MainelyBASS Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 Looking to go with a Shimano, probably the Cardiff A series, mostly because of the price point. Possibly the Calcutta B series if I can find a good deal on one. I will be using it for big swimbaits, and larger crankbaits like 10XD. The Abu Garcia round reels are much cheaper, but I know what to expect with Shimano. Maybe someone can convince me on an Abu Garcia if you love it. Quote
KDW96 Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 I have used both shimano and abu garcia. I think for the price you cant beat the 5500 c-3 or 4600s? They are true work horse of a real. I have had no issues at all with them. Usually i grab the 4600 because of the size, but ill use the 5500 for the bigger baits. I have had these model of reels for 30 years. Good luck this year......... 2 Quote
MainelyBASS Posted January 21, 2015 Author Posted January 21, 2015 Thanks for the info KD...I might opt to go with a really cheap one to start, incase I dont like it. Im throwing KVD cranking classics right now. They are plenty powerful, but when I throw big swimbaits, I wanna spool it up with heavier line and the spool isnt big enough on those reels. Quote
KDW96 Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 Id opt for the 5500 c3 or c4. Because of the amount of line you can get on it for your style? I personnally dont care for the BCX series,but thats just me? Get the reel dialed in,and it will cast a mile........... Quote
tholmes Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 I'd look for a used ABU 5500 or 5600 reel. Stick to the Swedish-made models. You can find them all day long for less than $50. They're rugged, reliable and easy to service and repair. Take reasonable care of it and it will last your lifetime. Tom 2 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted January 21, 2015 Super User Posted January 21, 2015 I'm using the Calcutta 300D ~ Smooth, powerful, launches casts & fits nicely in the hand. Really sweet reel. A-Jay Quote
Flukeman Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 I have 3 of the ABU round reels, 5000, 4600, 3600 and all work flawlessly. The 5000 is 50 years old. Are they heavier than my Revo Premieres, sure, but they are bullet proof. The new ones this year are even lighter than the ones I own. That said, I dont think you can go wrong either way. Try to find a store or friend with the ones you are thinking about and get a feel for them. Choose the one that feels right and fits the budget. Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted January 21, 2015 Super User Posted January 21, 2015 Have you used round reels before? If not, this is one time where you might want to handle the reels on a rod to make sure you're comfortable with the feel. Round reels typically chosen for swimbaits are going to palm considerably larger than low-profile BC reels and you might want to handle one for a while to see how they feel on a rod. Some steps to guide the process: identify the baits / weights you want to throw, determine the line type/pound test you want to use with those baits, determine the line capacity you want for your chosen line, review the Abu and Shimano round reel line up and identify the size reel you need to provide your chosen line capacity, then hit a store and handle the chosen reels on a rod. Depending on the size of the reel - the Shimanos might palm smaller for you due to their recessed reel foot so that's one factor that could determine which brand to choose. 1 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted January 21, 2015 Super User Posted January 21, 2015 Perhaps you should consider the TW Reel Demo program. You'd have a chance to actually fish a few reels for a week in advance of making a purchase. A-Jay 2 Quote
crankbank Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 I was in a similar boat about a month ago and went with a Cardiff 400. General consensus around here seems to say that the 300 is the way to go. However, I will be using 25# mono and also use it for some saltwater action. Although the $120 is more than I have spent on most of my reels, I can live with gamble of a potentially oversized reel. I am hoping the Calcutta Conquest 300 is available, if down the road I ever want to downsize. Quote
Super User OkobojiEagle Posted January 21, 2015 Super User Posted January 21, 2015 Round reels in this world are an acquired taste. Start with an Abu 4600 series, add bearings to both sides of the line guide, bearing supported "idler" gear and upgraded spool bearings and you've got a sweet workhorse that is simple to maintain at home and will most likely out live you. Different ratio gear sets are easily interchanged. If you gravitate toward champagne... play with some of the Morrum reels. oe 3 Quote
kikstand454 Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 I'm switching back to my old Cardiff 100a for my deep cranking needs. It does the job perfectly and palms well. Admittedly its mostly because I don't want to have to buy a new low gear reel. ..... but that's not the point. I already have this reel and love it and trust it. Quote
Poolshark Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 If I were going to start cheap, I would choose a Swedish made abu garcia in the 4600 size. I would choose the ambassadeurs over the Cardiff. What I like most about my c3s are that they perform as well as a Cardiff and the parts will be available when you do finally wear the reel out. If you have the money to burn than the calcutta is a step ahead in performance. 1 Quote
Super User Maxximus Redneckus Posted January 21, 2015 Super User Posted January 21, 2015 Get a abu i have 60+ and still getting them all work perfect some look dead but keep on trucking.they can be found anywhere and parts HAAAA .their are at least 10 diff websites dedicated to these reels.they have a cult following.nothing wrong with calcuttas and cardiffs.if i could find them as cheap and as easy to tweak as my abus id have 60 of them.But thats not the case.abu Garcia... for life Quote
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