Catala Critique

HOGTIDE · 03-02-2002, 06:17 AM

Been placing some new reels on new rods the last several weeks. Thought I did my research, and purchased 3 new Shimano Catalas. They were touted as having the same internal stuff as the Calcutta and a forged aluminum frame. I should've spent more hands-on time in the store.

Anyway, I was not pleased with the reels. $85-$100 is a modest price for a Shimano these days. However, upon examination, I found that the true frame structure holding the spool was just textured plastic, painted gold.The end caps of the reel were forged aluminum. But the main frame was plastic, and even the reel seat footing was just an extension of this molded plastic frame. How long til that would snap off with a bit of a jarring?

In additon, due to the disproportionate lack of weight in the 'plastic' center frame of the reel, the gear box and handle side of the unit is heavy and the balance is very poor.

I was even surprised to note that the drag systems seemed to bite-'n'-give, in my brief unscientific test.

I love my Shimano reels. But this series just doesn't cut it.Thought you might be interested in one man's opinion.

Oh ya...$84.95 x 3 was gladly credited to my account by the fine clerks of our local GI Joe's!

cully · 03-02-2002, 06:26 AM

hogtide, take them back. I would not put up with gear that is just not trustworthy If you feel the reels are gonna blow before you get em to the water then how can you trust them with a fish on. Don't take any guff from those joes guys. You worked to hard for your money.

TheRogue · 03-02-2002, 07:32 AM

Thanks for being the guinea pig, Hogtide!! I've been looking at these reels, now I finally have an opinion I trust. No Catala for me!!

Grnhead99353 · 03-02-2002, 04:42 PM

I picked one up at a going out of business sale for 63.00. Works for me!

Snapshot · 03-02-2002, 05:27 PM

Hogtied, thansk for the heads up. Does thismean that you want to keep your 6500's? Do you still want to sell those rods and reel combos. The Fenwick worked well on a small 8#er a couple weeks ago. Thanks for that one.

*Fisn only bite wet hooks*

HOGTIDE · 03-02-2002, 05:39 PM

Hi Snapshot,

No,I'm still selling the 6500's. Mama bought me a set of new Calcuttas for Christmas...and then I had to get new Lami Pro's to match...and now I need a new boat to match them...naw kiddin' bout the boat part.

* and the worst part is now I have this new Calcutta addiction and I'm selling off my other stuff to buy different models...hey....do you think they might spike that anodized gold aluminum with a little bit of nicotine???? I could have a class action law suit here...that's it...I'm actually not responsible for buying all of those reels!? ????Where's Johnny Cochran when you need him? :whazzup: