Help with baitcast reel

[geckel]

I just received my brand new, never before used, shimano cardiff 400a in the mail. Upon inspecting it I noticed that the spool doesn't rotate when I turn the handle. I've taken the plate off and found that the gears are not easily accessible. This is my second baitcaster so maybe I'm overlooking something obvious. Is it me or is it the reel? Help is greatfully appreciated.

[Jim]

Probably a stupid reply, but did you try tightening the drag? If it is fully off, the spool may not spin when you turn the handle.

Next comment, if it is brand new and does not work, return it. Those are complicated inside and not worth the trouble when it should work perfectly.

[geckel]

Originally Posted by Jim

Probably a stupid reply, but did you try tightening the drag? If it is fully off, the spool may not spin when you turn the handle.

Next comment, if it is brand new and does not work, return it. Those are complicated inside and not worth the trouble when it should work perfectly.

I did try tightening the drag to no avail. Hopefully I can just return it to the supplier instead of dealing with shimano's warranty. I may just buy the Calcutta instead of going the cheap route. This hobby of mine has gotten pretty expensive somehow. Maybe I can find it used and have it serviced or something.

[MNfisher]

Originally Posted by geckel

I did try tightening the drag to no avail. Hopefully I can just return it to the supplier instead of dealing with shimano's warranty. I may just buy the Calcutta instead of going the cheap route. This hobby of mine has gotten pretty expensive somehow. Maybe I can find it used and have it serviced or something.

I have 2 shimano Calcutta 400's that have survived 3 years of musky guiding in MN(countless backlashes from inexperienced clients, and casting 8 hrs a day with hard pulling buck tails and pound plastics), and 2 years of big striper! Still like new! Expensive, but will last a VERY long time!

[Reel Tune]

The first thing I was going to say was try tightening the drag, but that's already been stated. Does the spool free spin? "Can you take your finger and spin the spool?" Try depressing the spool release and turning the handle. Can you hear the clutch engaging and disengaging?

I agree with Mike I have a Calcutta 400 and that thing is a tank. Mine doesn't have near the abuse Mike's does since it's just over a year old, and I have 3 other swimbait/big rig outfits.

Jeremy

[Buccaneer]

Geckel - This may not be your specific reel but I assume you have a 200 series and all year models are virtually the same. You can find the schematics at the link attached. To access the gear set you need to take out screws #689. You will need to have the handle and drag star off to separate the side plate from the gear set. It's not very complicated. Does the reel go into free spool when you engage the thumb bar and if so does the spool freely rotate? If not, the clutch bar was not in the full up position when the reel was assembled and is not allowing the gears to engage. http://schematics.planetseafishing.c...iff-cdf200.pdf

[geckel]

I've decided to just return it and get a calcutta. Can anyone recommend a 400b vs a 400d model? I definitely prefer the price of the 400b.

[MNfisher]

Originally Posted by geckel

I've decided to just return it and get a calcutta. Can anyone recommend a 400b vs a 400d model? I definitely prefer the price of the 400b.

Mine are just the 400b. Simple, hardcore, and just power machines!

[geckel]

I just ordered the calcutta 400d. If anybody is curious about this reel then feel free to pm me in the future. Thank you everybody for your input.

[aero320]

I recently ordered six Shimano spinning reels for my crappie poles from Amazon Prime. You can usually find a very competitive price and do not pay sales tax. With Amazon Prime, you get free two day shipping!

[Reel Tune]

Originally Posted by geckel

I just ordered the calcutta 400d. If anybody is curious about this reel then feel free to pm me in the future. Thank you everybody for your input.

The 400D is the newer model it came out last year. The 400B has been around for a while and is the one I have. I was disapointed at first with the specs on the 400D, and thought they lessened the quality of the reel, but now I'm not sure there are a lot of people who really like them. The more I looked into the D it may be the better reel, I'm not sure, but I know one thing you got a great reel that should last you many years of big fish.

Silver vs Gold, I will always go with silver if that's an option for me, but I bought the 400B before the 400D came out.

Jeremy

[agelesssone]

OK, I gotta quit reading this forum!!!

You guys are costing me toooooooo much money and Susi is going to KILL AND DISMEMBER ME, starting with the body part that I am most fond of.............not THAT one (she's too fond of it to go THAT far!). I'm talking about my right arm, my casting arm. If I don't have it, I won't need the new Shimano Calcutta 200D that Jamie at BassPro Shop FORCED me to buy today!

So STOP POSTING ABOUT THIS STUFF!!

[Alphahawk]

Originally Posted by agelesssone

OK, I gotta quit reading this forum!!!

You guys are costing me toooooooo much money and Susi is going to KILL AND DISMEMBER ME, starting with the body part that I am most fond of.............not THAT one (she's too fond of it to go THAT far!). I'm talking about my right arm, my casting arm. If I don't have it, I won't need the new Shimano Calcutta 200D that Jamie at BassPro Shop FORCED me to buy today!

So STOP POSTING ABOUT THIS STUFF!!

Jamie's great guy...knows his stuff. Yeah I'm afraid I would be in trouble too....if I had someone to be in trouble with....LOL. Great reel though.

Regards

[aero320]

The best price I found on a 400D is $349. That is a little pricey for me.

[agelesssone]

I got the 200D, didn't want/need the extra line capacity the 400D has. I don't go for the BIG FISH, just the wimpy 5-15 lbers.