Daiwa 20 Ballistic EX LT 2500DX vs Shimano Cardiff 301A
The selected categories are different, score metrics vary from category to another.

Daiwa 20 Ballistic EX LT
Spinning
89.90 out of 100
Value for money4.5 out of 5
Quality classExcellent
Durability5.5 out of 10
Ergonomics6.43 out of 10
Gear ratio5.3:1
Maximum drag10kg / 22.05lbs
Weight170g / 6oz
Line retireve per crank75 centimeter / 29.53 inch
Ball bearings11
Technical Specifications
- BrandDAIWA
- The main category of the reelSpinning
- Price range~ €210.20
- Is saltwater resistantNo
- Spare spoolNo
- Reel size2500D
- Handle typeSingle handle
- Drag typeFront drag
- Handle orientationLeft, Right
- Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.28/150

Shimano Cardiff 301A
Multireels
34.80 out of 100
Value for money3.5 out of 5
Quality classMedium
Durability3.69 out of 10
Ergonomics6.38 out of 10
Gear ratio5.8:1
Maximum drag5kg / 11.02 lbs
Weight252g / 8.89oz
Line retireve per crank61cm / 24.01 inch
Ball bearings4 A-RB + 1 RB
Technical Specifications
- BrandSHIMANO
- The main category of the reelMultireels
- Price range~ €88.60
- Is saltwater resistantNo
- Spare spoolNo
- Reel size301
- Handle typeDouble handle
- Drag typeStar drag
- Handle orientationLeft
- Line capacity monofilmm/m: 0.25/285. 0.30/235, 0.40/40 lb/yds:12/230, 14/180
Conclusion
Daiwa 20 Ballistic EX LT 2500DX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 301A, offering significantly better performance in gear ratio (5.3:1) and maximum drag (10kg / 22,05lbs). While Shimano Cardiff 301A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Daiwa 20 Ballistic EX LT 2500DX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.
What's the difference between Daiwa 20 Ballistic EX LT and Shimano Cardiff 301A?
Daiwa 20 Ballistic EX LT 2500DX
- The reel brings in line quickly with its 8.2 out of 10 (5.3:1) rating, making it a great fit for power fishing
- With a great drag score 9.6 out of 10 (10kg / 22,05lbs), the reel is built to handle big fish confidently.. whatever the setting, freshwater or inshore salt
- When it comes to retrieve speed, a score of 5.71 out of 10 (75 centimeter / 29.53 inch) means slower line pickup, great when you need more control for slower fishing styles
Shimano Cardiff 301A
- A 7 out of 10 (4 A-RB + 1 RB) ball bearing gives a smooth performance across most typical fishing situations
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