Shimano Reels - Calais & Core

[jignfule]

For those who have fishing both, how do they compare with each other. Core of course being much lighter, Calais probably smoother. What else?????

[Chris W]

It has been a long time since I fished with a Calais but this is what I remember. The Calais is much smoother one of the smoothest reels I ever fished with, it has a greater line capacity, it did not throw lighter lures as well as the Core 50 (best I remember) the weight (obviously). And the biggest reason I got rid of mine was, it froze my hands off in the winter (all metal). There are probably some others that I cannot remember. But both reels are fantastic reels. Given the choice though I would pick the Core 50 probably 9 times out of 10.

[jeb2]

Which Core and which Calais? I have a Core 50 with upgraded bearings (orange seals) and a stock Calais DC. Both are good reels. The Calais, as you say, is heavy and the chrome finish is cold to the hand on chilly days. But it's a great reel. Throwing light baits into a stiff wind? Awesome! Pitching, distance casting, versatility, big lures, small lures, it's the bomb! Kind of a noisy reel both when casting (it whines, charging the circuits) and it makes some noise when retrieving large, deep diving cranks. Still smooth and all, but not as whisper quiet as my Core, my Premier's, etc.

The Core is a good reel, too. Much different mission in life because it's a 50 size, though. More of a smaller bait reel, up to 1/2oz max, IMO. I enjoy fishing with it and it's an easy reel to live with, but it's really nothing special outside of it's small size and weight. And that can be a big deal to some, no doubt. Not putting it down at all. It's just not as "wow" as the Calais DC or my Steez's, nor is it really any better than my Premier's or Curado 50, again, outside of the size.

[Raul]

Thr Calais 100A is the finest reel you can buy from Shimano, the RR of the Shimano line up and very much capable of casting light baits easily, I used to own one and boy it was a delight fishing with it. Unfortunately the spool is quite shallow so if you are planning in spooling it with heavier than 10 lbs it won´t hold much line, if you need more line capacity you´ll have to look for a 200 size.

[roadwarrior]

Well, two completely different reels. I have the Calais mounted

on a St. Croix Legend Elite, EC70MHF. I use it to fish 3/4 oz

Ledgebusters and Mattlures Baby Bass. It's big, heavy and powerful.

The Core 50MG is more of an "all-around" reel. Mine is mounted on

a G.Loomis MBR842C. This might be my favorite rig.

My Core 100MG is saddled to a Loomis PR844C; topwater and shallow

crankbaits. Rating is 9, I prefer the 50.

I have never held a Calais 100, but I would go with Raul's expert

advice. Second choice is the Core 50MG.

[Hooligan]

Kent and Raul are spot on. My Calais100 is my favorite reel, overall. I use it for light jigs and plastics, as well as jerkbaits in the spring. The 200DC is a superb reel for all moving baits, it mightn't be the quietest of reels, but it's far and away the smoothest I've ever fished, including my Conquests.

The Core is a superb reel in its own rite, both the 50 and 100 sizes are my all around reels.

[Raul]

Aside from the weight ( Core being a lot lighter ), both reels have a very different feel, the Calais feels solid, the Core, as all other magnesium frame reels, feels "hollow" or "plasticky", all my magnesium reels ( Shimano & Daiwa ) have that hollow feel and some people don´t like that, it has nothing to do with how good or bad the reel actually is.

[baluga]

The Calais 200 is definitely smoother than the core 100. My only complain about the calais is that, it's a pain in the arse dis-assembling it for maintenance. You need to unscrew at least 6 screws and unclip a c-clip to get into the drag washers.

[scbassin]

I must agree with Raul on the Calais 100A. Being left-handed I have the Antares AR which is the Japanese version. It is one fine reel & you can throw light baits with it. I have both reels & would take the Calais every time even though it's a little heavier.

[Dwight Hottle]

Thr Calais 100A is the finest reel you can buy from Shimano, the RR of the Shimano line up and very much capable of casting light baits easily, I used to own one and boy it was a delight fishing with it. Unfortunately the spool is quite shallow so if you are planning in spooling it with heavier than 10 lbs it won´t hold much line, if you need more line capacity you´ll have to look for a 200 size.

Raul,

Better than the conquest JDM? I have both the core & calais and agree they are two different animals. The calais is the flagship in low profile shimano reels. But if you consider all shimano offerings where does the conquest fit in?

[Raul]

Conquest/Calcutta TE, finest round reel you can aspire to own, my only problem with them is .... they are round, not even the 50 size fits me even though it´s very small, my hands and round reels don´t match, there´s always that sensation of having a pebble in the shoe, doesn´t matter the size ( larger --> worse ) there´s something in the shape that bothers me.

[baluga]

yeah, I also find that Calcutta TE GT and Calais have the same smoothness and casting capabilities.