4400 series were the first original skirted spool spinning reels. There were 900 series also. But they were based 300 series. 4400 was all new.
The economy model was 3300. "20" is the size.
4420 = spool dia: 46mm , ratio: 5.8 , weight: 270g
Made in France.
This system was carried from 300 series.
Japanese version (?) was sold with this "no name"spool. This spool was designed for decal on its skirt.
Although it was designed for decal first time, the design was changed to printing. So, Mitchell threw them to Japanese market.
Some person says that old Japanese market was the "dust box" of fishing tackles. ABU threw Cardinal 50 series of "self centering" to Japan. It was not a catalogue model. But Japanese "enthusiasts" welcome them. Oh...
It was not only the European manufactures. Shimano threw the bass rods which were changed their brands to Japanese market.
The other Japanese big manufacture threw their fly reels Which had weaken click brake to Japanese market also.
4400 had more washers than 300. It had unique urethane spring too. But the drag of 300 is more excellent than 4400...
Its bail was one piece aluminum.
The roller guide was made from the ceramic. But it is not good, because the roller supported by aluminum directly.
But it was the new material for new age.
Its roller collar keeps the line. There was no fisherman in Mitchell then.
The bail system was same to inner spool. Its bail spring was the torsion coil spring. The compression coil spring has a long life. But an American, who didn't make a reels !, kept the patent of it. So, Mitchell and ABU used this system.
This system is better on smooth bail tripping and durability than Japanese torsion springs. It was a good selection. Of course, tripping point was same to 308 (see the page of "Bail trip").
This reel was bent the bail wire by the ignorant persons in the shop also.
The knob was for both of left and right. So, it was not twisted like 308. But it fit to finger well. It is better than the present Shimano's knob.
The plastic crank is unique. The rotor is plastic also. Mitchell tried to use the new materials. The screws of the crank and the rotor was inserted the brass thread.
The crank was folded by lever, and it was "screw lock" also.
The crank and the bail were foldable.
The A/R worked on the pinion. It was stronger than 300 series. It was "silent A/R".
Plastic parts on the side-cover was the click system.
Its gears were "hy-poid type face gears". It was newest system then. And it is main system now.
Pinion was brass. Gear was zinc. Shaft of gear was steel.
French design is unique. 4400 was not only square but it was bent on its center.
The colors were unique too.
Good ? Beautiful ? Unique ? Ugly !?
I saw the big sign board of Mitchell with a picture of 4400 in Singapore in 1987. Mitchell tried to recover the position of spinning reels by this 4400.
Mitchell bankrupted in the next year of 4400's release.
