I have both calcutta's and Newells. I happen to have 3 220's and I too use a 220 for kayak fishing. A Newell 220 will never be as smooth as the Calcutta but once it's broken in chances are it will outcast and definitely outlast calcutta. The drags are in these reels is the same size as a Penn 500 making them little work horses. They are very resistant to corosion. Any reel used for kayaking will generally require more frequent maintaniance then those used on boats. These reels might make a lot of noise but they are the hands down strongest lowest maintaniance light line reels I have ever fished and I have been fishing our local coastal waters for 27 years on a weekly basis. If you don't take my word for it just take a look at the captains and crews equipment on most of the local party boats. You will find most of them using preferably old or new P Series Newells. I'm not too impressed with the change they made to the S sereis in the way that the bars and reel seats are attached to the frames. The P Series is the best but the S series is definitely good too. A good Newell should last you a lifetime.

JerryG