Product Description
Mitchell 81327 Drive Gear – Precision Engineering for the High-Speed 409
The Mitchell 81327 Drive Gear is the mechanical heart of the Mitchell 409 spinning reel. As the left-hand retrieve (right-hand crank) counterpart to the high-speed 408, the 409 requires a drive gear with mirrored tooth geometry and specialized high-speed gear ratios. This gear is responsible for the lightning-fast line pickup that defines the 400-series ultralight family.
The 81327 is a specialized "Planamatic" drive gear, featuring the integrated eccentric hub required to drive the variable-speed oscillation system. Replacing a worn or chipped drive gear is the most effective way to eliminate "handle grind" and restore the powerful, smooth-turning retrieve required for high-frequency lure fishing.
Product Specifications
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Part Number: 81327
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Component Type: Main Drive Gear
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Hand Retrieve: Left-Hand Retrieve (Right-Hand Crank)
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Gear System: High-Speed Planamatic
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Material: High-grade Bronze or Hardened Alloy (Generation dependent)
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Origin: Genuine Mitchell Engineering (France)
Compatible Models
The 81327 drive gear is specifically engineered for the high-speed, left-hand retrieve small chassis:
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Mitchell 409 (High-Speed Left-Hand Ultralight)
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Mitchell 409A
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Mitchell 409 "Sky Blue" Variants
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Mitchell 309 High-Speed Conversions (Reels upgraded with 400-series internals)
Technical Insight: In the 400-series, the drive gear must be perfectly synchronized with the 81310 Planamatic Gear. Because these high-speed reels operate at much higher RPMs than the standard 308/309 series, any tooth wear is amplified as vibration through the handle. To ensure the gear mesh is set to exact factory specifications, consult the official PDF schematics at www.reelschematic.com.
Professional Maintenance & Lubrication
High-speed gears generate more friction and heat than standard gears. Using specialized lubricants is essential to prevent premature tooth wear and maintain the "Swiss-watch" feel of the 409.
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Gear Teeth: Apply an even layer of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the teeth of the 81327 gear. Its "Dust-Shield" technology creates a persistent lubricant film that won't "fling off" at high speeds, ensuring silent operation even under the stress of a fast-moving fish.
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Drive Shaft & Pivot: Use a drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil on the drive gear shaft where it enters the housing or the ball bearing. This reduces startup resistance, allowing for a faster, more responsive retrieve.
Why Choose Genuine Mitchell 81327?
The Mitchell 81327 is factory-balanced specifically for the high-speed oscillation of the 409 chassis. Aftermarket or generic gears often have slight variations in the "lead" of the teeth, which can cause the reel to feel "heavy" or bind during a fast retrieve. Using a genuine factory replacement ensures that the mechanical timing of your reel remains perfect, preserving the legendary line-lay and collector value of your vintage 409.
