Round Reel Conundrum 2024
crankbank reply :
Hi Guys,
I know there has been a lot of discussions on round reels lately (i.e. best one <$350), but I still haven't been able to decide on the one that I would like to purchase this off season.
The reel is going to go on my Mike Long 806 Dobyn's. Gonna throw a wide range of swimbaits, primarily in the 2-5oz range. Using Maxima 25lb Mono (0.020").
I have attempted to narrow it down to 3 reels, all in different price ranges. I would like to here your opinions on which reel has the best value (Also- any other suggestions that may be better and if the reel size is sufficient for the line listed above).
Cardiff 300
Luna 253
New Conquest 200 (currently $398 shipped on jpangler)
I know the Calcutta 250DC can be found for a solid price on some sites, but i would like to try and limit it to under $400 (although between now and the spring time I may crack and go big).
Any feedback is much appreciated.
Raul reply :
Between those three the Calcutta is a no brainer.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
You have a very generous budget for a round reel. If your heart is set o one of these it comes down to personal preference and design features. Personally, I'd be looking at ABU C3, C4, Cardiff or Calcutta and spend the rest on baits.
A-Jay reply :
You're right - there has been an enormous amount of info provided here recently on the subject of round reels for swim baits.
Can you please be more specific as to what information you're looking for that has not already been mentioned in any of those previous threads ? The answers may perhaps help you with your decision.
Otherwise - as mentioned, it all boils down to personal preference - I use & rather like the Calcutta 300D.
A-Jay
crankbank reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 4:23 AM, A-Jay said:You're right - there has been an enormous amount of info provided here recently on the subject of round reels for swim baits.
Can you please be more specific as to what information you're looking for that has not already been mentioned in any of those previous threads ? The answers may perhaps help you with your decision.
Otherwise - as mentioned, it all boils down to personal preference - I use & rather like the Calcutta 300D.
A-Jay
I suppose this is a decision that comes down to me. The main decision I am trying to make is if the performance jump between a $110->$280->$400 reel is worth it.
Is the difference between the high $200 level reels much higher than the sub 150 reels (abu/shimano), but not worth the leap to the $400 reel? Or is the $400 reel light years above the others?
I guess this has already been answered on here plenty of times. Without any hands on real world use, it is just hard to know the difference in performance between the reels.
Goose52 reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 3:47 AM, crankbank said:I have attempted to narrow it down to 3 reels, all in different price ranges. I would like to here your opinions on which reel has the best value.
Best value? Easy - the Cardiff 300. Why? It is a quality reel, with an established reputation of handling swimbaits, has the right line capacity, will do all you need it to do, and is 25% of the price of the Conquest. Now, do you have a preference in braking systems? Cardiff is centrifugal, Luna is Magforce Z. That preference might help you decide but keep in mind you're MORE than doubling the price of the reel if you select the Luna. The Conquest? Over-engineered, over-built, an heirloom reel, loved by many (including me), but best "value"...probably not.
I think DVT gave great advice... 
Swimbaits are expensive 
A-Jay reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 4:36 AM, crankbank said:I suppose this is a decision that comes down to me. The main decision I am trying to make is if the performance jump between a $110->$280->$400 reel is worth it.
Is the difference between the high $200 level reels much higher than the sub 150 reels (abu/shimano), but not worth the leap to the $400 reel? Or is the $400 reel light years above the others?
I guess this has already been answered on here plenty of times. Without any hands on real world use, it is just hard to know the difference in performance between the reels.
I would highly recommend the TW Reel Demo program to you - it's a chance to get a hands on.
Even though it's for only a week or so, it's a decent way to find out what's the deal.
I will warn you, the only 2 reels I demoed - I Bought.
As for if the difference in price is it worth it ? It is if you believe it is, or it's not if you don't believe it to be.
A-Jay
Raul reply :
In what you would rather travel, in a VW Beetle or in a Rolls Royce ? if I have the money I'd rather have my butt comfortably placed in the absolute best money can buy -----> Calcutta !
OK Bass Hunter reply :
Buy the Calcutta.
powerduster reply :
I've also been having a difficult time deciding on a round reel as well. Only I been looking at the calcutta d and higher end daiwa millionaires like the supertuned cv-z, such as the bay casting special or sw. As for your line choice, I would go with 12lb at the most and maybe even 14lb would be okay, but kind of big. 25lb is a little too much even for the 300 I would think. Good luck with your decision.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 10:54 AM, powerduster said:I've also been having a difficult time deciding on a round reel as well. Only I been looking at the calcutta d and higher end daiwa millionaires like the supertuned cv-z, such as the bay casting special or sw. As for your line choice, I would go with 12lb at the most and maybe even 14lb would be okay, but kind of big. 25lb is a little too much even for the 300 I would think. Good luck with your decision.
The OP is throwing 2-5 oz swim baits with this reel. 12 or even the 14 lb line you recommended is generally considered , well it's not considered at all. It much too light of a line.
A-Jay
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
Get some abu 5500s c3s 120$ new and between 30$ and 100$ used.
IAY reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 11:05 AM, A-Jay said:The OP is throwing 2-5 oz swim baits with this reel. 12 or even the 14 lb line you recommended is generally considered , well it's not considered at all. It much too light of a line.
A-Jay
Well, 14 pound Sufix Siege has the same diameter as 20 pound standardized mono line, so its not necessarily true. I hate the western line industry because of this random assignment.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 11:16 AM, IAY said:Well, 14 pound Sufix Siege has the same diameter as 20 pound standardized mono line, so its not necessarily true. I hate the western line industry because of this random assignment.
Clearly we all have our preferences when it comes to line type & size.
Fishing 2 - 5 ounce swim baits on 12-14 pound mono is not some thing I have any experience doing.
If this is your standard tackle set up and you have registered routine success, I'd like to congratulate you on being the first finesse swim baiter I've heard of.
A-Jay
IAY reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 11:26 AM, A-Jay said:Clearly we all have our preferences when it comes to line type & size.
Fishing 2 - 5 ounce swim baits on 12-14 pound mono is not some thing I have any experience doing.
If this is your standard tackle set up and you have registered routine success, I'd like to congratulate you on being the first finesse swim baiter I've heard of.
A-Jay
I don't think you understand my point...Stating whether the line is 12-14 pound really doesn't mean anything, since there are plenty of people in Japan who fish .330mm diameter actually 16 pound test line for 1-3 oz baits, when the 12 pound siege is .358 mm. What is the point of saying its "12 pound line" When you have the breaking strength close to 20 pounds?
IAY reply :
To answer the OP's question; Conquest is going to have tough time getting on much of 25 pound Maxima green (little bit less than 80 yards), and you will be struggling with the IPTs.
powerduster reply :
doh, somehow that part slipped my mind. however, he did ask about spooling with mono to which i suggested was too heavy for the kind of reels he was asking about. 12 lb and 14 monofilament would be a more appropriate size in my opinion. if it were me casting up to 4oz, i would use 20lb suffix 832, which if i remember correctly, breaks at over 40lb. i could go a lot heavier for abrasion resistance, but i like the extra distance it affords me. i never had the thin diameter break from shock either.On 12/19/2014 at 11:05 AM, A-Jay said:The OP is throwing 2-5 oz swim baits with this reel. 12 or even the 14 lb line you recommended is generally considered , well it's not considered at all. It much too light of a line.
A-Jay
crankbank reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 5:29 AM, Goose52 said:Best value? Easy - the Cardiff 300. Why? It is a quality reel, with an established reputation of handling swimbaits, has the right line capacity, will do all you need it to do, and is 25% of the price of the Conquest. Now, do you have a preference in braking systems? Cardiff is centrifugal, Luna is Magforce Z. That preference might help you decide but keep in mind you're MORE than doubling the price of the reel if you select the Luna. The Conquest? Over-engineered, over-built, an heirloom reel, loved by many (including me), but best "value"...probably not.
I think DVT gave great advice...
Swimbaits are expensive
Tough to argue against this- thanks for the response!
crankbank reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 11:44 AM, IAY said:To answer the OP's question; Conquest is going to have tough time getting on much of 25 pound Maxima green (little bit less than 80 yards), and you will be struggling with the IPTs.
Wish we had a better idea of when the 300s were being released...
John G reply :
I have.On 12/19/2014 at 12:46 PM, powerduster said:i never had the thin diameter break from shock either.
I have had 30# PP break a couple of times from shock when throwing a 3/4oz Zara Spook. All it takes is a hard enough cast where the lure comes to a stop in mid air and there goes your exspensive swimbait.
crankbank reply :
Anyone have experience with the Pluton or Ryoga? Better than the Conquest?
Slipknot_Fan666 reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 6:25 AM, Raul said:In what you would rather travel, in a VW Beetle or in a Rolls Royce ? if I have the money I'd rather have my butt comfortably placed in the absolute best money can buy -----> Calcutta !
I prefer a Ferrari, but everyone prefers different things. 
Goose52 reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 9:42 PM, crankbank said:Anyone have experience with the Pluton or Ryoga? Better than the Conquest?
I have a Ryoga 1016 arriving tomorrow or Monday but haven't any on-the-water experience with one yet. The 1016 is too small for your chosen line at any rate. I haven't heard of anyone on the board mentioning if they had a Ryoga 2020 but I believe there are some Pluton owners on the board that might chime in.
In general, and only speaking from theory, not experience, I don't think the Ryoga is going to be "better" than any of my Conquests..................it's going to be "different." Different braking system, different "feel" while cranking under load, but still a very high-quality, robust reel. I like having different gear to play with - adds to the overall experience.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 11:35 AM, IAY said:I don't think you understand my point...Stating whether the line is 12-14 pound really doesn't mean anything, since there are plenty of people in Japan who fish .330mm diameter actually 16 pound test line for 1-3 oz baits, when the 12 pound siege is .358 mm. What is the point of saying its "12 pound line" When you have the breaking strength close to 20 pounds?
You are correct - I didn't.
I do now.
Thanks for the clarification.
A-Jay
crankbank reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 9:57 PM, Goose52 said:I have a Ryoga 1016 arriving tomorrow or Monday but haven't any on-the-water experience with one yet. The 1016 is too small for your chosen line at any rate. I haven't heard of anyone on the board mentioning if they had a Ryoga 2020 but I believe there are some Pluton owners on the board that might chime in.
In general, and only speaking from theory, not experience, I don't think the Ryoga is going to be "better" than any of my Conquests..................it's going to be "different." Different braking system, different "feel" while cranking under load, but still a very high-quality, robust reel. I like having different gear to play with - adds to the overall experience.
I appreciate your feedback (and everyone else's)... good luck with the Ryoga!
deep reply :
The 200 size is too small; as in way too small. I can elaborate if you want me to, but it comes down to effective IPT and cadence.
A 400 size would be great (for my preferences), a 300 size would do it too (for me). If you like the 300 size better, go for it.
The Cardiff is the best bang for the buck, as has been mentioned. Even if price was not a matter of concern, I'll take the Cardiff over the Luna. I've owned and fished both. The Luna is a solid reel of course, but I prefer Shimano's VBS casting.
Haven't ever fished a Conquest, but I did own a Calcutta 401TE. The Calcutta seemed to cast lighter baits (~2 oz) better than a comparable Cardiif 401. Maybe because it's narrower (not sure). With heavier baits, there was no difference. The Calcutta of course is way more refined than a Cardiff. All Cardiffs I've fished have/ had a peculiar geary feeling on the retrieve which might take a little getting used to. The Calcutta (or Conquest) is worth the extra money over the Cardiff. I'd rather buy a few baits with the money saved though, but that's just me.
EDIT: With the Cardiff's, you have to unscrew the three screws on the handle side to access the brakes. Not so with the Luna, or the Calcutta 401TE (not sure about smaller Calcutta TE's, D's or Conquests).
crankbank reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 10:21 PM, deep said:The 200 size is too small; as in way too small. I can elaborate if you want me to, but it comes down to effective IPT and cadence.
A 400 size would be great (for my preferences), a 300 size would do it too (for me). If you like the 300 size better, go for it.
The Cardiff is the best bang for the buck, as has been mentioned. Even if price was not a matter of concern, I'll take the Cardiff over the Luna. I've owned and fished both. The Luna is a solid reel of course, but I prefer Shimano's VBS casting.
Haven't ever fished a Conquest, but I did own a Calcutta 401TE. The Calcutta seemed to cast lighter baits (~2 oz) better than a comparable Cardiif 401. Maybe because it's narrower (not sure). With heavier baits, there was no difference. The Calcutta of course is way more refined than a Cardiff. All Cardiffs I've fished have/ had a peculiar geary feeling on the retrieve which might take a little getting used to. The Calcutta (or Conquest) is worth the extra money over the Cardiff. I'd rather buy a few baits with the money saved though, but that's just me.
EDIT: With the Cardiff's, you have to unscrew the three screws on the handle side to access the brakes. Not so with the Luna, or the Calcutta 401TE (not sure about smaller Calcutta TE's, D's or Conquests).
Interesting stuff... I was starting to lean towards the Cardiff, so this helped a lot.
Regarding the 200 size IPT/cadence, is it because the amount of line on the spool would change so much during the retrieve, the IPT would vary greatly?
EDIT: Found this video- helped a lot.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 11:18 PM, crankbank said:Interesting stuff... I was starting to lean towards the Cardiff, so this helped a lot.
Regarding the 200 size IPT/cadence, is it because the amount of line on the spool would change so much during the retrieve, the IPT would vary greatly?
Using the correct line size on a 200 - a decent cast would come close to dumping the contents of the spool.
Not best case scenario.
A-Jay
deep reply :
Yes. Plus, if a fish eats the bait at the end of a long cast, I'd have to crank like mad to catch up to him before I can set the hook.
IAY reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 11:18 PM, crankbank said:Interesting stuff... I was starting to lean towards the Cardiff, so this helped a lot.
Regarding the 200 size IPT/cadence, is it because the amount of line on the spool would change so much during the retrieve, the IPT would vary greatly?
Yes. I personally don't mind it so I use .408mm Defier Armilo on the 200(I can get a bit less than 100 yards on it), but I don't own a boat and I fish mostly glides so I don't mind it.
Edit* I also don't horse in the fish like many people do, so I can get away with lighter line around not too heavy of a cover.
Raul reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 9:49 PM, Demonic Forrest said:I prefer a Ferrari, but everyone prefers different things.
If I were 30 years older I would have chosen not a Ferrari but an Aston Martin DB9 , now, at an older age I prefer something with more style and confort, instead of feeling the road I prefer to glide over it. 
Alonerankin2 reply :
Don't matter what you drive in the states, your going to feel the road! I'd choose a helicopter myself....
J Francho reply :
I throw 1-4 oz. baits with a Calcutta 200b spooled with 20# CXX. I don't seem to have problems with running out of line (spooling) or retreive speeds. I suppose if you cut off and retie a lot it would be a problem. It hasn't been for me though.
Slipknot_Fan666 reply :
On 12/20/2014 at 2:55 AM, Raul said:If I were 30 years older I would have chosen not a Ferrari but an Aston Martin DB9
I like speed. I'd have to go to every track day possible if I had an expensive car. That's why I'd choose the Ferrari. Preferably an F40 or 458. Although an Aston Martin is another dream car of mine.
hatrix reply :
On 12/19/2014 at 9:42 PM, crankbank said:Anyone have experience with the Pluton or Ryoga? Better than the Conquest?
I would love to have a pluton and I think a lot of people would. They are just much more expensive compared to others and a smaller size like the luna. They are both excellent reels though. There is also some very high end jdm millionaires that also cost a pretty penny. Are they better then the shimanos? I don't know since I never fished one but if I would venture to say they are a nicer reel. I would personally take one over a Calcutta. That stuff is just so nice and I don't know how else to explain it.
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