Shimano Cardiff Baitcasting Reel 4+1 Ball Bearings (5.8:1) review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	SHIMANO
Material	Aluminum
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Color	Silver
Handle Material	Aluminum
Item Weight	0.25 Kilograms
Bearing Material	Aluminum

product features

The Cardiff A series casting reels provide all of the amazing features of a round reel without sacrificing the benefits of a low profile design
Having a recessed reel foot allows the reel to sit close to the rod; allowing it to be palmed like a low profile reel while maintaining the high line capacity of a round reel
Equipped with 5 silky-smooth Anti-Rust Bearings provide an incredibly smooth high retrieve speed and long-term reliability
This reel; with its larger spool diameter that is necessary for casting big baits a long way; pairs perfectly with a big bait rod
Max Drag: 10 lbs. / Gear Ratio: 5.8:1. / Weight: 8.6 oz. / Line Retrieve: 24" / Bearings: 4BB + 1RB – PowerPro Line Cap: 40/135;50/130;65/90 – Mono Line Cap: 8/230;10/210;14/120 – Retrieve: Right

From the manufacturer

Shimano CARDIFF

Silky smooth, reliable performance
4 A-RB stainless steel ball bearings
Diecast aluminum frame, aluminum spool and sideplates
Handle-side VBS centrifugal brake
Super Stopper anti-reverse plus Assist Stopper

Shimano Cardiff Round Baitcast Reel

What do you get when you design a reel with five silky-smooth A-RB bearings, a lightweight, diecast one-piece aluminum frame, Super Stopper anti-reverse and Shimano's VBS braking system? You get a reel you can depend on, day-in and day-out, that will perform beyond your expectations. That's the Cardiff.

PRODUCT SPECS:
Series: Cardiff
Family Type: Round-Profile
KeyFeature: A-RB Ball Bearings
Ball Bearings: 4
Roller Bearings: 1
Maximum Drag (lb):
Retrieve Per Crank Range (in

product description

Designed with five; smooth A-RB bearings; a light weight; diecast one-piece aluminum frame; Super Stopper anti-reverse and Shimano's VBS braking system; the Cardiff is a reel you can depend on; day-in and day-out; to perform beyond your expectations. From an angling perspective; every individual who has owned and enjoyed using Shimano tackle has a reason to thank a Japanese visionary named Shozaburo Shimano; who in 1921 declared â€œI aim to make Shimano's products the best in Kansai; then the best in Japan; and finally the best in the world."" For over 80 years; Shimano has concentrated on precision engineering; one step at a time. Creating the most innovative products and processes you can hold in your hand today.

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Yes
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 4 x 6 inches; 8.82 Ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ CDF200A
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ August 31, 2007
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ PROOK
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B001448QZW

important information

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Questions about Shimano Cardiff Baitcasting Reel 4+1 Ball Bearings (5.8:1)

If you real with your left hand on a spinning reel do you use your right hand on a conventional or is it the same hand?

Answer: Either way works but it's natural & comfortable to use a bait caster with a left side retrieve if you cast right handed or visa-versa if you cast left and it eliminates the need to change rod hands after a cast. I'd definitely recommend getting one with an opposite retrieve to your casting hand if its available to you. t's by far the nicest way to go.

Answer: Normally, yes but co. like Shimano have manufactured bc reels that are left hand crank. I use left hand exclusively, always have.

Thanks! even this one is the 201A and in the descriptions says only the 400 models have clickers??

what model is this? I am looking for the 300

Answer: The 300 will say 300a on the side. That is a 201a model

Answer: 300 is right hand crank and 301 is left hand crank. It should say in the drop down selection.

Answer: There are three sizes. The one that holds 14 lbs. and 180 yards is the 300. That's the one I have and it's really a nice reel.

Answer: That's 201a

What is the size of the handle on the 300a? I want to put a different handle on the reel

Is this a good catfishing reel ?

Answer: No. Don’t buy this reel... bought one fell apart while I was fishing salmon, took it back got another one ... that one fell apart! Maybe it was just me but I kinda doubt it

Answer: Should be excellent. There's no clicker on the model I have. Use mine for striper and saltwater.

Answer: Show

would this be a good reel for casting big swimbaits for bass?

Answer: I am the original asker of this question. My local tackle shop guy agreed with the 400a for medium swim baits. I got it from Amazon because he only carries more expensive reels. It will work great, but doesn't look like a bass fishing reel other than that. Too big. I could cast regular lures with it though. I just went out side with some weights. 3/4 ounce goes 200', 3/8 ounce 100 feet, 1/4 ounce 60'. This is on a 7' medium heavy ugly stick with 20 pound test mono. It would work good for heavy carolina rig or A-Rigs. (Bigger rod on the way). Very nice reel.

Answer: Sure. I use it for Chinook Salmon, good strong drag that will handle bass great. Also it's a good smooth caster that should allow for precise casting around stumps, lilly pads, or any other cover you might deal with.

Answer: These are powerful good casting reels. Both my 200B & 400B cast light lures well river fishing Salmon/Steelhead.

Answer: kind of big smaller one would be better

Answer: The 300 and 400 models would work very well for larger baits.

in which country this item made in?

Does this have a bait clicker

Answer: No. Shimano Cardiff models have no bait clicker.

Answer: My 400 has the bait clicker feature but It's about 8 years old now so I'm not sure if it's still on them

It this a good saltwater reel?

Answer: No, not enough drag! Not even good for big cats in freshwater. It is a beginners model of a baitcaster.

how do you adjust brakes?

Answer: Similar to other bait casters .

How do I return this item

Is there a physical size difference between the 300 and 400?

Do you have the cdf301a ?

where is it made in ?

Answer: Malaysia

dos it have a clicker alarm ?

Answer: It does have a clicker and as long as you are within 20 feet, you can easily hear it. It has 11 lbs. of drag which would not be the best for a flathead catfish or a fish that fights for a pretty long period. But for most other fish, including muskies it would work fine. It does have a pretty large capacity of line also. Hope this helps!

Answer: Yes it does have a bait clicker. I've had this reel for over a year now and I love it. I use it for trophy blue cats and have landed fish up to 50 pounds with it. I have purchased several of these and highly recommend them

Answer: Yes, it has a clicker.

Answer: My 400 does but my 300 does not

Answer: Yes

i want the size 301 model but dosent actualy specify, how do i know im getting the correct model?

Answer: You must select size: 14 pounds

Answer: you Must select the size: " 14pounds"

What model of Shimano is this, The 100/200/300 or 400?

Is this the 401a left hand?

Answer: The pic looks like the 201a RH. I believe once ordering there is a LH or RH button to select which you are looking for.

Answer: Yes it is.

The absence of product specifications and descriptions on amazon is a constant problem. what the heck does material = "synthetic" mean?

Dimensions for 300 size? Diameter? Width side to side?

How much does it weight?

I'm looking to catch carp in the fall and winter on a med-hevy rod which model of the cardiff is best for this?

Can I run 50lb braid on this reel?

Answer: I've run Spiderwire 30lb braided line with no problems. Your casting distance and accuracy may be decreased with it. The reel should be able to handle the line without any problems, but if you're expecting strikes big enough to justify 50lb braided line, you'll probably want a bigger reel anyway.

Answer: Don't buy this reel. I bought two and they both broke. I had a friend that bought one. His broke. Not a good reel

Answer: Yes. I am running 50lb KastKing braid on mine now. works well but doesn't have much of a drag.

Answer: Should be able to handle it. Though never tried it. Very capable reel.

Answer: yes you can i use 80lb braided no problem

Answer: Yes, no problem. I have power pro on mine!

i had bought this item , but why i got an item made in malaysia(my country)? feeling confuse

What length of rod is best suited for the 200A?

Answer: I use a 7 foot medium or medium light Ugly Stick Inshore rod even though I am fishing fresh water lakes for hybrid and stiped bass . You can find it in the Bass Pro salt water catalogue but any good rod would do well with this reel that is similar to an Ambassador. I think it is better made unless you get in the $200 range Ambassador reels .

Answer: 6-8 is what I use on mine

Im confused, which one is the 100a?

Answer: I would answer your question but I am not sure what you are asking. I would suggest that you go to Shimano's Official page and check out the specs on the reels.

Are you guys sure this is the 401a? Will the owner please respond? Shimanos website says the 401a weighs 11 oz. I just want to be sure.

Answer: It is the 401a and is a beautiful and smooth real

where this reel is made on?

Answer: This reel is not made in China!! It is made in the Shimano factory in Malaysia.

Answer: China

Does it have bait clicker?

Answer: The 400 has a clicker you can turn on or off

Answer: l have the 300 model it doesn't have a clicker the larger models may have one

Answer: No

Answer: Nope

Hello there! I am confused little bit. Is the model indicated here with the capacity of 14/180 equals to CDF 300A. The model in description says CDF-100. Please let me know if 14/180 is the CDF300A I am going for 2 of them. Thanks

I want the model 400 right hand. How do I know I'm getting the right one?

non disingaging levelwind is it on all models

Anybody using this for Muskies? Looking for details.

Answer: yes, a lot. currently all sold out now. should be in 1~2 weeks

Is this reel right handed?

Answer: Yes the 200A is a right hand retrieve reel.

Product reviews of Shimano Cardiff Baitcasting Reel 4+1 Ball Bearings (5.8:1)

MUSKYHUNTER : Five Stars

Use this to troll small-large crankbaits for musky, and it has never failed

Paul Wargo : Good solid reel

I debated between the 200 and the 300 because I wanted a small reel that fit comfortably in my hand. With some misgivings settled on the 300 because the 200 was not kept in stock by many companies like Bass Pro. Glad I got the 300. It is still a small reel and the recessed reel seat sets the reel nicely on a straight handle. The 300 does hold a lot of line. I put on 150 yards of good 10 lb braid and have lots of room for more. I like a full spool especially the way your thumb touches the line after you hit the cast release bar.
I am impressed with the variable cast weights. I turned two (of the six) on and it made a noticeable difference. Will be great for casting into the wind. All in all, very impressed.

Lloyd : Five Stars

Super nice. Perfect for smaller rods.

vince williams : Muy muy mal

La carrete no funciona y cuando mi enviado una mensaje a la vendedor ellos no respondes

Jesus Rafael Gregorio Cova Camino : Excelente reel...

I have very good appreciation concerning this reel as my requirements within both freshwater and saltwater meet my expectations for appropriate use.

Michael Brown : Great reel

Love this reel got mine for free working for my car dealership and have had zero issues with it currently spooled with 15lb braid. It is also easy to break down, clean, and regrease when necessary have had mine now for a little over 7 months

Bruce Kimura : Great reel. Loved it and it works great

Great reel. Loved it and it works great.

Howard C. : Quality fishing reel.

Ordered on Thursday - promised delivery on Tuesday - got reel on Saturday, three days ahead of schedule! This is the 3rd Shimano I own. Great reels at a great price!

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

Best reel ever

mikey : great fishing reel

Recently bought it works great have been catching kings and silver's haven't had any problems it was a great buy.

Attila : Great real, disappointing packaging

This is a good product and you would expect nothing else from Shimano. The box/packaging is a downer and is more a $0.10 cardboard box with a simple picture on it. No spare parts or any effort to package (not sure if Shimano only do that once you pay $500+?).

Joseph S. : A great Casting reel

This is got to be the smoothest casting reel I have ever used I am in love with it

ivo : Leggerissimo

Mulinello piccolo e leggerissimo, lo uso per pescare calamari ed è ottimo avendo un rapporto di recupero basso, lo consiglio

Carl : Four Stars

Very nice reel

Dam Nguyen : Three Stars

not to good first time reel broke down while trying to land the big fish

Carl : Four Stars

Very nice reel

Claudio Graziosi : Complimenti Shimano

Considerando il prezzo non si poteva pretendere di più un bel mulo lo stò usando per andare ha Lucci devo dire che ha un bel recupero potente, spartano ma per quel tipo di pesca è più che sufficiente.
Complimenti anche a Nencini Sport consegna veloce e pacco integro

bleonard1401 : Shimano Cardiff

Great for saltwater shoreline/kayak baitcasting with 1.5 oz + lures. Don't bother trying to use smaller lures with it as backlashing quickly becomes a problem.

Hiro Shin : Cost vs value

This reel is very good !

Matt : Great reel for the money and going to buy 2 more ...

Great Reel

Amazon Customer : Need to back with mono

The reel works great when you back with mono.

Amazon Customer : good

awesome reel for the money...discontinued so get one now.

Patricia DiCarlo : but so far I like it. I've got the reel spooled with 17lb ...

I've been using baitcasting reels for a long time. Early this April, a friend of mine introduced me to swimbait fishing and now I'm starting to aquire reels,rods and lures specifically designed for that style of fishing. I purchased an Okuma 8.5ft MH rod paired with the schimano 301 Cardiff reel. It's taken a few trips to get use to the rod and reel combo, but so far I like it. I've got the reel spooled with 17lb Stren line, and for the most part I'm throwing lures in the 1.5>2.5oz size. I've caught a few freshwater bass in the 4 to 5lb range and the reel and has worked just fine; although I do miss an anti-backlash control. I would recommend this reel.

Patricia DiCarlo : but so far I like it. I've got the reel spooled with 17lb ...

Barbara A. : Shimano quality at a reasonable price.

Good reel. I have both the Calcutta B and the Cardiff B and while there is a tangible difference in the feel between the two it is a very good reel at this price point.

Den : As good as there is for fresh water baitcaster.

Extremely well built Baitcasting real that is fairly light weight. I use it for large catfish with 30lb line that casts very well with a chub or a frog on the hook.

Newgulf : Great saltwater reel

Great reel, very smooth. Great for casting deep into the surf or in the bays.

Dam Nguyen : Three Stars

not to good first time reel broke down while trying to land the big fish

Michael Brown : Great reel

cristian rosetti : Non ti deluderà

Che dire? Lo sapete già se state scegliendo questo mulinello. Ottimo mulinello. Storico. Parla da solo. Con il 301 ci pesco lucci e bass. Swimbait che volano perfettamente con questo round. Ma quando lancio per caso dei jig più leggeri capisco che questo mulinello è veramente capace di adattarsi a qualsiasi tipo di pesca. Shimano Cardiff non delude.

adam tully : smooth and cast very well I'm happy I didn't spend the extra to buy the next ...

smooth and cast very well I'm happy I didn't spend the extra to buy the next model up.

Mauricio Santos da Silva : Efficient

Fantastic

Mr. Crunchy : Update: Meh reel.... Old take: Good reel- get it- catch fish

Great reel and worth the money. I have always been an Abu Garcia guy for baitcasters and this is s step up from my old 5600. This reel is smooth, feels great, and so far, no problems at all. I have the 301A, paired it with a 7' ugly stik, and 17# mono and feels just right for the surf. So far I have not had to adjust the internal brakes- felt great right out of the box. Nothing I'd change about this reel and I'd get it again for sure.

Update after a year or so of semi-regular salt/inshore/surf use. Held up well and no complaints. Rinse down after use and have given it one "open heart" cleaning and lube. Would buy again. Please make sure you understand the disengaging level wind vs. non-disengaging. I did not realize that the one I got (301A), when you cast, the level-wind does not move as line pays off the spool. Not a big deal, but the comparable Abu Garcia C4 does that and has a smoother cast due to that.

Update: after 2+ years of pretty hard use (use, not abuse....), this reel has not held up well. I’ve had to service it a couple of times, opened it up, and getting it back together was OK, but just hasn’t been the same since. After a couple of years use, getting a new Abu, and really scrutinizing this Shimano, I can’t whole-heartedly recommend this one like I might have a couple of years ago. This reel has been relegated to trash fish pier duty and is not a go-to reel at all.

Chris Anderson : Great choice for saltwater

I had been shopping to replace my old Shimano Cosair 400. I picked up this left handed version and cannot believe the difference in quality and features of these two generations of reel show. So smooth and well made. Now if I could only catch something with it, it would be perfect!. Highly recommended.

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