Data for Review
Date – 2005 Fishing Season
Manufacturer – Shimano
Reviewed by - Andrew Ragas
|
Shimano Cardiff (200A)
Specifications |
|
Line Capacity (lb/yds) |
8/230, 10/210, 14/120 |
|
Gear Ratio |
5.8:1 --- 24" per turn |
|
Weight |
8.6 oz |
|
Bearings |
4+1 |
|
Extra Features |
A-RB, Super Stopper, Assist
Stopper, VSB, Quickfire II |
|
Price |
$99.99 |
Shimano's
Cardiff line of reels were redesigned in
2005. Compared to its older replacement,
the newer models sport a lighter frame,
new color scheme
(previous
model was solid gold/ bronze)
one-piece
die cast aluminum frame, and a
gold-silver metallic side-plate which
makes this reel attractive, especially
for a reel at $100, and for a reel being
one level less than Shimano's high-end
Calcutta reels. One other new feature on
the Cardiff is the addition 4 A-RB
bearings, super-stopper, assist stopper,
and VBS variable brake system.
Truly a
great reel. Here's more!
Impressions:
I purchased
the Cardiff 200A during the winter of
'05 with the intentions of mainly using
this reel as a river Smallmouth Bass
weapon. Despite the lack of river
smallies caught during my '05 season, I
put this reel to other uses, primarily
for cranking and spinnerbaiting.
Throughout its season in review, this
reel has seen all types of water, from
large lakes, flowages, rivers, creeks
and ponds.
The Cardiff
is a reel that excels in both fresh and
saltwater fishing situations. However, I
find it to work best while fishing
heaver lures and while quickly covering
water.
Setups for the 2005 Season
|
Reel: |
Shimano Cardiff 200A
|
|
Rod: |
Shimano Carbomax (6ft/ med.
action) |
|
Line: |
10lb Berkley Iron Silk |
On the water uses (Casting,
Retrieving, Drag System and
Presentation)
Casting & Retrieving.
The Cardiff
is a pleasure to fish with, thanks to
the VBS (variable brake) system. With
this feature, you will be in control of
your baits and presentation. With this
reel, I feel that using heavier lures,
weighing 1/4oz or more leads to fun and
trouble-free fishing. However, fishing
light lures and plastics was a bit tough
on this reel. This led to a poor feel
for sensitivity.
In 2005,
this reel was matched with a 6ft rod.
Though not your optimal rod for
spinnerbaiting and cranking, it suited
just fine for the type of fishing I was
doing, which was power fishing.
The
retrieve of this reel is as smooth as
silk. This can be credited to its A-RB's
(anti rust bearings). Regardless if this
reel is not in the same category of
smoothness such as the Calcutta, it is
exceptionally smooth for a reel in the
$100 price range category.
Drag
System.
Its drag is
smooth, though not Dartanium like the
Calcutta and other Shimano casting
reels. As shown from tests, the Cardiff
will handle 10.5lbs of resistance on the
drag. Even though I did not catch any
"horse-fish" on this reel, nowhere near
the 10lb mark, the drag remained
consistent throughout the season and
managed to land myself plenty of both
Large and Smallmouth Bass.
Presentation.
At a light,
8.6oz, the Cardiff is a comfortable reel
to use when fishing with crankbaits and
spinnerbaits. It seems as if this reel
is known as a multi-species reel because
there are so many applications one
angler can put forth on this reel when
used properly. On the aspect of
presentation, I enjoy fishing for Bass
the most with this reel.
Wading
rivers for Bronzebacks, or covering
water for Largemouths, this reel is my
"playa" for the power fishing. End of
story. Let the photos here speak for
themselves!
Extra Features:
I think the
best feature on this reel is its
price-tag. For a reel this smooth and
loaded on power, I'd say the $100 spent
was well worth it.
Not only is
its price a strong feature, its padded
handles add comfort while casting and
fishing your water quickly.
Shimano Cardiff 200A Casting Reel -
(0/5)
Construction & Quality: A+
material. Very durable and clean to
operate. So far in one full season, I
have yet to find any flaws to this reel.
5/5
Design (ergonomics):
Lightweight, palmable and simple to
maintain. 5/5
Presentation: An
excellent choice for heavier lures and
for power fishing. Not a great reel to
use for fishing plastics and when
sensitivity becomes an ingredient for
fish catching success. But anyways, it
handles multi-species angling with
pleasure. 4/5
Price: $100. Affordable and made
from light and durable materials. End of
story! 5/5
Total
Score - - - 4.8/ 5
Positive and Negative Thoughts
Positive
-------------
- Addition of A-RB Bearings.
- Easy
Maintenance.
- Great
Price.
- Padded
Septon handles are comfortable.
Negative
-------------
- No dartanium drag.
- Could use
a better thumb bar and not plastic.
