down and analyze why I like this more than, say my 330.

For $13 plus shipping, it's also the deal of the century. I dug out the old brown grease and serviced it, just need an appropriate rod for the old gal and we're good to go.

Solid and well engineered mid-sized reels, David —-

Metal spool along with one of the strongest frame structures, steel and bronze worm-drive, reversible crank from left to right, will handle large fish as well as trout, bass, and anything smaller.

There are a lot of these out there, and there are 4 versions prior to DAM coming out with the 330 series, which included (6) other sized reels in the new Finessa generation which was introduced in the mid 60's.

These 280/285 Finessas are mostly over-looked and under-valued.

You can take a rough one of these, service and maybe install a few key parts —- and it will outlast our lives of regular fishing.

If there are any parts needed to improve function or appearance —- just let me know.  Have plenty.

Best Regards, Fred

Quote from: CincyDavid on June 24, 2026, 02:07:13 PMIt was SO cheap on ebay that I grabbed it. I own a 220, 330, 440 and 550, none of which get fished much because they just don't "speak to me". For whatever reason my Shakespeare Royal Maroons and Brettons are my go-to reels, but I took an instant liking to this 285. I have to really sit down and analyze why I like this more than, say my 330.

For $13 plus shipping, it's also the deal of the century. I dug out the old brown grease and serviced it, just need an appropriate rod for the old gal and we're good to go.

Friendly Banter ...  You should learn a little German to break the ice ..  IT`s the side plates that reach out and get ya  ..

Found a cheap Super 270 too...I have no earthly use for it, but we'll see if I like this one too.

Quote from: CincyDavid on June 25, 2026, 03:04:41 PMFound a cheap Super 270 too...I have no earthly use for it, but we'll see if I like this one too.

No stronger reel out there than the DAM Quick 270 Super.

Most will need at least a few small parts —- since they are generally used in the salt —- and under tough conditions.

I have anything that might be needed.

Interestingly, the tiny Microlite 265 is a very close shrunken down design of the massive 270.  The DAM Quick engineers were tasked with coming up with a Microlite sized reel particularly for the North American market in 1959.

So what they did was copy the engineering on the 270 —- shrink it down to 6.9 ounces —- and it is a lifetime and impressive little powerhouse.

In the typical German mindset —- this was more efficient, as well as a quicker answer to address competition in North America.

What resulted was the 265 Microlite, introduced in 1960.

Best Regards, Fred

The 270 arrived today, has a sticker on the back of the spool "20# July 74" which is very cool.