I noticed the other day a conquest for sale which had the dial type drag but it had a riveted on brass reel foot like the wheel in the hole version.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/ZbR6F8b.jpg)
All the other dial types I have seen have had a polished alloy foot secured to the raised lug on the backplate.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/UGRrwX7.jpg)
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/rLTBuW7.jpg)
I also recently noticed.
The spindle on the dial type is a plain parallel bar so the bronze bush inside the drum is in contact full length.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/HO0hRRc.jpg)
Whereas the spindle on the wheel in hole type is waisted, creating two smaller friction areas at the top and bottom of the spindle and I now think this is what makes it the more free running. Sorry it is not a very good photo but I think you will get my drift.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/Ff74kJB.jpg)
This of course only adds more wonder as to why Hardys discontinued the earlier version and created a more complicated and less free running reel.
Wal.