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Fishing
light saltwater tackle with confidence, Shimano Calcutta CT-400
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Date: |
02/17/02 |
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Tackle type: |
Reel |
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Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
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Reviewer: |
MP |
Total Score: 8.25
Introduction:
The Calcutta
series reel from Shimano has been on the market for more than 10 years.
Throughout a decade the
Calcutta
has continued to be one of the favorites for both freshwater and saltwater
anglers. For those who are not familiar with the legacy of Calcuttas, looking
at the 2 ball bearing configuration may turn many away. Although Calcutta
family now contains the “TE” series which stands for Total Efficiency, the
original Calcuttas are still the first choice for many anglers.
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Shimano Calcutta CT-400 Specifications |
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Line Capacity |
14/260; 17/200; 20/160 |
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Gear Ratio |
4.7:1 |
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Weight |
11.3 (oz) |
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Bearings |
2BB, 1RB |
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Additional Features |
Forged Aluminum frame, Aluminum spool, Clicker, Super Stopper, VBS |
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MSRP |
$199.99 |
Impressions:
The 400 Series of Calcutta comes in two flavors—Levelwind and non-Levelwind.
Casting distance between the two are relatively the same. But for those of you
who are not use to the conventional reels, the Levelwind is very handy.
The one-piece body of the
Calcutta
is forged aluminum. This kind of construction provides
a sturdy frame, and is lighter weight at the same time. The CT-400 comes
with the standard baitcast handle, while the CT-700 series sports the live-bait
handle. We like the live-bait handle better because of more leverage on open
water, and opted for the $20 upgrade accessory from Shimano.
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The Calcutta
400 offers a lot of power on open water fro a reel this small |
The Rig:
We coupled the CT-400 with the GLoomis HSR932C. The recessed reel seat of the
CT-400 makes a perfect fit to the HSR932C. We spooled up the CT-400 with 300
yards of 20# Braided Moss Green SpiderWire SpiderLine ending with a uni-knot to
about 15 to 20 feet of 20# Mono Berkeley Trilene XL.
Real World Test:
We were extremely surprised at the lightness of the whole rig. Even though we
were just fishing for rockfish, but we were more accustomed to rigs that weight
in the 4 to 5 pound range. The CT-400 coupled with the HSR932C weights less
than 20 oz. We chartered the "Stagnaros Sea Stag III" and went out to Davenport
for some rockfishing for the real world test.
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The Calcutta
is made with good materials and the only plastic on the reel is on the level
wind |
The CT-400 casts very
smoothly—hard to imagine that it is a 2 ball-bearing reel. The close contact
between the reel and rod made it very easy to thumb the spool, while the 8 oz
jig drops to the bottom 300 feet down. Even though the weather was choppy, and
with moderate swells, I was still able to detect when the jig has hit the bottom
instantly. More often than not, a jig with a treble hook finds itself to be the
boat anchor than a lure. However, with a braided line which has barely any
stretch, I can pull out of any potential snag. Not to say that snags are
entirely avoidable, but braided line definitely reduces the headaches. Also
with the 15 feet on Mono we had attached to the end of the SpiderWire—in
situations where there is no escape—you do not have to fight 300 feet of Mono.
Fish were abundant, and a bite was felt instantaneously through the SpiderWire
to the reel. Clicking back to gear was effortless on the CT-400 by a slight
turn of the handle. And with a moderate set, I was able to pull up a 2 pound
Chili rockfish.
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Compare the
standard handle to the larger live-bait handle which provides more leverage
for larger fish on open water |
Cranking the fish back from
300 feet does do a number on your arms. Gear ratio is also a little low at
4.7:1. However, with the modified live-bait handle the exertion of power is
reduced. Levelwind performs well but on double hookups where there is more
weight on the line we did notice some flex in the levelwind (probably because
the Calcutta employs a plastic levelwind rather than a stronger metal alloy).
We didn't have a great chance
to test out the drag system on the CT-400, since rockfishing does not require a
constant change of pressure on the line—it is mostly just set at about 80% of
maximum tension. Wait for our Spring article for Salmon fishing when the drag
system is tested to its limit.
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The heart of
the Calcutta resides in the all metal gearing which is housed in the
side-plate of the reel |
Ratings:
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Shimano Calcutta CT-400 Ratings (?/10) |
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Construction/Quality |
The Calcutta uses good
materials with the exception of the plastic levelwind, but the workmanship
is excellent |
8 |
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Performance |
The Calcutta does
everything it supposed to and is surprisingly powerful with the livebait
handle option |
8.5 |
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Price |
A decent price for a
tried and true performer that won't break down even under the harshest
conditions |
8 |
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Features |
The Calcutta does
everything it is supposed to but doesn't have a lot of new features, basic
and true to original design specifications |
8 |
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Design (Ergonomics) |
Good ergonomics and
the livebait handle option makes this reel more powerful and just as easy
to use |
9 |
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Application |
Good for both heavy
freshwater and light saltwater applications, this reel is durable enough
to handle both |
8 |
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Total Score |
8.25 |
Pluses and Minuses:
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Plus Minus |
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J One-Piece
Aluminum |
L Only 2 ball
bearings |
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J Light weight |
L
Plastic
level-wind |
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J Finesse
Construction |
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J Upgradeable to
Live-Bait Handle |
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Conclusion:
With a ten-year legacy it is not difficult to see why the
Calcutta
continues to be the favorites among the anglers. Although Shimano has other
series of pure saltwater applications, the Calcutta is one of the most refined
reels on the market. The 2 ball bearing configuration performance is
unbelievable, and the silky smooth feel of the Calcutta continues to set the
bar. The Calcutta continues to be a solid reel that gets the job done.
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