I'm either confused or semi-ambidexterous cuz I reel left on fly and spinning reels, but right on bait casting reels. I have no idea why other than that's just the way I started a long time ago. I have one mini-Bantam that holds less than 100 feet (not yards) of line. I'm guessing the 500 and 1000 are salmon sized reels? Just what I need, more fishing gear, but I keep reading about salmon bait casting reels wearing out, so maybe stocking up on tried and proven gear is a good strategy.

This is a common malady.
It's been traced to the rear portion of the cerebrum.....that's all we know.

The 500 and 1000 are not both "salmon sized".
The nomenclature is based on the following...

500 is a deluxe version of the original "50"
There was also a 350.
These are the large frames of the series.

The 1000 is a deluxe version of the original "10"
This is what I would call steelhead size.
These were the reels that started the paradigm shift away from big, round reels with non-disengaging level winds.

If you love your Revo, thank a Bantam.

Thanks for the info. I just found the 3rd reel, it's a 200 in perfect condition but no box or tools/parts.

They are neat old reels but I have no use for them. Are people collecting just to show or still actually using them? I'd have a hard time giving up my DHSV's or Zillions to fish one of these things.

This isn't an attempt at a front page bidding war as I am/genuinely curious what the draw is.


Salmo, it is a bit odd that I'm comfortable fishing RIGHT with the big stuff like saltwater salmon gear but out of sorts with the smaller gear and especially fly. Not sure if I'm a centrist or just another Leftard. Guess it all depends who's doing the judging...

It's the "vintage" or "historical" thing that makes them collectible.
Today's plastic vs. yesteryear's metal sort of thing.

Once the pinion is worn out the reel is finished unless you can find a long out of production pinion gear.

If you like to fish in direct, some of these reels have the "happy switch". Very easy to switch from direct to "on the drag".
To a heavily brain-damaged gear guy this is like the rock-n-roll switch on an M16.

the 3 are worth $250 to me and they will go strait into my collection and stay there.

It would be a nice collection to have, the two pictured look well over pristine shape and if I was a righty retriever it would be very difficult to not use them!

funny thing is, those bantams had at least as much plastic as most modern reels. i was a bit disappointed when i found my first 100 and discovered the left side plate was merely silver painted plastic. being that almost all parts are NLA, i had thoughts of stripping the handle off and putting it on one of my 2500C ambassadeurs, that came with those horrible single handles with the slippery knobs like the 5000Ds.

i am a big fan of the side button clutch, though. getting to be fewer and fewer reels without thumb bar releases.

Maybe this will help

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Shimano-...=item51a876590a

I found the 200. It's in new condition. I used to have the original packaging for all but that was before moving a couple times and a fire that wiped out my business last year.
Here's the collection. Nice reels and thanks for your input.

Wow! Those are sweet! Its just too bad they're not my side... sometimes it sucks not being special!

Thanks for sharing wntrrn!