Shimano Cardiff Casting Reels Review

a good reel, 2006-05-18
Reviewer: none

It's a good reel for open water bass fishing or flipping with heavy baits like a sinko, but when it comes to flipping a finesse worm under tree branches, a chronarch is far better. An Okuma VS LP is also aq very good reel for this kind of casting. It's not that expensive ($110), a chronarch is around $260 and an Okuma is $120.
I still think it's a great reel for heavier baits.

Great Reel for the price, 2005-09-01
Reviewer: David

I have the 100 size model and my only complaint is that you can't cast that far with it (but then this is true of almost all 100 size reels).

Casting is super smooth and so far I have not had problems with the drag like some, but then I have not had it all that long.

The Cardiff 100 Makes Finesse Fishing Easy, 2005-03-18
Reviewer: Rob Gray

The folks at Shimano have always prided themselves in quality reels that are smooth, castable and strong. This little reel is all of that and more. Finesse baits that once required spinning reels, are now easily thrown with the Cardiff. On my home lake, a Texas rigged worm is the staple of life and because of the mossy growth on the bottom it needs to be light. I can throw a 4" worm or lizard with 1/8 oz. or less weight for days! The high-speed gear allows for quick recovery and it is strong & durable. If you like to fish flukes, trickworms, light Texas rigs or small jigs, then this is the reel for you.

Nice little baitcaster, 2005-03-08
Reviewer: Bearcat

I have a 301-leftie. I love the way it fits in my palm due to its low profile design. Cast very well. There are 6 spool brakes and I remove 3 of them and set 2 on. I bought a Shimano live bait handle which give a lot more cranking leverage. The reel is spooled with 150' of 20# Power Pro braided line and top off with 15# of Big Game. Great for swimbait, live bait or bottom fishing. Sometimes I tie a 10# or 12# top shot for smaller fish. The factory drag is somewhat weak and I will replace it with HT100 or Smoothie.

There is a improved version that just came out with ARB & dartanium drag washer.

spunky little thing, 2005-02-18
Reviewer: Arvin Reyes

i own the cardiff 100.

good:
smooth reel. feels good in your hand. and the crank handle feels soft and comfortable. casts nicely. easily operated. VBS brakes are on the crank side for easier adjustment.

bad:
drags are nice at first. they are made of fibrous material that is soaked in drag grease. but if you fish in an environment where it is easy to get your reel wet, the drag washers are prone to soaking up water. not a good thing for this particular reel. it gets real sketchy and you have to take the whole crank box apart, set out the drag washers to dry completely, reapply drag grease and reinstall. even then, its never like new again.

comments:
i have owned three or four of these reels, and i still own one. they are great reels for the price. but i just think that shimano should stick with the dartanium drag washers for all their reels. it would also be nice to finally get a 400 size cardiff for the people that cant bring themselves to spend $200 on the calcutta 400.