History of this reel S338-5

Bryan Young · October 04, 2016, 04:02:09 AM

Have anyone of you seen this reel. Anyone know of the history? Any info would be great.

The third picture shows that the side plates are somewhat translucent.

Thank you

reel man · October 04, 2016, 10:17:07 AM

Keith Gross at Valley Mfg threw a hopper onto an injection molding machine with some different colored pellets, and produced some funny colored left and right side plates. The knob on this reel was something he was working on to give the knob a softer feel. The badges (logos) were not painted white before assembly.

Bryan Young · October 04, 2016, 02:06:53 PM

Do you know if Keith did all that gold electroplating as well?

reel man · October 04, 2016, 04:06:29 PM

He experimented with that, but didn't like the results.

Bryan Young · October 05, 2016, 06:25:22 AM

Thanks Jerry. Very interesting reel for sure.

Swami805 · May 22, 2021, 01:45:09 AM

One of these came up for sale and I couldn't resist. I'm thinking they made more than one since this one has gold lettering? I opened up and not a trace of lubrication inside, bearings were opened up though.

thorhammer · May 22, 2021, 01:49:04 AM

Thats not an everyday craigslist find, brother.

Rancanfish · May 22, 2021, 02:42:43 AM

Wow, definitely not red. I like it a lot.

Vintage Offshore Tackle · May 22, 2021, 06:03:50 AM

Love it Sheridan. That's a rare one!