308 vs 408

[reelynew]

Hi Guys,

Sorry if this is a somewhat redundant question for you all, but I seem to be finding some conflicting information on these reels and was thinking you all would most definitely know, before I think of purchasing one.  I had read that the 308 does not come with a bearing, but I am now seeing one in a schematic.  If that's true, what are the differences between the two reels? 

Thanks,

Matt

[foakes]

Both have bearing assemblies, Matt —

The 308 is black with a gear ratio of 1:3.

The 408 is identical in size —- it is dark blue and a high speed version at 1:5.

These are great little microlight/ultralight reels.

Best, Fred

[reelynew]

Both have bearing assemblies, Matt —

The 308 is black with a gear ratio of 1:3.

The 408 is identical in size —- it is dark blue and a high speed version at 1:5.

These are great little microlight/ultralight reels.

Best, Fred

Thank you Fred. 

[handi2]

Actually it's 3.1 and 5.1

[reelynew]

Thank you Gentlemen.  Looking now at some photos of them both, I am seeing the high speed label on the 408.  I am not seeing a palm in the face emoji. 

[Midway Tommy]

Here's a 308 - 408 part comparison. 308 is on the left & the 408 is on right. The 308 is an early example. Pretty easy to see the minimal differences. The main gear closeup ended up a little grainy.

[reelynew]

Thanks Tommy - That's a great illustration.  Looking at the tiny teeth in the 408, I can see why it is high speed.  Looks like the main gear of the 408 used a different material than the 308. 

[Gfish]

Yeah. Looks like bronze(408) vs some kinda aluminum alloy(308).

[CincyDavid]

I have a couple of 308s and want to like them, but they are the only reels I own that smack my knuckles with the bail wire due to the way I hold the rod. 

[handi2]

I have a couple of 308s and want to like them, but they are the only reels I own that smack my knuckles with the bail wire due to the way I hold the rod. 

Yes they do..!!

[foakes]

Never had that issue.

Guess I hold my rod differently, or smaller hands, or something?

308's & 408's are terrific reels —- particularly the 408.

Best, Fred

[Balvar24]

Love the Gleason gears in the 408's.

[philaroman]

I have a couple of 308s and want to like them, but they are the only reels I own that smack my knuckles with the bail wire due to the way I hold the rod. 

Yes they do..!!

don't ever play w/ a "horn" half-bail 

[Midway Tommy]

I have a couple of 308s and want to like them, but they are the only reels I own that smack my knuckles with the bail wire due to the way I hold the rod. 

 

[Gfish]

Would a 408 main gear fit into a 308. Looking at Tommy's picture, everything between the 2 looks the same except that.