Could somebody please tell me why the Calcuttas are so much more expensive that C3s and C4s? I never could figure that out.

Because the Abu's are more vulnerable to break than the calcutta. The calcuttas are better quality and that is why they are more expensive.

more ball bearings and they are more durable reels. Calcuttas and Lunas are almost same quality but I think the Lunas are better but both are very good reels, even though they are overpriced.

As in most cases, you get what you pay for. The Calcutta has a cast aluminum frame as well as several other features above and beyond an ABU. The Daiwa Luna on the other hand is the Gem among the rocks. Machined out of solid bar stock aluminum, metal levelwind guide etc.. Any reel can break down, but the likelyhood of that happening is "supposed" to be lessened with a better quality reel.The Japanese are very concious of quality control while the plants in China...well....not so much. Hope this helps. Steve

C3's and C4's gets the job done. Abu Record reels are a lot smoother but seems like no one ever talks about them. Maybe it's just not the right size. Anyone with insight to that?

Shimano Cardiff is more comparable to C3's and C4's except that Cardif's aren't going to match up to the bigger Abu's size.

There's two Calcutta's the B and the TE - total efficiency reels (not counting the DC's that'll be three or the Lucans Jig version that'll be four). The B's are kind of plain and basic. Good reliable performer.

Cost difference may be within components and gears. Something that we can't immediately see without seeing the insides and knowing what type of material is actually used. Which I wonder why there's such a cost diff between the B's and TE's. Diawa Luna costs more than a B but less than a TE.

Last fall I hired a Jonesi for a guide on Mille Lacs and he has the 300 Luna I have 3 Abu 6500 and one 7000...after using the Luna 300 it is smooth and can handle the big baits loved it so I went and bought one this spring...Ya there expensive but worth it can't wait to use it this year

TEs have HEGs, SF, more bearings all for Smoother operation.

I just picked one up from ebay for cheap and it is like brand new and yes it is definitley smoother than the C3 I have. I am gonna pick another one up soon.

I use the Abu record and love it. I have it paired with a Shimano Compre 7'6" rod and it is a great combo. Relatively light with great backbone and power. The reel has been flawless.
g

Do they make a powerhandle for the lunas? I like the reels but after fishing with PH for years, its hard to go back to a smaller handle.

Setter -
i'm not positive but I think you could use a handle from their Sealine series on the Luna. We swapped some Daiwa handles out on our trolling rods and it works okay. Probably not the ideal situation but better than none.
-erik

Garcia power handles fit on the Luna quite well.

Well then we have no problems...thanks guys.