Low_Budget_Hooker Posted January 6, 2007 Posted January 6, 2007 Anyone use one of these? Opinions? Quote
jdw174 Posted January 6, 2007 Posted January 6, 2007 Anyone use one of these? Opinions? Haven't used one. My opinion is that it's about $400 overpriced... Quote
Valascus Posted January 6, 2007 Posted January 6, 2007 I have never used one, but my general opinion on it is as such. A good analogy I like to use is a car. When I buy a car I like to get one that is closer to the base model. I don't like a lot of extra do-dads and thingy-ma-jigs. Just more stuff to go wrong in my opinion that could end up causing a headache if it goes out. The same thing with a reel. I am not opposed to spendng some coin on a reel as evidenced by my recent Stella purchase. BUT...I think when you start putting little "digital" or "electrical" controls on a reel that you may be asking for trouble. What happens if it goes out? I am sure it will be covered under the warranty of the reel, but like a car...warranties only last so long...and when it runs out and if the problem occurs again you are gonna pay for it. You would probably end up paying a good chunk of change cuz I would imagine their are very few reel mechanics that deal with digital controls. Just my two cents. Quote
Low_Budget_Hooker Posted January 6, 2007 Author Posted January 6, 2007 I'm not as much interested in opinions on the technology or the pricepoint justification, I'd never buy one, I'm much like Valascus and his car theory, but was just wondering in short, ...............How is it? Hype? savior? Quote
Super User 5bass Posted January 7, 2007 Super User Posted January 7, 2007 I think Alpster said he has one.....and I dont doubt that. Quote
Pond Hopper Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 Anything that would be half a house payment, I was told wasnt worth it. I started, and still use a cheap shaekspeare that catches fish. For what I do, the money isnt justifiable. For pros or guys that can swing it and not worry about it, why the hell not. Unfortunately I have a lil brother and a nephew to help put through college. But I blaim no one for getting this reel because I would just like 5 casts with it at my best pond. Corey Quote
Super User Alpster Posted January 7, 2007 Super User Posted January 7, 2007 I think Alpster said he has one.....and I dont doubt that. I don't have the Calais 4X8, but I do have a Calcutta TE200DC (Digital Control) same technology. I won't get into another rock throwing thread about how dumb it is to spend a lot of money on a reel. But if I had the money, I would replace every BC reel I have (10 of them) with 10 of these. I would have to include the Calais DC, because the Calcutta only come in a 5:1 retrieve. If you are going to Fork in March I will let you try and decide for yourself. I think it's amazing! JMHO Ronnie Quote
KYbass1276 Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 I Just don't see this reel being that good for that amount of money I don't have a problem shelling out the money for a good reel and theres nothing wrong with anyone buying one if thats what they like but I just see this as a way for shimano to make more money for something that was already good to begin with. Seriously whats next a reel that reels in the fish for you, come on This will touch a nerve with some maybe but this reel is way overkill but thats only my opinion and thats all nothing aginst spending money on what you like. Maybe I'm wrong but I doubt it Quote
Super User Alpster Posted January 7, 2007 Super User Posted January 7, 2007 I'm not as much interested in opinions on the technology or the pricepoint justification, I'd never buy one, I'm much like Valascus and his car theory, but was just wondering in short, ...............How is it? Hype? savior? You asked for opinions from anyone who has used one, but all your gonna get is editorials from those who have never seen one and think they are too expensive to be any good! LOL Here's the tackletour review of my reel for what it's worth. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocalcuttatedc.html Ronnie Quote
KYbass1276 Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 You asked for opinions from anyone who has used one, but all your gonna get is editorials from those who have never seen one and think they are too expensive to be any good! LOL Ronnie Quote
Super User Alpster Posted January 7, 2007 Super User Posted January 7, 2007 I just don't think there worth the money and no I have not used or seen one in person and I never will. I am not at all offended. It's nearly impossible to offend me. I am just trying to intelectually proccess how anyone can form a legitimate opinion about something that they have absolutely no experience with or knowledge of. This is far more interesting to me than fancy fishing reels. I will go fishing with you any time. I don't care what you fish with, or without, but I will watch you closely to see if there is anything I can learn. God bless, Ronnie Quote
HPBB Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 "Electronics and water don't mix well' I guess you don't use a TM, depth finder, GPS, or an outboard? just grab the old paddle and row. Yes, I think $600 is overkill. But I am not going to knock it before I try it? No. I always said "I would never buy a reel over $150". then I used a Shimano Chronarch. Like it and bought two. Then said "none over $225". Then tried a Chronarch MG. Yep, I have 3 of them now. I also said "I would buy nothing but shimano BC reels" I now own shimano, team Daiwa, and Pinnicale reels. So I never say never anymore. I don't see myself spending $600+ on a reel. But If i ever try one and like it....well you know what might happen. Quote
Super User cart7t Posted January 7, 2007 Super User Posted January 7, 2007 I see an extended service plan is offered on the reel. ;D Dunno. I wonder what the cost of the circuit board is when it breaks. It doesn't look like there's an override if it goes out on the water or if you would decide not to have it fixed. If I won the lotto I might buy one to see how it works. It might make for a great light lure reel on windy days, other than that, I can think of lots of things $650 could be directed at in my life other than 1 reel. Quote
Super User dodgeguy Posted January 7, 2007 Super User Posted January 7, 2007 i have no doubt it's a great reel.from what i have read they cast fantastic.but i will bet you that putting a circuit board in the reel costs hardly anymore than putting in a regular brake system.they charge what they charge because they can get away with it. Quote
RiskKid. Posted January 8, 2007 Posted January 8, 2007 I have not used one but decided to buy a high end reel. While playing with some in the store and putting them on a rod I did get to look at one and handle it at a recent visit to BPS. The guys that worked there were telling me that they tried it out in the parking lot. They said that they were able to cast it an incredible distance. Said it casted from the store all the way across their parking lot. I'm not a great judge of distance but if what they said was true it is almost an unbeleivable distance. They had it set on the long distance setting. I was very tempted as it is a very nice piece of equipment but decided it was indeed a little too rich for me. Maybe someday....... : Quote
chitwnbass Posted January 9, 2007 Posted January 9, 2007 I've never used one but the first chance i get $600 thats sitting around not doing anything I plan to. Here's my whole take on the thing. If you have the money WHY NOT! Technology is our friend,progress is good. Sure you can catch fish with a cheaper reel but this reel seems to give you a slight edge. How could reducing baclashes and improving casting distance be a bad thing???? I realize everyone cant afford $600 reels and $400 rods and $50,000 boats but if you are lucky enough to be able to afford these why not take the little help these gadgets give you. Quote
The_Natural Posted January 9, 2007 Posted January 9, 2007 I've held and played around with one...seemed as buttery smooth as a normal calais, with the difference in cost obviously coming from the cast control. It's OT, but since a lot of others have thrown it out there...I wouldn't spend that much on a reel either. $275 is the most I have ever paid for a reel(s), which were my pixy's, with most of my reels costing about $250 (mg50s, Alphas). I feel the same a about rods, and have paid the same for about all of my GLX's. i have no doubt it's a great reel.from what i have read they cast fantastic.but i will bet you that putting a circuit board in the reel costs hardly anymore than putting in a regular brake system.they charge what they charge because they can get away with it. You are correct...actual production costs of the circuit probably aren't all that expensive, but R&D does cost a lot of money, and that is the reason prescription drugs are so expensive. Quote
Super User Alpster Posted January 9, 2007 Super User Posted January 9, 2007 You are correct...actual production costs of the circuit probably aren't all that expensive, but R&D does cost a lot of money, and that is the reason prescription drugs are so expensive. The DC cast control technology is going to trickle down to the lower priced reels before long. It works too well to reserve it for only high $ reels. As has been said, the actual cost is probably not that high and once the R&D has been recovered, it will be offered in most of the line. Shimano (and probably others) are on the verge of a backlash proof reel, and when they get it, it will be interesting to see what happens in the marketplace. I think about plasma and LCD TVs. In only a couple of years they have gone from $5-10K to hundreds. JMHO Ronnie Quote
Super User dodgeguy Posted January 9, 2007 Super User Posted January 9, 2007 when it trickles down to a $200 pflueger i'll buy one!!!ROFLMAO!!! ;D Quote
Super User FishTank Posted January 9, 2007 Super User Posted January 9, 2007 I took a hard look at this reel and decided it was just to much to pay for a reel and I still was not sold on the cost and effectiveness of the DC technology. I ended up with the regular Calais instead and man it is an awesome reel. It will probably end up on a G. Loomis senko rod when the bait monkey comes around again. If the cost ever comes down to about the price of a regular Calais and it has had a chance to have a proven track record, then I would jump all over it. I did speak to another customer at a BPS that has a Calcutta 200 DC. He said that he dropped off his boat into the water and was able to retreive a few minutes later. I he then told me that it still worked like it was new. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 9, 2007 Super User Posted January 9, 2007 Fish Tank, You won't be disappointed with the Calais. Which model did you buy? Quote
scbassin Posted January 10, 2007 Posted January 10, 2007 I was just about ready to buy a Shimano Antraes DC-7(Calais) & they were out of stock so I bought 2 Antraes AR's (Calais). These reels are very smooth & will get a work out in less than a month. Raul's pet, The Bait Monkey wispered in my ear today, they are back in stock. I am tempeted but need another reel like a hole in the head. I have somewhere between 35 & 40 now. :-/ Quote
Super User FishTank Posted January 10, 2007 Super User Posted January 10, 2007 RW, I got the 201A. It is so smooth it's scary. Quote
Super User Alpster Posted January 10, 2007 Super User Posted January 10, 2007 Fish Tank, I have two (2) of them Calais CL200A (right hand). It's hard to describe to someone who hasn't fished with one how sweet this reel is. Good for you. Ronnie Quote
northgabassfisher Posted January 10, 2007 Posted January 10, 2007 yes i have used one, the store i work at let me take it out on the lake one day( i guess they trust me ALOT lol) but it is sweet it will cast a country mile and then some lol. but i had it on a 6'6" MH st.croix with 10 lb pline, and i was casting a 3/8oz fish head spin. when you cast it takes about half the line off the spool i could not Imogen trying to set the hook from that distance. and it is smooth a glass so is the drag i did manage to catch a few spots with it so i got to try out the drag. but if i had that kind of money to spend on a reel i would get it in a hart beat. and by the way the reel dose blacklash lol Quote
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