I currently have an AG6500C3 that im using for swimbaits (which is a bit worn out)and am looking to get something new. I think ive narrowed it down to the two above mentioned reels. Anyone have experience with either? Is the calcutta worth the price difference?

any help is appreciated
nate

nothing better then the 400 hund w 20 p-line. i have both and will not use the ag. the calcutta is hands down a better all around reel and the drag is top notch ,super smooth pull when hooked up on a big fish fresh or salt.
chip gilbert .... bassaholics.com

No comparison. The Abu is a workhorse reel but the Shimano will last just as long and the smoothness, the casting, the feel, the drag and everything else is way nicer.

Well, i guess my mind is made up then... =) Thanks for the quick responses.

Chip...have you gotten a chance to throw the Rago LT softbait yet?

nate

How about CVZ 253A vs. Calcutta 400?

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Sonny

2004 - 6 Bass 2 Trout $219.20 in Gear

The Daiwa is a great reel but the 253 is closer to the Calcutta 250 size. If you want a comparable reel, you could look at the Daiwa 300 series. I actually have friends that now prefer the Daiwa to the Shimano, but I've not gone to the dark side! hahahahaha! I'm a tried and true Shimano fan but I know there are other reels out there that will do a fine job as well. Just know that you couldn't go wrong with a Shimano choice. Good luck!

Hookup90247

Unless their websites are lying the specs for the cvz 253a are 14/240,16/205,20/140 compared to the calcutta 400: 14/260,17/210,20/160. The calcutta 250 only rates at: 8/230,10/210,14/120.

So unless Daiwa's website is lying the cvz 253a is in between a shimano size 300/400.

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Sonny

2004 - 6 Bass 2 Trout $219.20 in Gear

My guess is that you may not have seen, held, or fished with either the 250 or the 253. If you are going to base your opinion simply on what is published, you may be disappointed once you do have a chance to see them in person. Can I suggest that the 253 is nothing comparable to the Calcutta 400. Even though the printed capacity for the 253 is nearly that of the 400, it would not stack up in actual capacity. Even if the spool diameter is slightly larger, the width is hardly half of the 400. That alone would tell you that they are not equivalent. If you plan on fishing the heavy line and you require a reasonable amount of capacity, the calcutta wins over the 253. However even at that, I am not saying that the Daiwa is inferior to the Shimano. I think you have a hard decision between the two products but compare the Daiwa 300 and the Calcutta 400 instead of the 253. I wish you luck.

Hookup90247

P.S. The Daiwa cannot hold the line that they are stating. It is a physical impossibility unless you count spectra.

Actually, the sizes that I would like to compare are the shimano 300 reels and the daiwa 253 sizes. For the purpose of freshwater I think shimano 400 reels are a bit too big.

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Sonny

2004 - 6 Bass 2 Trout $219.20 in Gear

hey nate, i have not had a chance yet. i have been throwing all top waters. the 3:16 new trout and the m.s.slammer. waiting to get back out to willow and give the rago a try