Next Generation Technology on Iconic Calcutta Casting Reels
IRVINE, Calif. – ICAST Show 2012 Introduction – July 11, 2012 – Being called the “next generation” in round reels by anglers and tackle dealers involved in field-testing, Shimano introduces an entirely new design to its iconic Calcutta casting reel series. Now the ‘Calcutta D’ series, the reel line-up includes the CT-200D and left-hand retrieve 201D, the CT-300D/301D and CT-400D/401D – sizes for all types of fishing applications in both fresh and saltwater.

When introduced 1991 (item of interest – the Calcutta 200 took ‘Best of Show’ honors at the AFTMA Show – what now is called the ICAST Show), the Calcutta was the reel many said ‘Shimano has come of age’ in the tackle industry. It garnered all kinds of accolades for its classic, simplistic design, with features like a one-piece aluminum frame and Variable Brake System.

The next generation for Calcutta is about power, rigidity and durability. “We had the ability to improve its casting performance by incorporating our X-Ship technology, plus better in-the-hand comfort with our ‘S Compact Body’ design,” said Ken Iida with Shimano’s product development team. “And for serious cranking to get baits down deep, and also when fighting a big fish, anglers will appreciate the better leverage with our X-Drag feature.”

With the new Calcutta D reels, anglers will quickly notice how the S-Compact body feature results in a reel that feels one size smaller in your hand, plus offers durability from a cold-forged aluminum frame for year-after-year fishing use. The ‘B side’ sideplate (‘A side’ has the handle, drag adjustment and cast control knob) is all one-piece, contributing to both rigidity and in-the-hand palming comfort.

To increase cranking leverage, rigidity and torque, “with X-Ship, we’ve repositioned the reel handle closer to the body,” said Iida, “plus the drag adjustment knob is on the outside of the handle – providing easier access when needed.

All sizes of the Calcutta D reels are loaded with proven Shimano features, including Variable Brake System and E.I. surface treatment for corrosion resistance. The 200 size reels will retrieve 25-inches of line per crank and will handle 190 yards of 10-pound test mono or 130 yards of 50-pound PowerPro braid. Pulling in 30-inches of line per crank, the 300 size Calcutta D reels will have 180 yards of 14-pound test mono or 190 yards of 50-pound PowerPro. The 400 size reels retrieve n 27-inches of line per crank, and have the spool capacity to hold 260 yards of 14-pound mono, or 170 yards of 65-pound PowerPro.

“For fishing success when pursuing bass, walleyes, northern pike, stripers, muskie, tarpon, bonefish, redfish, stripers – and list can go on and on,” Iida said, “we see the new Calcutta D reels leading us into a new ‘round era’ for anglers who look for quality, function, design and longevity.”

For more information on Shimano’s new Calcutta D baitcasting reels, see your local tackle dealer - visit the Shimano web site at http://fish.shimano.com

Watch the new Calcutta D video on you tube here:
http://youtu.be/KMjKkYb39nA