The 300's were the first reel to have a relatively deep spool...meaning from front to back on the spool, not from lip to arbor. It was this depth that gave the 300 it's amazing casting ability. The 308 and 408 were shallow in that regard but were true lightweights. I loved pairing a 408 with a Fenwick 5-foot ultralight for stream trout fishing. I also used the same rigs for casting jigs from shore for walleyes just prior to the spawn. Talking about these reels sure makes me feel old. Recalling the $30 price tag on the reels seems like a million years ago. lol
If you look at the prices of many of todays reels, not even built as well, the old 300's & other Mitchell's are a good buy if you do find them in good shape & at a decent price.
They are a bit heavy, but that's the last thing I get concerned about. I grew up using the older fiberglass rods & heavy reels and still use old reels, like the Penn's & Abu's, and still fish with some fiberglass rods. To me, an ounce or 3 of weight is not worth the hundred's of $ difference we see today in the prices. I have some much more costly gear too, but just cannot justify it with most spinning reels. The most expensive spinning reels I own are Daiwa EmCast Plus, which I bought several years ago for surf fishing, something I never had time to do much, and that was still trying to be budget minded. Two of them I got for $90 for the pair, in used but almost new condition. The guy said he never used them much.
I doubt that I have paid more than $30 for any of the other spinning reels I use and more likely $20 or less.
I also like the comments I get when folks see me fishing with the old 300's. Some of them are fascinated and some, younger folks especially, don't even know what they are.
