Hi, I was wondering if any one has had the chance to try out the Calais reel?
I played with it in the store and was very impressed, is this reel worth the price $320?
And can I use this one in saltwater too?
I know that the magnisium spool can not be used in salt water. Also is this reel strong enough for the winter runs and all of the salmon species? I know that the calcutta 250 are strong enough for both the river and salt and kings too. looking to replace my calcutta is it worth it or should I stick with the calcutta? thank for any help

Aerofly,
At the ripe old age of 17, I may be old fashioned, if that is possible at this age, but I started out fishing with an old Fenwick 8'6" 8-12 casting rod with a Quantum spinning real, wanna talk about a winning combination! This rod/reel combo didn't cost me more than $50.00! Now years later and many rods and reels later I don't know if my Lamiglas perform any better than that old rod! I bought my first casting reel a few years back, a 5501. I just rebuilt it for the first time this year, and let me tell you, I put my gear through hell! I think I paid $50.00 even for the reel 3 years ago, and I feel that is was worth the $50.00. I pay $100.00 for all of my Certified Pro Series Lamiglas rods and $75.00 for the G-1000 series. I just can't see spending more than that on a rod that I am sure won't put me into more fish! I am not sure I would pay $320.00 if that reel had a magic fish call built into it. I don't think any thing along the lines of fishing tackle should be that much! I think my old 5501 would get me into just as many fish as a new Chronarch or any other Shimano product. This is just me .02, take it how you want it, and good fishing to you all.

Thanks,
Andy Matthews

You void the warranty if you take the Calais into saltwater. Its got 11 ball bearings! Like you, I've only played with the thing at my local shop, but it is very smooth (much more so than the 5500). It looks like the same base reel as the Curado/Chronarch/Citica which will hold a decent amount of 15/b test and I've caught plenty of kings on my Curado.

If you buy it, give the board a report!

Obsessed, The Calais warranty is only voided on odels with a Magnesium spool.
This is the best casting reel available. If you can afford one, buy it and you won't be disappointed. After all,sting of paying $320 for the reel will only last until the first time you use it, then you will wonder "why didn't I buy this earlier?".