Product Description
Mitchell 81402 Bail Arm – Saltwater Series Replacement
Restore the structural integrity and smooth operation of your heavy-duty Mitchell reel with the Mitchell 81402 Bail Arm. This robust component serves as the primary mounting bracket for the bail wire on the "Lefty" versions of the legendary Mitchell saltwater series.
In the demanding environment of surf and offshore fishing, bail arms are subjected to high stress during casting and retrieval. Over time, original arms can become bent, pitted by saltwater corrosion, or suffer from worn pivot holes, leading to a "sloppy" bail action or failure to trip. Replacing your worn arm with this genuine 81402 part ensures perfect alignment and the crisp mechanical response these French-made classics are known for.
Product Specifications
-
Part Number: 81402
-
Alternate Part Numbers: 9081402, 81-402
-
Component Type: Bail Arm Bracket / Rotor Arm
-
Material: Heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant alloy with a marine-grade finish.
-
Orientation: Specific to Left-Hand Retrieve (Right-Hand Wind) models.
Compatible Mitchell Models
The Mitchell 81402 is specifically engineered for the counter-rotation of the left-handed saltwater chassis. It is a direct fit for:
-
Mitchell 303 (Saltwater Standard Lefty)
-
Mitchell 303A
-
Mitchell 403 (Saltwater High-Speed Lefty)
-
Mitchell 403A
Note: For the right-hand retrieve versions (Models 302/402), the correct part number is 81395. The 81402 is strictly for "Odd-Numbered" lefty models.
Installation & Lubrication Guide
The bail arm is a primary moving part that requires consistent lubrication to prevent the metal-on-metal wear caused by repetitive casting:
-
Preparation: Clean the rotor mounting surface and the bail screw threads of all salt residue and old, sandy grease.
-
Deuthlon Reel Grease: Apply a thin coating of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the internal cavity of the bail arm where the bail spring (Part #81399) sits. This grease provides a long-lasting moisture barrier that prevents the spring from rusting against the arm.
-
Deuthlon Reel Oil: Once the arm is mounted with the bail screw, apply one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to the pivot point. This ensures the bail snaps shut instantly when the handle is turned.
For a visual guide on the correct orientation of the bail spring and the placement of the bail bumper within this arm, refer to the high-resolution PDF schematics at www.reelschematic.com.
Why Choose This Part?
-
Precision Casting: Engineered to match the original factory specifications for the 303/403 series rotor.
-
Corrosion Resistance: Treated to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater spray and coastal humidity.
-
Perfect Alignment: Ensures the bail wire (Part #81400) is perfectly centered over the spool for optimal line lay and casting performance.
