So I'm looking at getting my last reel for the year...

It's between a new Citica or a Cardiff. The rod it's going on is a 7'6" flippin stick that I use for swimbaits, larger t-rigs, and light flippin and pitchin. I'll occasionally put a jig on it as well. I've never used or handled a Cardiff before. I'm just wondering if any of you guys out there have any opinions between the two. Going to be using 15 to 20 pound Hybrid on it more than likely. The swimbaits I toss range from swim senkos, dippers, up to 1 ounce hard baits. The only thing I'm wondering about is how well the Cardiff will pitch the smaller profiled pitching baits and whatnot. I've read that it's a fairly easy reel to palm, but I'm not sure how true that is. I'll also occasionally be using it for some saltwater fishing as well. Appreciate any input you guys have.

As soon as I read flipping and pitching with the cardiff that didn't sound too comfortable, or easy with lightweight lures. I dont know however I've never owned/used one.

Have you tried a Citica on your flippin stick?

Have one on my primary heavy cover rod.

I would put one of your Citicas on the Flippin Stick to see how it handles your variety of lures. I'd think if you have enough line capacity for swimbaits then I would stick with a Citica, unless you really want a Cardiff for saltwater purposes.

if any pitchin of flippin is involved i wouldn't get the cardiff.. ill tell a little story i was fishing a tournament and me and my partner were on a really good flippin bite pitchin to the outside of this grass line well i get a bite set the hook and SNAPP there goes my flippin stick so i scramble in the rod locker for my carolina rig rod which is a pretty stout 7'6 rod and i have a calcutta on it which is basically the same as the cardiff. i cut off the leader and tied on my jig, went to go pitch an realized that the bar that goes across the reel gets in the way and you cant let your thumb ride on the spool very uncomfortable.. sorry for the long pointless story just thought it might help. point don't get the cardiff if you want to flip or pitch very uncomfortable

A screw it.  I'll buy another Citica.

Then a dedicated swimbait rod and reel. 

Problem solved.

There are no fake options.