I looked and looked for a reel to replace my old 1600s but never found one, so I just bought every one I could find for a few years. They are nearly indestructible, and easy to fix if you do manage to tear it up. 6.3:1 gears are available (part numbers 22222 and 22221). Black and pro max’s are basically the same except blacks have bushings in the brake plate, worm drive, and handle grips where pro’s have bearings. If I plan to use a black max, I replace the worm drive bushings with bearings (3x7x3) and the bushing in the brake plate with a bearing (number I cannot remember off hand). I replace the black brake blocks with blue ones. Change the gears to 6.3:1, get rid of the axle retainer in the cast control knob, and replace the plastic bearing retainer in the spool with a metal bushing (3x5x1.5 mm). I also measure the gap between the outer end of the drive shaft and the e-clip and make a shim to eliminate any slop. I also replace the awful handle ( I use Gator grip gg-1 but never see them for sale any more). I also back cut the teeth on the wheel that releases the clutch (0201 versions came with that mod). I also replace the anti reverse bearing with the shorter version that came in the later 0201 models. I have tried numerous other mods (reduced the spool weight, installed a bearing at the bottom of the drive shaft, and numerous others) but the mods I listed are those that made a difference. I prefer to have zero pressure on the spool. To adjust the cast control knob, I back it off until the spool can be moved back and forth on the axle, then tighten it until it still moves but only just. I can sling a 1/4 oz. crankbait with minimal effort.
