|
Judgment Day for the Lethal
Calais 200ASV Baitcaster
| Date: |
9/16/09 |
| Tackle type: |
Reel |
| Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 7.83 -
GOOD
Introduction:
The Calais CL200ASv looks like a weapon sent from the future to destroy all
other reels and while it may not be as ominous as the liquid metal Terminator
T-1000 in the movie T2-Judgment Day, I can’t help but reflect on the deadly
shape shifting assassin when examining at the Calais’s glossy almost organic
shaped form factor. The Shimano Calais series has always been about delivering
the ultimate performance and refinement and while it certainly is not a
lightweight reel the new 200ASV model is designed to extend the range that the
series addresses to include heavier freshwater and light saltwater applications.
|
Shimano
Calais CL200ASV
Specifications |
| Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
10/210, 14/120 |
| Gear
Ratio |
6.2:1 |
| Line
retrieve per crank |
26
inches |
|
Weight |
9.3
oz |
|
Bearings |
10BB,
1RB |
|
Additional Features |
Greaseless spool support bearings, super stopper, assist stopper, power grips, dartanium drag, clicking drag adjustment, metal
plated finish, all aluminum construction, cold forged handle shank, recessed
reel foot |
| MSRP |
$399.99 |
Impressions:
If you haven’t seen Terminator 2 you’re missing out on a classic, as well as
some of Arnold’s best one liners. In the movie the T-1000 is a poly-alloy liquid
metal advanced model Terminator that is able to change shape, and in default
form the T-1000 looks like a metal humanoid with a reflective metal skin which
reminds us of the fit and finish found on the Calais. While the Calais may not
be able to transform into various armaments like a T-1000 it looks nothing short
of “lethal” when it comes to “bassing weapons.”
The Calais CL200ASV is a high
capacity model for both fresh and saltwater applications
While they are certainly
not lightweights like the competing Daiwa Steez reels Shimano approaches
flagship-level performance with a completely different angle. Both the Steez and
Calais reels are very refined in their own respects but whereas the Steez reels
are very lightweight and ultra-responsive the Calais reels are more about
delivering a solid construction and buttery smooth performance.
though heavier than the standard
Calais the reel does balance out well with longer rods including swimbait sticks
Over the years Shimano
has added more reels to the original 200A including the smaller sized CL100A and
the CL200APV (power version) which features the same line capacity as the
original but a slower more powerful 5.0:1 gear ratio. Also added to the series
is the CL200ASV (saltwater version) which is designed with a deeper spool for
larger line capacity.
The reel features a cold forged
handle shank
Like the other Calais
reels the CL200ASV features 10 A-RB + 1 A-RB but because it has a more robust
handle and the knobs it weigh .3oz. heavier than the original. Unfortunately
those anglers that like using lefty reels are out of luck as both the APV and
ASV models are currently only available in right hand retrieve.
One of the most striking things
about all Calais reels is the shiny metallic finish
Real World Tests:
To test the Calais ASV we primarily used it for heavier freshwater applications,
including swimbaits, but also employed it for some inshore applications
including tossing soft-bodied plastics for Halibut and rubber jigs to target
rockfish.
We used mono, fluorocarbon and
braid in our tests
Casting:
The longest casting reel in the Shimano lineup is the Calais DC but to compare
this reel with other more traditional reels is almost unfair considering the
digital cast control’s unique design and the overall cost of the reel. The
CL200ASV makes use of Shimano’s traditional VBS centrifugal cast control system
which requires anglers to access the sideplate to make adjustments. The VBS
system works well and the sideplate remains attached so you don’t need to worry
about dropping it in the water when making changes to the brake weight
settings.
The reel features generous access
to the spool
The Calais CL200ASV
features a deeper more traditional spool and while it may not start up as fast
as the Lo-Mass drilled spool found on other Calais reels this is hardly an issue
if you are utilizing the reel for the heavier applications which it is designed
for. I found the CL200ASV to be exceptional for tossing swimbaits and casting
both hard and soft varieties pretty much as far as we wanted was easy. If a fish
took the lure right after it hit the water there was always plenty of capacity
to let the fish run.
The liquid-metal styled Calais
looks and feels like a weapon, bass should be very afraid...
In short accurate casts
the CL200ASV also did better than I expected and while not designed to be a
finesse reel the Calais was able to toss weighted Texas rigged plastics and jigs
1/4oz. and up just fine.
On the non handle side sideplate
is the turnkey access
But if you are
really looking for a reel to primarily use for finesse applications the Calais
CL200ASV is overkill and you’re better off with the lighter and more affordable
Chronarch, it is with the heavy stuff that the CL200ASV really shines.
Open it up and anglers gain access
to the proven VBS cast control system
Next Section: A silky retrieve even
with big baits |
