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Posts: 37
Location: Freedom, WI | I know debating reels is like debating Ford vs Chevy and so on... but one more couldn't hurt, right?
I'm a beginner and I'm looking for my first muskie setup, so out of these reels, and I'm open to other suggestions as well, would be the best bet?
When I started out looking I was pretty much dead set on the 6500 (or 5500, but probably 6500), but now I'm starting to look more at other reels, like the Okuma Akena and Shimano Cardiff. I would love a used Calcutta, but I couldn't find any for a price I'm willing to pay (>$130, possibly more depending on condition). Yesterday I just started looking at Okuma Akena reels, people were even saying they casted just as good and even better than their Calcutta's in some cases. Lot's of people also praise the Shimano Cardiff.
What's your guys opinions? I don't see mush discussion on the Okuma Akena, but I see lots on the uber popular 6500. |
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Posts: 246
Location: Grand Marais, MN | I have 2 cardiffs that I have absolutely pushed to their limits for the last 4 years. Both still work pretty good, probably could get them reconditioned at this point though. great reels in my opinion. I have a power handle on one of them and I can relatively effortlessly use bucktails all day. I also pull big cranks and bulldawgs with them. they are not super fast and there are many better reels out there and if i could go back in time i'd have never bought either of them so I could have bought a calcutta but if you are only willing to spend 130, go with the cardiff over those other two.
but if you think you will put a good amount of time into muskie fishing and if you are multispecies guy that could benefit from a muskie size reel that you can also troll for anything with or whatever, spend an xtra 200 and get a calcutta d or used TE on ebay or something. |
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Posts: 37
Location: Freedom, WI | Thanks. I don't really ever troll. I would love a calcutta d or te, but they are a little bit out of my budget right now. |
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Posts: 32885
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I have a couple Akenas, good reels for the buck. Topwater, Suicks, reglular sized bucktails and spinnerbaits, etc, no issues at all. I have a couple ISIS models too, tougher reel, well made, and runs the bigger stuff better.
We also run ABU C3 models for the light to middle weight stuff and on our walk the dog lure rods. No issues.
We do maintain our equipment, though. |
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Posts: 37
Location: Freedom, WI | Which do you think is an all around better reel? The C3 or the Akena? |
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Posts: 139
| I have all 3, and would rate them as follows, Cardiff, akena, C3
I have beat up my cardiffs and they held up pretty good. Its a reel worth $109 without a question. |
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Posts: 339
Location: Denmark | I have had al tree models in for repair, and have fished them as well. In general, the C3 is the one that causes the least problems. But all have their pros an cons, the Akena is not bad for DC10's, due to the powerhandle, where the Cardiff is preferable for jerkbaits as it has dual anti reverse. The C3 outcast them all, and can be upgraded very easily. |
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Posts: 95
| I started off using the 5500/6500. I don't fish large baits so they work really great for the streams I fish. I recently bought a revo toro HS and I will say if you can save a little bit more $$$ if spring for that as its a killer reel.
Buddy has the Cardiff and I like it pretty well too. Especially at the price. Wouldn't mind picking one up myself to put on a backup rod |
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| Cardiff and then your good! |
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Posts: 32885
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I like the C3 a bit better, personal preference. The Akenas have treated me well, no issues, just like the C3 a little better.
The new ISIS is a very nice reel, by the way. Good reel if you can find one used for sale. |
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