NJBassBros Posted July 8, 2016 Posted July 8, 2016 Hello! Long time reader, first time poster. I did a search for this title and haven't exactly reached a straight answer. I want to simply know which one of these great reels is overall the better reel paired with a G. Loomis NRX 894c spooled with 20 lb. braid fishing with jigs/spinners/swimbaits/senkos/t-rigs/c-rigs/buzzbaits in the Northeast of the US. I have my bro selling me his lightly used 2011/12 Calais 201 DC for $300, and I know a new Metanium DC goes for 350-400 on the bay. So help me decide which one is the better reel out of the two. Thanks! -Will Bro Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted July 9, 2016 Super User Posted July 9, 2016 The Metanium will be lighter and probably balance that rod out better. The Calais 200 DC is a heavier reel at 9.5 ounces. The Calais will also outcast that reel with heavier baits. If you are comfortable with the weight of the reel and the balance on your rod, buy the Calais. Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted July 9, 2016 Super User Posted July 9, 2016 I do not own the Calais DC(because of the weight), but I do own several DC reels. IMO, I would go with the Met DC. A- Its a new reel and comes with newer technology; B- It weights less and that is a big factor to me; C- It comes in 3 different ratios(more important is the IPT-inches per turn) In the long run, $50-100 difference isn't that much for a reel that will last you a lifetime of enjoyment. Paired with your NRX, it will be a sweet multi-application setup! Jeff Quote
Super User Master Bait'r Posted July 9, 2016 Super User Posted July 9, 2016 I stopped reading after $300 Calais. If you don't take that deal, you're going to be ticked at yourself FOREVER. DO IT AND DO IT NOW. You can buy a Met DC every day for $350. You don't see Calais for $300 ever. Don't let that ship sail to someone else's harbor, dude!! Even if it doesn't end up on your NRX that is a reel worth having IMO. Quote
timsford Posted July 9, 2016 Posted July 9, 2016 I'd definitely scoop up the calais. Like said above its hard to find one for that price. It is heavier than the met, but it's the top of the line shimano. The met is an awesome reel too, but it's not a calais. Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted July 9, 2016 Super User Posted July 9, 2016 I own both of those reels. Of course, the obvious answer is for you to buy the Calais DC AND the Met DC. However, if I could ONLY have ONE of those reels, and the reel for sure was going on an NRX 894C, then I would recommend the Met DC. Kickerfish1 and 00 Mod have already provided the primary reasons why the Met would be favored. The Met is lighter and will pair with nicely with the 894C, it's available in several gear ratios (of which you will have choose one), has micro-module gears, etc. The only advantage for the Calais is the 4x8 DC system that will generally give longer casts, and has more braking adjustments, than the simpler system on the Met DC. The Calais' single gear ratio giving about 30 IPT (inches per handle turn) is fine for bottom contact, but may not work quite as well for some of the other presentations that you mentioned. Sure, a Met is NOT a Calais...but then a Calais is NOT a Met either. The Calais has the legendary refinement...but the Met has the newer technology and is, IMO, a more well-rounded and useful reel. For me? My Metanium DC is on an Edge Black Widow 705-1 and is one of two combos that is always in the boat - a very versatile rod, with a very versatile reel. My Calais DC? It's on a Loomis IMX 843C and is used from time-to-time for burning lipless cranks in skinny water over grass and for faster spinnerbait presentations. Mostly, however, the Calais just looks pretty sitting in the rod rack. My NRX 894C? For me, an 894C means tip-up, bottom contact, with jigs. What reel is on the 894? A 2013 Metanium. Here's a review of the Met DC if you're interested. Good luck in your decision ! 2 Quote
FrankN209 Posted July 9, 2016 Posted July 9, 2016 10 hours ago, Master Bait'r said: I stopped reading after $300 Calais. If you don't take that deal, you're going to be ticked at yourself FOREVER. DO IT AND DO IT NOW. You can buy a Met DC every day for $350. You don't see Calais for $300 ever. Don't let that ship sail to someone else's harbor, dude!! Even if it doesn't end up on your NRX that is a reel worth having IMO. Plz post a Met DC for 350.00? I've never seen it that low. They usually run around 450.00. Quote
Cyacnba Posted July 10, 2016 Posted July 10, 2016 The older Metanium DC can be found for around $350. The 15 Metanium DC is at least $450 nowadays due to the yen going up. 1 Quote
NJBassBros Posted July 11, 2016 Author Posted July 11, 2016 Hey everyone, thanks for your input! I'll be purchasing my bro's Calais. He let me borrow it to try yesterday and it casted super smooth and super far! Wow! He has it with 20# braid I believe...although I did notice the spool slip and backlash half way in some casts...maybe some adjustments are needed. Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted July 11, 2016 Super User Posted July 11, 2016 20# braid is pretty thin which will cause the line to dig in. I would try going up in size to 30-40#. Congrats on your new toy 1 Quote
NJBassBros Posted July 15, 2016 Author Posted July 15, 2016 Took out the Calais again today and more digging of braid causing my casts to get stuck while in mid air. I guess I have to move to bigger diameter line. 40# braid or 17# FC? Also, I've been looking at the NRX 894 like I mentioned, but want to also consider other options. What do you guys think of the St. Croix Legend Elite vs. Legend Xtreme vs. Megabass Orochi XX to fit the Calais 200 for overall versatility combo. Thanks! Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted July 15, 2016 Super User Posted July 15, 2016 NRX vs St Croix I am taking the NRX every time. The Orichi XX rods are nice but are a step down and some are slightly slower in action. Bumpup to 40-50lb braid if you are a braid guy or 12-15# flouro. Quote
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