Saltist 20 vs Calcutta 700te casting distance

I have tried the saltist 20 and like it for the big rubber and large blades..Burns em good. Only thing I am not satisfied with the casting distance. If any users of both the saltist and 700 can give me feedback on the casting distance that would be helpful. Wondering if the 700 will out cast the saltist for distance (given the same rod, line, lure, and the cast control knob set for the same tension) Using a croix big dawg, suffix 832 80lb. I hear that the 700 is a smoother cast (does that mean distance?) and I know that the saltist is not meant for continous casting but is mainly a deep jigging reel.

Looking for another muskie reel. Toro winch if fine. I use it extensively, especially at night. Good for slowrolling big blades and topwaters. Looking to supplement it with a larger reel for large rubber, mag dawgs, jimmys, and to burn double-10s when needed. I like the saltist for that (35" pickup per crank) not any effort in cranking them either. It is really easy to just keep them just under water to almost act as a topwater. Like I say the only drawback is the casting distance on the saltist. I am thinking the 700 will outcast the saltist due to better and more bearings and besides it was designed for casting. Am I wrong for thinking that? It has 31" of pickup vs the saltist 35" (does not seem like much difference) Will the 700 burn the blades as a saltist? Comments welcome

The Avets are awesome! I hate how stiff the line out alarm is, but aside from that, they are incredibly powerful. I have the MJ and the S and I wouldn't trade them for any reel in their class! Unfortunately, they have no level wind, which a lot of casters like...but once you get used to it, it's no big deal. The 2 speed MJ is absolutely out of this world for anything heavy, and the high retrieve speed is blistering!

I was in the market for a high speed saltwater type reel and went with an AVET 5.3 m.c. and so far am very pleased. About the same weight as the shimano, picks up 30 inches per crank and with a little practice casts farther than my levelwinds. No thumb bar or level wind is weird at first but the power and speed of this reel is incredible compared to my lunas and 400b's. The model I got retails at $200. And its made in the USA.

i had problems getting my saltist 20 to cast 80lb line unless i set the spool tension pretty tight and the distance suffered as a result. i changed to 100 lb. power pro and was able to let the spool tension off a little and cast farther. if youre throwing a variety of lure weights the calcutta is better suited to lighter weights. if you have one rod dedicated to heavy plastic, big blades, etc. (like i do) the saltist offers a higher speed return, more drag, and less than half the cost.

MA, the Saltist with the levelwind. I also like the old Blue Wave (I think that's the name) and the Slosh 30, 40, and 50s, but that's for when I'm casting in the salt.

Hi I have the 700TE on the 8'6" premier extra heavy. It takes some getting used to as it is a BIG reel. Just so you know the reel doesn't engage automatically when you turn the reel after the cast, it has the manual lever on the side that must be engaged before reeling. That said casting distance is no more or less than any of my other reels. For me it is more dependent on lure choice, and throwing with or against the wind. An "off the shelf" DC10 into the wind will not fly as far as my custom weighted DC10 regardless of which reel I am using. But yes you can really burn DC10 or DC13 with this setup. And for ripping 10" Jakes, magdawgs and pounders this reel is ideal. 3 and a half years of heavy lure abuse on mine zero part failures. No anti reverse going out no grinding or clicking. With the large size, manual lever (and price) it is not for everyone. Just to show you a size comparison on the left is an Abu 7000, center 700TE and right Daiwa luna 300. Good luck with your choice.

Which version/model of the Saltist are you referring to?

Saltist reels have centrifugal brakes in them and are partially designed for the high speed jigging made popular by Shimano, so they actually are supposed to be able to cast all day. I've used all the major brands and they all have their pros and cons. One thing is for sure: non levelwind reels are supposed to cast farther than reels with levelwinds. Other than that, it really comes down to which reel works the best with a certain angler's style of fishing. I love the Saltist, but I know some guys that think it's a metallic pile of junk compared to Shimano products. To each their own. To be perfectly honest, I do believe the Calcutta is indeed smoother, but the hardness of the metals used in the guts of the saltist is rated higher so it should theoretically last longer. I haven't had either the Calcutta or the Saltist fail me yet so I can't say for sure. Also, so far the Saltist actually seems to be casting farther the way I have it set with just the two smaller brakes right now. Hope this helps.

If you have the money go with the Calcutta it will cast farther with less effort.I do not own a Saltist but I have used them, they are a cheap way to get a very durable reel.It all depends on how much you plan on using big baits.

I've got a Saltist 20 and 30. I'd say casting distances are definitely less than any of my Abus or Quantum musky reels.

With no braking system, no cast control, and a spool tensioner that is either tight or nonexistent and has almost no between setting.......spool tension management is tough with the saltist. For me, its a reel you WILL thumb the entire cast, and is best suited to heavier baits like pounders, etc.

I use mine all the time for relatively light baits, even small bucktails, I'm kinda used to it now. But its not going to set any distance records. I've got mine set, and have gotten comfortable enough, that I just compensate for lack of distance in other ways, i.e., I use different baits or I just get closer. Honestly, most twin tens are on the lightish side of what this reel casts nicely. Not necessarily in weight, but tens have alot of drag on the cast, which really compounds the lack of a braking system on the saltists.

Saltist is trolling reel that we're using to cast with. Gotta remember that. Once you get past that and the related shortcomings......its a fantastic reel so far for me.