calcutta 400
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Dont get a cal 400
If you wore out a 965 then don;t think about a calcutta 400!
the pen 965 has the ht100 drags and has much better stopping power thenthe shimano! If I were you I would get a 229 or 229 Newell 3:6 and you wont wear that out unless you have been cathing alot of realest?ate
If you wore out a 965 then don;t think about a calcutta 400!
the pen 965 has the ht100 drags and has much better stopping power thenthe shimano! If I were you I would get a 229 or 229 Newell 3:6 and you wont wear that out unless you have been cathing alot of realest?ate
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Not So Fast...
Tog,
I have to disagree with you on this one.I know your into Newells but I'm just as big a fan with Shimano,especially Calcuttas.I feel they put the Penn's to shame.I like them so much I presently own nine of them.Three of them are the 400's,they are matched with Seeker rods and are my favorite for clam bellies.I might take 200 bass a season on them without a problem. Not monster fish but sizes from mid 20" to 39".I put 20 lb test on them and they stop the bass just fine with their smooth drag system.Their also great for casting behind the boat.So far the only problem I experianced with a calcutta was this fall I noticed on one of my reels(250 model)was one of the knobs on a handle was getting snug.I tried WD40 on it but I'll replace it during the winter.Just my 2 cents.I like shimano like you like your newells.
paulie
Tog,
I have to disagree with you on this one.I know your into Newells but I'm just as big a fan with Shimano,especially Calcuttas.I feel they put the Penn's to shame.I like them so much I presently own nine of them.Three of them are the 400's,they are matched with Seeker rods and are my favorite for clam bellies.I might take 200 bass a season on them without a problem. Not monster fish but sizes from mid 20" to 39".I put 20 lb test on them and they stop the bass just fine with their smooth drag system.Their also great for casting behind the boat.So far the only problem I experianced with a calcutta was this fall I noticed on one of my reels(250 model)was one of the knobs on a handle was getting snug.I tried WD40 on it but I'll replace it during the winter.Just my 2 cents.I like shimano like you like your newells.
paulie
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5,302 Posts
already worn out a 965 in 6 mounths
What do you mean when you say worn out? Time to throw away the reel or are the drags bad or something in between? In theory, you can just replace anything that wears out in a reel. Drags last for a lot of little fish or 1 really, really big one. The reel is meant to be fished with 20# or less. It should last a few thousand fish with regular maintenance and cleaning at that rate. For many of us, that's a lifetime.
What do you mean when you say worn out? Time to throw away the reel or are the drags bad or something in between? In theory, you can just replace anything that wears out in a reel. Drags last for a lot of little fish or 1 really, really big one. The reel is meant to be fished with 20# or less. It should last a few thousand fish with regular maintenance and cleaning at that rate. For many of us, that's a lifetime.
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1,409 Posts
I have a 965 and 4 months after I got it I had nothing but problems .I had it repaired 4 times since new all under warrantee . Picked up the calcutta 400 and spool it with 50# power pro and haven't had a problem yet in over 2 years and I use it all the time . Its on a BA85-7 Seeker Rod super lite and well balance setup and use it for fluke , seabass , blackfish . Its handled some nice fish and makes it fun to fightem . I have the S235-S Newell on a BA30-7 seeker and love it also . The newell is a great reel That little S235-S pulled in some large fish for it size . Just an example last year fishing the Dry Totugas that little reel handled a 48# Black Grouper and 200# shark , although I wouldn't recomend it for grouper fishing , Those fish got some power . So I guess you got to get both ! Could someone explain the differance between that reel and the 220 Newell ? I believe its just geared lower than than the 220 .
fluker4 - what are you using the reel for ?
what type of fishing are you doing with the 965 and what type of fishing are you planning on using a calcutta 400 for ?
miketuna- calcutta 400 is 4.7 to 1 gear. newell 220 comes with either 5.0 to 1 or 3.6 to 1 gearing.
for bottom fishing the 3.6 is the right choice.
what type of fishing are you doing with the 965 and what type of fishing are you planning on using a calcutta 400 for ?
miketuna- calcutta 400 is 4.7 to 1 gear. newell 220 comes with either 5.0 to 1 or 3.6 to 1 gearing.
for bottom fishing the 3.6 is the right choice.
calcutta
thank you all i am using this in the sound mostly for fluke small bass general bottom fishing i also want to be able to cast of the boat i generally use 30 # power pro on the penn i wore out the return pawl not6 a big deal just thought it was to soon for a 200 dollar reel
thank you all i am using this in the sound mostly for fluke small bass general bottom fishing i also want to be able to cast of the boat i generally use 30 # power pro on the penn i wore out the return pawl not6 a big deal just thought it was to soon for a 200 dollar reel
Fluker
I have to agree with BadAttitude. The Calcuttas will hold up. They are smoother then the Penns. You can upgrade the drag on the Shimanos fairly cheap, Look on e-bay. Also dont make the mistake on trying the Corsairs, If you cooked the Penn you will destroy the corsair.
I have to agree with BadAttitude. The Calcuttas will hold up. They are smoother then the Penns. You can upgrade the drag on the Shimanos fairly cheap, Look on e-bay. Also dont make the mistake on trying the Corsairs, If you cooked the Penn you will destroy the corsair.
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Pawls are a wear item on a level wind reel, even a $200 one, although they wear out a little faster on Penns. Like brakes on a $100,000 car, all pawls wear out with use. Some old time reels used to come with a spare pawl stored behind a screw on the body of the reel. $1.40 (47-975 Pawl) and 1 minute to replace. The pawl that is 
fluker4
i would suggest you stick with the penn, you will not find any major benefit from using the calcutta 400.
the reel is fine for the type of fishing you describe.
if you had said that you were using it for blackfishing, then i would have suggested another reel.
as for durability between the penn and shimano, in my opinion the penn will last longer before "breakdown" if you are the type of person that does not take care of their reels, if you just fish and put the gear away when your done, then penn would be my choice.
the calcutta 400 although possibly a slightly smoother reel than the penn, does not hold up well to abuse. if you want to neglect the reel, the 400 will fail sooner usually.
if you ask at a reel repair shop, they will probably tell you they fix more 400's than 965's.
good luck
i would suggest you stick with the penn, you will not find any major benefit from using the calcutta 400.
the reel is fine for the type of fishing you describe.
if you had said that you were using it for blackfishing, then i would have suggested another reel.
as for durability between the penn and shimano, in my opinion the penn will last longer before "breakdown" if you are the type of person that does not take care of their reels, if you just fish and put the gear away when your done, then penn would be my choice.
the calcutta 400 although possibly a slightly smoother reel than the penn, does not hold up well to abuse. if you want to neglect the reel, the 400 will fail sooner usually.
if you ask at a reel repair shop, they will probably tell you they fix more 400's than 965's.
good luck
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Megalodon Sorry I have to diagree , only for the reason you mentioned . When my 965 keep breaking down . I had it repaired 2 times in one shop and 2 in another . They both said these reels have had many problems and the Calcutta was a better made reel . Now I would rather not mention the Tackle shops Both local Shop very well known . Now my 965 I purchased about 6 months after the reel came out by penn and I also heard they have made some changes in the 965 so maybe they got some of the problems resolved . I wonder if penn would take mine back and give me an up dated 965 now my clicker don't work .
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The big deal bewteen the 2
B.attidue, I was not knocking the Shimano and own many of them myself. But the only thing if you go back and re read my post is the drags on the 965 are ht100's and they are by far a better drag for power! The ht100 is proven to be 1 of the top drags today. I use them in all my Newell?s! When Fuker stated he wore the reel out that is what I thought he ment! So that is how I based my answer. The shimanos are great reels and own 250, 400 ,700, they are smooth but no stopping power what so ever compared to the Newell or the Penn. The shimanos are not good for bottom fishing and the 965 is iffy!
But after seeing the post on the level wind part was being bad that is common on any of them. They are made out of plastic these parts because of corrosion reasons that?s why they don?t last and do wear out. So I am not knocking any reels just a misunderstanding.
Everyone of the reels above have there own characteristics. That is why I own all of them and use them all in a different why to fish Hope that clears things up
B.attidue, I was not knocking the Shimano and own many of them myself. But the only thing if you go back and re read my post is the drags on the 965 are ht100's and they are by far a better drag for power! The ht100 is proven to be 1 of the top drags today. I use them in all my Newell?s! When Fuker stated he wore the reel out that is what I thought he ment! So that is how I based my answer. The shimanos are great reels and own 250, 400 ,700, they are smooth but no stopping power what so ever compared to the Newell or the Penn. The shimanos are not good for bottom fishing and the 965 is iffy!
But after seeing the post on the level wind part was being bad that is common on any of them. They are made out of plastic these parts because of corrosion reasons that?s why they don?t last and do wear out. So I am not knocking any reels just a misunderstanding.
Everyone of the reels above have there own characteristics. That is why I own all of them and use them all in a different why to fish Hope that clears things up
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Repairs...
There might be more calcuttas showing up in the tackle shops for repair but I doubt it.If they are it might be because more calcuttas are being used today compared to the penns.I would't use mine to go bluefishing with only because their too good of a reel to use for bluefish.I would use an old penn jigmaster or something.I don't look to abuse my reels.As far as maintainance,during the winter I strip the reels down,rinse them and lube them.During the season after each trip I just soap them up and rinse them off.Calcuttas will scratch fairly easy if you rough them up but like I said,I don't abuse my equipment.There very easy to cast a bait,they have very smooth gearing and I feel the smoothest drag system on the market.I use the 400's for bass and the 250 models are excellent for flounder,fluke,weakfish and I even let guys that show up without gear use them for bass.I've taken bass up to 25lbs on them without any type of difficulty.The 250 model is an excellent choice with power pro for deep water fluking.All of my reels have been put through the test week after week for a few years now and I am very satisfied with them.When somebody on my boat who has been fishing penns forever try one of my reels they can't believe the feel of them and they wind up buying one.I switched to Shimano about 7 or 8 years ago while sharking and a 100 lb class mako came up to the boat.I tossed him a half a mackeral on a bluefish rod with a Shimano TLD15 with 30LB test Big Game on it.That shark ripped off line and in about 15 minutes I landed the shark without much problem.To this day I haven't had to change the drag washers on it.That is also why I'm hooked on Berkley big game.
Just my opinion.
paulie
There might be more calcuttas showing up in the tackle shops for repair but I doubt it.If they are it might be because more calcuttas are being used today compared to the penns.I would't use mine to go bluefishing with only because their too good of a reel to use for bluefish.I would use an old penn jigmaster or something.I don't look to abuse my reels.As far as maintainance,during the winter I strip the reels down,rinse them and lube them.During the season after each trip I just soap them up and rinse them off.Calcuttas will scratch fairly easy if you rough them up but like I said,I don't abuse my equipment.There very easy to cast a bait,they have very smooth gearing and I feel the smoothest drag system on the market.I use the 400's for bass and the 250 models are excellent for flounder,fluke,weakfish and I even let guys that show up without gear use them for bass.I've taken bass up to 25lbs on them without any type of difficulty.The 250 model is an excellent choice with power pro for deep water fluking.All of my reels have been put through the test week after week for a few years now and I am very satisfied with them.When somebody on my boat who has been fishing penns forever try one of my reels they can't believe the feel of them and they wind up buying one.I switched to Shimano about 7 or 8 years ago while sharking and a 100 lb class mako came up to the boat.I tossed him a half a mackeral on a bluefish rod with a Shimano TLD15 with 30LB test Big Game on it.That shark ripped off line and in about 15 minutes I landed the shark without much problem.To this day I haven't had to change the drag washers on it.That is also why I'm hooked on Berkley big game.
Just my opinion.
paulie
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1,754 Posts
For what you said you were using the reel for a calcutta 400 is the way to go.You said mostly fluking some bottom fishing (i presume c-bass,porgies and the like) so stopping power is not a major concern.
A 400 is a pleasure to fish with for hours on end. LIght in weight,a perfect gear ratio,and ohh so smooth. I matched mine up to a lami tri-flex series rod (BL6625C). For deep water fluking this is the ultimate combo to use with braid.I do alot of the type of fishing you are talking about, and i found this set up to be perfect.
Take care of the reel and dont abuse it and it will take care of you. For approx $200 a reel it pays to keep it in good shape.
Shimano makes a great product. I have a Triton 200-G for almost 10 years. A bath some lube and never a problem...
ps if anyone has any tritons they want to get rid of let me know.....
A 400 is a pleasure to fish with for hours on end. LIght in weight,a perfect gear ratio,and ohh so smooth. I matched mine up to a lami tri-flex series rod (BL6625C). For deep water fluking this is the ultimate combo to use with braid.I do alot of the type of fishing you are talking about, and i found this set up to be perfect.
Take care of the reel and dont abuse it and it will take care of you. For approx $200 a reel it pays to keep it in good shape.
Shimano makes a great product. I have a Triton 200-G for almost 10 years. A bath some lube and never a problem...
ps if anyone has any tritons they want to get rid of let me know.....
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5,302 Posts
Have had both reels (965 & 400). Both companies have made significant changes over the years. Calcuttas used to have so-so drags. The beige fabric washers (if you are a reel guy, you know what I'm talking about). The grease would get pressed out and they would get jerky after leaving them locked down for a week. The new graphite drags are more durable, but fragile when you service the reel. Since I can service a baitcaster in 15 minutes, I don't care, either drag works for me, and I'll service the reel when it needs it. The 965 has had many updates, and the thing that bugs me the most is the lack of a ball bearing in the right sideplate and the stock handle. On the other hand, I dislike the Shimano power handle. 400 is definitely smoother BTW. Anyway, both are proven, the Shimanos are built weird, with a lot of odd size and superfluous parts IMHO. Penn are simpler, but need a little refinement. HT-100's are the best. I understand that Penn HT-100's can often be cut down and substituted in diferrent reels. Haven't tried it myself.
Summary, neither the 965 or 400 is perfect. Both are great though.
Oh yeah, I don't like the 250 for anything more that little fish. It looks like a narrow 400. It's not. It is like a poor copy of a 400 internally. 1 drag washer instead of 3 for instance.
Summary, neither the 965 or 400 is perfect. Both are great though.
Oh yeah, I don't like the 250 for anything more that little fish. It looks like a narrow 400. It's not. It is like a poor copy of a 400 internally. 1 drag washer instead of 3 for instance.
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Tog
Tog,
Can you explain to me what exactly do you mean when you say stopping power,this is not that clear for me.Do you mean you can't get enough drag out of the reel? When I use the 400 for bass and cross the eyes on a nice bass he does take a little run but I'm able to turn his head around.
thanks,paulie
Tog,
Can you explain to me what exactly do you mean when you say stopping power,this is not that clear for me.Do you mean you can't get enough drag out of the reel? When I use the 400 for bass and cross the eyes on a nice bass he does take a little run but I'm able to turn his head around.
thanks,paulie
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3,953 Posts
Stopping power
Stopping power has everything to do with the drags. The ht 100's can be tighten up to a greater drag pressure then the shimanos. The shimanos are not made to lock up and they dont compress to a full lock. Many times I have hooked a big fish and had to try and gain line from an anchored boat where the shimanos will not put enough pressure on the fish as the ht 100's drags. Yes turning the head is important but if the fish is still taking drag and you can not reel in line against the drag you just have to hope you don?t get stripped. The difference is in the material. The ht 100's can handle the pressure and give you a stronger drag. Not the smoothest but without a doubt stronger! Also the cranking power is nice but not as strong as a newel or Penn which relies on the drags washers again. Look I own 4 or 5 Calcutta?s and love them for what they are but if you want power and need a drag for bigger fish or to stop the line from being spooled at times the shimano takes a back seat to the ht100?s drags. On a Newell or Penn
Stopping power has everything to do with the drags. The ht 100's can be tighten up to a greater drag pressure then the shimanos. The shimanos are not made to lock up and they dont compress to a full lock. Many times I have hooked a big fish and had to try and gain line from an anchored boat where the shimanos will not put enough pressure on the fish as the ht 100's drags. Yes turning the head is important but if the fish is still taking drag and you can not reel in line against the drag you just have to hope you don?t get stripped. The difference is in the material. The ht 100's can handle the pressure and give you a stronger drag. Not the smoothest but without a doubt stronger! Also the cranking power is nice but not as strong as a newel or Penn which relies on the drags washers again. Look I own 4 or 5 Calcutta?s and love them for what they are but if you want power and need a drag for bigger fish or to stop the line from being spooled at times the shimano takes a back seat to the ht100?s drags. On a Newell or Penn
THE TWO MOST POPULAR BAITCASTERS-
This has been a big debate ever since Penn launched their international baitcasting line back in the late 90s to compete with Shimanos very popular, top of the line, Calcutta line.
Both the Calcutta 400 and the Penn International 965 are top of the line baitcasters. They both cast well, have good cranking power, comfortable to use, and are made by companies that have good customer service policies. But, like any product on the reel market, each reel does have noticeable differences.
The Penn International baitcaters in particular, have better drags due to the use of the HT-100 drag material. The gears are stainless, and the reel frame is noticeably sturdier. The rubber knobbed handle is well designed, and the levelwind can take abuse. The reels anodizing is top notch, and scratches do not show up as easily as seen on other aluminum framed reels.
The Calcutta is a more refined reel, which is noticeably smoother to cast. The drags are silky smooth, but 'feel' like they do not give you as much pressure as the Penn Internationals HT-100s. The levelwind feature, is slightly smoother then the penns. The anodizing on the Calcuttas while pretty does scratch much easier. The handles while decent, can be changed out quickly to the wooden knobbed power handle. Shimano uses a bronze main, which is much quieter and noticeably smoother then the penn.
Both reels use nylon gears for the levelwind feature. Unlike the old shimano 'Bantam 50' series levelwind metal gears which were pretty much indestructible, the gears in both these level winds can be 'blown out' when fighting big fish. It is a rare occurence, but it does happen.
I would consider owning both, but i find the shimano calutta 400 the standard for tossing large lures, since its freespool is much better. I do prefer the Penn Internationals for worming, and light chunking. Both reels will serve well if you are using live bait.
What reel will hold up longer? Well i have seen some shimano 400s that have been abused for a couple of seasons and still function very well and spin smoothly, while the frame looks like it has been 'dragged through the streets'. The Penn Internationals do seem to hold up a little better due to their heavier frame, better anodizing, and sturdier handles, but i see little advantage of one reel over another here. I do find the the top cross piece on the Penn International baitcaster, a little cumbersome, and should be made thinner or removed.
One area i do see a advantage is that the Penn International baitcasters, are very simple to service and the ease of getting parts. Bearings though are easy to get for both reels.
Its really a tossup as you can see. Both are priced similarly, although you will find the Penn Internationals baitcasters discounted slightly from time to time.
One thing i do hope that Penn does, is to make the 975 without the level wind feature and no top crossbar like on the CS line. This would make it similar to the old discontinued TLD 5 reels, which were incredible little powerhouses. But after looking at all the 'pros' and 'cons' of either reel, you could not go wrong by purchasing either baitcaster.
EC NEWELL MAN*
This has been a big debate ever since Penn launched their international baitcasting line back in the late 90s to compete with Shimanos very popular, top of the line, Calcutta line.
Both the Calcutta 400 and the Penn International 965 are top of the line baitcasters. They both cast well, have good cranking power, comfortable to use, and are made by companies that have good customer service policies. But, like any product on the reel market, each reel does have noticeable differences.
The Penn International baitcaters in particular, have better drags due to the use of the HT-100 drag material. The gears are stainless, and the reel frame is noticeably sturdier. The rubber knobbed handle is well designed, and the levelwind can take abuse. The reels anodizing is top notch, and scratches do not show up as easily as seen on other aluminum framed reels.
The Calcutta is a more refined reel, which is noticeably smoother to cast. The drags are silky smooth, but 'feel' like they do not give you as much pressure as the Penn Internationals HT-100s. The levelwind feature, is slightly smoother then the penns. The anodizing on the Calcuttas while pretty does scratch much easier. The handles while decent, can be changed out quickly to the wooden knobbed power handle. Shimano uses a bronze main, which is much quieter and noticeably smoother then the penn.
Both reels use nylon gears for the levelwind feature. Unlike the old shimano 'Bantam 50' series levelwind metal gears which were pretty much indestructible, the gears in both these level winds can be 'blown out' when fighting big fish. It is a rare occurence, but it does happen.
I would consider owning both, but i find the shimano calutta 400 the standard for tossing large lures, since its freespool is much better. I do prefer the Penn Internationals for worming, and light chunking. Both reels will serve well if you are using live bait.
What reel will hold up longer? Well i have seen some shimano 400s that have been abused for a couple of seasons and still function very well and spin smoothly, while the frame looks like it has been 'dragged through the streets'. The Penn Internationals do seem to hold up a little better due to their heavier frame, better anodizing, and sturdier handles, but i see little advantage of one reel over another here. I do find the the top cross piece on the Penn International baitcaster, a little cumbersome, and should be made thinner or removed.
One area i do see a advantage is that the Penn International baitcasters, are very simple to service and the ease of getting parts. Bearings though are easy to get for both reels.
Its really a tossup as you can see. Both are priced similarly, although you will find the Penn Internationals baitcasters discounted slightly from time to time.
One thing i do hope that Penn does, is to make the 975 without the level wind feature and no top crossbar like on the CS line. This would make it similar to the old discontinued TLD 5 reels, which were incredible little powerhouses. But after looking at all the 'pros' and 'cons' of either reel, you could not go wrong by purchasing either baitcaster.
EC NEWELL MAN*
Luv the Shimanos
I have both a 965 and a 400. I have never had a problem with either. I use the 400 all season long, during the summer its spooled up with 15 lb Berkley big game for fluke and an occasional week or blue. In spring and fall I use the 400 and the 965 for bass on bellies. The 320 GTI's are used for eels. Both have held up well but I take care of my equipment and always loosen the drags before I through the rod back in the cabin. I definitely agree that the Shimanos are smoother and I also like the push button better by the thumb then on the side of the reel, especially when casting to some schoolies or blues.
On another note, I also have two shimano crossairs. I only use them for fluking. I have the silver ones; one failed the spool slips when locked down on occasion. I took it to one of the tackle shops after using it for just about four seasons and they told me it is manufacturer defect. To make a long story short Shimano recalled all the silver crossairs and replaced them with new gold ones. Sent mine in and without a question got a new reel back in about two weeks.
I have both a 965 and a 400. I have never had a problem with either. I use the 400 all season long, during the summer its spooled up with 15 lb Berkley big game for fluke and an occasional week or blue. In spring and fall I use the 400 and the 965 for bass on bellies. The 320 GTI's are used for eels. Both have held up well but I take care of my equipment and always loosen the drags before I through the rod back in the cabin. I definitely agree that the Shimanos are smoother and I also like the push button better by the thumb then on the side of the reel, especially when casting to some schoolies or blues.
On another note, I also have two shimano crossairs. I only use them for fluking. I have the silver ones; one failed the spool slips when locked down on occasion. I took it to one of the tackle shops after using it for just about four seasons and they told me it is manufacturer defect. To make a long story short Shimano recalled all the silver crossairs and replaced them with new gold ones. Sent mine in and without a question got a new reel back in about two weeks.
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