A Different DQ -- Not Often Seen -- 440

[foakes]

Here is a reel that D.A.M. designed to be a cross between the tough old 330 and the giant 550.

A reel was needed with a large line capacity but not as heavy or bulky as the 550 or 270 Super.

This reel incorporates the frame and gearing size of the 330 -- with a line capacity rotor & spool approaching the larger reels.

This is an ideal reel for larger Salmon, Steelhead, Mackinaw, Lake Trout, Stripers, Muskie, Cats, and Carp.

There are a few features on this model that are unique to this reel.

This particular one I built from new parts out of the old bins this afternoon, for a member.

It features an upgraded, stronger, and longer crank, oversize knob, and is set up for a right-hand crank.

Just have to adhesive the jumping fish emblem on the left side -- then bag up and send them out tomorrow morning.

Best,

Fred

[Crow]

Nice job, Fred ! How many "sizes" of DAM's are there, anyway ?

[foakes]

Nice job, Fred ! How many "sizes" of DAM's are there, anyway ?

Basically, of the top quality DQ's from the earliest up through the SL series -- there are 7 sizes from Microlites up through HD Salt Water spinning reels.  This spans (7) evolutionary series of spinning reels.

So a little less than 50 -- of the ones I personally consider worthwhile -- before moving production from Germany to Asia.

Best,

Fred

[Darin Crofton]

Beautiful work, Fred, was just admiring the D.A.M. reel you built me awhile back and it's awesome, thanks!

[thorhammer]

I spooled mine with 20 lb mono, and it took a LOT. I'd put this reel up against average mahi and sailfish and not sweat it, and it's a good weight if you need capacity for a long surfcast but not fishing for really large fish like old drum.  My 5000 is different aminal...I'd deep jig for grouper with that one...

John

[festus]

Great work as always, Fred.

To my knowledge I don't think a high speed 441 was ever built, but I have a couple of 441N.

[foakes]

To my knowledge I don't think a high speed 441 was ever built, but I have a couple of 441N.

Right, Chester -- no 441 was ever manufactured.

The original "Finessa" series of DQ's included --

110 - 220 - 221 - 330 - 331 - 440 - 550

When the "N" series Finessa's came out -- DAM eliminated the high speed 221 -- and added the high speed 441N.

The "N" series included --

110N - 220N - 330N - 331N - 440N - 441N - 550N

(6) of these 14 reels are high speeds -- 110, 110N, 221, 331, 331N, and 441N.

High speeds (1:5) are neither good, nor bad -- they are just built for specific fishing conditions.

Particularly good when fishing fast current -- and a knowledgeable angler wants their bait to flow easily with the current so as to be a natural presentation.  In these cases, one would cast upriver -- and let the bait drift back downriver. And, also in these situations -- one needs to both keep the bait off the bottom, as well as keep just enough light tension to detect a strike and set the hook.  The high speed is invaluable in these conditions.

The low speed (1:3) also have their place as a better winch.  Just as we shift into low gear when driving uphill with a load -- sometimes the higher gears will bog down and not perform well.

Different reels for different conditions.

Best,

Fred