Hats off to Shimano for another class winninig product. It is designed for use in both fresh water and salt water. This super Shimano reel is packed with quality features. If casting is your thing, you are going to love the Shimano Calcutta TE 400. When it comes to features, this reel has what it takes to do the job well.
Aside from good looks you get plenty of spool capacity with a leverwind to make the most of it and a powerful drag system that is easy to finely adjust. A new material called Dartanium is used for drag mechanism. Aluminum construction of the body means that the weight of the reel is minimised without compromising on power.
When you are out on the water with the reel in hand the Shimano Calcutta 400 really begins to shine. Casting with this reel is a real pleasure. On my first cast I didn't expect to get nearly as much distance as the Calcutta produced. Distances of thirtyfive yards plus are are achieved without having to give it everything you've got. A nice complement to the TE400 is a strong rod around seven and a half foot long.
Its when you first hook a decent fish that you realise how much grunt this rod has. The gear ratio is great allowing you to keep pressure on the fish while smoothly retrieving the line. Probably the stand-out factor when using the reel is its smoothnes and power, whether you are putting preesure on a fish during retrieval or when the drag is doing the job as the fish makes a run. You can expect to master fighting fish weighing up to 50 pounds without too much difficulty.
These reels are made to last and this is were you really get your value for money. One of the things Shimano seems to be good at are the seals. I also own a Shimano Slade 400FB reel that has been used a lot for saltwater kayak fishing. This has been fully immersed on numerous occasions yet still great and no corrosion. You can expect more of the same from the TE400. The investment in technology pays dividends in things like the anti-rusting ball bearings used in Shimano Calcutta reels.
Another nice feature is the addition of an audible clicker to sound the alert when a big fish takes the bait. This is nicely placed for easy access but its not in your way.
All up, a very nice product, thankyou Mr Shimano.
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