2026.10.23

Shimano 26 Calcutta Conquest DC: New I-DC5 Brake and Magnumlite Spool IV

minagiman

The Calcutta Conquest DC is Shimano’s flagship round baitcaster with a digital brake, and the 26 Calcutta Conquest DC upgrades almost everything: casting, braking, cranking power and how smooth it feels. Here are the highlights.

Contents

Upgrade 1: Magnumlite Spool IV + I-DC5
Upgrade 2: smoother winding and better feel
Specs
Which size?
Minagiman’s take
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Upgrade 1: Magnumlite Spool IV + I-DC5

The biggest change is the pairing of the new Magnumlite Spool IV with the latest I-DC5 digital brake.

The spool now has a reverse-taper shape, so line lays more evenly and the spool wobbles less as it spins.
The DC brake moves from “5 settings by line type” to three modes (L, M, H) × five levels = 15 settings, all adjustable from the external dial.
Together they improve distance and backlash resistance, from low, skipping casts to full-power throws.

Upgrade 2: smoother winding and better feel

Micro Module Gear plus Infinity Drive and Silent Drive give a light yet powerful retrieve.
A rigid body keeps the gears aligned under load.
The body is more compact than the 20 Calcutta Conquest DC, and the spool sits lower, so it palms more comfortably.

Specs

Model	Gear	Max drag	Weight	Spool	Nylon capacity	Retrieve	Handle	Japan price
100MG / 101MG	5.6	4.5 kg	235 g	34/19 mm	12 lb-100 m, 16 lb-80 m	60 cm	42 mm	74,600 yen
100HG / 101HG	7.4	4 kg	240 g	34/19 mm	12 lb-100 m, 16 lb-80 m	79 cm	42 mm	74,600 yen
200PG	4.8	6 kg	250 g	38/21 mm	14 lb-145 m, 20 lb-100 m	57 cm	42 mm	77,000 yen
200HG	6.5	6 kg	255 g	38/21 mm	14 lb-145 m, 20 lb-100 m	78 cm	42 mm	77,000 yen
200XG	7.5	6 kg	260 g	38/21 mm	14 lb-145 m, 20 lb-100 m	89 cm	45 mm	77,000 yen

101 = left-hand; the 200 size is right-hand only in this list. All models 13+1 bearings. Prices exclude tax.

Which size?

100MG: crankbaits and moving baits where a steady, low-speed retrieve matters.
100HG: the all-rounder for bass and light saltwater.
200 size: bigger line capacity and 6 kg drag for big swimbaits, heavy cover or large saltwater fish.

Minagiman’s take

Calcutta Conquest has always been about a buttery, powerful wind in a classic round body. The 26 model keeps that and fixes the biggest complaint with a modern DC brake that is easier to tune — 15 settings from one dial. It is expensive, but if you want one round baitcaster that does everything beautifully, this is the one.