Newell Reels

[OVERBORED]

For some of us who grew up using stalwarts like the Penn jig master, squidder and the Diawa 50H, the Newell reel was a blessing. Lightweight, low and high gear available, easy to maintain. Within a short period in the 80s, I gradually saw most guys switch over. Then they disappeared. Was it a patent issue or something?

Today, the 220&229 are still my go-to inshore reels.

Most reels I see today are overpriced, overweight and overly fast (6:1+)

Try to buy a used Newell on eBay and you'll overpay for junk.

Since Newell went out of business, why hasn't anyone else picked-up and manufactured those reels?

 

[magictoo]

the newell 220 and 229 are fantastic bottom fishing reels-though they certainly aren't quiet and smooth like todays high end reels. you are correct that todays reel retrieves are all way too fast for much of our local bottom fishing (especially blackfish). the low speed 220's are fantastic blackfish reels BUT they certainly earned their reputation as 'coffee grinders'. I disagree that buying a used newell on eBay will be junk. I have purchased many Newells through eBay and most didn't even need to be serviced. just spooled up and fished! though most times I have replaced the bearings. easy to do and no problem finding them since most newell parts are interchangeable with Penn parts

 

[Roccus7]

Since Newell went out of business, why hasn't anyone else picked-up and manufactured those reels?

Good question. I was from the Newell Parts for Penn Reels Generation, as all my Jigmasters had Newell reel seats and spools. That was before you could actually buy Newell Reels...

 

[OVERBORED]

I stand corrected. Buying used on eBay gets you junk unless you pay a premium.lol