Product Description
Mitchell 81397 Bail Bumper – Saltwater Series Impact Protection
Protect your reel’s finish and ensure a quiet, dampened bail operation with the Mitchell 81397 Bail Bumper. This specialized component acts as a shock absorber for the heavy-duty bail arm found on Mitchell’s large-frame saltwater reels. Its primary function is to cushion the impact when the bail is opened for a cast, preventing metal-on-metal contact that can lead to premature wear, vibrations, or damage to the rotor.
In the harsh environment of surf and offshore fishing, original rubber or plastic bumpers often become brittle, cracked, or lost. Replacing a missing or degraded bumper with a genuine 81397 part restores the refined feel of your reel and protects the structural integrity of the bail assembly.
Product Specifications
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Part Number: 81397
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Alternate Part Numbers: 9081397, 81-397
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Component Type: Bail Stop / Shock Absorber / Bumper
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Material: High-density, oil-resistant synthetic polymer designed for extreme UV and saltwater exposure.
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Fitment: Specifically contoured for the large-diameter rotors of the 302 series.
Compatible Mitchell Models
The Mitchell 81397 is engineered to fit the heavy-duty bail systems of the following saltwater models:
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Mitchell 302 (Saltwater Standard)
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Mitchell 302A / 302N
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Mitchell 303 (Saltwater Lefty)
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Mitchell 402 (Saltwater High-Speed)
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Mitchell 403 (Saltwater High-Speed Lefty)
Installation & Maintenance Tips
Proper seating of the bail bumper is essential for it to function as an effective shock absorber. For the best performance, follow these recommendations:
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Cleaning: Before installing the new bumper, ensure the mounting recess on the rotor or bail arm is free of old adhesive, salt crust, or sand.
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Deuthlon Reel Grease: Apply a very light film of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the mounting pin or recess. While the bumper is a static part, the grease helps prevent saltwater from seeping behind the polymer, which can cause "hidden" corrosion on the metal rotor.
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Bail Pivot Care: While the bumper handles the impact, the bail pivot itself should be treated with Deuthlon Reel Oil to ensure the entire movement is fluid and friction-free.
To see exactly where the 81397 Bumper seats within the bail assembly, you can view the detailed PDF schematics at www.reelschematic.com.
Why Choose This Part?
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Noise Reduction: Eliminates the loud "clank" of the bail arm hitting the rotor, providing a stealthier fishing experience.
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Component Longevity: Absorbs the kinetic energy of the heavy saltwater bail, reducing the stress on the bail spring and hinge screw.
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Perfect Contour: Unlike universal parts, this is molded to fit the specific curvature of the Mitchell 302-series rotor arm.
