Hey fellas,

'I'm having issues deciding which reel to go with. . . So here's the low down, I'm wanting a reel to primarily throw 6in to 8in swimbaits, however I'd like to be able to throw chatter baits and bladed swim jigs as well ( I kinda feel that my swimbait set up might be overkill for the chatterbait/bladed jig application, meaning I might have to buy a different rod and reel, gosh darn, lol). 

Im throwing my swimbaits on a Phenix M1 rod (1oz to 6oz) is what it's rated. . . Don't know the exact model off the top of my head. 

Ive researched and researched and I'm still unsure which reels to go with... I'm kinda leaning toward the Lews BB2, but I know the Calcutta is a beast of a reel and very smooth. I kinda like the feel of the low profile reel better (50/50). 

 

I currently have a Cardiff 301A, I like it but looking for something new and smoother.

 

let me know what you guys think? 

Comparing a Calcutta to a Lews is like comparing a Rolls Royce to a Corolla, being the Calcutta the Rolls.

I've handled the Calcutta 200D and own a 100D.   They feel very small in your hand for a round reel because of the new design.  

While I haven't actually fished mine yet, (lot's of yard casting) I hear that the retreive under load is effortless.

(I think A-Jay did a review)

Go with the Calcutta.

Never used a calcutta, but it's a round reel, and I'm partial to low profiles. So my vote is a BB2. If you use a variety of baits, I'd recommend the Pro, since it has the dial on the side. 

I fish the 200D & 300D regularly. 

The 200D is a fantastic cranking reel for everything except the super over sized baits. I love it for squarebills and medium & deep diving baits.

Remember the gear ratio & IPT on these reels a little on the low & slow side (which I prefer for most of my billed hard baits & swimbaits).

The 300D takes over from there for baits like SK 10XD & Lucky Craft SKT Magnum 120 Mag DR.  It's also my primary swimbait reel for Hudds ( 68's & 8" deluxe) as well as heavy A-Rig applications.

The "D" series reels are super smooth, Little sliver Beasts that made chump change out of many a would be mutant Mexican Bass at every opportunity.

btw - don't overlook the TW Demo program.  I tried it with these reels and ended up buying them.

A-Jay

 

301E/DSV if you want a lowpro..

Calcutta D all the way. The design it gives palms the hand great and as far as performance well... Its made in Japan

I got the BB2 Pro for Christmas and threw an S-Waver 200 swimbait on it with no problems. The retrieve is effortless, even with the higher 6.4:1 ratio. And, like you, I am also using it for big chatterbaits and swim jigs. I'm a Daiwa guy, but I like this reel very much. And it can be had for around $170, which is substantially cheaper than the Calcutta. So, you can actually afford another swimbait or 2 with the $ you save.