flipin4bass Posted August 4, 2012 Posted August 4, 2012 I was disappointed to learn a few weeks ago that Shimano decided to discontinue their flagship, the Calais 100 and 200 model reels. They are still making the digital DC version of the Calais, but at $600+, I doubt I'll ever own one. I do, however, own two of the 200 models and if you thought that these reels were just a lot of hype, then you obviously never held one in your hand, or let alone used one. They are by far the smoothest reels I have ever used and in my opinion, one of the best baitcasters ever made. I only hope that mine will last me a few more years. One can only speculate as to why Shimano made this decision, but I imagine that the present state of the economy and demand played a part. Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted August 4, 2012 Super User Posted August 4, 2012 Yea I was surprised when they discountinued the calais as well. In the JDM market they brought out a new anTarees for 2012. It probably will become the new calais platform if shimano brings it over to the USDM. Looks like the old calais but updated internally. Sweet reel but pricey. It will outcast the calais dc for distance. 1 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted August 4, 2012 Super User Posted August 4, 2012 Yea I was surprised when they discountinued the calais as well. In the JDM market they brought out a new anTarees for 2012. It probably will become the new calais platform if shimano brings it over to the USDM. Looks like the old calais but updated internally. Sweet reel but pricey. It will outcast the calais dc for distance. WOW ! That thing is Sweet & Sick at the same time ~ A-Jay Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted August 4, 2012 Super User Posted August 4, 2012 I only hope that mine will last me a few more years. Mine is over 10 years old. I had a washer and brake pads replaced by JFrancho a couple of years ago. Otherwise, standard maintenance. The reel is better today than the day I took it out of its box! Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted August 4, 2012 Super User Posted August 4, 2012 Mine is over 10 years old. I had a washer and brake pads replaced by JFrancho a couple of years ago. Otherwise, standard maintenance. The reel is better today than the day I took it out of its box! Bantam1 said that the calais 100 was the best casting reel he had ever used & I'm sure he has used them all. Quote
Super User South FLA Posted August 5, 2012 Super User Posted August 5, 2012 Dwight is that your Antares HG? I love my Metanium Mg, it is my T-rig/Loomis GLX combo and I can cast a country mile with it! Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted August 5, 2012 Super User Posted August 5, 2012 Dwight is that your Antares HG? I love my Metanium Mg, it is my T-rig/Loomis GLX combo and I can cast a country mile with it! Yes it's sitting on my desk anxiously awaiting that rod Mattman is building for me. He is working on the rod now so I should have it within two weeks. If you saw the promo video Mr. Hajime Murata casted 99m 110yds 5/8oz casting plug with the new Antares. I figured I needed to step up my casting distance to try an stay even with you. Quote
Super User South FLA Posted August 5, 2012 Super User Posted August 5, 2012 Yes it's sitting on my desk anxiously awaiting that rod Mattman is building for me. He is working on the rod now so I should have it within two weeks. If you saw the promo video Mr. Hajime Murata casted 99m 110yds 5/8oz casting plug with the new Antares. I figured I needed to step up my casting distance to try an stay even with you. HA HA Quote
bassinbrian Posted August 5, 2012 Posted August 5, 2012 Mattman just sent me my rod he did for me last week! I'm not a huge shimano fan but that reel does get me excited since I first found out about it. Ive heard great things about it on another site, please let us know what you think. Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted August 5, 2012 Super User Posted August 5, 2012 Mattman just sent me my rod he did for me last week! I'm not a huge shimano fan but that reel does get me excited since I first found out about it. Ive heard great things about it on another site, please let us know what you think. Post up some pictures of that bad boy. Love to hear about it. Quote
Super User Hooligan Posted August 7, 2012 Super User Posted August 7, 2012 Yea I was surprised when they discountinued the calais as well. In the JDM market they brought out a new anTarees for 2012. It probably will become the new calais platform if shimano brings it over to the USDM. Looks like the old calais but updated internally. Sweet reel but pricey. It will outcast the calais dc for distance. Color me jealous, Dwight. I have yet to pull the trigger on it, but after all the reading I've done, probably will. Quote
Super User Sam Posted August 7, 2012 Super User Posted August 7, 2012 Do any of you guys know how the workings have changed from the Calais? My friend who repairs reels told me that Shimano has been cutting corners for a few years, using more and more plastic in their reels. Shimano may have data from their sales and marketing department that the Calais was no longer selling as projected so management decided to stop production and introduce a new reel to create a demand. The key is the inner workings. Is the new Antares stronger and more efficient than the Calais and if so, what is the difference? Just wondering. Thanks for any feedback and your input. Quote
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