Been considering trying one out for small swim baits and possibly a backup catfish reel. Anybody have much experience with them? Should I get one or just stick with a Garcia 5500 C3?

I have 2 Cardiff 100s, more than enough line compasity for your intended purpose.

 

Just beware with only 9.5 # of drag you will only be able to land small fish!

11 hours ago, DitchPanda said:

Been considering trying one out for small swim baits and possibly a backup catfish reel. Anybody have much experience with them? Should I get one or just stick with a Garcia 5500 C3?

People use them here, for brazilian catfishes (Pintado, Jaú, Piapara, Piraíba). They just remove the level wind.

I've not owned a Cardiff 200 but have owned several 100 size. I have owned several 200 size Calcuttas though.

I would definitely upgrade the drag washers to carbon fiber ones. It'll make the drag stronger and smoother. 

I would also put a 95mm or longer handle on the reel. It'll give you more cranking power.

Those are probably the best two upgrades for that reel.

I have both the 201A and the 5501C3. The Cardiff can be used for catfish, but when using my preferred 20lb mono, it hold less line than I'd like. So the 5501C3 is my preference for catfish. But the cardiff is a great reel for bass.

The Cardiff will cast better for sure if thats any help. The Abu takes some work to get it to cast anything under 3/4 well. Cardiff will do double duty without any upgrades, put some bearing supported cogs in the Abu and they open up real nice.

On 1/29/2023 at 6:27 PM, DitchPanda said:

Been considering trying one out for small swim baits and possibly a backup catfish reel. Anybody have much experience with them? Should I get one or just stick with a Garcia 5500 C3?

 

 

One of the first baitcasters I ever owned. Fine little reel. Only got rid of it because I found out about the wonderful world of Calcuttas.

5500c = Cardiff 300A

Tom