I have 3 Calcuttas, the 700,400 and 400 conquest. I have been using Calcutta's for years and find that they are the best I've experienced as for as durability and handling. I did hear of some problems of the smaller one's (150-250's) with salt and corrosion if not rinsed after each use, but not with the larger reels if they are cared for. I have had the 400 and 700 for many years and they still look great. I basically use the 700 for charter or boat fishing and enjoy the larger line capacity. I now Use the 400 as a back up to the Conquest.

My favorite is the 400 Conquest, which is the Japanese equilvalent to the American TE, but a much nicer design and a lot smoother, because it has more ball berring, to reduce friction. The price is about the same, but you have to get them online or from Japan. They can be found on E-Bay or at Japantackle.com.

Before Calcuttas, I was also an Abu Garcia guy. My first reel was a 5000 D. I fell in love with baitcasters because of this reel. Just loved the direct thumb drag. Got many thumb burns, from screeming runs of big steel. Now I am spoiled with the drag systems that Calcutta offers.

Use your current reel, until you are ready to invest in a top of the line Calcutta Conquest. For me it's about the quality of the total experience. The 3 C's of Casting, Cranking and Catching are hi- lighted, along with its power. I also say that it's a beautiful state of the arts piece, of fishing equipment.