shimano calias?

[STETSON1B]

how good is the shimano calias the 390$ one. i was kind of curious how they compare to the reels in the same price range.

[dragon1]

For what? The 200A, APV, ASV or 100A?

[Finnz922]

It is heavier, but you probably already new that. It casts great and has a nice smooth retrieve. I haven't ever fished it next to similar priced reels like the Zillion Type R but I imagine the Type R will feel more refined. If I was going to spend that kind of money I would look at some of the JDM reels like the Metanium MG or the Aldebaran MG or even the Scorpion DC. I don't own any of the JDM reels but the Calais is an older model that carries some weight. I think it's more popular with the pike, muskie, giant bass, or salt guys. The problem I see with buying one is what are you gaining in performance. One thing you do gain is a sweet looking reel though... That's a positive right. My point comes from selling them and owning the old Calais 200 for a few weeks. Here is TT review with some good info.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimano ... 00asv.html

[raul]

I used to own a Calais 100A, ended up selling it to a friend cuz he was driving me nutz after insisting for months he wanted the reel, ended up purchasing a TDZ with the money I got from the sale. Now back to the reel, heavy ? not really, I was used to fish with Curados & Chronarchs when I got it so, not much of a difference there, but the performance and feel .... oh baby what a fine reel, actually it was the finest reel I´ve ever owned, had that same "built like a tank" feel but with panàge , is it worth the price tag ? every penny IMHO. Speaking about my friend, he recently purchased a Calais 200A and a Steez 103, he likes more the Calais than the Steez.

[steve1206]

Definitley on the heavy side...The 100A goes down to 8.7 oz and the 200 APV is 9.3. One benefit is you can get a higher line capacity out of the 200 that you can a Chronarch or Core. You have to go down to the Curado E to get similar capacity (in a low-profile). They are built like a tank and buttery smooth...I'm back and forth and on the fence...I have been a "Shimano guy" for a long time but when I needed some higher capacity reels for my new NRX 873 CRRs, I bought a pair of Steezs. Pitchin 20lb and casting 17lb., the Steez has the line capacity to do this better than a Chornarch or Core...If the Calais 200a was sub-8oz., I probably would have stuck with Shimano.

[jeb]

The only Calais I own is a 200DC. If it was not for the DC part of it, there's no way it would be in my arsenal. Heavy, fairly noisey during the retrieve, chrome finish is cold to the touch in cooler weather. I for sure prefer my 4 current generation Revo Premier's to the Calais, again, if it were not for the DC part. That's some magic stuff, especially on windy days. But without the DC? Not so much. I'd buy another Premier, Core, Steez or even Curado first.

[lpquick]

I own a Calais 201A and a Calais 201DC. I upgraded the spool bearings to boca abec7 orange seals, the drag washers to carbontex. They are saltwater safe and I luv them both. Built like tanks with unmatched craftsmanship. Yes they are a little heavy compared to today's lightweight models but you don't get this kind of build and quality with low cost light weight parts. Smooth as ice cream on a hot summer day and they balance extremely well on my G Loomis NRX rods. I will hand these reels to my kids as heirlooms someday because if taken care of I bet they will still work like new 15 years from now. I highly recommend either model, but if your price limit is about 4 bills then yes I would buy the Calais 201A again.

[brokeneye]

performance-wise, imo, the calais series of reels will match anything out there.

which model would depend on your need.

[john62]

Which calais would u recommend for spinnerbaits

[steve1206]

Which calais would u recommend for spinnerbaits

Normally I would say the 200 APV (5:1) but this reel is only 17" per handle turn..That is very low for a 5:1 reel. I like a slower reel for blades but in the case of the Calais, especially with willow blades, I would probably recommend the 100A at 5.8:1 & 24IPT or 200 A at 6.2:1 & 26 IPT. I dont believe that is too much pick up if you have a taste for slower reels as I do. I would most likely base my choice of these 2 on line capacity needs.

[jeb]

performance-wise, imo, the calais series of reels will match anything out there.

Match in what way, though? Yeah, they get the job done and all. But what are you really buying at that price point that makes them worth it? For about the same money, you can get a much lighter Core that will perform just as well, for example.

[Pmedicbm]

I think you'd be hard pressed to find a more refined reel than the Calais, or any of the Calcuttas.. I have 6 Zillions and a Type-R, and I fished the Calais for about 5-6 years back in the early 2000's.. The Calais just has that swiss watch type feel to it, and is just as smooth as butter. You will not feel the gears meshing in the Calais, but the Type-R just has a whole different feel to it, to me.. It's a really nice reel, but a side by side comparison and smoothness, refinement wise, I'd have to say that the Calais is just a much smoother reel.. IMHO, In the $400 price range they are at the top of their class. The only down side to them, is the weight, and this is the primary reason I now use almost all Daiwa. Once the Steez hit the market, I was all in..... I also think that the JDM reels would be a good choice if you can find one that's already Stateside where you don't have to absorb all of the exchange rate fees etc.. the JDM products do seem to be a little bit smoother with a little more attention to detailing etc.. I know you asked specifically abou the Calais, but another recommendation would be the Calcutta DC. I bought one last year, and I honestly think it is one on the longest casting, most beautiful, smoothest reels that I've ever owned.. They pop up on the For Sale/trade board for time to time in the <$400 range used, as a matter of fact I think there's one on there now for like $340..? The Calais is an excellent reel though, if you can deal with and don't have a problem with the weight of it.. Good luck in your search....

[nsfisher]

performance-wise, imo, the calais series of reels will match anything out there.

Match in what way, though? Yeah, they get the job done and all. But what are you really buying at that price point that makes them worth it? For about the same money, you can get a much lighter Core that will perform just as well, for example.

I agree there are alot of reels out there that cost less and still perform just as well

[brokeneye]

performance-wise, imo, the calais series of reels will match anything out there.

Match in what way, though? Yeah, they get the job done and all. But what are you really buying at that price point that makes them worth it? For about the same money, you can get a much lighter Core that will perform just as well, for example.

worth is a subjective value.

performance-wise, with the calais 100a, i can cast a 1/8 oz. rapala floater farther and more accurate than i ever have with spinning...or i can burn a 3/4 oz. blade without feeling any gearmesh whatsoever...granted, there are reels out there that can do either and there are reels out there that can do either better...but, there are few reels out there that can do both equally as well.

and the core 50, as good as it is, ain't one of them.

ymmv.

[LamiglasC]

i would go for the trade and ouch about the frozen account