349/349H Frame kits.

[Bryan Young]

Awesome Tom. Thanks for the clarification.

[Ron Jones]

Absolutely awesome!
Can't wait to see it all done.
Ron

[mhc]

I don't want to get too far ahead of things, but what gear set would you put in a 'Magnum Mariner' ? 6/0?
Mike

[RowdyW]

It looks like a standard Mariner side plate not a "Magnum".

[mikeysm]

This is a excellent reel to bring Back from near extinction. The gears were strong enough and with the wider frame it will be a great reel. With a 113H stainless sleeve and stainless dog coupled with Adams insert kit you have a killer combination. All it will need is a stainless steel yoke.

Mike

[steelhead_killer]

What is the advantage of the 349 vs 114 narrow?  What is the application for the 349?  Just trying to understand the difference between the two. 

Thanks!

Andy

[RowdyW]

What is the advantage of the 349 vs 114 narrow?  What is the application for the 349?  Just trying to understand the difference between the two. 

Thanks!

Andy

349H & HS--3.25 to 1      114H--2.8 to 1     Stronger gears in the 114H   Bigger drags in the 114H    Advantage -114H narrow                  Rudy

[mikeysm]

I think the idea is to keep these old reels alive. The 114 has plenty of parts and can be had everywhere. But a 349h is a hard find.

[Shark Hunter]

I just purchased my second 349H Wahoo special in mint condition.
They are out there.

[Ron Jones]

If I may be so bold.
Tom, you already make 4/0 side plates, it seems to me it would not be to hard to figure out how to put the 4/0 guts in a 349 plate. That would allow us 4/1 gearing and those monster drags from Alan as well as a double dog bridge etc. in a really tall spool. I couldn't see a better reel for bottom jigging or bait fishing on the bottom for the bigger critters.
Just food for thought.
Ron

[swill88]

What makes a 349 a wahoo special?

[Shark Hunter]

Newell wide kit.
Spool posts and stand.

[RowdyW]

I couldn't see a better reel for bottom jigging or bait fishing on the bottom for the bigger critters.
Just food for thought.
Ron

Did you ever try a 114H narrow? I would hate to have a Warsaw or Goliath Grouper Pulling on my puny 349 even with all the upgrades. A stock 114 or 114H will out pull & outlast any 349. Tall spool? Did you ever measure a 114 spool diameter? Higher gearing doesn't make for efficent gearing to winch big Grouper away from thier hiddey hole. A 349 has it's place but not for bottom fishing for Big fish. It's a better reel for trolling & kites like it was designed for.

[Shark Hunter]

I have to agree with you Rudy. The 114H is a powerhouse in a small package. Especially with all the upgrades available.
I have Narrow's, Standard, Wide and Extra wide Versions.

[Alto Mare]

Still, the 349 is a great reel, all have their place.
This is taking it to another level, here is what i'm thinking:
The possibilities are endless on this reel.
Having a custom frame, spool and plates, makes it pretty much a new reel.
Maybe Alan C. could merge and help create the best reel available.
It would be nice exploring with a floating spool, 2 speed and heat treated ss guts.
This would make it a killer reel.
I discussed something similar to Steve Carson a few years back, I mentioned to Steve that they should design a reel with a 4" diameter spool, or taller, in 2 1/4" width and  having 2:1 ratio in low and 3.5:1 in high gear.
It would need to be light though, but having most parts in aluminum, that wouldn't be an issue.
I'm aware of the International, but haven't seen a reel in 2 1/4" width with a 4" diameter spool anywhere.
Of course, this is just my opinion.

With that said, I'm just glad Tom is offering these and will definitely buy them. I'm also glad  I never jumped on the Bandwagon and purchase a 349 when you guys were raving about them.
I have the guts, and that would be all that it's needed.
Maybe with enough interest, Alan could make us the DD bridge on this one as well, along with his awesome -X gears.

Sal