I have been using the Shimano Calais DC casting reel for about 5 weeks now.

Short version: Worth Every Penny!

Long version: The new offering from Shimano for those that prefer a low profile casting reel is the Calais DC.

The DC stands for Digital Control and refers to the innovative method that the reel uses for braking to prevent line overrun while maximizing casting distance.

All other casting reels on the market today use either centrifugal or magnetic braking, or a combination of the two. While these methods are effective, each has its drawbacks. The centrifugal brake brakes harder as the speed of the spool increases, thus braking more on the early part of the cast. The magnetic style brakes in a similar fashion, but doesn't rely on moving pins and exotic braking materials to achieve the same effect.

The Calais DC uses an entirely new concept in braking. Digitally Controlled braking. A small circuit board in the body senses the speed of the spool and adjusts braking according to 4 basic profiles, each with 8 selectable sub-profiles. The distinct advantage that this system provides is that, depending on the selected profile, the spool is allowed to free-spin through the acceleration phase of the cast with braking applied as the spool speed drops.

To illustrate the difference, imagine you are in your boat. With a traditional braking system, you would throw your anchor out as you leave the dock, and keep it out all day. Obviously, you'd stop pretty fast, but your hole shot would be pretty lame and your top speed would be dramatically reduced. With the Digitally Controlled system, you would only drop the anchor when you were actually trying to stop or slow down. You would have solid acceleration and the best top speed that your boat can achieve in the prevailing conditions. BIG DIFFERENCE!

The 4 profiles are Extreme Distance Mode, Long Distance Mode, Accuracy Mode and Wind Mode.

Extreme Distance Mode: This mode allows the spool to freely spin up to 50,000 RPM. That's not a misprint. 50K RPM. Braking is applied on the down side of the cast. This is used primarily for casting competitions or when conditions are near perfect.

Long Distance Mode: This mode is probably where you'll spend the most time. It keeps a slight tension on the line throughout the cast to minimize the line ballooning caused by poor technique or cross-winds. This will generally be less drag than a standard system, depending on the sub-profile you've selected.

Accuracy Mode: This mode takes the thumb work out of flippin', pitchin', and skippin'. This is a higher drag model that lets you use as much, or as little power as you need to put the lure exactly where you need it. This is the setting for casts made under, behind, or between covers that bass and other fish seem to love.

Wind Mode: This one's for casting into a headwind. The drag is applied briefly to let the line run true, then the braking is adjusted higher or lower, depending on what the wind does to the lure. This may sometimes create an effect called "crowning" where you will see slack loops form and then disappear on the spool. It's amazing!

All of this magic is powered by the rotation of the spool, but uses a system that imparts negligible drag to the cast. The braking needs are assessed and adjusted, if necessary, up to 1000 times per second. That's a good bit faster than my thumb, and one heck of a lot more accurate and effective.

The effect of the braking system is that the reel helps you to cast smoother, farther, easier and more accurately in all conditions. My personal distance improved by about 50%. That's from 50' to 75' or even 85', in even the worst conditions.

Though it's not intended to provide this benefit, I've been able to use lighter lures than I ever thought possible on a casting reel.

The down side? Well, obviously, that's the price.

Save up for this one, folks! It's worth every penny. It will add distance and accuracy, increase enjoyment, GREATLY REDUCE backlash and overruns and generally make you the envy of everyone on the water. It even sounds cool when it casts! Best money I ever spent on gear, by far.

Rating: 231 stars out of 10

Enjoy!

Dan Brooks,
aka Caltain

Caltain