Product Description
Mitchell 81370 Drag Washer – High-Performance Saltwater Friction Disc
Restore the smooth, stutter-free drag performance of your vintage Mitchell reel with the Mitchell 81370 Drag Washer. This critical friction component is designed to provide the necessary resistance and heat dissipation required to manage powerful runs from saltwater game fish.
In a drag stack, the 81370 washer acts as the primary interface between the metal keyed washers and the spool. Over time, original washers can become compressed, glazed, or "stuck" due to dried grease and salt intrusion, leading to a "jerky" drag that can snap light lines. Replacing your worn discs with this genuine-spec part ensures a consistent, linear drag pressure from the moment you hook up.
Product Specifications
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Part Number: 81370
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Alternate Part Number: 9081370
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Component Type: Friction Drag Washer
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Material: Specialized fiber or Teflon-impregnated composite (depending on production era) for heat resistance and smooth startup inertia.
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Fitment: Engineered for the large-diameter drag stacks of the Mitchell saltwater series.
Compatible Mitchell Models
The Mitchell 81370 is a heavy-duty washer found in the large-frame reels used for surf and offshore fishing. It is compatible with:
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Mitchell 302 (Saltwater Standard)
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Mitchell 303 (Saltwater Lefty)
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Mitchell 396 / 397 (PUM/Saltwater Series)
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Mitchell 402 (Saltwater High-Speed)
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Mitchell 403 (Saltwater High-Speed Lefty)
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Mitchell 496 / 497 (High Speed / PUM Models)
Maintenance & Lubrication Guide
The secret to a "silky" Mitchell drag is proper lubrication. A dry drag washer is prone to sticking and overheating. For the best results:
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Preparation: Remove all old, hardened grease from the metal washers and the spool cavity using a mild degreaser.
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Deuthlon Reel Grease: Apply a very thin, translucent coat of Deuthlon Reel Grease to both sides of the 81370 washer. This grease is specifically designed to handle high temperatures and prevents the "chatter" often felt in older drag systems.
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Assembly: Ensure the washers are stacked in the correct sequence as shown in the factory diagrams.
For a detailed visual guide on the exact stacking order of the 81370 washers within your specific spool, refer to the high-definition PDF schematics at www.reelschematic.com.
Why Choose This Part?
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Heat Management: Designed to maintain its structural integrity during long, high-speed runs.
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Low Startup Inertia: Prevents the initial "jerk" when a fish first strikes, protecting your knots and line.
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Perfect Dimensions: Precision-cut to fit the large-frame Mitchell spools without binding or excessive play.
