Shimano Baitcaster Reels. Which one?

[woody74]

Looking at a calais cl 200asv or one of the chronarch series. Just wondering if any of you learnered fisherfolk have or ever used anyone of these reels. Looking for any feed back on them that I can get.
CHEERS woody

[clutter]

Used both and both are brilliant smooth reels. The Calais is the better of the two but have no problems with the chronarch but I do prefer the SF series with the wiffle spool (drilled full of holes). I own a Japanese version called a Scorpion Metainium XT, basically its a maroon coloured Chronarch SF100. Its my main Barra reel and I have it spooled with 30lb bionic braid and have never had a problem, I'll be looking at buying another soon, if I had the money though I'd get the Calais but at this stage its the XT.

Cheers, Clutter

[Bosunsmate]

Bought a BC200 a couple of weeks ago as my 1st shimano. I could'nt be happier, would love to be able to afford a Calais in the not too distant future....

Although the Minister for War & Finance is questioning why I need another reel.......What price ar eyou looking at paying for the reel?

[rabbitohbill]

I'm 5 days away from a spree to get myself a new baitcaster rod/ reel set.
I'm budgeting around $300 - $400 total.
Will that get me out of trouble & anything to chase or avoid.
Been fishing 35 years & never has a baitcaster setup. I gotta learn to cast the bastard as well.
I'm assuming its not worth spending $700 on the new digital shimano reel......it does impress though!

[familyman]

Rabbitohbill given a choice I would not get a shimano to learn on as most of the lower end models ie less than $250 have magnetic brakes and IMO centrifugal cast controls are heaps easier to use.Try the Abu's or anything with a centrifugal brake and dont try to cast into the wind until your spool thumb is trained.Good luck
cheers jon