left handed reels

DaveyBoy · Post by **DaveyBoy** » Sat Sep 28, 2013 12:12 pm

I was wondering if anyone had any input or reviews on left handed baitcasters designed for the rigors and strain of throwing heavy muskie baits all day. I am quickly learning the luxury that having multiple rods would allow but I'm having trouble finding lefty models.

So far only the Shimano Curado, Daiwa Luna, Abu Revo Toro Winch, and Plums Isis 400 have caught my eye. I did buy a Curado for my first setup and have been happy with it, but I've no basis of comparison.

So any lefties that can offer advice (or rightys who have used a right handed model) you're input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

DaveyBoy · Post by **DaveyBoy** » Sat Sep 28, 2013 12:14 pm

*Okuma* not Plums lol darn autocorrect

vano397 · Post by **vano397** » Sat Sep 28, 2013 12:38 pm

Can't go wrong with a Calcutta...

Revinchev · Post by **Revinchev** » Sat Sep 28, 2013 1:32 pm

I just recently bought two abu revo toro nacl leftys the 51 and 61 and they are by far my favorite. Well worth the price.

Steve S · Post by **Steve S** » Sat Sep 28, 2013 2:11 pm

I use left handed and I'm right handed, just prefer. I have Ambassador, Okuma and Pfluger. I love my Amb 5501-C3, yes they are smaller and don't hurt my hands as much (arthritis) but they hold up to big fish. Have you looked on the Muskies 1st buy sell? If you don't see anything put a post on there for what your lookin for.

Scott Williams · Post by **Scott Williams** » Sat Sep 28, 2013 2:46 pm

I like the Revo line of reels from Abu. Low profile is much easier on my hands. I plan on buying a few more to have them on all my rods when I have the funds.

DaveyBoy · Post by **DaveyBoy** » Sat Sep 28, 2013 7:30 pm

I was looking at the Revo Toro and with yet another positive review, I might go that route.

DaveyBoy · Post by **DaveyBoy** » Sat Sep 28, 2013 7:34 pm

Steve, thanks for the idea of the Ambassador 55-c series, I actually have 2 of these for my bass rods, I wasn't sure how well they'd handle the heavy lures.

I'm thinking that I might have to transfer one (or both) of these to muskie rods! Will save me a bundle up front too, meaning I'll have a bigger budget for new lures

Brett Ladd · Post by **Brett Ladd** » Sun Sep 29, 2013 10:20 am

Revo toros are definitely nice, love mine for blades. Can't say how they handle the bigger lures, but I love my Luna, and wish I had a new Calcutta!

Don Paxton · Post by **Don Paxton** » Sun Sep 29, 2013 12:03 pm

The Calcutta D is available in lefty. It is a awesome reel. Super smooth!!!

DaveyBoy · Post by **DaveyBoy** » Sun Sep 29, 2013 12:52 pm

Yeah, I've heard nothing but good things about the Calcutta, the price point scares me a bit though

MattG_braith · Post by **MattG_braith** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 9:10 am

I got a lefty Calcutta TE and it is the best reel I've owned. The base Calcutta model B is cheaper than the TE and a lot cheaper than the D and I have heard it is almost just as nice.

One thing I try to suggest to people is if you have multiple setups try using a lefty reel on one and a righty on another. On long days it is nice to switch back and forth between the two to give the muscles on each hand/arm a break with different action. Takes a little while to get used your other hand but it didn't take all that long for me and now I am just as good with both hands.

Tory · Post by **Tory** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 9:47 am

I run lefty 300 size Shimano Cardiff's. They are basically identical to a Calcutta except for the fact that they are cast aluminum instead of being machined out of bar stock...which keeps cost down. I have blown up too many Abu's to ever consider one of their products (anti-reverse bearing goes). I have three Cardiff's and have never had a single issue with one. For the money, I can't imagine you can find a better reel...for real.

TB

muskaholic · Post by **muskaholic** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 5:55 pm

I absolutely love my abu revo, I use it for smaller baits and blades. Its nice to have both left and right on the boat to switch it up when you start to get burnt out. The lower profile is awesome too. I don't like it for big 13" granny's and pounders, its just not built like a Calcutta. That's my .02c