Calcutta 200GTB - stay old school or update?

[Jaybert]

I have a Calcutta 200GTB.  Its a solid performer as we all know that no doubt will last forever. I have it mounted on my Loomis MBR783 E6X and use it for a bit of everything.  It was a gift that means something to me so I like to use it. If I bought it myself I likely would of bought a smaller Calcutta but this is what I have. It is heavy and arguably old fashioned by today’s standards. I find myself tempted more by newer, lighter models like curado and really liked the look of Chronarch mgl... I’m the type to have a couple multipurpose set ups not a boat load of combos.  So in today world of modern reels would you update and retire the Calcutta or would you stick old school for a multi purpose reel?  What would the Calcutta be ideal for if it was semi retired ?

[mrpao]

If it was a gift and it means something to you, why would you get rid of it?  You might as well keep it as a spare or shelf queen if its still in good condition. Once you get rid of it, you'll never get it back.

You can always buy extra reels.

[jimmyjoe]

   Just remember: "Newer" doesn't always mean "better".     jj

[Hammer 4]

Being that it was a Gift, I'd keep it. Also, was your's made in Japan..? if so, definitely keep it. I miss my old Calcutta 201.. 

[FishTank]

I have a Calcutta 251 and I still use it for crankbaits and this year swimbaits.  I have had it for over 15 years and it's hard to find a reel that is as smooth as this one.  There are still plenty of people that buy these reels new.  I wouldn't call them old school, just a reel that is hard to improve on. 

[Jaybert]

Thanks guys it’s a beauty reel alright,  made in Japan, I have added a hawtech handle, Boca bearings and carbontex drag.  It’s a bit bulky on a lighter rod like the MBR but it’s smooth and casts great. Sounds like I  outta just add another combo if I want to add a more modern reel.  Have a curado 70 on a 2 power loomis so maybe look for something in between. This time of winter is always when I get to thinking what could be improved in the arsenal and I get lured in by the  latest and greatest gear.  But forget sometimes the arsenal has worked as it is now for quite a few years without  any problems..

[Poolshark]

Keep it. Use it. They are very nice reels. You may find, over time, that a low pro like the Curado 70 or chronarch mgl is lighter and more comfortable to use for some other presentations. Once you throw a weightless plastic on a chronarch mgl you’ll Know what I mean. My Calcutta, though it can do anything, suites me best for moving baits. 

 

[Ogandrews]

Keep it for more powerful presentations. My favorite reel I own is a Calcutta 400d, got it on a 9’ h st Croix legend tournament big nasty. I love tranx too but there is something great about how smooth those Calcutta’s are.

[Catt]

Calcutta: solid as an anvil, versatile as a pair of Channellocks®, & dependable as a 30/30.

 

I have 2 Calcutta 100A & a Calcutta 50A, sent the 100s to Delaware Valley Tackle to upgrade the bearings, the 50 is next.

[Jaybert]

Thanks guys, they are a thing of beauty for sure.  Wish they still made 50 or 100 size I’d have  another likely

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

6 hours ago, Catt said:

Calcutta: solid as an anvil, versatile as a pair of Channellocks®, & dependable as a 30/30.

 

I have 2 Calcutta 100A & a Calcutta 50A, sent the 100s to Delaware Valley Tackle to upgrade the bearings, the 50 is next.

Only thing to add to this is that they are smooth. Something owners of “modern” reels chase through gear swaps, bearing changes, heavy grease....

[Catt]

@Jaybert according to Shimano's website they still offer the 100.

 

@Delaware Bassman they are absolutely smooth!

[Jaybert]

4 hours ago, Catt said:

@Jaybert according to Shimano's website they still offer the 100.

 

@Delaware Bassman they are absolutely smooth!

I have actually been keeping my eye out for a new or used 100 or 50 size Calcutta. I see the 100B still on the shimano website but can’t find one in stock anywhere.  Does anyone know if the 100B is being phased out or is in stock anywhere?  I can e mail shimano too but was just curious...

[Catt]

@Jaybert A local shop here has them

[Jaybert]

10-4 thanks, I’ll look around for one up here in Canada maybe local shop can order one in maybe

[Jaybert]

Just for interest sake I e-mailed shimano and they Responded that the Calcutta 100B has been discontinued.   Should have jumped on one sooner I guess!

[RB 77]

Do not get rid of it. Even if for the sentimental value alone. The Calcutta B series has to be one of if not the longest running models still in production today. They are absolute tanks and are a true testament to great engineering done right.

[NHBull]

I have 2, 101’s and 2, 301’s.......hope to hand them down to grandkids.

keep it!

[Jaybert]

Yep going to keep it going as one of my main reels. It is just so solid and I have it tuned up nice and working so good. Sometimes you just need a reminder what you have is sweet I guess.... I am thinking of picking up a new SLX to satisfy the need for a more modern styled reel.  For the price I think it will be fun to tinker with and make a good back up.  If I don’t use it much it’s not much invested.    But won’t ever replace the Calcutta of course

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

Hope this isn’t a hijack, but I just got bait monkeyed into buying two *** Brute rods for small/medium swimbaits and have narrowed my reel selection options to the Calcutta 201B and a low profile option.  Grew up with round reels (pre-line guides) but as an option for a casual fisherman it seems the 201B makes a lot of sense.  No need for a 300 size reel, but was wondering if the Calcutta would be good for other applications if the new rods don’t work out. (Heck ... I just couldn’t pass up a BOGO deal and the handles of the rods are fairly short, a plus for me in my kayak.)  and not likely to run into a plethora of double-digit Bass here in western MA.  I am NOT looking for reel suggestions, just guys with experience with round reels.  Thanks in advance.

[Jaybert]

I’ve used mine for everything. I’m in Canada so common techniques are a bit different perhaps. It’s excelled for spinner baits. But also pulled buck tails for big pike, storm swim shads, rattle traps, husky jerks & heavy top waters.  Even a bottom bounce rig for Walleye, trolled for steelhead and even tossed senko or frog in a pinch. It’s better suited for heavy moving baits like the spinner baits or swim shads.  But it does it all.  There are better suited reels for certain techniques which led me to thinking it was time to maybe updated it. The 200 is overkill for bass most days yes, but looking back I would say it is a solid multi purpose choice for many species and techniques.  I mean the Abu round reels where the standard (and to some still are) bass and multi purpose reels for decades. I have a 20 plus year abu 5500c that still sees some use. So if you like round reels I say go for it.  With them being somewhat phased out the resale should be strong if all else fails 

[Shimano_1]

It seems you're satisfied with it. I see no need to get something newer just because it's more modern or whatever.  Yes there are things the newer reels do better but as DVT stated this reel gives u the things we are all chasing without spending 400 on a reel then having to change gears etc.  There are several older shimano reels I would buy a ton of if I could find new ones. This reel seems like it would make a great big swimbait reel if you did buy another reel for versatility.  Good luck