Shimano Cardiff 401A vs Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 8IIX

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 Speedmaster Leverdrag II

Multireels

67.00 out of 100

Value for money4 out of 5

Quality classGood

Durability8.61 out of 10

Ergonomics5.53 out of 10

Gear ratio6.2:1/4.1:1

Maximum drag8kg / 17.64lbs

Weight525g / 18.52oz

Line retireve per crank97 centimeter / 38.19 inch

Ball bearings4

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelMultireels
Price range~ €183.33
Is saltwater resistantYes
Spare spoolNo
Reel size8II
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeLever drag
Handle orientationRight
Line capacity monofillbs/yds: 20/200

Conclusion

Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 8IIX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 401A, offering significantly better performance in line retrieve per crank (97 centimeter / 38.19 inch) and durability (8.61 out of 10). While Shimano Cardiff 401A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 8IIX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

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

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

Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 8IIX

At a maximum drag of 8kg / 17,64lbs (scoring 5 out of 10), the reel has a modest drag setup which is enough for smaller fish or relaxed situations where finesse matters more
With a high retrieve rate of 9.13 out of 10 (97 centimeter / 38.19 inch), this reel is built for quick line recovery
Ready for saltwater, great for any multireels adventure.