Shimano Calcutta TE Casting Reels Review

Calcutta TE

Shimano Calcutta TE resources:
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The Facts: The Shimano Calcutta TE reels feature A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings on all models execpt 50GT, 51GT, 100GT, 101GT), Lo-Mass Drilled Spool System (only models 50GT, 51GT, 100GT, 101GT, and 200GT) reducing the weight of the spool by drilling lowers start-up inertia for more manageable casts, Super Free (SF) (excluding models 300, 400, 401, 700) bearing supported pinion gear system eliminates friction between the pinion gear and spool shaft for increased freespool, centrifugal brakes, Dartanium drags, and High Efficiency Gearing (HEG), which allow for a high speed retrieve while providing unbelievable fish-moving torque.

Model No. Bearings Gear Ratios Capacity Weight
CTE50GT 11BB + 1RB 6.2:1 95/8 7.2 OZ
CTE51GT 11BB + 1RB 6.2:1 95/8 7.2 OZ
CTE100GT 10BB + 1RB 5.8:1 115/12 9.5 OZ
CTE101GT 10BB + 1RB 5.8:1 115/12 9.5 OZ
CTE200GT 10BB + 1RB 5.0:1 190/10 10.2 OZ
CTE200 6BB + 1RB 5.0:1 210/10 10.4 OZ
CTE201 6BB + 1RB 5.0:1 210/10 10.4 OZ
CTE300 4BB + 1RB 5.0:1 190/14 12.5 OZ
CTE400 4BB + 1RB 5.0:1 260/14 12.8 OZ
CTE401 4BB + 1RB 5.0:1 260/14 12.8 OZ
CTE700 6BB + 1RB 4.7:1 300/20 19 OZ

User reviews for Calcutta TE

Avg. User Review (4.7 Stars):
Number of Reviews: 3
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4 Stars lemon shark on 400TE, 2008-04-30
Reviewer: fishr1989

I was in florida this march and used the 400TE to land a 200lb
Lemon Shark. This is by far one of the best reels I have ever
owned, and I was able to land the shark in less than 15 minutes.

The only modification I did to the reel was to swap out the stock
dartanium washers with the Carbontex set from Smooth Drag.
The reason for this is that the dartanium washers will gum up
with use, dirt and oil will collect on them and make the drag
sticky.

overall, for the money, this is one of the best reels I have ever
owned, and will be prefect for striped bass and bluefish come
summer.

5 Stars Calcutta TE 300, 2006-10-29
Reviewer: will

I have 2 of these reels.
They cast great, smooth drags, levelwind works well, and have a nice sturdy feel to them. These use the trinidad oversized gears so cranking in big fish is no problem. I use mine mainly for albacore, yellowfin, dorado, and yellowtail. This reel can handle fish up to 50 lbs. I pack 200 yds of 30lb spectra with 100 yd topshot. I have used these reels for 3 yrs now with out any faults. Great reel.

5 Stars Calcutta TE 400/700, 2005-03-14
Reviewer: UncleSteve

I like both of the reels, but to me the 700 stands out a little more. A couple of people said that the 700 TE and CT are pretty similiar, but I'm a sucker for the bearings. If you're looking for a smooth reel with a levelwind that can hold a good amount of line the 700TE is a nice pick. Not really a Bang for the Buck reel, but I have no regrets about this purchase.

400 TE I haven't really tested this reel to its limits, it's nice for throwing swimbaits, kastmasters, and mickey jigs, but I don't know about the light stuff. It's perfect for inshore fishing with live baits.

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