The 'Challenge(r)s' of Reel Dating

[Rockape]

Any excuse to show off some reel photos...lol!

I guess, this one is aimed more at Stingray, as he is, in my opinion, the real expert on Morritt/Gladding reels here, but anyones thoughts are most welcome.

I remember some time ago reading a very short piece on the 'Black Text' Super Twins (on the old Intrepid website probably), with their black print 'Intrepid' text, as opposed to the much more common red print decals, it is noted also that the black label reels had a slightly redesigned drag nut.

Well, I recently snagged an Intrepid Challenger in beautiful condition, with this same black print (first one I have seen).

It came with the original box, which, surprisingly, is of the last design (Gladding, white with orange/yellow and black stripe around the base. Prior to that the boxes were the same, but with a wavy line).

This to me, having bought reels in the all blue Morritt boxes in 1975, would then put this reel at around 1977 to 1979?

As I mentioned earlier, this is the first UK Challenger version I have seen so late in production, which had previously prompted me (in part) to believe it had been discontinued in favour of the Super Twin.

I now believe the black print decal SuperTwin is a Late Gladding model like this Challenger.

One thing for sure in my mind though, is that both those later reels were made in very few numbers, and the Challenger may have been resurected for a short time? Maybe, maybe not, who knows?

I have attached some photos in a later post (due to some visibility issues) of the Challenger in question, along with my older blue box version and two Supertwins in comparison to each other.

Hopefully this post of Intrepid/Gladding minutia won't be too boring.

[RBTraditional]

Sorry can’t see the images….



Try to upload using this button

[Rockape]

Thank you for alerting me RBTraditional (strange, as it hasn't happened to me before?).
I have used the method suggested, but pease let me know if they are still invisible, thank you.

[Wanderer]

Mmm, very strange.
I Did receive all the images, but now they have disappeared.
Only have one image now ( The Black Label Super Twin)

Whatever, please keep posting Intrepid Stuff !
It certainly isn't "Boring"

[Rockape]

Mmm, very strange.
I Did receive all the images, but now they have disappeared.
Only have one image now ( The Black Label Super Twin)

Whatever, please keep posting Intrepid Stuff !
It certainly isn't "Boring"

Yeah, weird; on my phone they all appear using both methods, but if I use someone elses phone, the images are just links (on the first ones anyway)?
They are all under 500kb.

I'll check again.

[Wanderer]

Just opened up again and all images are back.

[Rockape]

Just opened up again and all images are back.

Excellent!! Thank you.

[Wanderer]

That Challenger certainly looks good with the green Rotor / Flyer and Black body.
I have an Extra with the same colours , that is useable, but cosmetically it's a bit of a dog.

With regard to the Supertwins, the famous tackle dealers Bennets of Sheffield stated that they were the best in the range of Intrepid reels. I'm not going to disagree.

[Rockape]

That Challenger certainly looks good with the green Rotor / Flyer and Black body.
I have an Extra with the same colours , that is useable, but cosmetically it's a bit of a dog.

With regard to the Supertwins, the famous tackle dealers Bennets of Sheffield stated that they were the best in the range of Intrepid reels. I'm not going to disagree.

I have one or two Extras myself, most with green rotors, but two later versions I own have black rotors.

I am currently on the lookout for a good boxed example of the US distrbuted Challenger, which is basically a Super Twin with a Challenger decal and box. These have a large round HI (Horrocks Ibbotson) decal on ghe main body side of the reel.

My all time favourite Intrepid is the New De Luxe, but I agree, the Super Twin is hands down the best freshwater reel they ever made. The NDX for me, is just a nice looking, very reliable reel (with no small amount of nostagic value).

[Wanderer]

Wow, what a collection...... I understand your appreciation of the Intrepid New Deluxe.
It was the first new reel that I bought as a boy and it gave me good service. I still have it and although it is a little "looser" than it once was, it's still useable.
My model is one with the folding handle with the black plastic clip.......don't know how much money they saved, per reel, with this alteration, but it was a retrograde move. The all metal handle previously fitted to many reels in the Intrepid range was much better, in my opinion.