I went to my local tackle shop today and they have 2 used shimano round reels: (1) calcutta 200, (2) cardiff 200a (i think it was anyway). The calcutta was $100 and the cardiff was $80. Both were in very good condition with hardly any scratches on them. Would these to reels together for $180 be a good deal?

The only shimano bc I've own were the bantams ,they were very good reels. The calcuttas i'm familiar with but never owned on. They're suppose to be good.

What do the reels retail for new? IMO if they come with the box & paperwork & you're paying 1/2 the retail price you got a good deal.

The calcutta retails for 200, the cardiff about 110. Its odd how the cardiff is about 20% off retail, but the calcutta is around 50% off... They both looked to be in the same condition, but then again i didn't look too closely.

I own both but in 100s, rock solid reeds

I had the Calcutta 250 and I miss it right now.  I sold it, it was the best deep cranking reel or big bait reel period that I owned.  (sold it for 90)

 

So imo it is a great deal if that is what you want it for, as for the Cardiff never owned one but I hear they are the "budget" version of the Calcutta.  I have seen them go for 60s in my area used.  I'd say the Calcutta is a decent price, the Cardiff you can find lower.