which reel?

mattman · Post by **mattman** » Sun Dec 29, 2013 5:42 pm

So i got a cabelas gift card for Christmas and was thinkin about getting a new muskie reel. Im leaning toward a Curado 300 but also was looking at the calcutta 400b. As i was looking at them someone recommended the abu garcia revo toro winch. Now I dont know what to get. Im leaning toward a low profile reel, i have a ambassadeur but it hurts my hand after awhile. I was just looking for some input or ideas, thanks

jawtag · Post by **jawtag** » Sun Dec 29, 2013 7:17 pm

If this is going to be an "all purpose" reel the revo is a good reel but I wouldn't get the winch. The winch has a lot of power but the line pick up sucks for jerkbaits and makes it hard to bulge Bucktails. The Calcutta b is bullet proof and if you want a good reel for the value you could go with a Diawa Lexa 300. So if you want a low profile I would revo toro 60 or lexa 300 if you want the barrel style definitely go with the 400B

Steve S · Post by **Steve S** » Sun Dec 29, 2013 8:00 pm

I take it your using the 6500's. I have those and when my hands get tired I use the 5500's, smaller and easier on the hands.

vano397 · Post by **vano397** » Sun Dec 29, 2013 8:34 pm

I've been very happy with both. Calcutta is def better all around if just going to have one.

jasonvkop · Post by **jasonvkop** » Sun Dec 29, 2013 9:22 pm

I've used the Revo Toro reels for a couple years now and love them. The new Revo NaCl is pretty good as well, but I definitely would look into getting the Lexa 300 or the new 400 size. Fished the 300 a couple times this fall and absolutely loved them and their design seems to fit a human hand a lot better than the Revos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_YYgczleP0

MattG_braith · Post by **MattG_braith** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 2:32 pm

Cant go wrong with a Calcutta. They are the best reels I have used.

mattman · Post by **mattman** » Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:13 pm

thanks again for all your help looks like I don't know as much as I though I did. I have smaller hands so even the 400b seems like it would hurt my hands after awhile. The only reason I through the Curado 300 in there is because I use the smaller curados for bass fishing so Im familiar with them. I'm just going to have to make a list and put my hands on as many of them as I can

Duke · Post by **Duke** » Wed Jan 01, 2014 1:05 am

"put my hands on as many as I can" is the best idea- both pre-purchase, but also/especially in the boat, on the water.

I've found that it's more important to have different reels to be able to switch up grips with during the course of grueling days, even more than having one style of the comfiest handling reels. All good suggestions though!