Shimano Cardiff 401A vs Shimano Complex XR 2500 HGX

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

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

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 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 Cardiff 401A and Shimano Complex XR?

Shimano Cardiff 401A

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

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