Casting Performance - Curado 200E7 Vs Cardiff 100A

[Stasher1]

I currently have a Curado 200E7 mounted on a 7' MH BPS Carbonlite for larger spinnerbaits, 3/8+ oz jigs, frogs, etc. The combo works fine and I have no real complaints, but lately I've had an urge to own another round reel and the Cardiff 100A looks pretty good.

Is there anyone here with experience with both reels that can give me an idea of how the two reels compare in the casting department, more specifically casting ~1/4 oz lures?

I rarely use the Curado now, so buying a Cardiff and another rod to put it on isn't an option.

[Hooligan]

The Curado is a better reel. More refined, better line behaviour, and it feels better in hand.

[LgMouthGambler]

You could just send me that Curado, I have no complaints about those E's.

[Stasher1]

The Curado is a better reel. More refined, better line behaviour, and it feels better in hand.

I know, but I'm really only interested in the difference in casting performance between the two. The E7 is a nice reel, but it has never really "done it" for me. I'm thinking that I'll get more satisfaction out of a "super tuned" Cardiff 100A instead.

You could just send me that Curado, I have no complaints about those E's.

I have no real complaints with it either, but it's kinda like a Toyota Camry - dead-nuts reliable but about as boring as it gets.

[tomustang]

I never used a Cardiff, but I can launch 1/4oz lures on the Curado 200 and throw 1/8oz far.

[craww]

If your set on a round reel and are going to put money into tuning it, why not just get a calcutta?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Tuning will not transform a reel into another model but:

Cardiff = $109 + $32 Tuning $141

Calcutta = $199

[Stasher1]

The Cardiff is lighter, and I think I can have the bearings upgraded and internals polished on the Cardiff and still come out cheaper than buying a Calcutta...I'm also not a huge fan of the color of the Calcutta. The Cardiff is more subdued, which I like.

Tuning will not transform a reel into another model but:

Cardiff = $109 + $32 Tuning $141

Calcutta = $199

Lol, you beat me to it.

[J Francho]

Can you even find a new Cardiff 100A?

[Stasher1]

BPS can order them (supposedly) and there are usually some on Ebay.

Just checked, and there are at least five of them listed right now.

[Bluebasser86]

I've owned both of them and they both will cast that size lure very well. Couldn't say for sure which one casts further but the Cardiff is a nice little reel. It actually felt better in my hand and was easier to palm than the Curado, just fit in my hand good because of the recessed reel seat it sits pretty low on the rod. I like the Cardiff really well for traps because it would fling them out there a long way and I didn't fish them too fast because of the 5.8:1 gear ratio.

[Capt.Bob]

If I was going to nbuy a round reel for any reason from Shimano it would be a Calcutta over a cardiff, much higher quality and holds it's resale value better than most reels, and much better than a cardiff.

[Stasher1]

I appreciate the input, but I'm really not interested in a Calcutta. As I stated before, the Cardiff is lighter and I don't like the gold color of the Calcutta. Since it'll only be used for bass in freshwater and will be receiving bearing and drag upgrades, I don't see a reason to spend the extra $100. The resale value isn't an issue for this reel.

[J Francho]

You don't NEED a bearing upgrade. Carbontex is worthwhile, though.

[Stasher1]

You don't NEED a bearing upgrade. Carbontex is worthwhile, though.

I fish for fun, so it boils down to what I want, not what I need.

I've always run the stock bearings and drags in my reels, but the Cardiff is cheap enough that I feel comefortable splurging a bit and having a couple upgrades done. I just want to be sure that the casting performance is comparable between the two reels (Curado and Cardiff) before I start on this endeavor. I don't want to upgrade the bearings in the Cardiff just to wind up at the same performance level as a stock Curado.

[J Francho]

They are the same bearings. Flush the grease out with acetone baths, and oil with the included Bantam oil. You'll be way ahead an out of the box Shimano anything with regards to spool speed.

[VolFan]

I have a Cardiff 200 that DVT had his way with. I like it so much I traded Bluebasser my Revo SX for his Cardiff 100. Get it, and get it tuned up and you'll love it. Great reels.

[Stasher1]

I think I'm going to snap a couple pics and put my Curado in the Flea Market. I had a bit of " fun money" in my pocket earlier today, but I came across a killer deal on a lat pull-down machine for my home gym...