Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: fish_on on August 20, 2010, 06:59:47 PM

Title: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: fish_on on August 20, 2010, 06:59:47 PM
This probably had been discussed somewhere in the forum. Looking to replace my broken reel for the Fraser. So for me here are the two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300. Your thoughts fisher-people? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: alwaysfishn on August 20, 2010, 07:04:52 PM
This probably had been discussed somewhere in the forum. Looking to replace my broken reel for the Fraser. So for me here are the two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300. Your thoughts fisher-people? Thanks in advance.

Hands down, the Shimano Calcutta! Over time you will appreciate the serviceability and parts availability of the Shimano. There are so many out there that service is not going to be an issue.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: fish_on on August 20, 2010, 07:17:49 PM
alwaysfishn, thanks. I presumed you own one, how much is a 400B?
Tx
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: BIG T on August 20, 2010, 07:19:42 PM
alwaysfishn, thanks. I presumed you own one, how much is a 400B?
Tx

$269 at Freds tackle website
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: alwaysfishn on August 20, 2010, 07:28:10 PM
alwaysfishn, thanks. I presumed you own one, how much is a 400B?
Tx

I own 2 - 400's. One is about 10 years old and the other is about 5. I've replaced a few parts over the years and every time I finish a repair the reels work like they worked out of the box. The 400B's are improved versions of the 400.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: EZ_Rolling on August 20, 2010, 07:31:12 PM
If this is primarily for the Fraser I would say Calcutta
 
Vedder Spirngs and Chum I would also favor the Calcutta
 
In my opinion it is overkill for Steelhead or Coho on the Vedder

So then I use my Currado

I have heard good things about the Luna but never fished one.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: ynot on August 20, 2010, 08:04:27 PM
i have a calcutta ct400 i use for sockeye its old and noisey but reliable. i also have a luna 300 i use on the vedder ,squamish.cap. its so smooth you think its not winding in.
the luna is close to the calcutta TE. and better than the 400b. i dont use it on the fraser because of the sand.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: alan on August 20, 2010, 08:19:26 PM
I've had my Luna for 5 years now....I was going to buy the Calcutta but the guys at Berry's steered me towards the Luna.  Daiwa came out with the Luna to compete with the 400B, later shimano came out with the 400TE.  If you're going to buy a Calcutta buy the 400TE or buy the Luna.  Its a smooth reel and hasn't given me any problems yet.  Ive brought in some big fish with that reel, it can handle Fraser springs with ease.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: DionJL on August 20, 2010, 08:21:33 PM
I own two Lunas. 300 and 253 size. They were the obvious choice for me because they come in a Left handed model. The Calcutta TE's do as well but aren't as light, nor as smooth (or attractive for that matter) as the Luna's. And the Calcutta TE's are a step above the Calcutta B series.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: BwiBwi on August 20, 2010, 08:26:08 PM
I've used Calcutta 400b, TE and Luna 300.

400b does not have adjustment for magnetic breaks which TE does and so does Luna 300.

Luna 300 basically is same in functionally as TE but about 25% cheaper.

400b is a workhorse and just that.

Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: BCfisherman97 on August 20, 2010, 08:43:22 PM
I would go with the Luna.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: Fish Assassin on August 21, 2010, 12:14:18 AM
I've heard good things about the Luna.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: ynot on August 21, 2010, 02:10:42 PM
read this link.http://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwaluna.html
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: fish_on on August 21, 2010, 03:14:53 PM
Very good feedback guys! In "read this link.http://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwaluna.html", the Luna 300 is listed at $239 (probably US$). Bif T wrote that C400B is $269 at Freds tackle website. Has anyone bought a Luna 300 lately and how much may I ask?
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: BIG T on August 21, 2010, 04:14:50 PM
Has anyone bought a Luna 300 lately and how much may I ask?

$299 at Berrysbait and tackle..
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: Blackrt03 on August 21, 2010, 05:00:59 PM
I also have a luna they are awesome.. Good luck on you're choice
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: vandenhooff on August 21, 2010, 07:56:10 PM
I've never fished a 400B but look at both reels. What do you notice? The 400B has several plastic components, whereas the Luna is all metal (except the ends of the handles, like most reels).

Luna. Forget Shimano.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: Danube Boy on August 21, 2010, 10:08:04 PM
I've never fished a 400B but look at both reels. What do you notice? The 400B has several plastic components, whereas the Luna is all metal (except the ends of the handles, like most reels).

Luna. Forget Shimano.

There are various internal parts in the Luna that ARE plastic. Of the external, visible parts, aside from the handle components, clutch lever (where you hold your thumb) and clutch lever plates are also plastic.

Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: n8 on December 04, 2010, 12:55:08 AM
Luna hands down. But the TE's on the other hand... now that's a different story...
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: Fish Assassin on December 04, 2010, 01:18:09 AM
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwaluna.html
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: Nitroholic on December 04, 2010, 08:52:30 AM
400TE>300>400B  ;D
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: lapa on December 04, 2010, 11:12:34 AM
I'm using Luna 300 for the last 3 years and didn't have any problem. And it is not expensive as TE. Just around 230USD.
I tried my friend Shimano 400B but Luna i way better.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: chromer on December 04, 2010, 12:49:50 PM
The Luna looks like a nice reel. I have a Calcutta TE 400, I use on thre Fraser. Its a bit pricey but its bulletproof. I'm a big Shimano fan though. I like my currado 300dsv but my fav reel is my Calais-doesn't hold much line so suitable for smaller rivers and streams and those 11 bearings can you say smoooooth!!
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: oni_kage on December 04, 2010, 01:25:47 PM
I don't know why this old thread was revived, but I'll also chime in. I say Luna over 400b. I would even argue luna over 400 te because of the price difference. I have tried both extensively, and when it came time to decided again which to buy (theft) I chose the Luna.

I feel the 400te is slightly better than the luna as it has a few features that are nice such as micro click drag. But overall both reels are very similar however, the calcutta te costs around $125 more. I couldn't justify the extra cost for added benefits.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: salmonlover on December 04, 2010, 11:40:20 PM
very mixed opinions here which have not made it easy. ive been thinking about upgrading my abu garcia ambassadeur. i was looking at a luna 300 or the calcutta 400te. decision decision decision.... ???
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: oni_kage on December 05, 2010, 12:53:38 AM
very mixed opinions here which have not made it easy. ive been thinking about upgrading my abu garcia ambassadeur. i was looking at a luna 300 or the calcutta 400te. decision decision decision.... ???

It isn't a very hard decision because you can't go wrong with either! Both the luna 300 and the calcutta 400te are excellent.

It is just the luna is 25% cheaper =)
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: fish.on on December 05, 2010, 11:03:27 PM
I was also planning to buy 1 those 2 reels.  I have a question for someone who knows about the Luna 300 reel.  The setup is I have the new out of the box reel on a 10'6" rod with a 1oz weight on the line. When I have the cast control knob completely tighten, then press the spool release thumb bar, the weight free falls without any resistance. I expected the weight to stay and not fall at all ( just like my abu garcia c3 6500). I'm doing this to test and adjust my cast control.

Does anyone expect this as a defect or its the feature of the reel. Thanks for any input.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: alwaysfishn on December 06, 2010, 07:26:03 AM
I was also planning to buy 1 those 2 reels.  I have a question for someone who knows about the Luna 300 reel.  The setup is I have the new out of the box reel on a 10'6" rod with a 1oz weight on the line. When I have the cast control knob completely tighten, then press the spool release thumb bar, the weight free falls without any resistance. I expected the weight to stay and not fall at all ( just like my abu garcia c3 6500). I'm doing this to test and adjust my cast control.

Does anyone expect this as a defect or its the feature of the reel. Thanks for any input.

It sounds like it may be a defect. Unscrew the cast control knob and check to see if the spring is missing....
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: azafai on December 06, 2010, 09:47:45 AM
I was also planning to buy 1 those 2 reels.  I have a question for someone who knows about the Luna 300 reel.  The setup is I have the new out of the box reel on a 10'6" rod with a 1oz weight on the line. When I have the cast control knob completely tighten, then press the spool release thumb bar, the weight free falls without any resistance. I expected the weight to stay and not fall at all ( just like my abu garcia c3 6500). I'm doing this to test and adjust my cast control.

Does anyone expect this as a defect or its the feature of the reel. Thanks for any input.

that is definitely ad defect.  you better check with any warranty provider and either repair it or replace the reel.

Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: Matt on December 07, 2010, 12:33:13 AM
I don't own either, but I've fished both.  The Luna is smoother and the spool release is a better design IMO as its supported on both sides of the spool.  I find the handles to be obnoxiously large on both though.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: fish.on on December 08, 2010, 01:54:26 AM
I was also planning to buy 1 those 2 reels.  I have a question for someone who knows about the Luna 300 reel.  The setup is I have the new out of the box reel on a 10'6" rod with a 1oz weight on the line. When I have the cast control knob completely tighten, then press the spool release thumb bar, the weight free falls without any resistance. I expected the weight to stay and not fall at all ( just like my abu garcia c3 6500). I'm doing this to test and adjust my cast control.

Does anyone expect this as a defect or its the feature of the reel. Thanks for any input.

I took the reel to Mike's Repair. The guys checked it over and saw nothing wrong. He even tried to put a metal shim into the cast control knob but it didn't work. There is still no resistance. He said it was very strange and he hasn't heard of this issue before. So I took it back to the store and the sale guy took out 3 new out of the box luna reel to compare and see if there is an issue...and guess what...all 3 reel had the same behaviour.  The sale guy also thought it was very strange and couldn't explain it. So finally I called the Daiwa rep to ask them. They said the reel is not designed to completely stop a 1 oz wieght from falling. And that was his answer...

I think it is wierd that the reel cannot stop a 1 oz weight...even more wierd that there is no resistance...

Does anyone use the luna and have this behaviour? Might lean towards shimano...
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: Justin on December 09, 2010, 04:28:06 PM
In my experience with the knob cranked it can hold up to 3 - 4 oz.  You might just have to play around with knobs some more.

Justin
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: ynot on December 09, 2010, 09:33:07 PM
i have just tried to tighten up the cast control on my 3yr old luna and it does not tighten much,so that must be normal on this reel.i dont use it for sockeye so have not used more than 3 inches of pencil lead.no problems with this reel ever, mostly used in the vedder,cap,squamish. my buddy got a luna this summer and was throwing 3 oz betties on the fraser with no problems. he bought it because his culcutta te400 kept having problems. i use a ct400 on the fraser its a work horse of a reel and easy to service yourself.i also think the luna is close to the TE calcutta but better value for the money.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: RainbowMan on March 28, 2011, 08:08:50 PM
Those who used a Luna 300 this winter on the Vedder, can you please tell me a little bit about your experience? I am down to 2 options for a new baitcasting reel and would like to know how they compare (400B Vs. Luna 300). I normally fish the Vedder, Fraser, Stave and Cap. Many thanks!
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: DionJL on March 28, 2011, 08:27:21 PM
Luna is by far the better reel. It is more comparable to the Calcutta TE series.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: ynot on March 29, 2011, 01:54:18 PM
Luna is better than 400b ,not quite as good as te but close and cheaper. i have all 3. i like to use my calcutta 400b on the fraser, because of sand and its my oldest reel
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: bigblue on March 29, 2011, 02:47:00 PM
Luna is a really well made reel.
However, also consider 253 instead of 300 if you are going to use it for steelhead/salmon fishing on river.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: azafai on March 29, 2011, 02:54:36 PM


I have a Luna 300 and love it.   Fraser or Vedder, the real is great for both..  I only change the rod to a medium heavy one if I am using it for Fraser..  Great reel... smooth....worth every penny.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: Silex-user on March 29, 2011, 07:01:14 PM
Just pick-up a Luna 253 for my son when I went to A&N to get my son (Juvenile) Tidal water license 2011-2012. Pretty good deal with 15% off with  angling license renewal.




Silex-user
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: RainbowMan on March 29, 2011, 07:19:09 PM
Just pick-up a Luna 253 for my son when I went to A&N to get my son (Juvenile) Tidal water license 2011-2012. Pretty good deal with 15% off with  angling license renewal.




Silex-user

Do you mind if I ask you how much you paid for that reel? Thanks.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: RainbowMan on March 29, 2011, 07:21:48 PM

I have a Luna 300 and love it.   Fraser or Vedder, the real is great for both..  I only change the rod to a medium heavy one if I am using it for Fraser..  Great reel... smooth....worth every penny.

How long have you been using your Luna and how easy is it to do basic maintenance on this reel? I wonder if the Fraser's silt can reduce the reel's lifetime.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: Silex-user on March 29, 2011, 07:39:26 PM
At A&N the regular price was at $329.00 but with 15% off it paid for portion of HST.



Silex-user
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: steelie-slayer on March 29, 2011, 08:50:34 PM
calcutta its a smooth reel to cast, diawas nice but isnt as smooth.
i had a luna 300 a couple years ago and it was a nice reel but i wore it out after 3 years.my dad has a calcutta 200(i think) and hes had it close to 4 years and works like new just scratched.
i now fish a pin and love it tho  ;D
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: DionJL on March 29, 2011, 10:39:44 PM
At A&N the regular price was at $329.00 but with 15% off it paid for portion of HST.

Silex-user

Not sure where you learned math, but if you get 15% off it would cover ALL of the HST and still take 3% off the ticketed price leaving you at about $319.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: RainbowMan on March 29, 2011, 10:43:50 PM
Thanks guys for all your inputs. I called A&N and they don't have Luna 300 in stock now. I just ordered one on eBay - $265 delivery included.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: Danube Boy on March 30, 2011, 01:48:06 AM
Not sure where you learned math, but if you get 15% off it would cover ALL of the HST and still take 3% off the ticketed price leaving you at about $319.

Irrelevant now, but it would have been $313.21  ;D

Btw RainbowMan, $265 is a pretty good deal; you'll love that reel.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: azafai on March 30, 2011, 11:23:16 AM


300 is way too overpriced
now you can get it for around 260
http://cgi.ebay.com/Daiwa-Luna-Baitcast-300-Reel-/200582680233?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb3a8cea9#ht_1261wt_1040

Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: fullahead on March 30, 2011, 03:33:38 PM
The Calcutta for the Fraser. The Currado for steel head on the Vedder.
Title: Re: Down to two options: Shimano Calcutta 400B or Daiwa Luna 300
Post by: Silex-user on March 30, 2011, 07:37:23 PM
Hey Dion JL my math is fine, thank-you very much. Just to let you know I do not have the luxury of using the PC every time at home. Kids is always on it and when I do use it, I type fast and I known to miss some wordy sentence. Yes the 15%  off does cover the HST and I do get another 3% off.




Silex-user