TackleTour

I have been researching these 3 reels for some time now. I'm planning to use the reel for large swimbaits. I need the low speed retrievals and high torque to get the LMB's in the boat. I've never held any of these reels so i'm not too sure about how smooth they are. The reel is going to be married to a Dobyns ML806,
The Pluton is Awesome looking and is priced at $299 @TW (waiting on a 20% off sale)
The Calcutta 401B is a super work horse and is prices @ around $200ish (online)
The Calcutta 401D is newer in design and sweet looking also priced @ $379 (waiting on a 20% off sale)
Can someone chime in with any experience on these lovely reels.


Thanks
Rick

the 400 series is pretty huge for bass.

spoon2610 wrote:I'm planning to use the reel for large swimbaits.

what line do you plan on using? there's a significant line cap difference between a 200 and 400-size reel...

the pluton is an awesome reel and more so at that price. However another option would be a lexa 300.

zenbassr wrote:

spoon2610 wrote:I'm planning to use the reel for large swimbaits.

what line do you plan on using? there's a significant line cap difference between a 200 and 400-size reel...

I'm planning on using 65lbs PP and 20lbs flour leader.

even26 wrote:the pluton is an awesome reel and more so at that price. However another option would be a lexa 300.

I've check out the Lexas but that's my last resort.

I was in the same place and i chose the daiwa luna 253l. I already have a 300, and the line capasity is huge on that reel if you ever plan to chase musky, or large pike. Also a good choice might also be a cv-z. The japan spec models have more bearings and a nice handle. I was using the same line configuration but am switching to 20lb YHB for the begining of the season to try that out. The review here on TT says that it is a much better value, and does as good or better than the calcutta TE. The shimano option in my eyes is twice as much. Guess it depends if your brand loyal or not!

spoon2610 wrote:

zenbassr wrote:

spoon2610 wrote:I'm planning to use the reel for large swimbaits.

what line do you plan on using? there's a significant line cap difference between a 200 and 400-size reel...

I'm planning on using 65lbs PP and 20lbs flour leader.

You probably don't need a 400 size Calcutta if you can get by with a Pluton... if you want the added insurance, I'd look at the 300 size. Not sure if the Calcutta B comes in a 301, but I now the Calcutta D does.

Remember, to adjust the brakes on the Calcutta D, you have to open up the reel on the handle side to access the spool.

But based on pure performance... that's a tough decision... Cost may win out.

spoon2610 wrote:I'm planning on using 65lbs PP and 20lbs flour leader.

in that case i would be looking at a 300 or 400 size reel.

i have experience with the Calcutta 400B and the CVX300a; neither would be my first choice, because both are wide reels. its one thing to compare reels on paper, but when you're throwing big baits all day using these wide reels can be tiresome.

fwiw, i also have a dobyns 806ML but paired up with a Curado 300D loaded w/ 65# braid. because i prefer round reels for heavy duty work, if i were to upgrade the reel it would be to the Calcutta 300/400D . if daiwa had a 300 or 400 size Pluton it would be a candidate too...

for big baits, its less about staying loyal to a brand and more about using a reel with good line capacity and great ergonomics... a comfortable outfit means you're more likely to fish with it longer, which seems to be a key ingredient for swimbait success.

The luna 245L is supposed to handle 150Yards of 65lb braid. I would think anything over 100 yards would be enough. The 300 is very wide, in comparison. It also does not have the good cast control. I picked up a lightly used version for 133 on epay. Now thats a good value to me.

angry john wrote:The luna 245L is supposed to handle 150Yards of 65lb braid. I would think anything over 100 yards would be enough.

"enough" is good when things are perfect; for big baits i prefer a more generous margin for error and mishaps

for the record i also have a CVX253 for tossing smaller swimbaits, and while i like the form factor, its been my experience that the line caps are a bit overestimated in the spec sheet.

more importantly, i think that magforce V/Z doesn't perform as well for the wider 253 spool as it does for the 103 and 203 size models, which are also in my current lineup. for me it seems the heavier the lure, the less effective the braking in the 253...

Rick that Pluton @ TW is already sale priced. I doubt you will see an additional 20% off on that baby.

zenbassr wrote:more importantly, i think that magforce V/Z doesn't perform as well for the wider 253 spool as it does for the 103 and 203 size models, which are also in my current lineup. for me it seems the heavier the lure, the less effective the braking in the 253...

This is my consideration as well with the 253...line resistance (at the corners of the spool) during casts is higher due to the wider spool.

If I were to consider a Millionaire/Luna platform it would be a 100/200 or 300...otherwise if you want a 253 sized Luna, a 300 sized Calcutta/Conquest is an excellent option as well.

I have used the Luna 253L and the Lexa 300HL for the big baits, up to 6 oz and haven't had any problems in doing so with both 65# and 80# braid. 9" Slammers, 10" Triple Trout, Hudds in every ROF, The Real Prey Bass and so on. I did just receive a Pluton 200HL the other day and it is sweet. I spooled it up with 25# copoly and I may even be able to get it out today for a couple of casts to test it out. I just got a 250 Slide Swimmer and I'm dying to see it in the water.

I haven't had a need for a 400 sized reel yet but I can totally see why a lot of big bait slingers like them. If I don't get another Pluton first, my next reel is a Luna 300L.


I've also read some good things about the Okuma Isis too, I think only the 400 size comes in a lefty. At $200 it's not a bad option either.

I don't own any Shimanos so I can't compare but they have been the go to reel in big bait bass fishing for some time now and I doubt you could go wrong there.

Toadslayer72 wrote:I have used the Luna 253L and the Lexa 300HL for the big baits, up to 6 oz and haven't had any problems in doing so with both 65# and 80# braid. 9" Slammers, 10" Triple Trout, Hudds in every ROF, The Real Prey Bass and so on. I did just receive a Pluton 200HL the other day and it is sweet. I spooled it up with 25# copoly and I may even be able to get it out today for a couple of casts to test it out. I just got a 250 Slide Swimmer and I'm dying to see it in the water.

Ive never check out the Luna but i might just give it a good reading. Im kinda leaning towards a Daiwa Pluton jus becuase it looks really nice