Shimano Calcutta Conquest DC A
The name Calcutta is synonymous with smooth performance, easy casting, and durable round reels that continue to evolve to meet the needs of the modern angler. Enter the Shimano Calcutta Conquest DC A, the first saltwater rated DC reel, delivering unmatched versatility in a Digital Control platform. The I DC5 system, Shimano’s flagship DC technology, features a simple two dial design: the inside dial selects line type, nylon, fluorocarbon, or braid, while the outside dial matches braking to lure size or can be set to AUTO for optimized control. Working with an upgraded magnetic layout that includes a ring magnet, the system applies smoother, more consistent braking, and increases initial spool speed by 12% compared to I DC4, resulting in longer, cleaner, trouble free casts. The Calcutta Conquest DC A also incorporates MGL Spool IV, an ultra thin, reverse tapered spool engineered for low inertia, enhancing distance and accuracy when casting lighter lures. For anglers targeting big fish or making repeated casts with large baits, InfinityDrive provides light yet powerful winding under heavy load by reducing side load pressure, creating 40% lighter rotation during heavy battles. From presenting large glide baits for bass in freshwater to working topwater plugs and swimbaits for inshore favorites like striped bass, snook, and redfish, the Calcutta Conquest DC A is built to excel wherever your pursuit leads.
Features & Technology
- HAGANE: Shimano’s reel-design concept combines built-in toughness and durability with precision engineering, allowing the reel to withstand continual use and extreme abuse.
- MICROMODULE: An ultra-compact precision gear system and precisely engineered body housing deliver silky-smooth winding. Increasing the number of meshing gear teeth reduces vibration to less than half that of conventional gears in Shimano’s comparison, without sacrificing strength.
- HAGANE Body: A highly rigid metal body provides impact resistance and virtually eliminates reel-body flex while fighting fish. This transfers the angler’s actions directly into efficient cranking power.
- Infinity Drive: An advanced structure designed to provide lighter and more powerful winding in conventional and low-profile reels. The spool shaft supports the pinion gear instead of a spool-side bearing, while optimized support spacing and pinion-gear thickness provide the rigidity required for winding under heavy loads without compromising gear strength.
- SILENTDRIVE: An O-ring positioned on the pinion gear’s inner-diameter support reduces play between the pinion gear and spool shaft, improving handle-rotation feel.
- MAGNUMLITE SPOOL IV: An ultra-thin, reverse-tapered spool with extremely low inertia. Its shape promotes even and consistent line winding, corrects the winding profile, and reduces spool vibration. The resulting balanced spool improves casting performance.
- SilentTune: Applies slight pressure to the spool-supporting bearing to reduce vibration during high-speed rotation. This makes casting quieter and allows spool rotation to start more smoothly.
- I-DC5: The Intelligent Digital Control braking system allows precise adjustment for different line-and-lure combinations. The internal dial selects nylon monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided line. The external dial provides settings for big lures from 5/8 to 1 oz, medium lures from 3/8 to 3/4 oz, small high-air-resistance lures from 1/4 to 7/16 oz, and finesse lures from 3/16 to 1/4 oz. An AUTO setting lets the onboard Digital Control system choose the optimal braking level. Additional magnets and a ring magnet distribute braking force more evenly and increase maximum spool revolutions by 12% at the beginning of the cast.
- S-Compact Body: The palming-side plate is up to 25% smaller than the A-side plate, improving comfort and fishability throughout the day.
