Calais DC

The world’s first digital low profile baitcaster, the Shimano Calais DC.

Shimano has proven itself time and time again when it comes to sophisticated engineering. In terms of technology they showed just how far advanced they were with the introduction of the Calcutta TE DC. Since then we’ve all known it was just a matter of time before the technology made its way into a low profile baitcaster.
Shimano proves yet again that when it comes to unifying technology and innovation into reel design they lead the pack.
What I like best about the Shimano Calais DC is that Shimano didn’t simply port the Calcutta’s digital circuit into the Calais 200.
Instead they built a next generation circuit that directly addresses the applications that a serious baitcast reel would address.
The multi-modes available in the Shimano Calais DC do a great job covering the spectrum, and the ability to further fine tune the settings in each of the four modes gives anglers unprecedented control over their casting.

Shimano didn’t stop there…they also addressed the raw mechanics of the Calais DC series and made some serious performance enhancing tweaks. Improvements like the Magnumlite spool and tapered titanium levelwind insert also help maximize casting distance. Some anglers will find it strange that the Shimano Calais DC is actually a great baitcaster for beginners as the “Wind” mode all but eliminates everyday backlashes.
On the other side the “X-Treme” and “Accuracy” mode give experienced anglers the ability to cast farther or with more precision.
The design elements on the Shimano Calais DC are striking, and I absolutely love the cast control knob and ported star drag star.
The flagship Shimano Calais DC is the first domestic reel to ever win the TackleTour “Ultimate Enthusiast” Award, and while
Shimano’s primary goal is to build the best reels possible, there is no doubt in my mind that the Shimano Calais DC is the first domestic reel from the company that addresses the enthusiast tackle segment head on.
Now that Shimano has integrated the digital circuit into a baitcaster where is there to go from here? We for one would love to see an ultralight DC reel, perhaps a magnesium based Chronarch DC…or possibly even a new series?
The sky is the limit with this new technology, who knows, with reels as elite as these dads might just pass down a self charging Shimano Calais DC instead of that Rolex.

X Mode: (Extreme Distance)

When it comes to sheer distance the X-Mode will get your lure going the absolute farthest. This mode is designed only for optimal conditions and the curve does a good job casting heavy metal lures with low wind resistance like jigs and spoons. This mode is ideal for casting competitions and surf casting but not recommended for normal fishing situations. In this mode brake settings lower than X-4 should really only be used by expert casters in
absolutely perfect conditions.

L Mode: (Long Distance)

L-Mode is most similar to the original Calcutta TE DC’s system, and is designed to control backlashes immediately upon releasing the bait and analyzes spool rotation during the middle portion of the cast. This setting is great for a wide range of baits, and will serve bassmen well. It provides more control than a VBS equipped reel and adds distance to each and every cast. L-Mode is all about fewer backlashes, less effort and overall longer casting
distances.

A Mode: (Accuracy)

A-Mode does not utilize compensation braking like X & L modes. Instead, it continues to brake during all portions of the cast. This is the strongest braking mode and is designed to prevent overruns by reducing spool rotation immediately after the cast and tcontinuing to add tension after the middle stage of the cast. This mode is basically what the old circuit was lacking and is ideal for accuraccasting styles like pitching and skipping

W Mode: (Wind Mode)

This mode is designed to combat the elements. When wind hits it slows down the lure, not the spool…causing backlashes. This mode actively prevents these types of backlashes by constantly updating the amount of brake force depending on how the lure acts in the wind. This mode is ideal for striper fishing, when lures with a fixed center of gravity are used (crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, or any lure that does not cut through the air).

The W mode analyzes spool speed and adjusts the amount of braking force to ensure that the spool is spinning just fast enough to allow line to keep up with the lure but not surpass it causing a backlash.

Shimano Calais DC Specifications

Line Capacity (lb/yds) 10/130, 12/120, 16/100

Gear Ratio 7.0:1

Line retrieve per crank 31 inches

Weight 9.5 oz

Bearings 10BB, 1RB

Shimano Calais DC Additional Features

4×8 Digital control, S-ARB bearings, Magnumlite spool, HEG gearing, tapered levelwind insert, greaseless spool support bearings, super stopper, assist stopper, escape hatch, septon power grips, dartanium drag, clicking drag adjustment, metal plated finish, asymmetrical spool window, all aluminum construction

Construction/Quality
This is as good as it gets. The Shimano Calais DC surpassed our expectations when it comes to build quality. It felt as if we were looking at a true enthusiast reel…and we love the fact it is available here in the US! The quality of the reel is just superb

Performance
If casting and retrieving is your game, technically flawless. If you’re looking to present finesse baits the Accuracy mode is just a tad aggressive for our tastes

Design (Ergonomics)
The only area where the Calais DC falls short in ergonomics is sheer overall weight. This reel is somewhat heavy, but in terms of operation the reel is cleverly designed and easy to fish with. The little details are phenomenal throughout

Application
The  Shimano Calais DC low profile baitcaster can be used in both fresh and saltwater and is built to last a lifetime. Best used for topwater, jerkbaits, and power fishing applications…but good to know that the Shimano Calais DC can be also employed for some serious surf casting

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