Dick's is having a clearance sale and the Calcutta 250 and 251 are below $100, but they look big.

The Curados are around $130 at Sports Authority.

Is one better than the other? I've never used baitcast before but these two models seem popular so that's why I'm looking into them.

where is dick's....

I know, where is dicks?

Dicks is attached to the parks mall isnt it, use to be galyans...

Are u sure the 250 is only 100$..almost sounds too good to be true. I would buy quite a few at that price..

Four replies an no answer to my question.

AND YES IT IS UNDER $100 AFTER THE 25% CLEARANCE DISCOUNT!

Never used a Calcutta. I use Curado, and Chronarch. If you can spend the money go for the Chronarch, but both are excellent reels.

Both are excellent reels. Don't let the round shape of the Calcutta fool you. It handles as well as if not better than the Curado. One of the finest reels made IMHO. I traded a Curado 201 for a Calcutta 251 earlier this year (thanks again Bankrunner) and I'm having a hard time picking up anything else when on fish. BTW pick up that Calcutta 251 for me while you're there and I'll make it worth your while.

Fishsing

I apologize. Upon reflection I realize I didn't aswer your question either. To be blunt, the Calcutta is the better reel. Each has its purpose though. Basically the Curado is a "low profile" version of the Calcutta. If the 200 series seems to be too big for your tastes, take a look at the 100 series. You can never go wrong w/Shimano.

I also want to state here and now that I'm not interested in starting any kind of "flame" on either of these reels nor am I intending to disrespect any of the higher grades of Shimano reels. Heck, I've got a Chronarch on order. (It's being rebuilt) Can't wait. PM me and we can discuss further.

Fishsing

I just picked up a Curado SF at Sportman's Warehouse. I paid about $150. for it not including TT&L. I love it and I am thinging of buying another.

The Calcutta is about as steady and strong of a reel as you can ask for. I have several 100's and just love them for cranking and all day casting. For me is just depends on what you are using it for. I prefer to flip and pitch with low profiles so I have curados and castaics for stuff like that. For crankbaits and topwaters I love Calcuttas as they cast great, are easy to adjust to avoid backlashes and handle light baits well.

both are good reals and it goes with personal reference, me i like curado's because i like low profile reels..but hey i do own 3 calcutta's for saltwater fishing.

Buy all the calcuttas you can carry, thats well below wholesale at $100 a pop.

I called dicks and the calcutta is $149. still not a bad price..

Calcutta was $149 minus 25%. I ended up getting one for $105 with tax. Would have bought more but they only had one left. They have one lefty left.