Okay so I have a $400 limit to spend on a new swimbait reel to put on my dobyns swimbait rod. Debating on a daiwa luna with a hawgtech 102 mm or a Calcutta D and wait like a year to put a hawgtech on it. How do these reels compare to each other? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Ps. If I do get a Calcutta, should I get a 200 or 300 size. I'll be throwing baits like the a rig, hudds bouncing on the bottom and jointed swimbaits like the river2sea s waver on 80lb braid

While I have no experence with the Daiwa I have 35 yrs experence with the Calcutta.

But let me give you some thing else to chew on!

Shimano's Cardiff, basically the same reel with 1 more bearing.

The Calcutta is cold forged while the Cardiff is DieCast, the is NO difference in structural stength, both are one piece solid aluminum frames.

Many swim bait guys I know pick the Cardiff 300 for big swim baits.

In the northern Midwest, all the muskie fisherman use/want Calcutta's or C3's depending on budget. Personally I love my lexa 300.

300D works for me.

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

 

I am a big fan of the Cardiff.

 

Honestly, I dont think you would go wrong with the Luna or the Calcutta if you want to spend that much.

I'd pick the new Calcutta hands down. Daiwa makes great tackle, don't get me wrong, I simply like Shimano more. I'd also suggest the 300 size for what you plan to use it for.  

I have experiance in the Luna' both reels have their basic differances.

The Luna is mag brakes, the Calcutta is centrifical brakes.

IMPO if it was in my budget I would run with the Calcutta 300..........

If not then the Cardiff is a really fine reel..........

 

Tight Lines! 

Calcutta. If not I have a C4 6600 I can part with. Save cash for some nice swimbaits.

The Calcutta is a nice reel but the fact that you have to take it apart to get to the brakes is a no go for me.

The Calcutta is a nice reel but the fact that you have to take it apart to get to the brakes is a no go for me.

 

This is  true - but as the weights of the majority of the swim baits I use are very similar, once the reel is set up there is really no need to make adjustments.

 

Casts very well and is a pleasure to fish.

 

A-Jay

I'm leaning towards the Calcutta but I dislike how you have to take the reel apart to look at the centrifugals. Why do decisions have to be so difficult?

I'm leaning towards the Calcutta but I dislike how you have to take the reel apart to look at the centrifugals. Why do decisions have to be so difficult?

You're making it more of an issue than it is. Once you set it, you'll forget it. Should only take one or two times to figure your brakes out.

It is not a big deal. I think it comes with 2 brakes on. Try it as delivered & adjust if you need to, you might not need to make any adjustment. Once I have the brakes dialed in I never change them.

I have 3 Calcuttas & 2 Cardiffs, all 5 have 3 brakes on, I fine tune with the tention knob.

For that money get a 300 D series.  It is the bees knees.

Or shop around for the JDM Calcutta D series, which allows adjustment of the brakes without taking the reel apart. It instead features a flip-down sideplate.

 

I personally would be looking at the Luna, I personally like the Mag breaking over centrifugal.