Thoughts on Shimano Calcutta Reels?

[BossHoss]

Thinking about picking one of these up, but my money doesn't grow on trees, and I was wondering what experiences people have with them.  I was looking at B series and would probably pair it with a Kistler Micro Mag 7' stick.

[Bassn Blvd]

There not too bad of a reel. I have a few

700, 400, 300TE, 100DC (absolutely sweet), 50TEGT and I think I have another 1 or 2 lying around somewhere.

[Catt]

Toughest reel built period, I've caught double digit bass in matted grass & 30 lb plus Bonita off shore!

I don't have the TE, DC, or GT just the plain CT100A 

[Raul]

Built like a tank and meant to last forever.

[Dwight Hottle]

As already mentioned they are excellent reels. Very durable. I have gotten away from them with low profile reels but when I pick one up to use I remember how sweet they really are.

[Dockhead]

I have a B series on a 7' 3" Kistler Magnesium TS. Great combo.

I have actually had it on several different rods over the last few years, and it hasn't met a stick it doesn't like. 

Great purchase.

[BossHoss]

If you had your choice between a Calcutta B series and a Curado 200E which would you pick?

[Bassn Blvd]

The Calcutta (IMHO) is the most durable, well built, all around reel Shimano has made in the last 10 years.

I don't know the weight of the Curado but the Calcutta is probably 9-10 ounces (without looking it up).

I had the older Curado 100 and 200 and they both fished very nice. I got rid of them for my Chronarch 50's. I liked the 100 more than the 200 because it was lighter and I I kind of wish I still had it.

I fish both low profile and round reels (Calcuttas) but each has it's own purpose. If you're looking for a lightweight combo (10-11 ounces) then don't get the Calcutta.

I have a Calcutta 50gt on a 7' Loomis GLX MBR842C. This is the lightest of my Calcutta combos but it's also the smallest reel in the Calcutta family. It is a very SWEET set-up. Some say the line capacity is too small but I disagree. I used #8 Yozuri mono with no problems. I currently have it spooled with #20 PowerPro.

If you fish saltwater, then hands down the Calcutta is the best. I won't use/buy any more Calcuttas for bass fishing unless it's the 50 or 100DC.

The 100DC is extremely versatile. I use it for larger cranks, T-rigs, small swimbaits, like the Lake Fork Magic Shad and spinner baits.

I find low profile reels fit me better and fish easier when I use jerk baits, top water baits and certain other applications.

You have to decide which type of reel you want to use most often, low profile or round. If it's round, then NOTHING will top the Calcutta. If it's low profile, then there are many to choose from that are good quality.

[Catt]

  Quote

If you had your choice between a Calcutta B series and a Curado 200E which would you pick?

I prefer the fell of round reels in my hand 

[fishermantony]

Maybe I should have sprung for a little more and got the Calcutta for my swimbait setup.  I got the Cardiff instead, how does it stack up against the Calcutta?  I imagine just a lesser quality reel........hence the price.

[roadwarrior]

  Quote

Built like a tank and meant to last forever.

I have two CTE200GT and a super tuned CTE100GT.

One of the 200GT is ten years old and has been the

only reel used on my dedicated striper rig. The reel

has been serviced regularly, but has never required

any parts replacement. The reel is smoother today

than the day it was taken from the box!

Rating: Dead solid 10.

8-)

[Catt]

  Quote

Maybe I should have sprung for a little more and got the Calcutta for my swimbait setup. I got the Cardiff instead, how does it stack up against the Calcutta? I imagine just a lesser quality reel........hence the price.

I fish with both & the Cardiff is just as smooth as the Calcutta 

Calcutta B

Cold forged aluminum frame

Dartainium Drag

Lo-Mass Drilled Aluminum Spool System

Bearings: 3 ea. A-RB Rust Resistant Bearings plus 1 ea. Roller

Cardiff A

Diecast Aluminum Frame

Aluminum Spool

Aluminum Sideplates

Bearings: 4 ea. A-RB Rust Resistant Bearings plus 1 ea. Roller

[trevor]

I have class. So i use the corsair.  8-)

[fishermantony]

  Quote

  Quote

Maybe I should have sprung for a little more and got the Calcutta for my swimbait setup. I got the Cardiff instead, how does it stack up against the Calcutta? I imagine just a lesser quality reel........hence the price.

I fish with both & the Cardiff is just as smooth as the Calcutta

Calcutta B

Cold forged aluminum frame

Dartainium Drag

Lo-Mass Drilled Aluminum Spool System

Bearings: 3 ea. A-RB Rust Resistant Bearings plus 1 ea. Roller

Cardiff A

Diecast Aluminum Frame

Aluminum Spool

Aluminum Sideplates

Bearings: 4 ea. A-RB Rust Resistant Bearings plus 1 ea. Roller

Thanks!  I'm so close to finally using it, can't wait!!