Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | The Garcia is considered to be a workhorse of a reel. The Calcutta should be much smoother but costs much more. One difference can be gear ratios, I believe the 7000 Garcia has been available in several different ones, whereas the Calcutta is only available in one. Calcutta has a one piece body, the 7000 does not. I have seen others say to avoid Garcias NOT made in Sweden. |
Posts: 375
Location: In the slop! | The Calcutta is a very nice piece of equipment, but it is quite a bit wider than a 7000. When I have used one the side of the reel hits me in the forearm, and I have to bend my wrist to hold the foregrip. For this reason, I prefer the 7000, (although Penn 975's are replaceing them in my boat). As far as the gear ratio, the 700 is 4.7 to 1, 7000 is 4.1 to 1 or 5.3 to 1, I like the 4.1 to 1 ratio the best. The Calcutta will retrieve line about the same as a 5.3 to 1 7000 (my test was slightly squed, calcutta spool very full, 7000 down a little). One other thing, I wouldn't buy an Abu that doesn't say "Made in Sweden" on it. There is a reason they were able to drop there price on them in 2002. Take a good look at the Penn 975, they have cranking power like a 7000, and they are a little smaller and lighter.
|
