Mitchell Reel Forum

Mates,
This post is a follow up from an earlier post which you can read following the link below:

https://mitchellreelmuseum.com/forum/po ... 8d107ab85d

The topic under discussion is as the subject says: Are/were Mitchell 300 reels, which were made in the Pacific Rim (as opposed to France), inferior to the reels made earlier which were the Mitchell 300A reels and earlier Mitchell 300 reels?
First a few starting points:(Note: This information applies only to reels sold in the U.S.)
-In around 1977 Mitchell S.A. launched a new model of the former Mitchell 300 reels called the Mitchell 300A, and was distributed, at first, by Garcia.
-The 300A differed from the original ("Classic") Mitchell 300 reel in several ways.
The major differences are:

• The 300A was given a new modified gear train which was called the M8 gear train. This design incorporated new types of gears which are known as "castle gears" or "face gears". The revised gear train resembled the former classic constant cycle 8-gear train somewhat in appearance but was capable of a revised gear ratio of 4.2 to one. The classic Mitchell had a constant cycle 8-gear train with a 3.8 to one gear ratio.

• The 300A housing was modified where the reel stem attached to the gear housing area. This was not applicable on all housings at first. The "Double Red Band" 300A reels did not have the reinforced reel stem and some of the "Double Silver Band" 300A reels were without the reinforced reel stem.

• The cover plate was modified and was given an injection molded plastic name badge. The former classic name badge with the reel name and model number was inscribed on the cover plate.

• The 300A rotor was modified and given a printed "Information Band or Info Band" which contained information such as gear ratio or line capacities.

• Handle designs were changed in various ways for each version of the Mitchell 300A

• Bail designs were changed or modified as different versions were added.

• Instead of two coats of reel body paint, three coats were added to the 300A reels.

• All Mitchell 300A reels have a roller line guide.

• Eventually the 300A reels were given a silent anti-reverse mechanism although not at first.

• An injection molded plastic seal or gasket was added between the cover and the housing to keep out moisture.

So I feel that Mitchell S.A and the companies that took over Mitchell using the Mitchell brand, all felt that the Mitchell 300A was an improved, updated, reel over the earlier Classic Mitchell 300.
Do you feel that the Mitchell 300A is inferior to the classic Mitchell 300? Can we even fairly compare the two?

Kind Regards,
Bill