THIS ITEM IS NEW OLD STOCK - BRASS MAY SHOW SIGNS OF AGE FROM OXIDATION.
Can be cleaned with Brasso or similar brass cleaning product if desired, but spotting is generally only cosmetic.
About the two different runs of 10-505 drag stars
This was discovered 4/2012
It is not related to the fine-toothed/coarse thread design changes (98-505 vs 98-60).
It is a separate issue.
Penn did a more recent manufacturing run of these 10-505 stars.
They changed the machining of the fine thread just slightly enough to cause an issue with the newly made stainless sleeves, as described in the photo notes below.
SIMPLIFIED
If you only intend to use the 98-505 brass gear sleeve, order 10-505-B.
If you might, or are, changing to the
98-505AT stainless steel sleeve, order 10-505BS that fits both.
NOTES for the 500 and 500S reels ONLY:
This Part is used with the FINE-TOOTHED Bridge/Star/Sleeve System.
Click Here for More Info 500 and 500S Design Change - Bridges/Sleeves/Star Drag Info