23 replies to this topic

[VolFan]

I use Cardiff 200 for 6 in Hudds and similar baits and it works fantastic. DVT did a supertune on it and made it even better. I previously used a Revo SX, which I didn't like. The Cardiff balances the big rod better, holds more line, and feels all around more solid. I use 15 lb Yozuri Hybrid and couldn't be happier.

[Hooligan]

Just curious, do you own a Smoke? If not how do you justify your statement???

I have owned, and tested Smoke reels, yes. I do not currently own them, nor will I in the future, because they're simply not up to my standard of quality. They've had far too many clutch issues, roller bearing issues, and have had tremendous problems with pinion support bearings. In two days time fishing a SL150HPT I managed to shell the drag, and turn the roller bearing.
I don't post opinions of things I have no firsthand experience with. I don't post about something that I know nothing of, it's completely counter-productive. While I'm highly biased towards Shimano reels, I'm more than fair when it comes to others, I have a huge variety in my hands through the year, from Ardent to Okuma.

[Fat-G]

Answering the knot question, I finally listened to Hooligan about the San Diego Jam knot and took the time to learn it. It's my favorite along with the pally.

[stkbassn]

Will this reel be enough for a swimbait setup? This is the only model Cardiff that my local BPS has in stock. I will be getting a 400 when I find one. Is there another reel that is better for the money? I will be throwing Spro 6" baits and some BPS swimbaits until I upgrade my reel. I will have it on a St. Croix Mojo 7'9" H F rod. What line should I use? Thanks

I like the Revo S for my swimbaiting or the Revo Inshore....Both of these reels cast a mile and handle 6" baits with ease. I had a Cardiff 300 and I didn't like it. It doesn't cast as well as either of the Abu's I've used and it's just heavy. If you're going to be throwing 6" Spro's and Hudds, etc....just get a quality low profile reel in a 6.4:1 gear ratio and I think you'll be very pleased. I haven't thrown the Smoke or the Okuma that was mentioned earlier but I'm sure they would do nicely as well. Throwing a round reel for hours on end just isn't as comfortable IMHO.

[Stasher1]

The Cardiff 300a only weighs .2 oz more than the Revo S. It's a taller reel than the Revo which will have an effect on the overall feel of the setup, but I definitely wouldn't call it heavy.

The Cardiff 200a that the OP asked about is actually lighter than the Revo S, and quite a bit lighter than any comparable Abu round reel. I'm no Shimano fan-boy, but I'd go with the Cardiff over an Abu.

[stkbassn]

The Cardiff 300a only weighs .2 oz more than the Revo S. It's a taller reel than the Revo which will have an effect on the overall feel of the setup, but I definitely wouldn't call it heavy.

The Cardiff 200a that the OP asked about is actually lighter than the Revo S, and quite a bit lighter than any comparable Abu round reel. I'm no Shimano fan-boy, but I'd go with the Cardiff over an Abu.

I'm a fan of both Shimano and Abu for sure. I had the Cardiff 300 and just didn't like it...just didn't work for me. I'd rather throw swimbaits on a low profile reel for the comfort factor for sure. Keep in mind that I don't throw anything bigger than 6 or 7 inches so I don't really need a big, honking, round reel. Plus, I usually fish the swimbait for 10 hours at least at the lake where we do our swimbaiting. It's all personal preference really. That Revo Inshore beats the heck out of that Cardiff, hands down. I've had em' both. The REVO S is a great reel and still more comfortable than any round reel in my opinion but that's just me.

[Stasher1]

I'm a fan of both Shimano and Abu for sure. I had the Cardiff 300 and just didn't like it...just didn't work for me. I'd rather throw swimbaits on a low profile reel for the comfort factor for sure. Keep in mind that I don't throw anything bigger than 6 or 7 inches so I don't really need a big, honking, round reel. Plus, I usually fish the swimbait for 10 hours at least at the lake where we do our swimbaiting. It's all personal preference really. That Revo Inshore beats the heck out of that Cardiff, hands down. I've had em' both. The REVO S is a great reel and still more comfortable than any round reel in my opinion but that's just me.

You're probably right there, but it ought to. It's 2x the price of the Cardiff, and more in the Calcutta price range.

[stkbassn]

You're probably right there, but it ought to. It's 2x the price of the Cardiff, and more in the Calcutta price range.

That's true, the price point on the Inshore is considerably higher than the Cardiff. It's definitely a very popular round reel, I'll say that. I might even change my tune on the round reels if I got my hands on a Calcutta or higher end Daiwa. I may even like the smaller Cardiff if I tried it out. Might give it a whirl sometime for the heck of it.

[Stasher1]

I checked out a Cardiff 300A this morning at BPS and it didn't "crank my tractor" either, but then again, I went there looking to handle the much more compact 100A.