Calcutta Reel Handle Question?

[NCLaker]

I have a Calcutta 400B & 400TE. I am looking to put a Shimano Power crank on the TE (from a Takota reel) and plan to use it for large double bladed bucktails. I noticed that the original double paddled crank of the TE is a little longer thant the one on the 400B. Is there any reason why I wouldn't want to put the bigger TE handle on the 400B?? I will use the 400B on my MH rod for small/med crankbaits, spinner baits, small bucktails, etc.

[10,000 Casts]

will the TE handle fit on the 400B? I was thinking that they were different sizes. I know that they require different power handles.

[NCLaker]

I put it on and it seems to fit.

[50inchpig]

As long as the longer handle doesn't put more stress on your gears than it can handle you should be fine!

[10,000 Casts]

is there any play in it? I ordered a power handle for my 400B and they sent me the one for the TE an I tryed for the life of me to get the power handle that is made for the TE to fit on my 400B and it had too much play.

But if it fits, I'd say go for it. The bigger baits will take more of a toll on the gears but if you are only throwing smaller baits, I would think it would be ok. But then again, why do you need the bigger handle if you don't need the cranking power? I have seen a couple 6500 c3's with a power handle that were stripped and it was simply from the bigger baits + the handle.

maybe teh Tekota is teh same size as the TE, (just saw that)

The TE should handle it fine

[NCLaker]

I'll have to check out the play in the handle for the 400B. May have to do some experimenting this summer.

I read in a different forum/post that you have to be careful with the Shimano power handle for the TE's. The post said that the knob is so heavy, that when you cast the weight can cause the handle to turn causing the free spool to disengage in mid cast. Good info to know if your use to other power handle designs. Other than that post reference, I have not heard of anyone else comment on this occuring with the Shimono power crank.

[b1gf1sh1]

Quote:

that when you cast the weight can cause the handle to turn causing the free spool to disengage in mid cast.

that's funny, lol. i had a buddy that did just that a couple years ago. climbed into my boat braggin' up his new TE with the big bad power handle, and making fun of my ''little babies handle''(i don't like power handles, double pad only please). second spot we stopped he winged out a DCG and... paatiink..sploosh... yeah, i was laughing . and about an hour later he did it again. i didn't laugh that time.(i am now). i suggested he cast smoother, don't throw it so hard, and all that. of course i was ordered to go... lol... anyway he took it back to Joe's and they told him it was his big bad handle. no thanks, i like my little baby handle just fine.

[NCLaker]

Don, that is flippen hillarious Thanks for sharing that great story (great visual).

I'll be taking care not to repeat your friends experience. I'll have to practice with the "big bad" power crank using some junk baits before risking the spendy stuff. I really liked my Abu power crank over the "baby" paddles I'm commited to figuring the TE power crank (but will hold on to my original paddles just in case).