The 200 size is too small; as in way too small. I can elaborate if you want me to, but it comes down to effective IPT and cadence.

 

A 400 size would be great (for my preferences), a 300 size would do it too (for me). If you like the 300 size better, go for it.

 

The Cardiff is the best bang for the buck, as has been mentioned. Even if price was not a matter of concern, I'll take the Cardiff over the Luna. I've owned and fished both. The Luna is a solid reel of course, but I prefer Shimano's VBS casting.

 

Haven't ever fished a Conquest, but I did own a Calcutta 401TE. The Calcutta seemed to cast lighter baits (~2 oz) better than a comparable Cardiif 401. Maybe because it's narrower (not sure). With heavier baits, there was no difference. The Calcutta of course is way more refined than a Cardiff. All Cardiffs I've fished have/ had a peculiar geary feeling on the retrieve which might take a little getting used to. The Calcutta (or Conquest) is worth the extra money over the Cardiff. I'd rather buy a few baits with the money saved though, but that's just me.

 

EDIT: With the Cardiff's, you have to unscrew the three screws on the handle side to access the brakes. Not so with the Luna, or the Calcutta 401TE (not sure about smaller Calcutta TE's, D's or Conquests).

The 200 size is too small; as in way too small. I can elaborate if you want me to, but it comes down to effective IPT and cadence.

 

A 400 size would be great (for my preferences), a 300 size would do it too (for me). If you like the 300 size better, go for it.

 

The Cardiff is the best bang for the buck, as has been mentioned. Even if price was not a matter of concern, I'll take the Cardiff over the Luna. I've owned and fished both. The Luna is a solid reel of course, but I prefer Shimano's VBS casting.

 

Haven't ever fished a Conquest, but I did own a Calcutta 401TE. The Calcutta seemed to cast lighter baits (~2 oz) better than a comparable Cardiif 401. Maybe because it's narrower (not sure). With heavier baits, there was no difference. The Calcutta of course is way more refined than a Cardiff. All Cardiffs I've fished have/ had a peculiar geary feeling on the retrieve which might take a little getting used to. The Calcutta (or Conquest) is worth the extra money over the Cardiff. I'd rather buy a few baits with the money saved though, but that's just me.

 

EDIT: With the Cardiff's, you have to unscrew the three screws on the handle side to access the brakes. Not so with the Luna, or the Calcutta 401TE (not sure about smaller Calcutta TE's, D's or Conquests).

 

Interesting stuff... I was starting to lean towards the Cardiff, so this helped a lot.

 

Regarding the 200 size IPT/cadence, is it because the amount of line on the spool would change so much during the retrieve, the IPT would vary greatly?

 

EDIT: Found this video- helped a lot.  

Interesting stuff... I was starting to lean towards the Cardiff, so this helped a lot.

 

Regarding the 200 size IPT/cadence, is it because the amount of line on the spool would change so much during the retrieve, the IPT would vary greatly?

 

Using the correct line size on a 200 - a decent cast would come close to dumping the contents of the spool. 

 

Not best case scenario.

 

A-Jay

Yes. Plus, if a fish eats the bait at the end of a long cast, I'd have to crank like mad to catch up to him before I can set the hook.

Interesting stuff... I was starting to lean towards the Cardiff, so this helped a lot.

 

Regarding the 200 size IPT/cadence, is it because the amount of line on the spool would change so much during the retrieve, the IPT would vary greatly?

 

Yes. I personally don't mind it so I use .408mm Defier Armilo on the 200(I can get a bit less than 100 yards on it), but I don't own a boat and I fish mostly glides so I don't mind it.

 

Edit* I also don't horse in the fish like many people do, so I can get away with lighter line around not too heavy of a cover.

I prefer a Ferrari, but everyone prefers different things.

 

If I were 30 years older I would have chosen not a Ferrari but an Aston Martin DB9    , now, at an older age I prefer something with more style and confort, instead of feeling the road I prefer to glide over it.

Don't matter what you drive in the states, your going to feel the road! I'd choose a helicopter myself....

I throw 1-4 oz. baits with a Calcutta 200b spooled with 20# CXX. I don't seem to have problems with running out of line (spooling) or retreive speeds. I suppose if you cut off and retie a lot it would be a problem. It hasn't been for me though.

If I were 30 years older I would have chosen not a Ferrari but an Aston Martin DB9 , now, at an older age I prefer something with more style and confort, instead of feeling the road I prefer to glide over it.

I like speed. I'd have to go to every track day possible if I had an expensive car. That's why I'd choose the Ferrari. Preferably an F40 or 458. Although an Aston Martin is another dream car of mine.

Anyone have experience with the Pluton or Ryoga? Better than the Conquest?

I would love to have a pluton and I think a lot of people would. They are just much more expensive compared to others and a smaller size like the luna. They are both excellent reels though. There is also some very high end jdm millionaires that also cost a pretty penny. Are they better then the shimanos? I don't know since I never fished one but if I would venture to say they are a nicer reel. I would personally take one over a Calcutta. That stuff is just so nice and I don't know how else to explain it.