Mitchell Reel Forum

I am servicing my Mitchell 302, The parts diagram show an "anti Inertia brake" part # 81408. Neither of my 302's have this piece. What is the function of this piece and how important is to the operation of the reel?

Sea Hunter,
I would like to add an additional welcome to the one Kim has already made.

Here on the forum some folks are more interested in certain Mitchell models than others, (myself mainly the Mitchell 300 models). However, we have several "Mates" that are interested and very well informed in the 302 models, and hopefully, one of them will step in soon with more information.

Generally speaking, the purpose of an "Anti-inertia brake" is to keep the rotating head from turning from the inertia caused when you make a hard (long) cast. That long sweeping motion can sometimes cause the rotating head to turn and activate the bail trip release lever, closing the bail prematurely while line is still playing out on the cast.

I hope you enjoy your time here.
Kind Regards,
Bill

Sea Hunter, Bill described the function of of the anti inertia break well. They were not factory installed until around 30,000 (A30000) reels, or so. They can be added and many were.

Sandman