Shimano Calcutta vs Cardiff 400 series

Any thoughts on these two reels? Is the Calcutta 400 worth the extra money over the Cardiff 400 series. My son wants to buy this for Rockfish, Striper, and larger bass. Any thoughts are appreciated 

Thanks everyone!
 

That is a huge step between the two. I like the Cardiff, some will say it's terrible but it is low end. Calcutta is "high end" and much more expensive. Maybe something in between? The salt water will be hard on either. I'd buy two Cardiffs for a lot less than the Calcutta and use one in salt the other in fresh. You'll be lucky to get more than three seasons out of them in the salt even with regular rinsing.(in my opinion)

I'd get the calcutta.if your just rock fishing I'd say get the Cardiff,but if your doing multi species I'd get the calcutta.all around better quality reel.like toyota n lexus

My recommendation against the more expensive reel was based on my assumption that the Calcutta you referred to was priced more like the Calcutta D or Conquest $350++. At 229.99 the Calcutta CT400-B is much more reasonably priced than I guessed and does look good.

Calcutta has a SMOOTHER drag; i use Calcuttas to trout and salmon, less likely to throw the hook and tear the jaw... IMO...

I've sold hundreds of both over the years, and would never buy the Cardiff for myself.
Had too many returned for blown out sideplates. The Abu 6500 is a much more dependable option for the same prics (just be sure to get the made in Sweden version).
But yah, the Calcutta is a better reel but not an apple to apple comparison.

I've sold hundreds of both over the years, and would never buy the Cardiff for myself.
Had too many returned for blown out sideplates. The Abu 6500 is a much more dependable option for the same prics (just be sure to get the made in Sweden version).
But yah, the Calcutta is a better reel but not an apple to apple comparison.

+1  What he said.  Another option is to look at some of the low-profile reels on the market unless he wants a round body reel.

I have three of the Calcutta 400B reels right now and have had a few more of them over the years.  I use them for bottom fishing off the coast as well as on a few of my larger swimbait setups for largemouth bass.  They are fantastic reels.  Just a simple rinse after each trip to the salt and a once a year re-lube keeps them working as good as new.  My current set ups are as much as 6 yeas old and still not missing a beat after many trips to the salt.  I can't say the same for the Cardiff that I tried!  The drag wasn't as smooth and after a few salt trips I started having some issues with the internal components.  You could feel them binding up.  That's not to say that if you tore the reel down after each salt trip and cleaned/re-lubed them that they wouldn't last.  I just rather spend a little extra up front to get a more durable and reliable reel to begin with!

I've got three Cardiffs (two 401 and one 301).

I've had great luck with them, as demonstrated by the fact that I keep buying more as spares, etc...

They aren't top of the line or anything, but they're work horses and last a long time if you take good care of them.

Everyone, thank you so much. Funny thing is to watch my son asking me how many people have replied and wanting to read every one of your inputs! Awesome stuff and he trusts people's judgment here! More replies are welcome, but thanks so much! 

I've sold hundreds of both over the years, and would never buy the Cardiff for myself.
Had too many returned for blown out sideplates. The Abu 6500 is a much more dependable option for the same prics (just be sure to get the made in Sweden version).
But yah, the Calcutta is a better reel but not an apple to apple comparison.

I have both, the Calcutta for steelhead and a Cardiff for throwing swimbaits for stripers and halibut. I love the Calcutta and the Cardiff has been a decent reel (I don't use it that often). That being said I wouldn't buy another Cardiff, I liked my old Abu 6501 (Swedish made) much better should have bought another one.