First let's clairfy some thing, when I did this comparison it was not to establish interchangeability of parts. It was to determine why two reels with similar specifications could have $100 difference in price.

Being a manufacturing engineer in the aerospace industry I had access to every nondestructive inspection known and digitizing equiptment capable of finding tolerances to 0.0001".

This data was feed into a computer program that compared the two and found no significant differences other than number of bearings (Calcutta 3+1 & Cardiff 4+1). I'm not sure what process was used to test drag but our data showed the Cardiff lacking by 0.331 lbs.

The only real difference is the Cardiff is Die Cast while the Calcutta is Cold Forged, both have the same structural rigidity. Cold Forging requires less machining if final surfaces but the process is more expensive thus the price difference. To farther explain this look at the outer surfaces of the reel frames, the Calcutta is smoother than the Cardiff. That's Cold Forged compared to Die Cast!

Reels tested

Calcutta CT100A

Cardiff CDF100A

Catt, I think sometimes things just cost more because we don't object to paying more.

I once had a friend back in the 70's who was a clothes horse. He spent $50.00 on his shirts

just because he liked saying he wore fifty dollar shirts.  Bragging rights,..... yeah,... that's it,

bragging rights.

 

And I'm aware that what I just said has nothing to do with what you're talking about...lol.

 

Hootie

What Hootie said above is true. I would rather have the Cardiff myself because of price range. I'm sure they are both good little reels. Shimano makes some really good round reels. I'm still using my dad's old Corsair and it is smooth as butter. Die Cast Reel frames are also a lot better these days compared to 10 years ago or so, so I have no problem buying Die Cast Frame reels. Good read, thanks for posting.

jakob1010, this was done in 2000

Die Casting aint changed, it is how most engine parts are made as well as many other auto, marine, & aerospace parts.

*Hootie, that was why I owned Calcuttas until my nephew bought a Cardiff and I tried it. Then I wanted to know why the cost difference.

So basically pretty costs more.  Makes sense to me.  Nice info and post.  I'm sure there are a lot of reels in the lower price bracket by manufactures that are just as good as their flag ship reels, just aren't as pretty and flashy but still get the job done.

Maybe a bit of price difference in country of manufacturer as well. Calcutta ( Japan ) Cardiff

Malaysia ? Can't recall exactly..

To each his own.

...just aren't as pretty and flashy but still get the job done.

 

Reminds me of women's shoes, purses and shoes. Try selling that story to your wife.

 

 

 

 

Reminds me of women's shoes, purses and shoes. Try selling that story to your wife.

 

 

Very true, but that would be most women in general not just wives, could be girlfriends as well.  I make them a deal, I go shopping with them for their clothes, they have to go tackle shopping with me.  Seems after the first time spending an hr and a half in a BPS, they don't ask me to go shoe shopping anymore.