Baitcasting Reels for long casts w/ light baits?

[Fishbrain]

I prefer useing a baitcasting reel for applications from throwing Zoom Flukes to rattle baits. What baitcasting reels would you recommend that you can cast a country mile? I demand durability of up to 10 years use from my reels. I am willing to pay for performance & durability.

[Phil T.]

Your durability demands rule out any baitcaster with any plastic or nylon gears. The acceleration of heavy baits on the cast will strip our cheap gears, even those in the levelwind drive. Been there, done that, and the manufacturer was very good about fixing the reel.
Your search may begin and end with the Shimano Calcutta. I don't have a stocking dealer for the bronze-colored Penn baitcasters, so can't comment about those.
For the $200 or so price of this class reel, the salesman should allow you to take the spool out of the reel to look for plastic drive parts.

[Fred_G]

Only one reel that I know of will fulfill your requirements. The Abu Garcia 5500C3. Strongest reel on the market, built like a tank. And there only about $75. Check it out. Good luck. Fred

[Jig(WI)]

I love my Abu Garcia Ultracast...But, I will own the new EON by Abu Garcia for casting lighter baits. It is a strange design, with its free floating levelwing. As far as the Calcutta post....Good reel...very good reel, but not for the light stuff. Compare the EON @$100 & the Calcutta @$200 even if the EON only lasts 8 years & the Calcutta lasts 15 years, give me two EONs..Good luck & BIG LIMITS <><...<><...<><

[cisco]

In the distance casting competition a few years back it was the Abu that took the top prizes. I've had great performance from several Ambassadeurs over the past 30 yrs.

A reasonably priced reel that will also cast long distances is the Quantum Energy. It's compact and solid.

[Gunga Din]

I'm curious how the new EON compares to the Shimano Calcutta/Penn 965 class reels.

[Jig(WI)]

I guess only time will give us that answer. The Penn 965 & the entire Calcutta series are all work horses that have earned their reputation. I've played with the EON and it is REALLY different. Drag,brakes,levelwind,finish&feel, are all different. Could be another anti-backlash bomb, but I don't think so. The two key hot features I like are the free floating levelwind, for less friction during the cast. And, the planitary gear that allows a gear ratio of 6.2:1 without being hard to crank at that speed, even with deeper diving cranks. Just thought it deseved a look. As far as the Calcutta,Penn965,AbuGarcia Ultracast..DIE HARD WORK HORSES...<><...<><...<><...Only DEAD FISH go with the flow:):):)

[fishin_fool]

I would take a look at a Abu Morum. The one that I have cast's exceptionally well, its built like a brick !@#$ house, And it is the smoothest, tightest reel that I own. Take a look at one and I would bet that you will like it.

[Walleye Wisdom]

I own a 99' Calcutta and love it to death but I am curious to see how the Abu's in the same price range stand up. I've heard many reports that praise both reels. Go to a dealer and look at both up close and see which one fits you best.

[Leechboy]

If casting and durability is what you're looking for, don't rule out the team diawa reels. They are extremely tight. Many of the top Bass guns use them, but they are a little pricey at $250.