Anyone picked this up yet? Seems to be "really nice." But does a "really nice" real have to cost $300?

Had a guy call the other day, wanted to know if I could order one for him? No way, market is tight, people must be buying them up. BassPro Shops has them on back order, (5 weeks.) I couldn't get one... tried 3 suppliers.

$300 wow. I was shocked at the Chonarch and how many of those I ordered last year, and people balk at $1.55 a gallon for gas. :-)

If you see me pulling my driftboat with my mountain bike, you'll know I was able to find a supplier with a Calais. :-) :-) Fish-on.

TH,

I have a friend that has the Calais and let me tell you that reel is crazy, Shimano have themselves a gem. The casting ability and the drag are silky smooth. The reel is sealed so well that it is very difficult to get any sand or anything for that matter that can get in the gears and mess up the performance. For your customers that are Salmon and Steelhead fisherman, they probably want to stay away from the calais with the magnesium spool, you can only get about 120 yards of 12 pound test if that, and it costs about 50 dollars more. For the money though, anyone considering the calais should look into getting the chronarch or the curado. They could have one of each for the price!
Good Luck