For over 20 years now, the Shimano Calcutta baitcaster has been synonymous with sweet casting and high performance in a number of different fisheries.
There are three sizes to choose from in the new ‘D’ series: 200, 300 and 400. The 200 holds 190m of 4kg nylon and 135m of 40 pound Power Pro braid, the 300 takes 210m of 6kg nylon and 195m of 40 pound Power Pro, and the 400 can accommodate 300m of 6 kg nylon and 275m of 50 pound Power Pro.
A lot of people prefer the traditional round shape baitcaster over low-slung designs, feeling it gives them better control when working a lure, and the S Concept body design means these reels actually feel a size smaller in the hand. The compact feel is assisted by the X Drag feature that sees the drag knob outside the handle, meaning the handle is now closer to the body for increased cranking leverage, rigidity and torque.
Two SA-RB and two A-RB bearings are what you would expect to find in reels of this calibre, and Super Free spool and the Variable Brake (cast control) System means experienced casters and newcomers alike will be achieving incredible accuracy and distance with a minimum of fuss.
The Calcutta “D” series reels are solid too, thanks to the cold-forged machine-cut aluminium frame and side-plate, ensuring moving parts remain in precise alignment, no matter how big the fish or how much drag is applied through the Dartainium II drag washers, which can be cranked up to seven kilos on the 300 and 400.
Blog: www.shimanoshack.com.au