Im swicthing

[1FASTLASER]

Originally Posted by fishin fool

I'v got bad news for all of ya there's only about 3 major manufacturers for all the reels from overseas and they all use the same manufacturer for their bearings. It's just the different types. But will have to agree on a few things though. Mainly construction material of the frames(alum.,graphite,etc.) Graphite is cheaper but will not hold up in the long run by long run I mean 15 years or so. Amount of bearings in a reel and where they're placed alot of overkill on this now and ABEC rating of bearings. Also what fits my hand and such. For my money a Shimano Cardiff is extremely hard to beat it's a poor man's Calcutta but I prefer a round reel. Now if you want the low down on the toughest reel or what's the most durable call a reel repair shop. The one I use said he won't own anything but a Shimano Calcutta. Absolute finest made according to him.

Fool I was gonna make a comment now that we have heard from the majority. I have fished and tested just about EVERY reel out there and really put it through the wringers. When I say that I love my shimano's they are the cardiff's. I own both the 100 and 200. So far 3 years and still very smooth and dependable. 109.99 is what they cost. I now own 2 of the new quantum accusrist and am putting them through the wringers. My buddy has the same model quantum's and alrweady I have replaced one of the spool bearings. Only 1 year old. Could be a fluke. I also own a not so well known reel called a Marado (a calcutta replica). Smoothest damn reel I have ever owned. VERY simple design and cheap. When they where new cost around $100 bucks. I have fished Ambassaduer,Daiwa,Plueger,Lew's and am at present awaiting the arrival of the new ardent reel. To sum up what I am saying is you can have good reels at cheaper prices BUT when you fish as much as I do you can really check out a reel especially the punishment I put them through. I have picked up 39.99 reels that felt like 239.00 reels, BUT they wont feel like that a year or 2 later. Take care of your reels and they will feel like new for a while but they ALL deteriorate with age, some faster than others. IMHO for what its worth the good ole round AMBASSADUEUR's are the BEST for the money especially when it comes to longevity. Take care of them oil them and they will outlast ANY reel on the market. The take massive hooksets and dont let down. My shimano cardiff's so far are living up to a 109.00 reel. Now the next time out they may all sound like a freight train when casting.