Cardiff 400 upgrades?

[dockboy]

I own and use Cardiff 300s and 400s for my swimbait setups for freshwater bass and love them. Recently, I've been taking them more and more out to the salt. I like their ability to cast light baits and lures. I'm thinking about upgrading to a 400 combo specifically for saltwater use. I already have my rod picked out. A good 15-20 lb. setup for light line bait or throwing the traps and Big HAmmers. I like the solid drags on the Cardiff. However, there's a difference between a large largemouth bulldogging, and a hot dodo going nuttsos. So, my question is, would you upgrade the drags to Smoothies on the 400? I was also thinking of the Shimano Live bait handle. I just don't like the idea of grinding down on a big fish with the smaller factory twins. Yea? Ney?

[Subarubie]

Well here is my modded Cardiff 401 (left hand)



I use mine for fresh & salt water. I have the carbontex drags on mine & I upgraded to the calcutta live bait handle & love the differance. Oh, & I powder coated my reel.

[mickeysindahous]

Originally Posted by Subarubie

Well here is my modded Cardiff 401 (left hand)



I use mine for fresh & salt water. I have the carbontex drags on mine & I upgraded to the calcutta live bait handle & love the differance. Oh, & I powder coated my reel.

Wow, wait a minute. Did you say you upgraded the drags with carbontex washers? I tried looking it up & as far as I could see, they just didn't make 'em. What kit did you end up using? More info would be awesome.

I used the 400A for a season of freshwater & some light salt, but stopped cuz the drags just ain't what they used to be. Thanks for the info.

[Subarubie]

I bought mine direct from smooth drag, I just asked for the carbontex for the Cardiff & they sent me the ones for the Calcutta 400.

Here is the only washer I could not put on, its the one under the main gear. you could cut it but I just used the factory one , I still got smoother drag

[fishdinder888]

Originally Posted by Subarubie

Well here is my modded Cardiff 401 (left hand)



I use mine for fresh & salt water. I have the carbontex drags on mine & I upgraded to the calcutta live bait handle & love the differance. Oh, & I powder coated my reel.

Hi where did u buy this handle from? i cant seem to find it.

[Subarubie]

Here is the link>>>> Shimano Calcutta Live Bait Handle 400 & 400S the part# on the package is BNT1867C

I see they might be out of stock, but call them up. They had the best deal I could find.

[dockboy]

That is one sick Cardiff, brah. Thanks. Looks sweet with the powder coat.

Shimano made the B series with more than adequate drags for pulling light inshore and just about any freshwater duties. The B series upgraded the drags on the series to the same material used with a Calcutta. But, as primarily a freshwater setup, it doesn't have the smooth drags I need. The 400 puts out about 11 pounds max. But around 5 or 6, right about where it should be for 20lb duty, it just isn't smooth enough. This would be my swimbait setup, and I'm experimenting also with throwing really light, smaller irons on the slide, etc. I'd hate to hook into somethiung substanial and lose it due to a inadequate drag.

[PescadorPete]

If the Calcutta 400 drags fit this reel, then the Penn 965 HT-100 drags also fit (and they are less expensive). I've had trouble with replacing the washer under the main gear. If the washer isn't thick enough or is too soft, the quick release bar has a habit of binding if you crank down on the drags. The washer compresses and screws up the alignment. I keep with the stock washer since there isn't much give to it. Slap some Shimano or Cal's drag grease on 'em.

[F1sHsLaY3r]

i beat the crap out of my cardiff 400. it keeps a tickin. i have a calcutta also not much different. they break send dem back