I have a few months to decide... so what's the popular vote?  Which reel will perform the best and last the longest pulling DC10's and Big Rubber?

I have no complaints with my Toro Winch or Calcutta TE 400.... so I could use some help.

 What's your vote and why?

Brad.... the Tranx is too big for me.  Feels clumsy and is too specialized of a reel for my current fishing budget.

I'm currently quite happy with my Calcutta TE and even my Lunas with a power handle for the majority of my double10 fishing.  Fished side by side with a pair of Tranx's this past summer and certainly felt "under powered" when trying to keep up with them on a 16 hour day.  But, that was only 2 days of a much longer season.

If I had the cash to support adding a Tranx or two to my boat... I'd do it.  For now, I'm stuck with using multi-purpose gear... and gear that my boys can handle as well. 

My reservation with the Calcutta D is that it does not have a power handle... and I'm uncertain that you can add one with the location of the star drag.  The line guide seems a little "flimsy" too... but certainly not a show stopper issue.  I do like the more compact size since I'm a "palmer".

Ideally, I can "try before I buy"...  but none of my buddy's have either one at this time.... cause they blew all their cash on Tranx's.... hahahaha.

If I can try before I buy, this question will be answered rather quickly.... but I'll ask it anyway.

Revo Toro NaCL  5.4:1 = 26 inches per crank and wide/low profile spool

Calcutta D 400 5.1:1 = 27 inches per crank and tall/narrow spool

If the handles are of equal length on both reels, will they both require the same amount of "work" to turn the handle?  If yes, the Calcutta will by my choice as it is FASTER.  But, do the gear ratio and spool diameter also factor in?

The higher gear ratio of the ABU would suggest it will require more work to turn the handle.... but the smaller diameter spool should offset that, right?

And the opposite:

The Calcutta D has a lower gear ratio would should increas its "power", but is that offset by the taller, larger diameter spool?

 In the end... are these reels EQUALS in regard to work required to retrieve the same amount of line under high resistance?  If yes, then ABU will be my choice as it will save me $80 ($300 for ABU vs $380 for Shimano).

I have no concerns regarding durability of either reel... as my Winch has been flawless for 4 seasons.... and my TE has been virtually flawless (intermittent anti reverse issues) for 8 years.

Or... I could learn to use the foregrip again and just drop $1000 on The high-speed TRX500HG and retrieve 43-inches of line per crank with a little more work or relax and still bring in 30-inches of line per crank with minimal effort using the low-speed TRX500PG.  Oh yeah... I already ruled that out :-O  

Hmmm... Steves photo comparing the Toro Power Handle to the CalcuttaD paddles is perfect.  If the power handle doesn't have issues with engaging on the cast due to no counter balance weight..... I may be headin' in that direction.  Unless..... a powerhandle option becomes availalbe for D????

 Good thing its only January......

With the giant power handle on the NaCL, perhaps the higher gear ratio should be considered? 

The 6.4:1 gears bring in 31 inches.  Perhaps I should be comparison shopping this reel to the Power Gear Tranx?  Although, I doubt the power handle on the NaCL can reduce the work requires to bring in 31 inches per crank to match the similar 30 incher per crank generated by the 4.6:1 gears of the Tranx PG?

Perhaps Shimano will introduce a smaller version of the Tranx for palmers?  Until then... it still appears we have to compromise somewhere.....