I am in the process of buying my first swimbait rod and reel. I was just wondering if the te is worth the exra money, and what is the difference between them? Also, what kind and size fishing line does everyone use? I was thinking 25lb but did not know which kind I should get.

Thanks

I can't offer any advice on the reel. If you have the extra money, go with the TE. I have an Ambassadeur that cost me $50 and it does the job nicely.

Go with 20 pound Berkley Big Game. I switched to it and man its tough stuff. Casts well and holds knots nicely.
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Go big or go home!

I have 6 of the 400B's and I love them. I know Rob and a couple of other guys use the TE's but to me they are just too expensive for Bass. If I was using lighter line in Salt Water for Albacore and Yellowtail and needed a really good drag I might think about it but for Bass the 400B is just fine. Bass never pull out any drag anyway, it's always cranked down all the way.

I feel that you can get a longer cast with the TE. Add the improved cranking power from the oversize gears and you have a winner :-) Personally I love the TE and thats all I use now for swimbaits. Nothing wrong with the standard 400B model at all. I just like more cranking power }(

thanks for the replies....is the 400b just the regular 400 or is there 3 different models for the 400 calcutta?

Thanks

The 400B has the levelwind.....The TE is the high end model and the other is the one with no levelwind... I think that is all of them...

It all depends on how much $ you have...If you have a lot go with the TE...If not that much, spend the money for the 400B and buy a few more swimbaits....