$100 round reel...?

[bpm2000]

Lefty retrieve only!

I think I've narrowed to an Okuma Induron 250LX or a Shimano Cardiff 301A.

Any others to the list, or which between the two? This will also be my first casting reel - is learning on a round reel harder than on a low-profile or anything like that?

thanks!

[PikeMan]

The cardiffs are nice for the price. Basically, its the baby brother of the calcutta, which is in no way a bad thing.

[Lubina]

The cardiffs are nice for the price. Basically, its the baby brother of the calcutta, .

Cardiff is not a baby brother of anyone.
Compared with the Induron 250

Price / Weight / Line / Retrieve / Bearings

Cardiff 301 $ 99.00 / 8.9 / 14-180 / 24 IPT / 4+1

Induron 250L $119.00 / 11.9 / 15-170 / 22 IPT / 7+1.

Make your own conclusions, after fishing swimbaits for a little bit I learned the importance of the weight on a reel.

Good luck!!!

[PikeMan]

Maybe I should clarify; When I said the Cardiff was basically the Calcutta's baby brother, I meant to imply that it is a well built, reliable round baitcaster, but with less refinement and "luxury" than the higher priced Calcutta.

[RWSCHMITZ]

ck out the TICA CA 201-L BLACK or CM201-L GOLD these reels are rock solid with 13 bearings, 5.2:1 gears, 12.2oz RETAILS $114.99

[bpm2000]

Whats the deal w/ bearing count?

The Tica and Induron have a fairly high bearing count vs the Cardiff but people defnitely put the Cardiff in the same league, if not higher. Is this just Shimano hype? Or maybe they are just not that important?

Also, weight... I've only used spinning reels, my biggest right now being my 2500 Sahara (9.7 oz). It never felt heavy to me at all, but admittedly that being pair w/a MH 7' spinning rod might have made all the difference.

My new rod will definitely be a good deal heavier I'm sure (8' SW967F blank) - I suppose reducing the weight as much as possible will be a good thing. I gotta ask, whats 1~3 more oz's? (cardiff vs others)

EDIT: reading up on that TICA reel has me pretty intrigued, but I can't find much info on it (or TICA in general) (I DID read the TT review thx much!). Have they changed at all since '03 of that review? I'm thinking the 150 size would be a better bet in terms of comparing to a cardiff 300 or a induron 250...(or do they not make a Lefty in that size?)

thx all

[RWSCHMITZ]

U said U wanted a left hand reel , Tica has only the 200 size in a left hand reel , right hand reels come in a 150 & 200 size. The 200 size is for big baits or fish like musky, pike, the 150 size is more for bass. Tica reels are hot with musky fisherman right now, try some musky sites/forums for info on they reels. For $114.99 U will not go wrong with this reel. I have the CA200 blk hand reel, I use this reel a lot for musky fishing and it's a good reel. I have 6 Shimano Conquests-Calcutta reels, which retail for $350.00 plus and the TICA reels are only a step or two under the Conquests in feel, but for the $$$$ it is a very good reel. My TICA reel is on my throw back rod and it has landed 10 muskies over 40" to date. Inside the reel is all solid parts, one piece aluminum frame, centrifugal brake system, star drag with a clicker. GOOD LUCK

[Lubina]

My new rod will definitely be a good deal heavier I'm sure (8' SW967F blank) - I suppose reducing the weight as much as possible will be a good thing. I gotta ask, whats 1~3 more oz's? (cardiff vs others)

To aswser some of you questions.
I refuse to bass fish with any reel that weight more than 10 oz, they belong to the pass.
In a round reel bearings number and distribution are not as critical as in a low profile. Calcutta 201 has 3+1. Abu C-3 5500 has 3+1, Daiwa Luna 5+1.....My Cardiff 8+1 Quality bearings give you a nice extra help
I have never fish with a Tica round but I just sold a Tica Sculptor.....lets say that it is not for me.
Just my thoughts.


Best luck, let us know what you choose.

[bpm2000]

thanks for the insight guys - I think i'll see about holding these reels in person and seeing just how the weight feels - ill let you know what I get.

[raul]

It´s better to have two good bearings supporting the spool than 10 lousy bearings all over the reel.

[bpm2000]

Well I handled the induron and the cardiff in store and yea the 2oz diff is pretty noticeable. That effectively put the Tica out of the running even though I'm sure its a fine reel (but not being able to actually see one in person also held me back a bit). Anyways, ended up ordering a Cardiff 301A.

thx again for the help everyone.