Hi Guys,
Well looking at those closer photos it's similar to a 45 but of course they've put their own spin on it and as such its not a direct copy as I was originally expecting.
Many parts are produced quite differently to the SB, but I find it interesting that they've gone with the "solid Deck" concept opposed to the twin railer. I feel that the top deck is made of thinner metal than that of SB's version thus the strengthening pattern stamped into it to give it added strength just like a floor pan in a car. The clutch is interestingly different but works on the exact same principles, but wow are there going to be some balance issues there ??, also the rear roller is totally smooth and not ribbed (cheaper to make). I see that the oiler cap nubs have been left in the castings on the top bearing caps for the reel that serve absolutely no purpose as no oilers are inserted and thus not used now a days due to sealed bearing being utilised.
All in all a pretty good reproduction at a sensible price point that will make quite a few people think twice before buying those $1200 ~ $1,600 resprayed and so called refurbished older units off eBay. A lot of the Asian stuff is certainly much better now than the stuff that was produced 5 to 10 years ago like the "Yardstar" etc.
I personally still prefer the originals and if you are prepared to do the hard yards and pick the right machine and have the ability to do it all yourself you'll save lots of folding stuff.
But for those that can't there's a brand new "Buddy Franklin" on the playing field now called the "Parklander"
Cheers,
BB.
