2011/06/28

The History of Newell Reels

The History of Newell Reels
Carl W. Newell


Newell Reel History at a Glance

       Disclaimer…lol….I'm not an expert. If I'm uncertain of a "fact", I state so in the sentence. Also, I'm sure that I've probably left out some information. One must understand that in post P series Newell's there were minor mods being made on a continual basis. Also, I'm not as "schooled" on the C or S series reels. My apologies upfront for any inaccuracies. Enjoy…….

Carl's main business has never been in fishing products. His main business is injection molding. He started his fishing product line as a hobby since he use to be quite a fishing enthusiast.


AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS FOR PENN REELS
       Before Carl began to produce reels, he made aftermarket products for Penn reels. These included bushing cups as well as anodized aluminum bases, posts and spools. These were sold separately or in kits. In addition, he produced kits that included sideplates (with ss bearing cups) to fit the 500 jigmasters. This was called the 300-C. It came in '99 size as well as the 500 (338) size. I believe you could also get them in kits for the 322 and 344 sizes. These after market parts made the Penn's lighter and stronger.


BLACKIE SERIES (approximately mid 70's thru early 80's)
       These were the first reels manufactured by Carl. They're referred to as the blackie series since there were no stainless steel (ss) rings around the sideplates. The highlights of this series included:

- Aluminum reel bases, spools, posts, star and handle. The spools had a metal hub for the metal clicker. The posts had holes bored into them to decrease weight. The handles were all solid aluminum.
- SS parts included: jack handle, main gear, pinion gear, dog, clicker set, bearing cups, bridge assembly, bridge sleeve.
- Gear ratios - 4:1 and 5:1
- Unitized bridge assembly….i.e. no flying dog springs.
- Main Gear/Bridge Sleeve - The bottom of the main gear was recessed so as to be able to accommodate a 4th fiber washer. This fiber washer made contact with a fixed ss washer on the bottom of the bridge sleeve. Therefore, this was a 4-stack drag system with jigmaster size washers.
- Model Numbering System - There was no letter to designate this series…i.e.) 220-F
In addition to the F designation, there may have been a T designation also, I'm not sure. F designated 5:1 and an M designated the reel as 4:1 All model numbers as well as the "Newell" and "ball bearing" logos were inserts.
- Models: 220-F, 229-F, 235-F, 322-F, 332-F, 338-F, 338-J (or FJ), 344-F, 344-J (or FJ). The J stood for jigging. These "J" models came with a ss top bar.
- Pros - High quality, light aluminum components, high quality ss parts, great freespool, quality control was excellent. I believe the fiber washers were high quality also.
- Cons - Sideplates often cracked in areas around screws if tightened too much. Sideplates could also chip due to material rigidity. There were no ss rings. High maintenance was required to keep corrosion away.


P SERIES (approximately early 80's thru mid to late 80's)
       This was the next generation of reels made by Carl in his Glendale plant. The highlights included:

- Aluminum reel bases, spools, posts, star and handle. The star, though still aluminum, was slightly different and the aluminum handles now had holes bored into them. The sideplates were redesigned to be thinner and not as rigid as the blackies.
- SS parts were the same as the blackies. In addition, Carl added ss rings to the new sideplates.
- Gear Ratios - Same as the blackies.
- Unitized bridge assembly - slightly different than the blackies.
- Main gear/Bridge sleeve - Pretty much the same as the blackies. I believe the circlip on the top of the bridge sleeve was different. Mains were either ss or brass. Also, some main gears came with a brass (I believe) insert. This helped with heat dissipation.
- Model Numbering System - The P was the letter designation in front of the model number - i.e. P220-F. In addition to the F, I believe there was also an M and T designation after the model numbers. The models came in 5:1 and 4:1 gear ratios. All logos on the plates were still inserts.
- Models - Same as the blackies except for the P designation. Also, the 400 models were introduced - P440, P447 and P454.
- Pros: Same as blackies. The sideplates were vastly improved.
- Cons: High maintenance to maintain corrosion resistance.


G SERIES (approximately late 80's to early 90's)
       The 3rd generation of Newell's were made with a new idea in mind, namely, to make the most corrosion resistant reels made. Graphite composition was to become Carl's new obsession. Beginning especially with the G series, minor changes were made to production reels without changing series.

- Graphite bases, spools, posts, handle and star.
- Changes/Variations - Early G's had an all graphite base with a brass foot drilled into the base, otherwise they were all graphite. The graphite spools retained the metal hub. The posts had logo inserts. Early G handles retained the P series aluminum handle, followed by an all graphite handle (red line) with the N logo insert in the knob, followed by an all graphite handle (red line) and no knob insert. Screw fittings for the knob were not recessed. The G322's only had P series aluminum spools. Carl never made a graphite spool for the 322 models.
- SS parts - Early G's retained the ss jack handle, followed by a new graphite topped jack handle. The early G's retained the ss clicker set, followed by an all graphite set. I believe the very early G's also retained the P main gear, therefore it could accommodate a 4th washer. Later on, the main gear was no longer recessed on the bottom, therefore, this was now a 3-stack system. The bridge sleeves were now brass without the fixed ss washer on the bottom for the 4th washer. The ss bearing cups were unchanged.
- Gear Ratios - No changes.
- Unitized bridge assembly - Pretty much the same as the P's I believe. There may have been minor changes where the G and P assembly's were not interchangeable.
- Main Gear/Bridge Sleeve - See SS parts section.
- Model Numbering System - The letter G was the model designation in front of the model number….i.e. G220-F.
- Model Numbers - Same as the P's except for the G designation
- Pros - Same as P's, high quality parts and quality control were excellent. Weight was reduced due to the graphite components. The reel was much more corrosion resistant, had better freespool, more natural bait presentation due to the lighter spool.
- Cons - Some graphite breakage

 

"NO LETTER" SERIES (approximately early 90's through mid 90's)
       4th generation Newell reels. There weren't many changes in this series from the G series except for one very important factor…..Quality control. While this was still a fairly decent series when it came to quality components, the quality control begins to fall apart about this time.

- Graphite bases, posts, spools, stars and handle.
- Changes/Variations - The graphite bases remained pretty much the same, with no ss foot yet. The posts no longer had the "Newell" logo insert, instead, they were now engraved with white lettering. The spools, while remaining graphite, no longer retained the metal hub, instead, it was changed into graphite. The handle now had a white line instead of red. The sideplates no longer had logo inserts. They were now engraved with white lettering.
- SS Parts - The jack handle retained the graphite top. The clicker set was plastic. This was the last series to retain the ss bearing cups.
- New Models - 500 and 600 series….533, 540, 546, 550….631, 636, 641 and 646.
- Gear Ratios - 200/300/400 series came in 3.6:1 and 5:1. The 533 came in 4.6:1 and 5.5:1. The 540 came in 3.2:1, 4.6:1 and 5.5:1. The 546/550 models came in 3.2:1 and 4.6:1. The 600 series came in either 3:1 or 4.2:1. There was also a short run of 322-5 and 322-3.6 size reels made. Some were designated as 322-5 (or 3.6) while others were designated as "300". These were the numbers engraved onto the sideplates. Old P series aluminum spools were used. Some spools spread due to incorrect mastic mixing at the factory. Most spools, however were leftover P series spools and they were fine.
- Unitized bridge assembly - No major changes.
- Main gear/Bridge sleeve - 200/300/400 main/pinion gears retained the same 3-stack jigmaster size drag system. The 500 models used a larger main/pinion gear that had 4/0 size drag washers, actually a bit larger. The 500's used a 3-stack system. The 600's used the same size drag washers as the 500's but the main gear accommodated a 5-stack drag system.
- Model Numbering System - The "no letter" series didn't have a letter in front of the model numbers. Also, instead of an F, M or T to designate the gear ratio, the actual gear ratio number would follow the model number. I.e.) 220-5
- Model Numbers - No pre/post letter designations. 500 and 600 models were added to this "no letter series (see New Models).
- Pros: Pretty much the same corrosion resistance as the G's. One more metal part was removed from the models, namely, the metal spool hub. Again, Newell's goal is to produce the most corrosion resistant reels.
- Cons: Graphite breakage's continue, especially the 550 model bases and all model handles.



"C" SERIES (approximately mid 90's thru late 90's)
       5th generation models are introduced. Quality control is still a major concern. In addition, ss components are now a major issue. Inferior ss is now corroding while sitting in the retail outlets. Bearings are also a weak point. This series is widely considered to be the weakest of all series.

- Graphite bases, posts, spools, stars and handles.
- Changes/Variations - A ss foot is added onto the graphite base to help stop cracking issues. The handles, while retaining the white line, now have a recessed screw on the knob. The former models had the screws actually protruding from the knob hole, thus causing rubbing against an anglers' hands.
- SS Parts - The last remaining external parts, namely the bearing cups, are now replaced with an adjustable left plastic cup and a fixed right cup. The right cup can no longer be taken off, instead, the right plate must be disassembled to reach the right bearing.
- New Models - None. There was another short run of 322-5 (or 3.6) reels made. The sideplates were designated as "300". Some of these 322 aluminum spools spread because there was one bad batch of mastic made at the factory. Most spools were taken from leftover P series spools so they were fine.
- Gear Ratios - No changes.
- Unitized bridge assembly - No changes.
- Main gear/Bridge sleeve - No changes.
- Model Numbering System - The C preceded the model number in this series. The exception was the 300 (322) models.
- Model Numbers - No additional models were added to this series. I believe that toward the end of this series (late 90's), the 400 models were discontinued. However, this may have happened during the next generation.
- Pros - The ss bearing cups were now replaced with plastic ones, therefore bringing Carl one more step closer to the corrosion resistant pinnacle.
- Cons - Major ss corrosion problems ensue along with other quality control issues. Graphite breakage's continue along with the plastic bearing cups.


"S" SERIES (approximately late 90's to present)

- Graphite bases, posts, spool, stars and handles.
- Changes/Variations - The reel base screws now "go thru" the base. An adjustable left ss bearing cup is available at an additional charge. Also, during this time period, an aftermarket aluminum handle is made in the 400 size. This size will also fit well on the 500/600 models. Make sure you add some locktite to the screw and do NOT let the locktite touch the plastic areas.
- SS Parts - no changes.
- New Models - None
- Gear ratios - no changes.
- Unitized bridge assembly - Changes made, I believe, for the new screws. Plates were also modified.
- Main gear/Bridge sleeve - no changes.
- Model Numbering System - An "S" now preceded the model number.
- Model Numbers - As stated in the C series section, the 400 models may have been discontinued during this time. It may not have affected certain regional markets (i.e. Hawaii).
- Pros - Again, from Carl's standpoint, the reel has become as corrosion resistant as possible.
- Cons - Quality, Quality, Quality……..lack of quality parts and quality control.


Currently, there are a limited number of "new" P series reels. I haven't seen any so I really can't comment. I believe Carl made the aluminum parts out of 6061 aluminum stock this time around. I've heard the aluminum parts are better. I've heard negative comments about the holes on the posts. The mains are a 3 stack system, not 4 like the original P's.

37 comments:

  1. Aloha from Hawaii...! These reels are used heavily in Hawaii because of their light weight construction for easy castability.. I'm trying to learn a little more about these reels. From what I have gathered, it seems that the higher the model# is the larger the reel? Is there anywhere that i could find line capacity amounts for these reels? I have been doing some investigating but cant seem to find much on them. Your Blog has been the most helpful. Much Mahalo for posting all this great info! Dail

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    1. Aloha,I'm in the same position.trying to learn more about these reels.i recently got a s454-5 from my late grandpa and I want to know if thus reel can handle 60# test for fishing ulua in Hawaii.any more info will help.mahalo James.

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    2. I believe the number 454 stands for 40lb test,540 yds.That is how the get the numbers(454)The 5 after the dash is the speed.So yes,the higher the number the bigger the reel and capacity.So A 454-5 is comparable to a 550(50 lb test 500yds)So to answer your question,it could handle 60lb mono .Hope this helps

      biwa

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  2. Howzit Braddahs,
    Check out lisitngs on ebay on different line capacities of the various series of Newell ( check out listings by ebay ID : nwreelman
    Mahaloz and Hanap'aa

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  3. Don't visit this site too often but noticed your postings this morning and while I am not an "expert" I would like to pass on a little of what I have learned about capacities.......... As a "rule of thumb" the three numbers of a Newell reels label give approx. size and capacity clues for MONO line ( keep in mind that different manufacturers have slightly different dia. size for the same lb tests of others....not all 20# test is exactly the same dia.) .... REEL NUMBERS.....examples: a 229 reel would hold 20# line and about 290 yards... a 332 reel would hold 30# line and about 320 yards....a 440 would hold 40# about 400 yards......etc None of this is to say that going up in lb. test or using braid line to increase capacity can't be done ....but the numbers on the reels give a good starting point to know what line test and how much it was originally intended to accommodate. PLEASE....anybody out there correct me if I have misstated this info. I'm always open to learning new stuff and correcting what I may have stated is wrong.

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  4. Your "bot excluder" is too finicky, a shame because I have some good info that it blew off the screen after a long typing session.

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  5. I worked with CARL in 1974 when he expanded his plastics business with the help of my father. He was an amazing man with vision!

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    1. I used to be Quality Manager for his plastic company. Around 1990. We discussed me taking over Quality for fishing but I left first. Loved the man but not the company.

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  6. Does any one know about reels with the white base?

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  7. Does anyone have any information on a P440.T series.

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  8. The information about the reel number indicating the capacity is correct. The reel g338f means that it holds 30 lb mono line, 380 yds. This is very optimistic however, as it really holds about 300 yds. You can fit 380 if you use a lot of pressure when loading the reel, but when you use it in the field (water), you will get too much line to reel back. Best to compare Newell reels to Penns (size) and get good info about capacity. I own 5 Newells (G series) in like new condition that I am going to sell. Still have the boxes and paperwork.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Do you still have the reels, call me 7862987928

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  9. I grew up playing golf with Carl almost every week. He was truly a genius and a genuine man. One of a kind.

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  10. I have a 229-m.. Can't find one anywhere... I'm sure it's rare and worth a lot. Anyone know anything about the M series?

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    1. Carl Gave one to me personally, and it was my favorite reel untill my sister threw it in the trash over a trust agreement disput. I lived in City Terrace in LA. And trying to find that reel. My Name is Mark Romero that would have been on the rod it was attached to. CASH REWARD FOR IT (323)229-0031

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  11. I would like to get in touch with Carl Newell to write a history of the products. Does anyone know how to reach him? Thanks!

    Andy 425-802-0059

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  12. Unfortunately Mr. Newell is busy fishing for angels now.

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  13. Anyone have any Newell reels for sale? Looking for either 500 or 600 series reels. Message me if you do. Thx

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  14. I have 9 646 and 15 P454-5 all BNIB for sale. $150 for the 646 and $100 for the 454

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    Replies
    1. How can I contact you for the reels you're selling?

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    2. How can I contact you for your reels you're selling?

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    3. If you still have a 646-3 please let me know. TIA

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  15. Does anyone know where i can i order one from ?\

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  16. Is it true Rob Rispoli makes mass Fuk everywhere he goes?

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  17. Can anyone lighten me on a newell s332-5 and is it a good reel ?

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  18. Carl's business in Glendale was large piece injection molding. For example, he had the Rubbermaid account for trash cans, large storage boxes, etc. Very high end state of the art for his time and way ahead of other US manufacturers. Because he bought his equipment and got his learning from industrial firms in Germany. The world leader in plastics at the time. He was a salt water fisherman fishing the boats and long range fleet out of San Diego at Fisherman's Landing. He was one of the jocko "Big Sticks" for yellowtail, albacore, tuna, wahoo, dorado, marlin, etc. It was "The Group" to get to fish with; custom rods (Saber, Truline, Roddy, Harrington), beaucoup tackle (Salas and Tady jigs), etc. Everyone fished Penn; Jigmasters, Squidders, Hi=Speed Senators. Also flylining (no weight) 'chovies and sardines for live bait. You fished JIgmasters (mostly) for the higher speed over Squidders. The chrome steel spools were too heavy to cast (backlash), The plastic spools were lighter and could cast but reeling in a large fish on 40# mono under high tension wet would "blow out" the sides of the spool. So we's put a 1/2" underlayment of 80# Gudebrod dacron (wound very evenly) as a cushion shock absorber and that worked. But it ate line capacity. A 40# alby or 60# tuna would spool you in seconds. Also, fighting with the 4 chrome spacers bars created twist torque in the reel and the spool edges would rub the side plates. Also, the Penn reel foot clamp was wings nuts with protruding screw ends and the skippers didn't like that being slammed on their wood railings. And you got slammed a lot. Going to the 3/0, 4/0 Senators gave you line and better drags but with chrome steel spools, you couldn't cast without backlashes often. The 500 Jigs were perfect, especially with the quick change end plates. You improved the drags by replacing the stock paper washers with with thin leather soaked in 10 weight hi-temp machining oil and brass washers. (I think Carl invented that) You wore a leather fishing belt with a fighting socket and large pouch pockets. For every reel in your box you had 3 or 4 extra end plates set up with new drags. At night on the long range boats you's set at a table in galley and replace burned out washers. On a big fish first and second sprint they could "fry" the drags. You kept a spare end plate in your pouch. When you got a "pause" you put on a new end plate and were back in the fight with fresh drags. Many guys who didn't change actually smoked and melted the plastic on their reels. Carl had his own in-plant machine shop full of the countries best machinist die makers. He was a pretty good machinist himself. So the first this he did was take the shaft from plastic spool and convert the spool material to light weight aluminum. Better line capacity and YOU COULD CAST TO HELL AND BACK WITH THEM!!!! He made some for himself. Then he made some for his good friends.

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  19. Then he sold a few to the tackle shop at the landing. Then other shops wanted them, so he set up a mini production line for them. Next he engineered the cross bar replacement and reel seat and that eliminated reel twist. You put it all together with Locktite and had a reel almost as solid as the one piece Gold Penn Internationals. A lot of the custom rods used handles of wrapped cork tape without cork or hypalon grip. So you had to clamp the reel very tight. He came up with the strap and countersunk screws you tightened (reefed) with an allen wrench. No more marred boat railings. Next came improved drags. First there was teflon. Very smooth and heat resistant. But teflon had a property of "stickyness" that when you were flylining a very small pinhead 'chovey, you had to cast a little forcefully and flicked the 'chovey off the hook. Changing to graphite solved that. Also the heat problem. You could cinch them totally tight and put the prod to very large fish. But even a wide Jigmaster 500 was still limited in line capacity. So you reverted to (hard to cast) Senator 3/0's. By this time he'd hired a rep to visit the shops. Every good shop and "good stick" was Newelling their Penns. He put out whole kits instead on individual pieces. It was never about the money from this side business; it was drop in the bucket to what the plant brought in. It was about improving the sport. That's why he never went "Big" or totally national. Next project was doing the same to the Hi-Speed (red) Senators. Instant success. But a 3/0 or 4/0 was a big reel up there on top. So he got the idea of making a widening kit for the 3/0 that almost matched line capacity of a stock 4/0. Lower profile, easier to fish. Up the scale; 4/0 wide =6/0 stock. A 6/0 wide (The Marlin) gave you almost a giant 9/0. Penn much later copied his innovations but were late in doing so. While this revolution was happening Penn was still in century old building using leather belt overhead driven lathes. (With their head up their ass) He always knew he could build a better complete reel (stainless, injected graphite, better handles,) so he started doing his own reels. They were "PERFECT" in every respect!!! And still are.........which is why their so highly sought after. Recent advances by newer, more modern companies have just upped his bar. Want a nice thought? Imagine Carl with a shop full of CNC machines and a truckload of Titanium or Byrillium barstock. Graphite has replaced the E glass in the rods and the old Sabers and Trulines are just as sought after as Carl's Reels. To the guys asking if they should buy them (are they that good?); don't ask buy. To the guys bemoaning the growing cost...........pay it. And be thankful for the chance. Also stock up on internals. Thanks for allowing me to go down memory lane. Tight lines.

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  20. My friend Mike Shannon from shamrock charters has told me his story about carl.

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  21. Still outfish many of the modern designer reels today. Nothing cast like a Newell....simply designed and easy to fish. Love slinging the iron with a 332 on a 9 ft stick. No need for 2 speeders or bling bling reels for local 1/2 or 3/4 trips. Will always to go old reliable and slay the fish!!!

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  22. Every type of reel (modern and vintage) goes thru my hands regularly and I got to admit that the newells are still the farthest casting reels still around! You cant really judge the talent coming onboard by the tackle they are sporting nowadays because ,well, most guys I see coming on with a couple gran worth off rods and reels don't even have their gear "dialed in" ,much less , make a long cast to breaking fish. But if u see an angler cone aboard with a quiver of jigsticks with newells, u can safely bet that he will likely be the one to beat come jackpot time! even now in 2020! Justa thought from the deck...Deadgame danny,pacific raider sport fishing long Beach CA.

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  23. Best low maintenance high performing reel not to mention castability. Someone needs to resurrect 'em! Valley Crest is dead. i see a chinese knock off, but who wants that?!?!!!! C'mon, someone in the USA bring 'em back!

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  24. I have a S 546 4.6 that I have had for many moons. Thinking of selling it, about what would be a fair price?

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  25. Sell it to me ill give you a fair price. Ill let you know what they are going for and what i bought my last 2 for. email me ulua54@hotmail.com thanks

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  27. I'm selling my FOUR Newell reels. I bought them all new from Carl back when I still lived in Los Angeles/Marina del Rey. Today I live in Vermont and my San Diego/Mexico fishing trips are now a thing of the past. All only used 4-7 times and well maintained. These were the best reels ever made! There's a little corrosion on the nameplates but that doesn't affect the use. Email me for info... darrell9@gmail.com

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