Browning Ultimatch um30

[steve2]

Going through some old tackle I came across a Browning Ultimatch 30. Not sure when I bought it and it must be the only fixed spool reel that does not have a drag, you can fight fish by back winding. Apart from mine I don't think I have seen another one.
Anyone know why it was designed this way?

 

[rob48]

I remember Bob Nudd being involved in the development and the thinking was that as match anglers were reluctant to use drag systems (at that time) it was a cost and weight saving by not including one. It partially mirrored the earlier practice of removing the cowl from ABU 506s, which rendered the drag system on those reels inoperative, and the fish were played by backwinding in exactly the same manner. Must have been mid-late 1990s at a guess.

 

[steve2]

It must have the 90's that's when I did most of my match fishing

 

[108831]

Dont even remember them Steve,must have seen them...