Daiwa 21 Ballistic MQ LT 2500D-XHX vs Shimano Cardiff 301A

The selected categories are different, score metrics vary from category to another.

Daiwa 21 Ballistic MQ LT

Spinning

95.00 out of 100

Value for money5 out of 5

Quality classExcellent

Durability5.5 out of 10

Ergonomics6.35 out of 10

Gear ratio6.2:1

Maximum drag10kg / 22.05lbs

Weight195g / 6.88oz

Line retireve per crank73 centimeter / 28.74 inch

Ball bearings8

Technical Specifications

BrandDAIWA
The main category of the reelSpinning
Price range~ €204.30
Is saltwater resistantNo
Spare spoolNo
Reel size2500D-XH
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 21 Ballistic MQ LT 2500D-XHX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 301A, offering significantly better performance in gear ratio (6.2:1) and maximum drag (10kg / 22,05lbs). While Shimano Cardiff 301A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Daiwa 21 Ballistic MQ LT 2500D-XHX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Daiwa 21 Ballistic MQ LT and Shimano Cardiff 301A?

Daiwa 21 Ballistic MQ LT 2500D-XHX

A fast gear ratio of 10 out of 10 (6.2:1), means the reel is built for speed and it's perfect for active retrieves, and quick follow ups
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 5.43 out of 10 (73 centimeter / 28.74 inch) means slower line pickup, great when you need more control for slower fishing styles