Winner of the 2006 ICAST Award for Best Freshwater Reel!The original Digital Control (DC) system Shimano's Calais DC had one pre-programmed braking curve on the internal DC circuit board of the reel, and eight settings along this curve worked by increasing or decreasing the amount of braking force. This was an excellent "all-around" curve, ideal for most bass fishing and inshore applications. However, the original DC system was not ideal for skipping, pitching, and other applications requiring slow spool speeds. To address these slow-speed concerns, Shimano thoroughly analyzed casting mechanisms for various environmental and mechanical conditions. They divided these situations into four different modes and created four profiles to handle each situation. Each mode has 8 different brake-strength settings for 32 brake settings total.Calais DC Modes and ProfilesX Mode: Extreme Distance – a very specific profile ideal for surf casting or competition distance casting.L Mode: Long Distance – an all-around profile for most fishing applications.A Mode: Accuracy – ideal for accuracy casting styles like pitching and skipping.W Mode: Wind – facilitates long casts in heavy headwind conditions.Calais DC Features 4x8 Digital Control® S A-RB® Bearings Magnumlite spool Super Free (SF®) High Efficiency Gearing (HEG®) Tapered Titanium Levelwind Insert Greaseless Spool Support Bearings Super Stopper® Assist Stopper® Escape Hatch Septon® handle material PV Power Handles Cold forged handle shank Drilled, cold forged drag star Dartainium® drag Recessed reel foot Clicking drag adjustment Metal plated finish Asymmetrical spool window Aluminum frame and sideplates Platinum premier service planLine recovery in inches per handle turn.
Average Customer Rating:
4.5 out of 5
Rating Snapshot
Rating Snapshot
(21 reviews)
5 stars
14
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
1
19 of 21 (90%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
"My wife bought me this reel for father's Day. I never would have spent the money myself. First of all, this is a very well built reel. The digital brake is not the only feature you get for the money. The all-metal construction and precision engineered components are outstanding. You know this is a top quality reel the minute you hold it in your hand.
The DC braking system works well but, with one exception, the reel will backlash if you get lazy. The exception is the "wind setting". You can't make this reel backlash on the wind setting, even if you tried. I casted a weightless Senko into a good stiff wind and didn't have to thumb the reel at all.
Also this reel has a very smooth drag and lots of cranking power. Overall, it is a fantastic reel and I love it. However, I do think it is way overpriced, which is why I have it only 4 stars."
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
Amazing Reel!,June 18, 2009
By JRG137from St. Louis, MO
Advantages: Ease of use, Performs well, Quality
"I have only been using bait casting reels for a short period of time. I decided to give this reel a try after reading all the great reviews and being fed up with trying to "teach" my thumb.
I have to say I was skeptical at first, but now that I have used one, I am simply amazed. Unless you really screw up you will never have to worry about backlashes. And if it does happen it won't be nearly as bad as a traditional bait casting reel.
A piece of advise; Don't try to be a hero and use the "X" setting unless you have an "educated" thumb. If you are a beginner, start with "L6" and work your way down from there.
Absolutely a great product. I plan on getting another one."
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
No
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
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Review 3 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Top 10 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
great reel,April 3, 2009
By bassboy09
"i used this reel on bass and walleyes and its great"
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
Simply the best,February 3, 2009
By BRAVOfrom SoCal
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my setup, and custom hook holster (works great)
"There's no point in making this a long review, as TackleTour and other sites have that covered. I can, however, tell you firsthand, that this reel is absolutely phenomenal. I say it IS worth every single penny. I can cast 5 inch roboworms on 2/0 hooks on 8# test just like i can cast a 1/2 oz frog on 12# test. This reel is the essence of versatility, customization, and pure performance. I LOVE the drag system, its pretty consistent and really precise. I fish this reel with my Cumara CUC-X72M, which byistelf is an AWESOMEEE rod. Putting the 200dc on the Cumara is pretty much perfection. Every cast is extremely precise. I use fluro from Pline on this reel and it works very very nicely."
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
No
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
Share this Review:
Review 5 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Top 1000 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
You get what you pay for.,October 27, 2008
By Diesel
"If you're looking at this reel you probably only have one question, "Is it worth the money?". In short, yes. This is the smoothest baitcaster on the market. This reel responds to the smallest of adjustments and set up properly will outperform any reel in it's class. Set up is absolutely vital with this reel. I use the long distance mode the majority of the time. Be careful when switching to the extreme mode. It will cast a country mile in this mode but you have to be nearly flawless with the cast or you'll end up with a birds' nest a bald eagle would be proud of. The wind setting allows you to place a bait precicsly with a strong crosswind. The electronics allow you to do some things that are difficult, if not impossible, with conventional baitcasters. Think of this reel as Traction Control for bass fishing. If you think it ruined racing then this may not be the reel for you."
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
No
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
Share this Review:
Review 6 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Top 500 Contributor
Overall Rating:
1
out of 5
I TOOK IT BACK !!!!,June 9, 2008
By bigbarryfrom S.W.PA
"to start with i have use a bait caster for many years, but because i fish only from the bank i wanted a reel for distance casting. so i spent the money and this is what happened. the first time i had the reel out i noticed when retrieving the line did not spool properly so i called shimano knowing it had to do with the balance of the spool they said take it back to the store. no problem i now have my second reel. after using it 4 or 5 times i noticed i had to adjust the brake tighter to keep it from back lashing !! called shimano they said send it in. $18.00 fast shipping and 10 days later i got it back, at first it worked great and was using the extreme setting and could cast it great distances. than it got bad again, another call to shimano the only thing they said was send it back but this time they would pay shipping. the store understood how frustrated i was and took it back !! my biggest concern was will i have the reel a year or two later i quits working properly, out of warranty or will i have to send it back every other week to keep it working like a $ 650.00 reel. no way i am very thankful they took it back !!!!!!"
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
No
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
No
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
4
out of 5
money reel,May 11, 2008
By bassassasignfrom California
"not worth the price great for casting in the wind with heavy line the reel cant ajust fast enough to cast a heavy spinnerbait"
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
Share this Review:
Review 8 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
Great reel and then some,April 30, 2008
By BlackxCatfrom San Jose, Ca
"Personally I like the sound of the reel when you cast, yes it makes a sound like no other and anyone near you will look or knows what you are using. I have two and both were changed from A mode to L mode which handles 10 lbs to 20lbs line with ease. The 8 external settings easily makes casting 1/2 oz jigs to feather light minnow lures a walk on the beach. Wind no problem, flip the access door open, move the setting and fish again. My old non-DC Calais reels served me well for over 5 years and I love them. If it seems too expensive, I have a real simple answer. Get this reel and a G-Loomis 844C rod, learn to make good knots quickly and fish. I carry 8+ rods when I fish, but only use three now. I cut off whatever I was fishing and tie a new lure on to one of the rods with a DC reel. Only reason I use the third rod is because it is a Bronzeback from G-Loomis which in some ways feels better then my GLX rods doing some things. I am fighting to keep my finger off the buy button and place one of these sweethearts on the Bronzeback rod. Needless to say, the wife is getting a little hot at me. Do yourself a favor and buy one great reel and one great rod. Even if you have a lot of combos you will keep reaching for the DC. One last word, I got a DC reel and a 844C rod for my Son's birthday. He only fishes Texas rig worms and has been using a older Calais and G-Loomis 6'6" rod for about 5 years. He has yet to use this new gear for over 5 months and we fish together every weekend, I guess he has it fine tuned and likes it. Deal is what works for you is fine, want the best go Calais 200DC and a good rod."
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Top 1000 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
It's a need to have!,April 9, 2008
By KingDingerfrom Durban, South Africa
"I must say I was really excited when I walked out of the tackle shop with the Calais DC and I wasn’t disappointed… I have only been bass fishing for 2 years and I needed this reel to help with baitcasting and it most certainly did… it’s especially good in the wind… now that I’m comfortable with bait casters it’s unlikely I will buy another DC because of cost but I do want a couple of Calais 100’s! That being said I still use this reel more than any of my others and it’s still my favourite reel.
Just don’t try the X (extreme distance) option unless you are KVD!
Oh yes and the sound it makes when casting (generating its own power) makes this reel really stand out… there is little doubt that this has to be the best bait caster on the planet. It’s a reel that needs to be part of your bass fishing arsenal."
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
Share this Review:
Review 10 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
best reel ever,March 10, 2008
By isawaputtytatfrom niles, MI
"i purchased the calais and can i tell you its awesome. its got awesome features like extreme distance accuracy and wind. the wind features my favoite because you can cast into the wind and the reel will do everything on your own, its almost impossible to get a backlash. this reels got it all"
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
4
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
Share this Review:
Review 11 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Top 500 Contributor
Overall Rating:
4
out of 5
$$$$$ reel,March 8, 2008
By mikesxpressfrom Virgina
"Not worth the money but it is a very nice reel. Specialized use for light baits into wind. Jerkbaits on 12lb test into 5-10 mph wind is no problem once you get the settings correct. You can come pretty close to spooling it with a 3/4oz trap. It can't adjust quick enough for blade flap on a dbl willow spinner bait into wind."
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
Share this Review:
Review 12 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
OMG! Masterpiece,January 15, 2008
By JonZfrom Central Ohio
"I'm somewhat embarrassed to say I paid this much money for a reel. But... IT WORKS! I threw a 1/2 oz silver buddy on 12lb line and ran a full spool of line off of the reel! Shimano figured this one out to the T. Put the "DC" system in a 7 bearing reel and sell it for $300.00 and I'll buy 10 of them!"
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
Share this Review:
Review 13 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
Only the Best,January 11, 2008
By SBonnerfrom Albuquerque, New Mexico
"Cast farther, use thumb less: Shimano has made the best baitcast reel ever made to this date. Imagine a reel that can add yards to your casts. Imagine a reel that rarely has the nasty back lash. Its here, its for real. The 4 x 8 really works, I use braided line and this reel is a dream. All four modes are perfect and the 8 position brake adjust is perfect. You can feel the reel braking and doing its job. I love it - glad I paid the money for it. I made over 1000 casts in one day with one backlash when I flipped the lure off the line by casting so hard. You can hear a minor braking noise and see the braking occur. I kid you not, I did not put my thumb on the spool often to stop it, when the lure hit the water, the spool stopped on its own. Buy it!"
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
2
Do you own a boat?:
No
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
Share this Review:
Review 14 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
4
out of 5
is it just mine,November 13, 2007
By mikeyufrom tacoma wa.
"true what they say it dose,its a very nice reel,its a whiny(noisy)on the cast.is yours?"
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
Share this Review:
Review 15 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
4
out of 5
not sure,November 9, 2007
By pskirnerfrom Parma, Ohio
"I have this reel and it sure is steep in price - casting in to the wind and decreased backlashes are certainly excellent, but I am not quite sure if it is worth the price tag"
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
Share this Review:
Review 16 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
best reel i own,November 6, 2007
By beanfrom galveston tx.
"i own 2 calcutta dc reels that fish pretty well but their no match for the calias dc"
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
Share this Review:
Review 17 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
Best Reel ever,September 10, 2007
By The man
"Simply the best reel I've ever used! So buy it now!"
0 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
It's a Magic Reel,August 12, 2007
By Rob
"It was a lot of money to pay for a reel… but boy was it ever worth every cent! I can now pitch and flip with ease and cast into wind… not to mention the distance you can cast with this gem… it’s a magic reel and I’m already saving for another one. I have no hesitation is giving this a highly recommended… it has to simply be the best baitcaster in the world. I have Quantum Tour Edition PT’s and Shimano Chronarch’s and the Calais is light years ahead of the rest! Plain and simple!"
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
3
out of 5
good , but not worth the price,June 24, 2007
By Anonymous
"this reel was good but it for sure is not worth the price."
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
6 of 14 people found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for Shimano® Calais 4x8 DC Baitcast Reel
Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
The ultimate,January 22, 2007
By OldGuide1from Bull Shoals AR
"There is nothing like this reel. I bought it at Bass Pro. I have a CalcuttaDC200 and it is good too but this one you can almost throw the entire line capacity out with a small crankbait which means you can cover a bank with 3 parallel casts at different depths with a crankbait I'm still experimenting with all this reel can do but it does everything well. The wind is no problem either. Pricey but definitely the very best."
What is your favorite type of fishing?:
Freshwater
How many times a month do you fish on average?:
5+
Do you own a boat?:
Yes
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