I think I just made a good buy. I was able to get a 800XL wrapped by Meltons w/ (11) SS guides (just as I would want it if I was able to afford a custom rod) all for $159.00. I was saving to buy a stock rod and only went in to buy a t-shirt but I couldnt pass it up.
Now, Im gonna save for a reel-Calcutta 400 or 965- havent made up my mind - what do you think?

There ya go. Woulda suggested 900XL, but the 800XL is a SWEET rod nonetheless. As for the reel- Calcutta 400S. Shimano stand behind their product, and if anything breaks, send it back and they'll fix it or give you a new one.
-Brian

Yeah Brian,
They only had the 900xl in a stock rod ($239.00) and I previously was undecided between the 8 and 9 foot. So that made the choice easy. Thanks for your advice on the reel. Penn doesnt stand behind their products quite as well huh?

Ken

Well, both reels have their strong points. The Penn's parts are much more readily available than Shimano's, but you hardly ever need parts for the Shimanos because you can just send it back and have Shimano fix it for you (or replace it). Penns generally have stronger drags, but I've never been in a position with my calcutta where I wished I could get more drag out of it (this is a small reel, so you don't need a whole lot of pressure anyway). One weak point of the Calcutta is the roller bearing. It will rust quite easily, but if you keep it lubed and rinsed it should be fine. It's fairly easy to fix if it does get rusty, so I don't mind it that much. You can literally fix a seized roller bearing quite easily, so it's not that big of a deal. Different people have their different opinions, some people hate Shimano and love Penn, others hate Penn and love Shimano. Personally, I've been very happy with all of my Shimano products (barring the Corsair, but they did replace it when it crapped out) and have no reason to switch to Penn (the only exceptions are reels like the jigmaster, 4/0, 6/0 etc.). I'd suggest Shimano over Penn, just because both reels are very similar, but in my opinion the calcutta is a little bit smoother, casts better, and the customer service is literally second to none.
-Brian

Chalk up another vote for the Calcutta. I know the gold Penns are supposed to be decent but I've had such great luck with the Calcutta I'll never get anything else. I also don't know how good Penn's service is but Brian is right about Calcutta - their service is excellent.

Forgot what line class you're looking for, but here's my take for 12-15#. If you are more of a bait fisherman, then go w/ a nonlevelwind like the Calcutta 400S (stop laughing Brian, I stilll think they're a pain). Or, go for my favorite, the Diawa SL20sh. Both reels are good, but the SL20 will outcast the Calcutta, has better drags, is much easier to maintain, and is
1/2 the cost.

If you plan on more rubber fishing than anything else, there's a few. The Calcutta 400, Catala 300 (more a 12# size), Cardiff 300 (again 12#), or Abu 5500 (12#) or 6500 (12-15#) C3. For 15# you can get almost 3 Abu 6500 C3's for the price the Calcutta, I like them better, but either will do you well. For 12# I'd probably go w/ the Cardiff, I have the 100 and it is awesome.

Good luck in your search,

Amish Ed

p.s. the Penn will feel like a Calcutta w/ sand in it, and their service sucks. And that's being nice. Only Glod from Penns that are possibly worth it is the 975 and up.

Amish Ed,

The 975 would be too much reel for the rod I got with 15# line? Or would that reel still not be too big and open me up to another weight class? Its probably not wise to try and buy dual purpose equipment.
It seems odd to me that you should have to worry about a bearing rusting out on a brand new reel(Calcutta) - because of a lack of design. I have enjoyed all of my shimano freshwater reels. Even the cheaper models I have work flawlessly. But that defect in an otherwise well regarded reel bothers me.

Ken

Yeah, every reel will have it's downpoints and this happens to be the calcutta's. The nice part, like I said is it's real easy to fix and Shimano stands behind their stuff should anything more serious happen. IMO it's a small price to pay for such a bullet proof reel. With a little rinsing and maintence now and then it won't even be a problem.
-Brian

I look at the Calcutta like I do the Progears. They are high end reels, that require regular maintenance w/ each use. While every tech at Shimano will tell you not to rinse your reel (a light mist is ok), they will tell you to open it and wipe everything down. Then 1 small drop of oil in each of the bearings. Will the reel die if you don't follow these guidelines? Probably not, but some will. I had horrible experiences w/ my CT400, I hate regular cleanings though. I also did rinse the reel off each day. I was told that this is the reason the roller rusts out (the design allows water to enter easily under the handle. I finally did do as the tech said, but it was too much work for me (I fish 5-7 days a week in the summer). I dissagree w/ Brian, I obviously don't think they're bullet proof. But, if you take care of them after each trip, you will find the Calcutta to be an great reel. I've almost bought a new one a few times this month, but I know I won't keep up on the maintenance.

The 975 is o.k. if you need a 20# reel, the CT400 will only hold around 175yds of 20#, if you're lucky. The 975 should get close to 300. The 975 takes less care, but is louder and much less smooth than any of the other reels mentioned in this thread. And Penn won't stand behind their product w/ out a fight.

But, you have an 800XL, so I would stick to 12-15#. Dual purpose equipment is great, but both rod and reel need to fit the same classes. The best thing you can do is to bring the rod w/ you when you go looking. Try all the reels on it, get the one that feels right for you. All this is just general opinions based on usual uses. You in the end have to go w/ what's right for you. Maybe 20# will be fine for you on an 800XL. Only you know for sure.

Amish Ed

Just to reinforce what amish ed said if your going to be using bait, you'll want a non-level wind, such as a 400S, SLX20HV, or say a 525 mag. If your throwing plastics, try the regular calcutta 400, a 965, or a daiwa 300a, which is the size of a ct400 but has way better drags, and tighter tollerances, cheaper too. I've fished with all of them except the 300a, and you can't go wrong with either, but like everyone else said, the calcutta is beter than the penn.