Shimano Calais DC- anybody ever used one?

[nralover]

I never really knew much about these reels until today. Has anyone ever fished with one of these? What are your impressions?

[Bronzefly]

I love it.  It may be a bit larger and heavier than many of the more popular small and light reels out there, but for distance casting - baits like frogs, toads, and rattletrap type baits, it is absolutely incredible.

[nralover]

I love it. It may be a bit larger and heavier than many of the more popular small and light reels out there, but for distance casting - baits like frogs, toads, and rattletrap type baits, it is absolutely incredible.

Does it really do what they say it does? Surely you can still backlash with it...

[Alpster]

I don't have the Calais DC, but I have a Calcutta 200 DC and it is amazing. Yes you can backlash it, but if you set it properly and practice a little it will throw light baits into the wind. JMHO

Ronnie

[Bronzefly]

Trust me, you can backlash with it ;D  I'm not exactly sure what "they" say it does, because "they" say a lot of crazy stuff sometimes! 

I can say that it is one of the best casting (distance) reels I've ever used straight out of the box.  The reel does take some getting used to, but it has some very cool features. 

[Carrington]

i have casted one in heavy wind and i could cast without using my thumb and had no backlashes or only very small ones.  but idk how my friend had it set up since it was his.  i only own the calais not the calais dc

[MarauderYak]

I've cast one several times, and fished with one for a few hours.  When it's set just right, and you get used to it, it's awesome.  But when switching baits & casting in different directions (in relation to the wind), I found it a pain to get it set correctly.  And you definately can backlash it.

Bottom line for me is... even at the same price I'd just as soon have the regular Calais.  For $250 more, no way I choose the DC.

[Raul]

A buddy of mine has it and .... oh yeah, I can backlash it purty good.  ;D

[steezy]

I bought one, tried it, works/casts very well and it is a very nice reel (and you CAN backlash it) but it was a bit bukly and had some weight compared to the low profile reels I prefer so I returned it for a full refund.  The clerk at BPS examined the reel for almost 20 minutes before processing my refund back to my credit card.

I'm waiting for a Steez or equal reel with digital control.