What is the best 300 or 400 size round reel for around $300-$350? Ideally I don't want to spend much more than $300, $350 at the most. Any suggestions? (This will be for huddlestons and glide baits up to 5 ounces)

JDM Calcutta can be had for around 300 shipped from Japan.

I agree on the Calcutta. I personally use a Curado 300E though.

Calcutta

The 300 is only $255 and the 400 is only $263

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/sanpei-japan/item/shimano-ca030962/

Based on my experience, I would highly reccomend the calcutta d. It has a much more compact size than the previous generation so the 200 feels like my old 100 and the 300 feels like the old 200 and is very palmable. Very strong and powerful reel. I use mine for throwing crankbaits and swimbaits and the retrieve feels effortless. It casts a mile and is simple to break down. Just my opinion though. I am very happy with mine.

Sounds like the Calcutta is the way to go. Which size would you prefer for 1-6 ounce baits on the new MB Orochi XX Leviathan: 300 or 400?

The 300 is only $255 and the 400 is only $263

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/sanpei-japan/item/shimano-ca030962/

Is that the D?

Is that the D?

Yep that's the D, its got x ship and the JDM version you can open the side plate up and adjust the brakes.

That seems like a great buy to me, I checked the link out to...

The Calcutta D series is a very high quality product line.

 

Small & compact the reel excels is everything it's designed to do.

 

Clearly not the cheapest unit on the market, the reason for the difference in price in this case is blatantly apparent.

 

 I use them on my travel rods.  It just makes no sense to take anything else on the trip of a life time.  

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well I guess the Calcutta D is the way to go. I was initially hesitant to buy this reel based on the reviews at TW, but if it's good enough for you guys, it's definitely good enough for me. Is Rakuten a good place to order from? 

Also, how much does shipping cost? Thanks.

Also, how much does shipping cost? Thanks.

 

This is The Only Way to Go ~

 

You will not find a better deal on this reel anywhere

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Calcutta-CT200D-Round-Baitcasting-Fishing-Reel-5-7-1-Right-Hand-CT200D-/381065169111?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58b94108d7

Round reel is going to be a Calcutta.

This is The Only Way to Go ~

 

You will not find a better deal on this reel anywhere

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Calcutta-CT200D-Round-Baitcasting-Fishing-Reel-5-7-1-Right-Hand-CT200D-/381065169111?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58b94108d7

Yeah that's not such a great deal lol.. that looks like the USDM Calcutta where the complaints are that you have to open up the reel to adjust the brakes because it doesn't have the opening side plate, and its a 200 size, the OP wants a 300 or 400 size.

Also, how much does shipping cost? Thanks.

Don't worry about ordering from rakuten, ive ordered several reels and a few rods and other things. Anyone that accepts Paypal is trustworthy. Since its only a reel shipping should be around 15 dollars. They send you a shipping quote before you pay so you can see how much it costs.

 

Yeah that's not such a great deal lol.. that looks like the USDM Calcutta where the complaints are that you have to open up the reel to adjust the brakes because it doesn't have the opening side plate, and its a 200 size, the OP wants a 300 or 400 size.

 

 

Do you own any of these reels ?

 

 No need to open them up for tuning.  They come ready to go for both the novice & experienced angler.

 

A-Jay

Get 2 abu c3s 4600 size for about 280.they will last forever and you can modify them or leave them stock.

Looks like a lot of shimano lovers here.  You may want to look at a luna.  I would not go above the 253 as thats what i use and its plenty big enough.  I have a 300 as well but it may be larger than what your looking for.  If you check out the millionaire bay special that may be good also.  I like the blue and you should be able to find one that is not all beat up.

Calcutta 200TE GT, discontinued as of now but you can still get good deals on a used one.

It's not 300/400, but the best round reel is a Pluton. It can handle those baits with ease.

 

 

 

 

Do you own any of these reels ?

 

 No need to open them up for tuning.  They come ready to go for both the novice & experienced angler.

 

A-Jay

 

No I don't and have no plans to. The question of brake access is clearly discussed in this article http://tackletour.com/reviewshimcalcutta12vsd.html

No I don't and have no plans to. The question of brake access is clearly discussed in this article http://tackletour.com/reviewshimcalcutta12vsd.html

Japan Tackle says that the sideplate on the 300/400 doesn't open up. Only the 100 and 200 sizes open up.

 

To the OP, Japan Tackle has the older model Conquest 300 for $409.00. I know it's more than you want to spend, but if the Conquest 300 is anything like the Conquest 50 and Conquest 100, it's money well spent. I know if I had the cash, there would be one on the way to my front door.

No I don't and have no plans to. The question of brake access is clearly discussed in this article http://tackletour.com/reviewshimcalcutta12vsd.html

 

Yup - I read that as well.  Nice article. 

 

There comes a point when using certain tackle in a technique specific manner, (in this case mid to deep cranking) that the majority of the baits used have a fairly similar weight / configuration.  Meaning once set up, the need to be inside the reel again rarely arises. But it is nice having the option to do so.

 

A-Jay