Product Description
Mitchell 81310 Planamatic Gear – The Synchronization Engine for 308/309
The Mitchell 81310 Planamatic Gear (also known as the Oscillation Drive Gear) is the mechanical "brain" behind the ultra-smooth line lay of the Mitchell 308 and 309 series. This gear is the intermediary component that connects the main drive gear to the 81309 Cam Ring.
The Planamatic system is famous for its non-linear oscillation, which varies the speed of the spool's travel to create a cross-wind pattern that prevents line digging. The 81310 gear is precision-cut to maintain the exact timing required for this complex movement. If your ultralight reel feels "jerky" or the spool seems to "pause" at the ends of its stroke, a worn or chipped 81310 gear is often the culprit.
Product Specifications
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Part Number: 81310
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Component Type: Planamatic Oscillation Gear / Transfer Gear
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Material: Hardened Bronze or High-Strength Alloy
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Function: Drives the 81309 Cam Ring to produce variable-speed spool oscillation.
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Origin: Genuine Mitchell Engineering (France)
Compatible Models
The 81310 gear is specific to the small-chassis Planamatic series:
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Mitchell 308 (Right-hand retrieve / standard)
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Mitchell 308A / 308S
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Mitchell 309 (Left-hand retrieve variant)
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Mitchell 408 (High-speed Planamatic version)
Technical Insight: In the 308/309 series, the 81310 gear must be perfectly synchronized with the drive gear. Because these reels are used with light 2lb–6lb monofilament, any imperfection in this gear will result in poor line lay, leading to wind knots and reduced casting distance. To ensure your gears are seated with the correct tolerances, download the official PDF schematics at www.reelschematic.com.
Professional Maintenance & Lubrication
The Planamatic gears are small and feature fine teeth that can be easily damaged by grit or lack of lubrication.
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Gear Teeth: Apply a light, even coating of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the 81310 gear. Its specialized "Dust-Shield" properties are critical for these small gears, as they provide a protective barrier that prevents micro-debris from grinding down the teeth during high-speed retrieves.
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Central Pivot: Use a drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil on the post where the 81310 gear sits. This ensures the gear rotates with minimal startup friction, giving the reel its signature "light-as-air" handle feel.
Why Choose Genuine Mitchell 81310?
The Mitchell 81310 gear is machined with a specific tooth pitch that matches the unique elliptical path of the Planamatic cam. Aftermarket gears often lack the precise hardening of the original, leading to rapid wear and "gear slop." Using a genuine factory replacement preserves the legendary mechanical harmony of your Mitchell 308, ensuring it remains the gold standard for ultralight trout and panfish angling.
