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Random Quote: You can twist perception but reality won't budge.
I currently have an Abu Garcia C3 5500 on my Loomis popping rod that I use to plug for Schoolie stripers. I'd like to upgrade to a reel with a better drag. I've looked at shimanos and am seriously considering either the Cardiff, Calcutta, or Calcutta B in the 200/250 size. I know the B model is very new but has anyone used one and would it be better than the old design Calcutta?
I have a few other Abu Garcia's and while they cast well, I've never been totally satisfied with their drags. On the flipside I also have a Penn 965, but I find it seems to corrode internally easier and doesn't cast as well, but the drag is still perfect even after using it several years.
I have been useing a penn 940 baitcaster for 4 years with no issues. I ve caught everything from 20lb+ bass,15lb Blues and a 12lb weakfish on LI sound. I havent oiled it once. I just replace the 30lb braid every year and it works flawless with no corroding. I wash it with fresh water and soap after every use and it keeps on ticking. I also have a Calcutta 400 that I like alot too and a penn 975 which has had some corroding on it over the years of use. Good luck..
I currently have an Abu Garcia C3 5500 on my Loomis popping rod that I use to plug for Schoolie stripers. I'd like to upgrade to a reel with a better drag. I've looked at shimanos and am seriously considering either the Cardiff, Calcutta, or Calcutta B in the 200/250 size. I know the B model is very new but has anyone used one and would it be better than the old design Calcutta?
I have a few other Abu Garcia's and while they cast well, I've never been totally satisfied with their drags. On the flipside I also have a Penn 965, but I find it seems to corrode internally easier and doesn't cast as well, but the drag is still perfect even after using it several years.
Any other reel suggestions or input is welcome
-James
james, you have either a two drag system (one under the gear, one inside) or a four drag system (one under and three inside). the schematics are readily available at purefishing.com. i have a set of greased ht-100 drag washers that i can mail to you. the are already cut to size and these drag washers will last forever. let me know if you're interested.
__________________ eddie's brother, grady white 258 journey
I have a Calcutta 251 that I am very pleased with. I am having it serviced for the first time. The tech doing it told me that for small baitcasters in salt water he reccomends the Calcuttas. He also mentioned the new "B" models and their price increase. He thought that the easier to remove side plates might allow more water intrusion on the new models.
While we were talking he mentioned that Greenville Marine in NC had discounted their standard Calcuttas in anticipation of the new models so I picked up another 251.
I'm sure the new models will be great reels but considering the price increase, plus the discount, I decided to get another reel like the one I have.
scott, the calcutta 250/251 are even easier to work on. you need only two drag washers. the first is a #6-965 that goes under the main gear. it has to be hand trimmed with wire cutters to match the size of the original (or a little larger). the second is a #6-113h. this is the same drag washer from the 4/0 penn senator 113h. this has to be trimmed down as well, but you need to use a file to file down the outside diameter to match. a coat of shimano drag grease finishes off these two drag washers. again, these drags will stay smooth forever. make sure you have the thumb bar in the "up" position when you reassemble the reel and don't crank down on the large knurled side plate screws too much or the heads of the screws will snap off. finger tight is good.
__________________ eddie's brother, grady white 258 journey
I almost bought the 250 for 150.00 the other night but they were out. I was wondering as well about the new ones possibly having some issues, which is why I was going to get the more proven model. I ordered the extreme smoothy washers for the Abu in the meantime.
well, the #6-965 is $1.00 and the #6-113h is $1.50. any shop that has a parts inventory could order this for you. i don't have a business license and still pay retail for everything, as well. the only thing extra that i would charge you for is 37 cents for the stamp! as for contact info, i don't hide behind an alias. i'm not hard to find.
__________________ eddie's brother, grady white 258 journey
i've got a bunch of drag washers already precut. i can grease and bag them for you, as well as the metal washers that you have to use to replace the top slotted pressure washer. e-mail me your mailing address. thanks.
__________________ eddie's brother, grady white 258 journey
Light Tackle Baitcaster 
I was wondering as well about the new ones possibly having some issues, which is why I was going to get the more proven model. I ordered the extreme smoothy washers for the Abu in the meantime. 
