Any thought of the shimano calais

[loochie]

I am looking for a reel for my 764CBRM and thought this might be a great all purpose reel for that rod. I will be using it for squarebill, shallow cranks, lipless, some spinnerbaits, and small swimbaits (magic swimmer 125's at the biggest) I've never handles a calais but have always been intrigued. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

[phatbass]

which model are you referring to ? I used the 100a for awhile for shallow cranks,you won't fine a smoother reel and its built like a tank,if you don't mine the weight. I use a d5 now.

[loochie]

I am thing the 201

[rp346]

You may want to look at a 200 APV.........

[phatbass]

I did have the 200 series awhile back,from what I remember they were very smooth and casted great.

[loochie]

You may want to look at a 200 APV.........

I need a lefty, I'm not worried about the weight, if I don't go with the calais I am thinking a cv-z103 or calcutta te101

[the186element]

Sweet casting reel.Super smooth.Heavy.But definite worth a try.
You won"t be disappointed.

186

[dux]

I have a 201 A & it is paired with my loomis cbr843. I love the reel, though it is on the heavy side 9.1oz. Does well casting a crank. You can feel the quality especially after years of service. Kinda get the feeling it will last a life time. I also have a Chonarch B and a Curado D. I pretty much stick with Shimano. I think you'll be happy with with most of Shimano higher end reels

[lpquick]

I own a 201A and a 201DC, both are built like tanks yet have the highest quality parts and craftsmanship. I upgraded the 201A with Abec7 bearings (spool) and Carbontex drag washers, because the drag on the 201A was a little light, especially compared to the dc model. I also have the Calcutta TEC201DC and it's as smooth and built like no other. The big difference here for you to consider is gear ratios. 201DC 7:0:1, 201A 6:2:1 and the Calcutta 101 5:0:1. The maximum drag: DC 11lbs, A 10lbs, 101 9.5lbs. I can honestly say no matter which reel you choose you will pleased, it's a win, win, win situation.

Let us know which one and post pictures, please.

[dragon1]

Awesome reels...all on your list.

For me, on spinnerbaits and squarebills and most cranks, I prefer the 5.8:1 on the Calais 100A, CVZ 103 or 100 TE GT.

Calais 200A is great for lipless rattlebait and long cast techs like Carolina rig, faster topwaters like buzzbaits and even techs like froggin', but feels a little out of place for spinnerbaits and most cranks for me. Also, the 200A casts very well, but can be finicky with smaller lures, especially with cross winds while the smaller reeels listed up top handle better in all conditions of wind and smaller sized lures.

Calais APV is for power techs that have resistance like deep cranks, big bodied swimbaits and big deep spinnerbaits.

BTW...if you go with a 200 sized Calais, an MG spool gives you some neat options.

JMHO.

[Good351]

I picked up a Calais 201-5 last year off the bid site.. had to tear it down completely and clean everything.. But it turned out to be a great reel for cranks! A little on the heavy side, but for cranks I don't care. I did pick up a MG spool from shimano for it and it'll cast 1/4 oz plugs a mile!

There used to be a write-up on swapping gears in a Chronarch MG to make a 5.0:1. It said to purchase gears for a Calais 201-5, and that they were the same as the curado gears.. So you could have your pick of 6.2, 5.0, or 3.9.. Someone correct me if I am wrong..

[oops]

My thoughts on the Calais are that I wish I had purchased one sooner! Bought 2 200DCs and a 100A when there were a bunch of good holiday discounts around and couldn't be happier, a big and much needed upgrade to my tired old gear.

[SC Bassin]

I own 6 201A's, 2 201-5"s, 4 201DC's, 4 Antares AR's, 2 Antares DC-7, & 2 Antares DC's, They are excellent reels, you will not go wrong by picking up a Calais.

[Eric Walsh]

20 calais .................. ........................