|
Budget-Minded Performance with the new Mitchell 300 Pro
| Date: |
10/2/13 |
| Tackle type: |
Reel |
| Manufacturer: |
Mitchell |
| Reviewer: |
Wolbugger |
Total Score: 7.54 -
GOOD
Introduction:
As inventors of
the world's first spinning reel, Mitchell has a long history of dependability
and performance. Many folks like myself grew up fishing a Mitchell reel. I can
fondly remember owning a couple of Mitchell Excellence reels back when I started
taking fishing seriously in the very early 1990's, but shortly thereafter I
moved on to other brands that offered a bit more quality and refinement. Shortly
before ICAST 2013 began, myself and the rest of the TackleTour crew each
received one of Mitchell's newest reels, the 300 PRO. Also offered in a smaller
308 and 310 size, these reels look very promising for the budget-minded angler.
Armed with this new reel that magically showed up on my doorstep, it was a
no-brainer that a full review had to be done!
|
Mitchell 300 PRO
Spinning Reel
Specifications |
|
Line
Capacity (lbs / yds) |
Monofilament 10/210 12/180 14/150
Braid 10/290 14/210 20/160 |
|
Gear Ratio |
5.8:1 |
|
Measured Weight |
9.9
ounces |
|
Measured Max. Drag |
Just
over 5lbs (on hand scale) |
|
Number of
Bearings |
10
|
|
Features |
Instant
anti-reverse, bail halo design, polymeric body, aluminum spool, EVA
knob, carbon fiber drag system |
|
Origin |
China |
|
MSRP |
$69.95 |
The 300 PRO is an attractive reel, with a look somewhat similar to the Okuma
Helios
Impressions:
Right out of the box, the look really struck me. Was this truly a Mitchell? The
matte black composite polymeric body and rotor looks very stealthy and has a
smooth, soft feel to it similar to the “soft touch” reel seats you find on the
market. Along with a dark green spool and accents, it all combines for a great
looking package overall.
The “Bail Halo” design of the rotor features heavy porting
Getting back to
the body, the polymeric body and rotor are neither super lightweight nor
extremely rigid. At 9.9 ounces there are other similarly-sized reels on the
market that weigh in with less heft. The body and rotor are touted as being
extremely rigid, but there is still flex evident under pressure when squeezed or
twisted. This flex is most noticeable in the rotor, and along the “stem” of the
reel between the main body and reel foot. Granted, this won't be an issue for
bass or lighter saltwater fishing, but under a heavy drag setting it may affect
your cranking power a bit. Most of the body is nice and smooth, but a couple of
slightly rough edges were found in some of the more hidden spots.
A better look at the rotor disconnected from the body and bail assembly
I really like
the chunky bail arm they use, which is similar to what you'd see on a Daiwa
spinning reel. The “bail halo” design is designed to increase rigidity in the
rotor and optimize line-lay, but as stated, the area still exhibits some flex.
With the heavy porting of the rotor and below the aluminum spool, weight
reduction is an obvious benefit. The weight of this reel would surely be in the
10 ounce range without this design.
The line roller is supported by double roller bearings
The overall
presentation of this new reel is a solid one, especially at the price point. It
certainly has a “new” appeal to it with all of the various features and totally
updated look. Matching up the 300 PRO to any rod will be a snap, since it's
color scheme looks great on many sticks available today.
The body below the rotor is nice and compact
|
Quality Ratings for Mitchell 300 PRO |
|
Finish
(1-5) |
Construction Tolerances
(1-5) |
Handle Tolerance
(1-5) |
Knob Tolerance
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating
(=Tot/Poss * 10) |
|
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
14 |
20 |
7 |
Real World
Tests:
Rather than
just test the 300 PRO on bass, I elected to use it strictly in light tackle
saltwater applications. Saltwater and the species which live there will of
course be a bit harsher test for any reel. The 300 PRO was spooled up with 20lb
Sufix braided line, and mounted on a sweet old black CUS-DX68M Shimano Cumara
spinning rod. A variety of plugs and small swimbaits were thrown to help me
locate some feisty southwest Florida snook.
Another angle.....
Casting:
Casting with the Mitchell 300 PRO is about average. There are no surprises
positive or negative with this reel. The aluminum spool features a pretty
standard arbor size and dimensions, so unusually long casts aren't going to be
happening unless you have a 25 knot tailwind. What will be happening is easy
casting without any disappointments. The chunky bail wire has a nice feel to it,
and it opens and closes with a firm and satisfying click.
The body head cover protects internals like the one-way clutch assembly
Next Section: A look inside the Mitchell 300 PRO
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