Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 12IIX vs Shimano Cardiff 401A

Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II

Multireels

82.70 out of 100

Value for money4.5 out of 5

Quality classExcellent

Durability9.5 out of 10

Ergonomics3.4 out of 10

Gear ratio5.7:1/3.1:1

Maximum drag18kg / 39.68lbs

Weight730g / 25.75oz

Line retireve per crank106 centimeter / 41.73 inch

Ball bearings4

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelMultireels
Price range~ €205.33
Is saltwater resistantYes
Spare spoolNo
Reel size12II
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeLever drag
Handle orientationRight
Line capacity monofillbs/yds: 20/350

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 Speedmaster Leverdrag II 12IIX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 401A, offering significantly better performance in maximum drag (18kg / 39,68lbs) and line retrieve per crank (106 centimeter / 41.73 inch). While Shimano Cardiff 401A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 12IIX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II and Shimano Cardiff 401A?

Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 12IIX

With a serious drag score of 10 out of 10 (18kg / 39,68lbs), this reel is made to stop big carp in their tracks, even in rough terrain or tight swims
With a high retrieve rate of 9.73 out of 10 (106 centimeter / 41.73 inch), this reel is built for quick line recovery
Ready for saltwater, great for any multireels adventure.

Shimano Cardiff 401A

Higher gear ratio of 5.2:1 (scoring 9.4 out of 10), provides more speed meaning a better solution when quick retrieves really count
Scoring 8.88 out of 10 (337g / 11.89oz), this reel is impressively light for a multireel