The Steelite fishing reel is the most popular type of reel in Australia that was made from the 1930s to the mid-1980s. Manufactured by Stewart & Allward, a company founded in Sydney by Harold Stewart and Norman Allwood in 1910. Until the company’s closure in 1987, they produced a wide variety of mills. This model ranges from light game reels to side-cast reels and fly reels.
Some of these reels are handmade. These reels take more time to make and are therefore more expensive than mass-produced reels. These early reels are also more rare and valuable, because they are made by hand. Although this makes them more expensive, the quality of the material is higher.
Modern versions of these reels use graphite plates and have a level that reduces friction. It also has a sliding check button. In addition, a large S is made on the back so that they are easy to identify. The Nottingham has a non-rotating line guide and black erinoid handle knobs.
Other Steelite models are available in different sizes. For example, a standard 5 game reel can be purchased. This reel has a Bakelite front plate and a metal back plate. It can produce up to 28 pounds of drag pressure. You can choose from three different speeds and colors, and some even feature an anodized camo finish.