Shimano Complex XR 2500 HGX vs Shimano Cardiff 401A

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

Shimano Complex XR, 2500 HG, left and right hand, Spinning fishing reel, Front Drag, 21CMXXR2500F6H
Shimano Complex XR
Spinning
89.20 out of 100
Value for money4.5 out of 5
Quality classExcellent
Durability5.5 out of 10
Ergonomics6.42 out of 10
Gear ratio6.0:1
Maximum drag4kg / 8.82lbs
Weight175g / 6.17oz
Line retireve per crank89 centimeter / 35.04 inch
Ball bearings10

Technical Specifications

  • BrandSHIMANO
  • The main category of the reelSpinning
  • Price range~ €215.33
  • Is saltwater resistantNo
  • Spare spoolNo
  • Reel size2500 HG
  • Handle typeSingle handle
  • Drag typeFront drag
  • Handle orientationLeft, Right
  • Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.18/100
Shimano Cardiff 401A, Lefthand, Multiplier Reel, Baitcasting reel
Shimano Cardiff 401A
Multireels
48.20 out of 100
Value for money3.5 out of 5
Quality classMedium
Durability3.72 out of 10
Ergonomics6.24 out of 10
Gear ratio5.2:1
Maximum drag5kg / 11.02 lbs
Weight337g / 11.89oz
Line retireve per crank56cm / 22.05 inch
Ball bearings4 A-RB + 1 RB

Technical Specifications

  • BrandSHIMANO
  • The main category of the reelMultireels
  • Price range~ €95.30
  • Is saltwater resistantNo
  • Spare spoolNo
  • Reel size401
  • Handle typeDouble handle
  • Drag typeStar drag
  • Handle orientationLeft
  • Line capacity monofil0.30mm-325m / 0.35mm-270m / 0.40mm-215m 12lb-330yds / 14lb-250yds / 20lb-165yds

Conclusion

Shimano Complex XR 2500 HGX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 401A, offering significantly better performance in line retrieve per crank (89 centimeter / 35.04 inch) and total score (8.92 out of 10). While Shimano Cardiff 401A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano Complex XR 2500 HGX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano Complex XR and Shimano Cardiff 401A?

Shimano Complex XR 2500 HGX

  • Designed with a light drag at 5.69 out of 10 (4kg / 8,82lbs), the reel is perfect when you're going after small fish or using ultralight setups
  • 8.4 out of 10 (89 centimeter / 35.04 inch) in line retrieve, means it picks up line fast, very handy when chasing quick fish

Shimano Cardiff 401A

  • A 7 out of 10 (4 A-RB + 1 RB) ball bearing gives a smooth performance across most typical fishing situations