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Rammer223 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17 2024 16:23 -Availability does seem poor. I got mine from Japan Tackle back in 2007, but they have very little stock of Conquests. My big Conquests are the 401s, which they've made a bit less bulky and more easily palmed with today's models. Fantastic reels though and still going strong after nearly 14 years and chucking some very large lures.Quick look finding one could be an issue lol
Steve Dennington wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17 2024 14:28 -I wouldn't call them that at all. I had a couple of 301's, but didn't gel with them, so sold them - for a profit thankfully. Round baitcasting reels I only like for trolling thse days, I find casting I have much more control and balance with a low profile baitcaster."don’t mind dropping some cash for right reel buy once cry once"
Shimano Calcutta Conquest 301 or 401 then. The best of the best
Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 18:52 -Personal preference, Mark. I've tried low profile reels and hate the squashed feel of them. I like a fistful of metal that feels like a proper reelSteve Dennington wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17 2024 14:28 -I wouldn't call them that at all. I had a couple of 301's, but didn't gel with them, so sold them - for a profit thankfully. Round baitcasting reels I only like for trolling thse days, I find casting I have much more control and balance with a low profile baitcaster."don’t mind dropping some cash for right reel buy once cry once"
Shimano Calcutta Conquest 301 or 401 then. The best of the best
Tranx 301HG. If you don't like the power handle you can easily get a double handle for them. IMO the best reel for big swimbaits, not too big, not too small and does everything you need it to. If your budget doesn't stretch, the Curado 310HG is almost exactly the same reel and comes with a double handle as standard.
Steve Dennington wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 19:02 -That's where we differ mate. I'm not a fan of them anymore. Larger low profile bait casters are so much better. Reminds me of a C3, but not in a good way. They look a bit naff as well. But if you're happy, good for you.Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 18:52 -Personal preference, Mark. I've tried low profile reels and hate the squashed feel of them. I like a fistful of metal that feels like a proper reelSteve Dennington wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17 2024 14:28 -I wouldn't call them that at all. I had a couple of 301's, but didn't gel with them, so sold them - for a profit thankfully. Round baitcasting reels I only like for trolling thse days, I find casting I have much more control and balance with a low profile baitcaster."don’t mind dropping some cash for right reel buy once cry once"
Shimano Calcutta Conquest 301 or 401 then. The best of the best
Tranx 301HG. If you don't like the power handle you can easily get a double handle for them. IMO the best reel for big swimbaits, not too big, not too small and does everything you need it to. If your budget doesn't stretch, the Curado 310HG is almost exactly the same reel and comes with a double handle as standard.
Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 19:07 -I showed my brother (not an angler) my shiny new Conquests shortly after I bought them. His response was "bit chavvy aren't they?"That's where we differ mate. I'm not a fan of them anymore. Larger low profile bait casters are so much better. Reminds me of a C3, but not in a good way. They look a bit naff as well. But if you're happy, good for you.
Steve Dennington wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 19:24 -I'll take a Tranx or even a Curado any day of the week over them. Too bulky and to my mind, old fashioned. There's a reason hardly anyone uses round profile baitcasting reels these days. I only use them for trolling, where they can sit in holders and have a kip, 301 Cardiffs, cheap and cheerful, do the job - wind the lure or fish in, don't really cast with them at all.Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 19:07 -I showed my brother (not an angler) my shiny new Conquests shortly after I bought them. His response was "bit chavvy aren't they?"That's where we differ mate. I'm not a fan of them anymore. Larger low profile bait casters are so much better. Reminds me of a C3, but not in a good way. They look a bit naff as well. But if you're happy, good for you.
They may be a little gaudy in appearance, depending on your perspective, but I've got them in 51, 201, and 401 sizes and they're the best reels I've used by a country mile, Definitely not comparable to a C3 in any way shape or form!
Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 19:34 -Bulky ??? You got little girly handsSteve Dennington wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 19:24 -I'll take a Tranx or even a Curado any day of the week over them. Too bulky and to my mind, old fashioned. There's a reason hardly anyone uses round profile baitcasting reels these days. I only use them for trolling, where they can sit in holders and have a kip, 301 Cardiffs, cheap and cheerful, do the job - wind the lure or fish in, don't really cast with them at all.Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 19:07 -I showed my brother (not an angler) my shiny new Conquests shortly after I bought them. His response was "bit chavvy aren't they?"That's where we differ mate. I'm not a fan of them anymore. Larger low profile bait casters are so much better. Reminds me of a C3, but not in a good way. They look a bit naff as well. But if you're happy, good for you.
They may be a little gaudy in appearance, depending on your perspective, but I've got them in 51, 201, and 401 sizes and they're the best reels I've used by a country mile, Definitely not comparable to a C3 in any way shape or form!
Steve Dennington wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 22:06 -He really does spout some utter jobbies at times for someone so knowledgeableI'm glad it's not just me in the Conquest fan club, Tony!
Tony McTaggart wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 22:43 -Coming from you, that's really a good one, thanks very muchSteve Dennington wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 22:06 -He really does spout some utter jobbies at times for someone so knowledgeableI'm glad it's not just me in the Conquest fan club, Tony!
Always amuses me how some people so quickly revert to personal insults on here when someone has a differing opinion from them. At least Steve can have the crack with people without doing that, respect to him.Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21 2024 15:30 -Oh stop itTony McTaggart wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 22:43 -Coming from you, that's really a good one, thanks very muchSteve Dennington wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19 2024 22:06 -He really does spout some utter jobbies at times for someone so knowledgeableI'm glad it's not just me in the Conquest fan club, Tony!
At the end of the day, opinions vary. Many, me included, prefer low profile baitcasters. Just like everyone else, I used C3s for donkey's years and was very happy with them, that's until Shimano and Daiwa started to offer us larger low profile baitcasters. After using those, I'll never go back to a round reel for casting. Over time I sold all of my C3s (and a few Calcuttas) as I upgraded to the newer reels. As I said before, I briefly owned a couple of 301a conquests and found them too bulky for my tastes, good reels I concur, but simply not for me. The only round bait casters I still have are Cardiffs and I only use those for trolling; that's because they sit better in the rod holders. When ever I cast with one, just to get a lure beind the boat, it just doesn't feel right. Each to their own.
It was a joke notice the smiley faces ???