I recently purchased a NIB Newell 550 (time to upgrade from my Penn 113 HLW's). This reel is no where close to the quality of the older pair of 646's I own. It took some force to get the reel into free spool, excessive play (side to side) in the spool/frame fit, cross threaded handle nut, and ugly screwdriver marks on the bearing caps.
I was able to loosen the free spool lever up by greasing the reel (zero lube inside, it's still a bit rough), and get rid of the excessive play (missing one bearing spacer washer). It took a while but I was able to get the handle nut to thread on the correct way.
I didn't start this thread to bash Newell but has anyone else had any issues recently with their reels? I found a few threads on the net about newer 500 series reels that locked up (shipped dry). I thought my reel might have been a wrecked return, but showed no signs of being used before The spool was clean and all the rest of the stainless steel parts had no knicks/marks.
I was eying out the Shimano Torium 50/ S550 but decided to stick with Newell due to the awesome performance that I got out of my 646's. Right out of the box they worked smooth, the free spool was like butter! I used them heavy for 3 years before I went through them, and the insides still looked brand new. They both had adequate amounts of lube in the needed spots.
I'm hoping I got a "friday" reel, and this isn't the norm from the "new" Newell. I think I'll sell the 550 and the rest of my 4/0's and order another set of 646's from Chark.
Interesting, to say the least. I know that Newell has been upgrading their molds, and have apparently finished the job on their 200 through 300 series, not sure about the 500's and 600's since I've been away from the office for a couple weeks time. The upgrading was necessary, and a good thing. It's a benefit of the new ownership's attention I believe. But, it's put them so far behind in production over the past six months... Not sure of the manufacture date of the reel you purchased, or if it came from us or somewhere else. But, the production date is of interest to me. I do not believe they've been making 500/600 series since the transfer of ownership, at least that's my understanding based upon our own backorders of product.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Chark,
Thanks for the reply Chark. The warranty card was stamped March 20, 2009. A local store was having a sale, $190 OTD. It stinks having to repair a reel that has never been wet, but I'm still a big fan of Newell. Here's a pic of a GT I caught on the P344 I bought from you guys.
I ask a lot from that little reel and it hasn't failed me yet.
PS..Thanks for the vid on the Avet reel sizes, hopefully I'll own a few of those someday.
I feel your pain!!1 I used to have a couple Newells , but let them move on to enrich the fishing lifestyle of someone more deserving than myself !! - More deserving of PAIN!!!
I tried to order a 540 5.5 on wednesday from Charkbait but Paul told me they didn't have that in stock and Newell was redoing molds and it would be at least 6 weeks on a 500 series. He said that he had a 4.6 in stock and asked if I wanted that. I said did I order that? LOL just kidding. So anyways it appears that it will be a couple months till you can get a new newell in the 500 series. hopefully it makes newell better off. this just gives me more time to save more money to buy more of them.
I feel your pain. I bought a BRAND SPANKING NEW Newell i January for a 15 dayer. The very first fish??? Melted that bitch and blew it out? I was shocked. Oh well.
I've had a lot of good with these reels. It's the same with all reels. They will have thier melt downs.
ya I SENT a 220 blackie in awhile back for restation and it came back as a P-series ( blackie side plates history) and bone dry , luckly I opened it to clean after a sandy dunk. when you guys call for service ask for Norma , if she stayed on cool lady.
Originally posted by crowne victoria: Yeah, don't forget to buy Reel Meltdown insurance next time. Newell,- "The world's only true disposable fishing reel "
More fish are caught on Newells then all other reels combined! Well - for me anyway
In ALL fairness to Newell. I believe I outgunned the Newell reel that I melted. We were hitting 50-60 pound Tuna and then? The 150's came blowing up out of nowhere. I had my ass handed to me for well over an hour.
I bought my 500 Series from Chark in house January 2010 and it was flawless. That means that it was mfd in 2009.
To play Devil's advocate, we all know that these are man made and unfortunately, not 100% of the reels off the line will be spot on.
The Newell co. is very good about warranty work. Give them a shot at the repairs with diplomacy.
