Roadwarrior was kind enough to lend me Shimano Calcutta CTE 200 GT. and asked me to post a review.

This is high end round baitcaster that he generously offered to me to "road test" because I was considering getting a round baitcaster.

First let me say how generous RW is.  The reel came in the original box, with all tools, oils and soft case.

It is beautiful reel to behold.   I put it on my Loomis BCR875 which is brute of a rod for big jigs, and swimbaits.  

The reel is ultra smooth.  Those of you who know me, know that when it comes to baitcasters there's "Daiwa" and then there's everything else.  So while I was able to detect differences in the "feel" it's impossible to say one is better than the other.  I think the Shimano's especially the high end reels with 10 or more SS ball bearings are silkier smooth in their feel than the high end daiwa's which give a more "precision" feel.  If you like the ride of a Cadillac, get a high end Shimano.  If you like the ride of a BMW get a high end Daiwa.

The reel was a little big and heavy for my taste.  I don't own a reel that weighs 8 ounces so this 10 plus ounce reel felt heavy.  The round shape did not bother me, even though I only use low profile reels.

With RW's gracious consent. I really put the reel put it's paces.  I used it to cast everything from big heavy huds to 1/2 oz. jigs.   While this would not be a reel I would choose for moderate jig or worm fishing it handled the lighter weights with no problem.  It really is amazing in it's versatility.  

Not being a Shimano guy, I had alot of fun with the centrifugal weights.  I used all kinds of different configurations to see how light or heavy I could go with it.  The centrifugal system and the spool tension give very precise casting control.  I did get backlashes, but it was when I was playing at the extremes.

It's no big deal to get to the weights, but the convenience of the Daiwa mag system has me spoiled.  It's just too easy to turn the dial to get the precise setting i require.  the downside being that sometimes one can change the setting inadvertently while "palming" the reel. It's rare but it can happen, while the enclosed Shimano system makes this virtually impossible.

the Calcutta is famous for it's drag system.  I experimented with that also, but unfortunately never hooked into anything that put it to the test.

All in all I have to say that this is a very impressive reel.  Anyone seeking a round baitcaster for it's line capacity and power need look no further.  this reel can handle it all.

Am I a Shimano convert?   Well................no.

I'm still a daiwa guy but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate quality when I see it.  I enjoyed fishing with this reel as much as I enjoy driving my buddies Escalade.

Thanks again Kent.

Avid is getting spoiled  , not still a Shimano convert but how about spoiling yourself with a Daiwa round ? Millionaire my man.  8-)  

Avid,

RW is a gentleman, that's for sure!  I was fortunate enough to share a boat with him at Fork.  He'll blow the froth of a few with you too.  ...lol      

Good review on the reel, have you considered a Revo for that rod?  I think you would find that it's as capable as the Calcutta but lighter and has much more drag capacity, is easy palming and well, a lot less expensive.   No offense to the Calcutta, which is a great reel, and proven over and over.  I just think the Revo, if given a true and honest head to head comparison, would win the preference of most fisherman in need of a stout reel with monster drag.  IMO it's got all the good features of a round reel but is LP and fits easily in the palm.

I'm not trying to hijack the thread, just wondering if you had considered this option.

Very nice review Avid.

It was certainly kind of Roadwarrior to donate his high-end reel, but RW's generosity is no surprise to anyone.

I'm glad that you had written that review and not me, because I'm torn between the two brands.

Though I prefer Shimano for freshwater use, I lean to Daiwa (Penn & Newell) for saltwater use.

Your Cadillac vs. BMW analogy is very interesting; I wouldn't have thought of that, but it's Right On!

Roger

Thank you Avid and RW for sharing a very interesting review.

I'm also a Daiwa guy except when it comes to big swimbait reels where I'm lock with Shimano. I've never fished the Calcutta TE but I always wonder if the smoothness and drag power would justify the 10.4 oz weight.

I use a Cardiff 301 with a TE 200 handle with 4 bearings, upgraded drag and ball bearings and I'm still at 8.9 ozs.....guess is personal preference..

Thanks again guys!!!!!!!

Nice post Avid. Nice to see someone on the forum regardless of brand post an unbiased opinion. The information is very handy to have for the person in need of it.