The Shimano Cardiff A is a round-profile casting reel designed for anglers seeking power, reliability and simplicity. Solid, pleasant to use and suited to larger lures, it is equally at home in heavy freshwater fishing and certain light saltwater approaches.
The Shimano Cardiff A perfectly embodies the round-profile casting reel: robust, simple and efficient. It is aimed at anglers who want to use bulkier lures than with a standard casting reel, while maintaining good fluidity and excellent control during fishing action.
Its design makes it a relevant choice for heavy freshwater fishing, particularly with swimbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits or large lures. It can also find its place in certain light saltwater fishing situations, such as jigging approaches or controlled vertical fishing.
The Cardiff A features a HAGANE aluminum body, recognized for its rigidity and resistance. This solid base allows for better power transmission during hard retrieves and fights with powerful fish.
The machined aluminum spool enhances the overall reliability, while the aluminum handle provides a good grip and direct feel during use.
The Shimano VBS system, Variable Brake System, allows you to adjust the braking according to the lure used, wind conditions and casting style. This progressive control helps to cast medium to heavy lures efficiently, while minimizing the risk of backlashes.
The size 300 offers good versatility for medium to large lures, while the size 400 provides more capacity and power for the bulkiest lures.
The Cardiff A prioritizes power, smoothness and consistency. Its controlled retrieve allows you to work lures that pull hard in the water efficiently, while maintaining enough torque to stay in control during fights.
It is a reel designed to last, with a simple, robust mechanism suited to anglers who are looking for a reliable tool rather than a model overloaded with technology.
• Shimano Cardiff A round-profile casting reel
• Available versions: 300, 301, 400 and 401
• Right-hand models: 300A and 400A, left-hand models: 301A and 401A
• HAGANE aluminum body
• Machined aluminum spool
• VBS braking system, Variable Brake System
• Bearings: 4+1
• Size 300: ratio 5.8:1, retrieve 62 cm, weight 252 g, drag 4.5 kg
• Size 400: ratio 5.2:1, retrieve 57 cm, weight 337 g, drag 5 kg
• Capacities: size 300, 211 m at 6 kg, 165 m at 7 kg, 138 m at 8 kg; size 400, 302 m at 6 kg, 229 m at 7 kg, 202 m at 8 kg, 151 m at 10 kg
The Shimano Cardiff A is a simple, solid and efficient reel for anglers who want to switch to a reliable round profile. Its aluminum construction, VBS braking system and capacity adapted to powerful fishing make it an interesting model for working large lures with control, consistency and confidence.