ill use an old quantum iron and a shimano cardiff for deep cranking.

theyre awesome.

i also have to old abu black max's that i use primarily for salt water in live bait situations...(throwing pin fish at sharks and cobia).... those cheap little things just wont die. lol.

too bad about the low profile "replacements"........... >

I agree Steve 1357.  All well kept old Ambassadeurs Ive tried, threw light lures well. A combination of years or use making them smoother and the fiber brake blocks. No better model for someone to learn how to the maintain reels on there own.

I have 7 Shimano Calcutta's and love em. They're solidly built and worth it. Don't let the low bearing count on those reels fool you. They are silky smoth, cast extremely well and are built to last. I own 3 Calcutta A models, 2 Calcutta B's, a 100 TE GT and a 200 TE.

The Shimano Calcutta TE series is just ridiculous. Built like a tank and cast like a dream. Amazing reels.

Ok, next on my list of must have is a Calcutta 200GTB. That is one sweet looking reel.

1500C,and 2500C's are my worm,and shakey head reels.These reels are over 30 years old,and still bring the fish in without a problem.A bearing,and drag upgrade are all I have had to do to them to improve their performance.I also use the 4500-4600 series reels for cranking,jigs,and blades.Without a doubt,these reels are made to last,and you can upgrade them with parts from the newer reels without a problem.

I have a couple Shimano Cardiff 100s. I like them for cranks and traps. With the recessed reel seat they really don't sit much higher on the rod than a LP reel.