What Is The Difference Between A Calcutta A And B?

[new2BC4bass]

Like the title says, wanting to know what the differences are between the A and B model Calcutta reels. Thanks.

[Capt.Bob]

the 200A is clear coated with die-cast aluminum 1 piece frame and 2BB w/1roller bearing and a 5.0:1 gear ratio I am not sure on the 200A but the 100 had a 4 pin centrifugal brake. As for the 200B, it has a gold anodized finished one piece cold forged aluminum frame, 3BB w/1roller bearing and 6.0:1 gear ratio and has a 6 pin centrifugal brake. Calcutta reels are some of the most rugged reels Shimano makes.

[new2BC4bass]

Thanks. Looks like the B model is more desirable.

[Bassn Blvd]

The new Calcuttas look promising.

[Dwight Hottle]

The calcutta A is discontinued. The B while still current will likely be discontinued with the acceptance of the new calcutta D.

[Capt.Bob]

Yep, if you watch the used "B's" in mint condition are starting to pull better prices, and if the B model's are discontinued, it will cost even more to get one. I just sold 4 Stradic's 3-FI's I got more than I paid for them, 1-MgFB I got within $30.00 of what I paid for it 4 years ago. It cost me less than $5.00 a reel to replace the older ones, CRAZY! The FJ's are what I replaced them with and they are a much nicer reel. if you can say any reel is nicer than a Stradic in any model.

The Curado was a different story, I upgrade every couple model upgrades, waited on the G series and was so disappointed I sold my 200B's and a D after trying a new Lew's and replaced them all with Lew's. I think this was the first time in over 30 years of owning all Shimano they come out with a new model and it was a downgrade!!!

I have 4 Calcutta's, 2-400B's and 2-200's B and GTB. I don't think I will ever upgrade, Time will tell as if I had waited I would have seen there were many that were disappointed in the Curado G, I cant believe the finest round reel in the world would ever have a new model introduced that wasn't an upgrade, granted I have think there are some things that would be nice to have, but don't think they incorporated them into the D. I just don't see a big enough change to take a chance, I love my B's CT, and the CTE is still the top model..

I know how they could do them without making the reel bigger and this is what I wish mine did! The line guide for one thing is very close to the spool, and being a disengaging level wind reel 50, 100, 200, the 400 and 700 don't disengage, the line guide needs to float when the spool is disengaged for casting, or when the spool is reversing and line is paying out against the drag. Then there would be an upgrade!!! More bearings I can add, that is just not what I call an upgrade. and it's a round reel, so side plates are side plates, you can't make it ergonomic enough to palm like you can a low profile.