Mitchell Reel Museum Discussion Group

I have several reels, made in France, named Sun-Matic, which look a lot like the Mitchell style. Anybody know anything about these reels???

I would be glad to post a photo. BUT I need to know how...

Hello,
At first I can now put a photo record of the Sup-Matic.
This is a test, this will perhaps not work   

Hello JImbo

The patent Sup-Matic was registered in 1954 . The production began in 1956 to the factory Bertrand Vigier (BV Fario).
The distribution in the U.S. has been entrusted to the Corporation SOUTH BEND, who wanted to become the second distributor of fishing equipment after Garcia Mitchell.

South Bend ordered 150 000 reels in three years. In 1961 South Bend is in bankruptcy and the Sup-Matic is no longer manufactured for the European market.
In 1963 Sup-Matic is sold to the Company SINPAL. The production was stopped in 1970.

Regarding the French reels, the number of manufacturers has been big. The best known are: Mitchell, Pezon&Michel (Luxor), Bretton (factory Cluses like Mitchell!), AMR, PMR, BAM, Centaure, MEPPS, SNOP, RU and Alder, SAP, etc ....

I could talk at great length of French reels but it would be irrelevant compared to this forum
Below is a photo of some French reels in my collection



  

Hi Tirtou,

Very Impressive! Maybe you could do an article on these French reels? It would be very welcome in our group.

Thanks,
Wallace

Hello Mates:

Maybe nice to add some pics. from some nib. Sup-Matics i have in my collection.
The one with the green side-plate has the two gears. Both reels has on the waranty-card 1961 as purchase date.
By pulling the black round  knob on the handle you change gears.




Regards Ron.

Hello Roy,

I can't find anything about the ratio in the manual, but if i look myself it will be about 2,7:1 and 4,3:1.
An other nice item is that the spool has an bajonet-release, so you have to push and turn the spool to remove it from the reel. Have not seen this on any other reel before.

Here maybe some intresting pics. for you.

Wish you nice days and an healthy 2011.

Best Regards, Ron

I have and early 606 and it has a stronger reel seat.The Mitchells have a tendancy to break here under stress.The bail wire is stainless steel unlike the Mitchell,and the bail spring is much stronger.The drag on the spool is much better,with a larger line capacity.Mine was made by Southbend Tackle Company I got from EBAY in Pennsylvania U.S.A.The handle is very strong  and hard to break,and it has a spiral steel main gear,brass other gears.Making this reel a tough one.Last but not least I't smooth and good looking.It will make a great light surf casting,or heavey freshwater reel.Too back quality reels like this are not made anymore.If you can grab one off Ebay your lucky.They are rare and worth there weight in gold.I'm very happy to own one.Have fun fishing,your Yank friend Tom.

Too bad quality reels like this are not made anymore.They would cost too much to make.I love my Supermatic 606 like they are called here in the States.The handle is spring loaded and with a push,twist it folds in for convenience.The handle is very strong aluminum.The bail is stainless steel with a strong spring.The reel seat is thicker and stronger than the Mitchell 300.The main gear is spiral and steel with a brass spool cover drive gear.The idler gears are like a Mitchell,some type of alloy.It has a larger line capacity spool with a stronger drag than the mitchell,but it is also a bit heavier.It is a bit harder to totally take apart and clean,but it is like a tank and will last your lifetime if propery cared after.If you can find one one Ebay "good luck",they are hard to find.Cranking on the handle is'nt too hard on the wrist and looks are top notch.This reel would be a great light surfcasting reel.I have a Mitchell 301 and 306 and love them too,but this reel is great too.I have a few spare parts for the Supmatic if anyone needs some?Next month when our crazy winter is over,i'ts fishin time again .Yours truly,Tom from Niagara falls New York.