Shimano Cardiff 301A vs Shimano Complex XR 2500 HGX

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

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

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

Conclusion

Shimano Complex XR 2500 HGX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 301A, offering significantly better performance in gear ratio (6.0:1) and total score (8.92 out of 10). While Shimano Cardiff 301A 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 Cardiff 301A and Shimano Complex XR?

Shimano Cardiff 301A

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

Shimano Complex XR 2500 HGX

A fast gear ratio of 9.6 out of 10 (6.0:1), means the reel is built for speed and it's perfect for active retrieves, and quick follow ups
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