Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel
Trevor
Posted 9/4/2008 9:01 AM (#334690)
Subject: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel


http://thmb.inkfrog.com/thumbn/ReelsSeller/CTE-400LJV.jpg=600

Any one know anything about this reel seem promising.

sorry i couldn't load the picture

Steve Jonesi
Posted 9/4/2008 9:33 AM (#334696 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel 400LJV




Posts: 2089


The reel is made for a saltwater technique out West. The knob on the handle carries enough weight to engage the reel mid cast.Not good, especially casting heavier baits.Better hold on tight! The concensus from those I've talked to is that "It's a 400TE with another couple bearings and a power handle". Nice reel though.4Fitty? Uh.......no. Steve
fongster
Posted 9/5/2008 5:49 PM (#334941 - in reply to #334696)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel 400LJV




Posts: 4


The reel handle cannot engage the spool midcast as no one ever takes their thumb off the thumb bar in a cast that I know of. Besides that, gravity holds the handle knob in a down position prior to the cast. In a cast, there is no motion generated to spin the knob upwards. Friends have put similar sized knob handles onto their standard TEs with no engaging effect.
Whoolligan
Posted 9/5/2008 8:08 PM (#334947 - in reply to #334941)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel 400LJV




Posts: 457


fongster - 9/5/2008 5:49 PM

The reel handle cannot engage the spool midcast as no one ever takes their thumb off the thumb bar in a cast that I know of. Besides that, gravity holds the handle knob in a down position prior to the cast. In a cast, there is no motion generated to spin the knob upwards. Friends have put similar sized knob handles onto their standard TEs with no engaging effect.

Uhhhh, Huh? I've had reels with standard power handles engage on the cast. Least of all, I don't have my thumb on the cast bar, I've got it on the spool. The reel handle is where it is when you disengage it, not always at the bottom of the arc, and there's PLENTY of inertia in a cast to spin that handle on the reel.
Have to go with what Steve said on that one. Wouldn't be the best idea for a musky reel.
Edit: Furthermore, the whole Lucanus system is about jigs, not casting. I remember talking to a rep not that long ago that said the reel would sometimes engage when cast, because I was interested in the reel at the time. He told me that the best thing to do is powerhandle versus that real.

Edited by Whoolligan 9/5/2008 8:15 PM
MIKE HULBERT
Posted 9/5/2008 9:07 PM (#334950 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: RE: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel


I have the exact handle on my 400TE and love it. Never had a problem with it engaging during the cast.

MIKE HULBERT
Tackle Industries
Posted 9/5/2008 9:20 PM (#334951 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel





Posts: 4053


Location: Land of the Musky
I have that handle and my enguages once in a while. 100lb line and you won't see your lure go bye bye PIKEMASTER told me about a spring you can get that has a little more tension and I just have not gotten the model number and called Shimano and put it in. Winter project...

Edited by tacklebooty 9/5/2008 9:20 PM
Brian
Posted 9/2/2009 2:20 PM (#397633 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: RE: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel


If you have a power handle that engages the reel mid cast, add a counter weight on the other end of the handle. I did this by attaching stainless steel washers. Now, the power handle on my Calcutta 400 works great.

Brian
tanner09
Posted 9/3/2009 12:09 AM (#397733 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: RE: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel




Posts: 2


Yea, i bought one this spring. Slightly smoother than my 400te, but it will engage on your cast.... trust me I blew it up 1st time out. Swapped out the handle with my trinidad 12 w/counter weight... problem solved, i also picked up another double paddle, either way smooth a silk. Remember when Steve talks you should listen, he has a wealth of info, he's been there done that! By the way Steve, I've been fishin quite a bit with your boy Grant this year, you should come out with us soon!
Team Rhino
Posted 9/3/2009 7:01 AM (#397748 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel




Posts: 512


Location: Appleton
I got one early summer and fish with it every time out. Never a problem with the handle engaging the reel. Works great.
GUEST
Posted 9/3/2009 9:12 AM (#397766 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: RE: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel


This is my second season with mine and i have problems with it engaging mid cast also. I put a counter balanced handle on it and problemed solved for me. Still a great working reel.
rick_rudder
Posted 9/4/2009 4:03 PM (#398015 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel




Posts: 21


i bought one this spring and have #*^@ed near hooked whoever im fishing with numerous times from it engaging and whipping around, can someone pm me a picture or post one here so i can solve it?
rick_rudder
Posted 9/14/2009 11:25 PM (#399789 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel




Posts: 21


New problem!!! the nut that holds on the handle, ive stripped this out twice now, getting sick of sending this back to shimano, i hate this real, i spent the extra money thinking i wouldnt have problems, with this reel thats all i have. anybody else have this problem?
guest
Posted 9/15/2009 9:09 AM (#399825 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: RE: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel


I stripped mine out one time, about a week after i had it. Sent it back and they did fix it. Like i said with my other post I put a different handle on it and now love this reel.
JRedig
Posted 9/15/2009 10:27 AM (#399835 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel




Location: Twin Cities
Are you pulling on the handle sideways to help with retrieve? Not exactly what it's made for...point your rod at the lure...
rick_rudder
Posted 9/15/2009 10:46 PM (#400056 - in reply to #399835)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel




Posts: 21


JRedig - 9/16/2009 9:27 AM

Are you pulling on the handle sideways to help with retrieve? Not exactly what it's made for...point your rod at the lure...


No, this happens on hook sets. Im changing the handle, they need to make that nut bigger in the future
Steve Jonesi
Posted 9/16/2009 10:13 AM (#400107 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel




Posts: 2089


I saw this problem in my boat last season. The "stem" has very few threads to hold the nut, and when it's tightened a bit too much.....stripped! Also, the LJV doesn't come with a counterbalanced handle. This problem also happened on a couple 400TE's when using the power handle from the TN 14. The "thickness" of the handle is the culprit. Be VERY careful when tightening the nut cap.
BNelson
Posted 9/16/2009 10:20 AM (#400109 - in reply to #400107)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel





Location: Contrarian Island
funny, I remember someone in this thread swearing up and down that "you don't need a power handle on a TE"..and that he can reel it just fine w/out... changed his tune I guess.
totally agree with Jonesi above...I have stripped out my TE 2 x w/ the trinidad power hande on it...each of the last 2 seasons...Shimano fixes it no charge but it is a pain to send back ...love the reel w/ that handle but just don't over tighten it...
lambeau
Posted 9/16/2009 10:54 AM (#400115 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: RE: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel


same thing for me on a TE with the Trinidad handle.
it's an awesome setup as a multipurpose reel: powerful, smooth, casts great.

downsides:
- reel engages occasionally right at the start of a cast if you're not paying attention. that can't be good for the gear plus it actually hurts my shoulders from the sudden jolt making sure i don't lose the whole combo into the lake.
- the Trinidad handle is too thick for the post and the nut strips off. i actually lost one of the handles into the drink due to this happening, and at $75 a pop for the handle that's a bad situation.

i'm sending mine back to Shimano to get it fixed and when i get it back i'm going to have the handle worked on my a machinist to make it slightly thinner where it goes on the post and add a counterweight.
Steve Jonesi
Posted 9/16/2009 10:40 PM (#400293 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel




Posts: 2089


Mike,
Great idea about the machinist. I thought about how I could "thin" that area of the handle but would rather take it to a professional. Reel engaged? LOL! I had it happen while chucking a souped up Supermodel this Summer and had to roll the line in with my thumbs!! Much broken metal inside the reel. Shimano service was phenomenal but it did cost me $21.95 to ship it out there Priority. The TE with that handle is, without a doubt, my favorite day in and day out with versatility to spare. BN, when we goin' fishin? I love leadcore!!! Steve
PIKEMASTER
Posted 9/17/2009 6:56 AM (#400315 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: RE: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel





Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
Have SHIMANO USA order you a drive shaft from a CONQUEST 400 from SHIMANO JAPAN, it is longer then a CALCUTTA 400 TE drive shaft, then you will be able to use a thick power handle. Also replace the clutch spring part # 2711 YEARLY, this will help so the power handle will not engage when casting.
nclaker
Posted 9/17/2009 8:51 AM (#400333 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel




Posts: 83


I put a power handle from a Shimano Tekota onto my 400te. It does have a counter balance. I have never had an issue with it self engaging on the cast. There isn't a bait I've used it on that doesn't allow me to retrieve it with amazing ease on this reel compared to any other I have used. One thing with this handle on the 400TE - when loosening the drag all the way it does rub a bit on the offset part of the handle (when storing the reel) - can still turn it, and it is not a problem at all when the drag is set to it's normal positions.
LadybugMichelle
Posted 10/22/2011 5:17 AM (#521607 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: RE: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel


Hey Steve I'm looking for a left handed reel for my husband for Christmas and wondered if you could suggest one, also the best price I can find as I was recently laid off, but want to make his Christmas special still. If you could e-mail me I'd sure appreciate the help He used to be an avid trout fisherman, but since hooking his first Muskie this summer, well he was hooked... My email is [email protected]
Thanks in advance
Shelly in Utah
DocDean
Posted 10/24/2011 11:36 AM (#521856 - in reply to #400293)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel


I have counter sunk all my power handles approx. 1/3 the thickness of the handle. The chrome star nut fits neatly in the counter sunk ares. No strength loss and have not stripped out a handle in over two years as I used to have the same problems you guys did. Set up a simple Jig to hold handle and a drill press with the depth set and your set for you and all your fishing buddies. Sure eliminates alot of hassle throughout the season.

Dean
Jsondag
Posted 10/24/2011 7:08 PM (#521921 - in reply to #334690)
Subject: Re: Shimano Calcutta TE 400 LJV Lucanus Reel





Posts: 692


Location: Pelican Rapids, MN
Over the last 3 seasons, I have replaced every reel I use with the LJV. I now have 6 of them. They are the best reel I have ever used for musky applications. They are however not designed for the rigors of musky fishing. They do need maintenance regularly, oil etc. BTW I oil them monthly, but do not grease or lube the gears. I find that with this reel that it often slows down the the fluidity of the cast. I do replace the handle either with a power crank or a trinidad handle. Every once in a while I let clients use one and they all say the same thing. "This is the best reel I have ever used!" It has a lofty tag, but well worth every penny in my book! Beat up or not, I plan on sending all 6 to Shimano this off season for re-conditioning.