The 308/408 are major models in Japan. I show other minor models on this page.
MITCHELL304
Charpano & Pons, the predecessor of MITCHELL, started making spinning
reels by CAP reel in 1930's.
CAP reel was named 304 after.
MITCHELL300C
The 300 has been made since over 50 years ago. It is still catalogue model. Its life is longer than Citroen 2CV ! Although its 8 gear is unique, it is not so smooth. 300C is a 70's model.
MITCHELL302
The large MITCHELL for salt water. The spool can be removed without change
the tention. Though the 302 has the planamatic, US anglers change it to
"cross wind" for prevention of dig in.
This size MITCHELL was not popular in Japan, because Japanese manufacturers
made large spinning reels mainly.
MITCHELL540
MITCHELL500 series were the combination with Garcia rods. They were called
"2in1". This 540 is the "2in1" of 440.
This picture was pesented by a French angler.
MITCHELL508
The 508 is the smallest member of the "2in1".
This model is popular by Japanese fishing comic.
This picture was presented by a Japanese angler.(2003/4/16)
MITCHELL440A
The Auto Bail model on late 70's. The bail opens with a touch of finger.
Original handle is with "T" shaped gray knob.
MITCHELL4420
The 4400 was made against improving Japanese reels in early 80's. But many
customers maybe ununderstand this "modern design".
Though it is skirted spool, its bail cannot be closed manually. It is a
good priority, because its bail has more durability and better returning
feeling than the other skirted spool reels. But many anglers could not
understand it.
This reel does not have the decale on its spool. It maybe defect.
The modern art of spinning reel, but it was not understood.
MITCHELL400
The 400/410 were the high speed version of 300. This 400(400A) is mid 80's
model of them. Its main gear was changed to brass. But its weight, 350g,
is heavy. I want a new size between 400 and 408.
I cut its foot to fit presence rods.
I bought it from Bass Pro Shops on 87. The last of "Made in France".
MITCHELL3510RD Full Control
MITCHELL's exclusive trigger drag is appeared on early 80's. It can add
the drag tension by pulling trigger. This mechanism is used on European
models now. Manufactured in France by Japanese parts.
MITCHELL Privilege20Prestige20
The long spool spininng on 90's. The light bail trip and quick change spool
are tasts of MITCHELL.. But I do not think it is good way that MITCHELL
makes such Japanese like reel. MITCHELL had better use its tradisional
image.
MITCHELL230
Light weight model on 97. Large spool and low gear ratio is good idea as
Daiwa's ABS.
Its stem and knob fit to hand well. The standard A/R and the plastic spool
make it light weight 230g. It might be the new 2CV of spinning reel.
But my reel was broken soon after opening package. It disapeared next year
from BassProShop's catalogue. Idea was very good. But quality is .........
MITCHELL Quartz330
"Neo classic model" like as Abu 3600C or VW new Beetle on 98.
It is good idea. But I cannot understand this design.
MITCHELL tried to solve the "problem" of 300 series, such as
the deformation of bail wire and the dig-in of the line into the rotor,
with "carbon bail" and "line control system". But these
"new" mechanisms broke the MITCHELL's design image perfectly.
I want more image of 300. MITCHELL maybe too think.