Is The Shimano Calais Dc Reel Worth The Money

[Bass&PanMan]

Hi all,

I posted a similar topic about the Shimano Stella. I bought two C3000XG's and I would say no. They are perfect in every way but are they worth double that of a Daiwa Certate, I don't think so.

Let's hope they are like fine wine and appreciate on me in time.

I appreciate that Baitcasting is a different and so not wanting to make the same mistake, is the Shimano Calais DC worth the money or is there something that equals it for $300 ?

That's in advance for your help.

Matthew

[Raul]

I love my Shimanos, I even owned a Calais 100 A for a while but by no means I would get me a Calais DC, I'd rather get me a Steez.

[John G]

BPM, congrats on your NRX/Stella combo! It looks sweet!

If you are going to get a Calais DC, spend the extra few bucks and get the JDM Antares DC7-LV. It has a different finish, a longer handle, some other cosmetic differences and IMHO, and this is just my opinion, it is one of the must have Shimaos for the true enthusiast. It falls into the Ultimate Enthusiist category. I say that because before the Yen lost value, it was a $750.00 reel. I don't have one......yet but I will eventually. Another must have and plenty of people will agree with me, is a Conquest 50.

BTW, there is a guy using a DC7-LV to catch Barramundi on YouTube.

[Master Bait'r]

It's a bit rich for my blood but I will never stop wanting a 4x8 DC.

[bootytrain]

I remember that when the new Antares came out a few years ago Shimano showed the guy pendulum casting a 5/8oz plug 99 meters(108 yards). But its reported that the Antares/Calais DC did 118 meters with the same weight. I personally think its worth the money for several reasons. Its got the most advanced braking system ever still. Self recharging electro magnets controlled by a digital circuit. And its not all about distance, its about controlling backlashes, even into the wind. Combined with all metal construction, forged components that have incredible detailing. Its getting long in the tooth being almost 10 years old so I think its surely going to be replaced soon.

[Logan S]

I didn't read all of the Stella thread, but I'm sure it was said somewhere in there...

 

There is a point of diminishing returns in high end tackle (high end anything really).  The price/performance ratio is not fixed or linear.  As you go up in price, the increases in performance generally get smaller.  The way I see it, at a certain point it becomes more about enjoyment than performance.  The Calais' performance will be exceptional, but you are the only one that can determine if that performance is worth your cost to acquire it.

 

Long story short, it's not a dollar-for-dollar scale...If you want the performance to be directly related to the amount spent, stay in the $150-$200 range.  The price/performance ratio seems to be maximized at that price point.  

[Further North]

I have a Calais DC...I love it, great reel.

 

As mentioned above, backlash is mostly a thing of the past using the reel...and even if you do get them, they are small and easily dealt with.

 

The different modes are really important - being able to cast into the wind is very nice.

 

If you set it up right, the distance you will get is great - more than with any other reel I own.

 

It's only possible down side is weight - it's not a small reel.  Mine is currently on a 7' 9" TFO that I have rigged for toothy fish...but now that my Canadian trip is done for the year I'll re-rig the set up for pitching heavier jigs.

 

...is it worth the difference in cost?  It was to me, others will not think so.

[blckshirt98]

Fish don't care if you're using a $600 Calais or a $15 Zebco spincast.  I know with spinning reels if I close my eyes I really can't tell the difference between a $30 Sienna and a $200 Stradic.  I've caught fish with both.  I think expensive gear really only scales value/utility wise if it's because of a stronger target species, i.e. if you're going after 200lb tuna you need beefier gear that won't fail.  But we're all targeting bass and that extra $300 bucks for a high end rod/reel is mostly for the fisherman.  You can have the most expensive gear ever created but the guy with a $50 setup will outfish you if they know where to find the fish and how to get them to bite.  One of the local pros says he's caught something like 90% of his tournament fish with a Zoom trick worm, and he uses S-wavers instead of the fancy Deps/Roman Mades and kills it.

[Master Bait'r]

I posted a similar topic about the Shimano Stella. I bought two C3000XG's and I would say no.

I love the logic. Not sure? Bah, I'll take two. Life is too short to mess around.

[Senko lover]

You asked, "Is Shimano Calais Dc Casting Reel With The Money?"

 

Can't answer that, but I will tell you: It has to do with the Monkey!

[Bass&PanMan]

You asked, "Is Shimano Calais Dc Casting Reel With The Money?"

 

Can't answer that, but I will tell you: It has to do with the Monkey!

haha. Thanks for spotting that. Title updated.

[Further North]

Fish don't care if you're using a $600 Calais or a $15 Zebco spincast.  I know with spinning reels if I close my eyes I really can't tell the difference between a $30 Sienna and a $200 Stradic.  I've caught fish with both.  I think expensive gear really only scales value/utility wise if it's because of a stronger target species, i.e. if you're going after 200lb tuna you need beefier gear that won't fail.  But we're all targeting bass and that extra $300 bucks for a high end rod/reel is mostly for the fisherman.  You can have the most expensive gear ever created but the guy with a $50 setup will outfish you if they know where to find the fish and how to get them to bite.  One of the local pros says he's caught something like 90% of his tournament fish with a Zoom trick worm, and he uses S-wavers instead of the fancy Deps/Roman Mades and kills it.

The ability of the Calais DC to avoid backlashes and to cast into a strong wind changes that equation a bit - the added functionality that allows you to spend your time fishing instead of dealing with other issues, and to cast further do make a difference.

 

It's kind of similar to saying that an older race car still goes around the track, finishes the race and still wins one now and then...that is all correct...but taking advantage of technology to make fishing time more productive and increasing a fisherman's ability to do some things is never a bad thing.

 

Whether that difference is worth the $$$ is up to the individual.  I'm not sorry I spent the money on the Calais DC.  I'm not sorry I spent the money on my electronics and trolling motor either...and that was a lot more than $300....

[FishTank]

I would say that for $300, that is an awesome deal.  I would grab it in a heartbeat.   I use to have a Calais 201a and it was the smoothest reel I have ever owned.