Caldia Kix Review

NIZ · #1 15-05-2005, 02:37 AM

I found this review on the Caldia Kix on one of the US sites. I've cut and pasted it just in case the mods don't like me linking other sites.

I just received my 2 Caldia Kix(2500 and 3000). That was very fast shipping. Ordered Thursday night and received it this morning. Reels look good so far. Have not spooled line and fish with it yet. They look like Certates but does not feel as solid. Weight is the same but feels lighter. It is every bit as smooth as the Certate and the spool should be interchangeable. Somehow, the Certate feels like a solid metal reel and the Caldia Kix feels like a graphite reel even though the construction is supposedly similar and the weight is about the same.

OK I just spooled some line and closed my eyes and pickup the Certate 2500. I can not tell the difference apart from the different handle. Actually the Caldia Kix has a machined handle that is quite nice. I disassembled it and was pleased to find that there is not a cheap thin plastic piece to hold the handle knob in. In place of it was a 1/4 inch thick stubby plastic washer. I have a ton of bass in my backyard pond so I'll post some pics of the reel in action.

I think this has to be a new best buy in high end reel. Very smooth, lightweight, flat line wrap, wide adjustment of drag and very smooth at all setting.

I had fun with the backyard bass but didn't bother to take any picture. Took it out to the beach this morning and had a blast with whiting, ladyfish, Spanish Mackerel and the targeted species, Pompano. Fished the incoming tide for 1 1/2 hour and ended the morning early (because of work) with three keeper Pompanos. The Caldia Kix was a joy to use with 10lb Spiderwire Stealth). It launch 3/8 oz jig longer than I care to cast since the fish were holding in the swash channel most of the time. Anyway, even with 50-60 hard casts to try for the one that were way out there, I only had one small wind knot with the Spiderwire Stealth. Conclusion is that the Caldia Kix works very well with thin braided line. I can't tell the difference between this and the Certate in the same size. Very smooth drag and plenty of cranking power.

lucky13 · #2 15-05-2005, 03:01 AM

Certate is a full metal construction.
From what I heard, the KIX has plastic rotor, plastic bail arm side assembly and offcause less bearings.
Even the the Luvias are full metal.
My 2cents, the Luvias would be the beswt buy and if you got the dough, get the Certate.

Certate is Japanese made and the KIX are made in Thailand.

NIZ · #3 15-05-2005, 03:53 AM

Quote:

From what I heard, the KIX has plastic rotor, plastic bail arm side assembly

Do you know this as fact? I'm not trying to cause sh1t I just want to know if indeed the Luvias is the better buy. I might email the person who wrote up the review so I can know first hand.

newbie · #4 15-05-2005, 04:07 AM

keep us informed plse !

lucky13 · #5 15-05-2005, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by NIZ
Do you know this as fact? I'm not trying to cause sh1t I just want to know if indeed the Luvias is the better buy. I might email the person who wrote up the review so I can know first hand.

Hiyah mate.
I only heard this from a tackle shop regarding the KIX.
Can't comfirm now till I get hold of the actual reel.
Why don't you email this guy and let us all know about the actual facts.

Another thing I know is that the KIX is made in Thailand as oppose to the Luvias which is made in Japan.(if it matters to you)
Mail this guy and ask him this too.

Cool mate.....

NIZ · #6 19-05-2005, 12:31 AM

Well I emailed the guy and it looks as though you where right lucky13. Its a shame though as by the sounds of it, its a really sweet reel. I guess they had to cut a few corners in order to bring the price down by more than half of the Certate. Now all they have to do is bring out a new Luvias with the Real 4 Concept.

I thought I should also add that I spoke to my local tackle store and the Daiwa rep is taking orders for the Caldia Kix. I was told they would have them instore within a month or so.

Bream Addict · #7 19-05-2005, 01:32 AM

Quote:

was told they would have them instore within a month or so

cool,might have to get myself 1, what will they retail for aussie?

rollas · #8 19-05-2005, 02:46 AM

From looking at the Japanese websites you could be paying from $250 up to $300+

The Kix is a nice reel but not as good as the Luvias.

And if you look around you will pick up a Luvias for that anyway.

Shane

swoffa · #9 19-05-2005, 04:20 AM

You should be able to land a Luvias here for about $300-$320 if you shop around.

Bream Addict · #10 19-05-2005, 04:36 AM

Quote:

paying from $250 up to $300+

yeah for that money i think i would choose the luvias every time

NIZ · #11 19-05-2005, 06:07 AM

From all the reviews I have read it seems like a really good reel. If only it didn't come with all those plastic bits it would be the sh1t.

Also has anyone seen the tuned version of the Luvias?? Comes with a cork knob & machined handle, also comes with 2 ball bearings in the knob so I'm assuming it will feel a bit smoother.

Bream Addict · #12 19-05-2005, 06:11 AM

Quote:

it would be the sh1t.

wouldnt that be bad

lucky13 · #13 19-05-2005, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NIZ
Also has anyone seen the tuned version of the Luvias?? Comes with a cork knob & machined handle, also comes with 2 ball bearings in the knob so I'm assuming it will feel a bit smoother.

try http://www.studio-oceanmark.com/index.html
Ain't gonna be cheap though.

Bream Addict · #14 19-05-2005, 11:23 PM

they look damn hot, i love the 1 with the red inserts

swoffa · #15 19-05-2005, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NIZ
Also has anyone seen the tuned version of the Luvias?? Comes with a cork knob & machined handle, also comes with 2 ball bearings in the knob so I'm assuming it will feel a bit smoother.

I'm not a big fan of machined handles, I like to be able to fold the handle away when not in use. Machined handles are overkill on a bream reel if you ask me.

The cork knob looks schmick though.