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Posts: 106
| I have been looking at some new reels for this next coming season. It would be used for mainly blades (9's and 10's) and rubber. Just wondering if anybody used this reel for bigger blades this last season and how did it perform with them? any info on it would be great. thanks |
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Posts: 145
| Just picked up a Tranx 400AHG, I will test it out on the bigger blades these week and report back. The extended power handle should help.
However, my current goto reels for big blades are the Okuma Komodo 471SS reels. They do really well on blades up to double 10s and the drive trains and frame are stout enough to handle any level of hard cranking without failure.
I didn't feel as confident using the Revo Toro Beast 60 or the Lexa 400HD for the hardest pulling lures, but both these reels have a good deal of cranking power as well (the Beast comes with an extended power handle which I recommend sticking on for blades), but the Komodo 450 SS reels have more power IMO. The Komodo 450 sized reels do have the largest main gears out of any of the mentioned reels btw, which would explain why I feel they have more cranking power.
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Posts: 211
Location: Wisconsin | I have pulled blades with my Hg but mostly 8's though i did throw 9's with it one day and it wasn't too bad. I have the 400 pg with power handle and it was just easier to use that for blades and was still pretty easy to burn them back into the boat. I definitely don't think the hg could hold up to 9's/10's as a dedicated blade reel. |
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Posts: 239
Location: Madison, WI | i fished my 400HG hard this season and it held up great! threw a lot of 12's with it and this fall threw husky/monster dussas and pounders with it along with xorcist and mega barfighter. seems to be a very durable reel especially for the size. |
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Posts: 300
| I really like the 400HG for 8s and for rubber. It can make the 8s BURN. It is fine for 9s for awhile, but i prefer to reel fast with a lower gear ratio rather than use a high gear ratio to achieve speed.
That being said, it is my favorite reel I own. It is tough to backlash, and it seems to be built like a tank. No experience with Okuma or Lexa. I have always been a Shimano/Abu Garcia guy. |
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Posts: 145
| The Tranx 400AHG just arrived. I like the stock extended power handle, I wish more companies would do this with their big low pro reels. Definitely feels solid.
But, for a 400 sized low pro, it is closer in size too the 300 sized reels of other companies, definitely doesn't have the capacity of the other three 400 sized low pros. |
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Posts: 239
Location: Madison, WI | the size may be deceiving - the tranx 400 actually has slightly more line cap than the beast 60 |
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Posts: 145
| johnsonaaro2 - 2/5/2018 2:28 PM
the size may be deceiving - the tranx 400 actually has slightly more line cap than the beast 60
Did you measure the line? Because, from what I am looking at, the Tranx 400 barely has more line capacity then a Komodo 364.
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Posts: 239
Location: Madison, WI | Beastly Backlash - 2/5/2018 7:20 PM
johnsonaaro2 - 2/5/2018 2:28 PM
the size may be deceiving - the tranx 400 actually has slightly more line cap than the beast 60
Did you measure the line? Because, from what I am looking at, the Tranx 400 barely has more line capacity then a Komodo 364.
i only compared the tranx to the beast, from what im seeing the beast 60 holds 250 yards of 14 lb mono where the tranx 400 holds 260... Komodo 450 is definitely a bigger spool than both and a great reel as well |
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Posts: 145
| johnsonaaro2 - 2/6/2018 12:59 PM
Beastly Backlash - 2/5/2018 7:20 PM
johnsonaaro2 - 2/5/2018 2:28 PM
the size may be deceiving - the tranx 400 actually has slightly more line cap than the beast 60
Did you measure the line? Because, from what I am looking at, the Tranx 400 barely has more line capacity then a Komodo 364.
i only compared the tranx to the beast, from what im seeing the beast 60 holds 250 yards of 14 lb mono where the tranx 400 holds 260... Komodo 450 is definitely a bigger spool than both and a great reel as well
I know what Shimano says on their site, but it definitely seems off, especially if you use the rope like PP, which is what the capacities are based on. Maybe the capacity is based on Maxcurato?
The Diawa Lexa 400 can only take about 250yds if 50lb Sufix 832, the Shimano Tranx 400 has a smaller spool both in depth and width then the Lexa 400. I haven't measured out the Tranx 400's spool capacity yet, but based on spool size, it does have one of the smaller spool dimensions of the top 4 big low pros. I did double check the dimensions of the Beast 60 and I think that the Tranx 400 and Beast 60 may have simular line capacities. As a note, the Beast 60 is listed as having a capacity of 285yds of 30lb braid, which is odd as the Tranx has about that much capacity with 50lb braid.
I may just have to measure out the line of both the Tranx 40 and Beast 60 to get an accurate idea of capacities. For musky, capacity isn't such a big deal, but when chasing inshore game fish, an extra 50yds of line can make or break you.
But, the Lexa 400 and Komodo 450 gave greater line capacities then either of the other two reels. The Komodo 450s will swallow an entire spool of 50lb sufix 832. |
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Posts: 145
| My initial impression of the Tranx 400 is that it is not a true 400.
I broke the reel down the other day and compared it too one of my Komodo 471SS's; I will compare it to one of my Lexa 400's this weekend.
The main gear size difference between the Tranx 400 and the Komodo 471 was stark, the Tranx had a main gear with a diameter of 34mm while the Komodo had a 54mm dia. main gear.
The main reason most of us would get a 400 sized baitcaster is for the increase in power due to the much larger main gears found in 400 sized low pros, the Tranx 400 simply isn't a true 400.
Gear size, weight, and capacity are more in line with a 300 sized low pro.
What Shimano did with the Tranx 400 would be like Honda listing the CBR600 is a liter class crotch rocket and referring to it as a CBR1000 when it is actually a 600.
For glide baits, twitch baits, and Spring time lures, the Tranx 400 would be fine, but if you need power, just stick with a legit 400 sized low pro or go up to the Tranx 500 (but, just keep in mind that the Komodo 471SS has bigger gearing in a smaller and lighter package). |
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Posts: 1100
| Afaik the 400 label on shimano reels is only a reference to the size of the spool, and have nothing to do with any of the internal components.
Beside that the numbers manufactures give their reels are independent on the different manufacturer, and model. E.g. Abu size 60 toro, 400tranx, and daiwa are also different. |
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Posts: 145
| Zinox - 2/9/2018 3:42 AM
Afaik the 400 label on shimano reels is only a reference to the size of the spool, and have nothing to do with any of the internal components.
Beside that the numbers manufactures give their reels are independent on the different manufacturer, and model. E.g. Abu size 60 toro, 400tranx, and daiwa are also different.
When you buy a 400 sized reel, you expect a reel like a Lexa 400 or Komodo 400, both are simular in size. Abu doesn't use 300 or 400 to specify the size of their reels, just 50 and 60. The line capacities are also not miss stated.
Clearly Shimano labeled the Tranx 400 a 400 in order to market it as competition for other 400 sized reels. All you have to do is look at the line capacity Shimano listed for the Tranx 400, 275yds of 50lb PP. The reel won't take 275yds of PP. The much bigger Lexa will get 250yds of 50lb and the Komodo 471 will get 300yds of 50lb; it is obvious what Shimano was gunning for.
Face it, the Tranx is a 300 sized reel marketed falsely as a 400 sized reel. |
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Posts: 199
| Beastly Backlash - 2/9/2018 5:43 AM
Zinox - 2/9/2018 3:42 AM
Afaik the 400 label on shimano reels is only a reference to the size of the spool, and have nothing to do with any of the internal components.
Beside that the numbers manufactures give their reels are independent on the different manufacturer, and model. E.g. Abu size 60 toro, 400tranx, and daiwa are also different.
When you buy a 400 sized reel, you expect a reel like a Lexa 400 or Komodo 400, both are simular in size. Abu doesn't use 300 or 400 to specify the size of their reels, just 50 and 60. The line capacities are also not miss stated.
Clearly Shimano labeled the Tranx 400 a 400 in order to market it as competition for other 400 sized reels. All you have to do is look at the line capacity Shimano listed for the Tranx 400, 275yds of 50lb PP. The reel won't take 275yds of PP. The much bigger Lexa will get 250yds of 50lb and the Komodo 471 will get 300yds of 50lb; it is obvious what Shimano was gunning for.
Face it, the Tranx is a 300 sized reel marketed falsely as a 400 sized reel.
So the 300 is actually a 200? |
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Posts: 28
| I ran a 400 and 400HG last year, and a couple of buddies of mine did, as well. All of us were very impressed with them. I liked them so much that I sold all but one of my Beasts. I now run 400s for everything but 12s and 13s. Granted, I only fish 1-2 times a week now. I can't say they will or won't hold up to 4-5 outings a week, but I never had any hint of an issue, and really have not heard of anyone running into any issues with them either. They are no 500, but they seem rock solid. |
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Posts: 145
| JTHIRY - 2/9/2018 8:14 AM
I ran a 400 and 400HG last year, and a couple of buddies of mine did, as well. All of us were very impressed with them. I liked them so much that I sold all but one of my Beasts. I now run 400s for everything but 12s and 13s. Granted, I only fish 1-2 times a week now. I can't say they will or won't hold up to 4-5 outings a week, but I never had any hint of an issue, and really have not heard of anyone running into any issues with them either. They are no 500, but they seem rock solid.
No one is denying they are solid, but I haven't seen anything in the reel that makes it better then any other option. If you need a 400 sized reel or a reel with serious cranking power though, there are much better options imo.
If you want to pay 300 for a 300 sized reel listed as a 400 sized reel when other 300 sized reels and other actual 400 sized reels are avalible for much less and provide equal, if not superior, performance, that is fine.
Since Shimano decided to market the Tranx 400 as such, it is only right to compare the reel to other 400s. Realistically, the reel would only be competitive vs 300s.
Nick, from tackle advisors on YouTube, though he loves the Tranx 400, admits this much himself.
I must admit that I bought the reel to see what all the hype was about, so far I see no advantage to owning this reel vs a Lexa or Komodo, save someone who wants the sealing.
The reel is refined out of the box as I would expect from a Shimano, but no more refined then a Lexa HD and no better free spin then a Komodo.
But, my main point to anyone looking for a legit 400 sized low pro that can deliver serious cranking power, look somewhere else or just be aware that you are getting the equivalent of a Lexa 300 or Komodo 364 at near double the price.
It is what it is.
The Tranx 400 is a nice reel though, just not a true 400.
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Posts: 28
| I agree if you want serious cranking power, there are better options - hence why I kept my Beast 4.9:1.
It does depend on how you fish and what you throw. I slow roll 9s and 10s a lot of the time, and the 400 is great for that application. If I burn, I typically am throwing 8s or single blades, so I go with the HG. The HG is also an awesome rubber and dive/rise reel.
Everyone has their preferences. For what I do, these 400s are great options. I have heard great things about the Komodos, just haven't tried them. I owned a Lexa 400 and it went to crap in less than a season, fishing the same way I do now with the Tranx 400s. |
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Posts: 145
| JTHIRY - 2/9/2018 9:00 AM
I agree if you want serious cranking power, there are better options - hence why I kept my Beast 4.9:1.
It does depend on how you fish and what you throw. I slow roll 9s and 10s a lot of the time, and the 400 is great for that application. If I burn, I typically am throwing 8s or single blades, so I go with the HG. The HG is also an awesome rubber and dive/rise reel.
Everyone has their preferences. For what I do, these 400s are great options. I have heard great things about the Komodos, just haven't tried them. I owned a Lexa 400 and it went to crap in less than a season, fishing the same way I do now with the Tranx 400s.
I am looking forward to seeing how my Tranx 400 holds up over the course of the season. Being as it is technically a 300 size, it is important to use it in those capacities...
But, just for kicks, I am going to use it the way I do my Lexa and Komodo 400s, the reel is going to hate me so much. Lol! Should be fun.
I had an original Komodo 364 that I finally passed on to another angler after having used the reel since they first came out, the little Komodo never missed a beat. If anything, it got smoother and more refined with time no matter what I did to it. I just couldn't stand that ugly red/grey color scheme. It was the best 300 sized low pro I ever used. |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | Beastly Backlash - 2/9/2018 12:21 AM
My initial impression of the Tranx 400 is that it is not a true 400.
I broke the reel down the other day and compared it too one of my Komodo 471SS's; I will compare it to one of my Lexa 400's this weekend.
The main gear size difference between the Tranx 400 and the Komodo 471 was stark, the Tranx had a main gear with a diameter of 34mm while the Komodo had a 54mm dia. main gear.
The main reason most of us would get a 400 sized baitcaster is for the increase in power due to the much larger main gears found in 400 sized low pros, the Tranx 400 simply isn't a true 400.
Gear size, weight, and capacity are more in line with a 300 sized low pro.
What Shimano did with the Tranx 400 would be like Honda listing the CBR600 is a liter class crotch rocket and referring to it as a CBR1000 when it is actually a 600.
For glide baits, twitch baits, and Spring time lures, the Tranx 400 would be fine, but if you need power, just stick with a legit 400 sized low pro or go up to the Tranx 500 (but, just keep in mind that the Komodo 471SS has bigger gearing in a smaller and lighter package).
What is the range of gear sizes that would be acceptable to you for a 400 series reel? What are the acceptable line capacity ranges? How do your expectations compare to the industry standard that must be adhered to?
Perhaps there are no standards and they can configure and call the reel anything they want. No different than the H, XH, XXH ratings of rod manufacturers being far from standardized. They can call their products anything they want and it's up to the consumer to pay attention to the specifics that matter to them. Then the consumer decides if that piece of equipment will meet their requirements or not.
Saying that this that and the other thing is misrepresented because of a non standard label name seems to be reaching a little. |
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Posts: 483
Location: Northern Illinois | ^^^Agreed. The model number is just to give the consumer a general idea of the line capacity of the reel. The Tranx 400 compares to the Abu Garcia 60 (or old 6500) size. Actually the Lexa 400 is probably more comparable to the Tranx 500's line capacity. The consumer ultimately decides if the reel is appropriate for the intended application. The reviews I've seen on the Tranx 400 so far are positive. |
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Posts: 1100
| curleytail^^ This was exactly my point, the 400 have nothing to do the the specific size from brand to brand.
To my knowledge the 400 size Shimano reels haven't changed line capacity through time, and as far as i know, the 400 Shimano models were on the market before the Lexa 400. |
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Posts: 145
| RLSea - 2/9/2018 10:27 PM
^^^Agreed. The model number is just to give the consumer a general idea of the line capacity of the reel. The Tranx 400 compares to the Abu Garcia 60 (or old 6500) size. Actually the Lexa 400 is probably more comparable to the Tranx 500's line capacity. The consumer ultimately decides if the reel is appropriate for the intended application. The reviews I've seen on the Tranx 400 so far are positive.
I know what you are saying, but...
The Tranx has a line capacity listed as 275yds of Powerpro 50lb test. I base a reels size off of the line capacity myself and this is why I am making the points I have made.
That is more then a Lexa 400 and nearly as much as a Komodo 471SS.
While that line capacity is grossly overstated, it must be concluded that Shimano intended the reel to be competitive against other 400 sized low pros because they decided to list the line capacity as being in the range of those other reels. So, if you want to play with the big dogs, and you front a 300 like it is a 400, your reel should be judged as a 400, the Tranx 400 fails as anything but a 300.
If Shimano would have stated a line capacity of 210yds of 50lb power pro, we would not be having this conversation.
Abu can be left out of this because they not only do not use the same 300/400 size classifications, they did not overstate the line capacity of the 60s. The 60 has bigger and beefier gearing then the Tranx 400, just for your information.
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Posts: 1679
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | Beastly Backlash - 2/10/2018 9:43 AM
The 60 has bigger and beefier gearing then the Tranx 400, just for your information.
You should probably do some homework before you try to convince someone to buy a reel. The gearing in the 400 is nearly the same as the 500. The 400 gears are larger than the beast 60z. If you compare “slow to slow” the 400 gearing is larger and picks up more line per turn.
Pic is 500 pg gear on table in front of 400a
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Posts: 145
| curleytail - 2/9/2018 8:51 PM
Beastly Backlash - 2/9/2018 12:21 AM
My initial impression of the Tranx 400 is that it is not a true 400.
I broke the reel down the other day and compared it too one of my Komodo 471SS's; I will compare it to one of my Lexa 400's this weekend.
The main gear size difference between the Tranx 400 and the Komodo 471 was stark, the Tranx had a main gear with a diameter of 34mm while the Komodo had a 54mm dia. main gear.
The main reason most of us would get a 400 sized baitcaster is for the increase in power due to the much larger main gears found in 400 sized low pros, the Tranx 400 simply isn't a true 400.
Gear size, weight, and capacity are more in line with a 300 sized low pro.
What Shimano did with the Tranx 400 would be like Honda listing the CBR600 is a liter class crotch rocket and referring to it as a CBR1000 when it is actually a 600.
For glide baits, twitch baits, and Spring time lures, the Tranx 400 would be fine, but if you need power, just stick with a legit 400 sized low pro or go up to the Tranx 500 (but, just keep in mind that the Komodo 471SS has bigger gearing in a smaller and lighter package).
What is the range of gear sizes that would be acceptable to you for a 400 series reel? What are the acceptable line capacity ranges? How do your expectations compare to the industry standard that must be adhered to?
Perhaps there are no standards and they can configure and call the reel anything they want. No different than the H, XH, XXH ratings of rod manufacturers being far from standardized. They can call their products anything they want and it's up to the consumer to pay attention to the specifics that matter to them. Then the consumer decides if that piece of equipment will meet their requirements or not.
Saying that this that and the other thing is misrepresented because of a non standard label name seems to be reaching a little.
What is the stated line capacity of the Tranx 400?
What are the line capacities of the Lexa 400 and Komodo 471?
Line capacity determines what size class a reel fits into, Shimano stuck the Tranx 400 into the size class of the other two 400s.
There is no standard for gear size when it comes to any reel, but gear size does matter a lot, especially when it comes to cranking power.
If you need a reel with superior cranking power, you should consider the reels with the biggest gears in that reels class, in this case that would mean you need to go with a Lexa 400 or Komodo 471SS.
The Tranx 400 fails in comparison to the other 400s.
It is not my fault Shimano has falsely advertised the reels capacity, thus falsely representing the size class of the Tranx 400.
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Posts: 145
| This is a Komodo 471SS main gear with a Tranx 400 main gear inside the drag stack housing.
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Posts: 1100
| The size of the gears does not affect the cranking power, but it effects durability.
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Posts: 145
| Zinox - 2/10/2018 11:27 AM
The size of the gears does not affect the cranking power, but it effects durability.
It effects both, do the research.
At the same time, I am going to take what you said and apply it to the Tranx 400; small gear plus micro teeth, equals not a long term investment.
Your own words. |
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Posts: 145
| RyanJoz - 2/10/2018 10:54 AM
Beastly Backlash - 2/10/2018 9:43 AM
The 60 has bigger and beefier gearing then the Tranx 400, just for your information.
You should probably do some homework before you try to convince someone to buy a reel. The gearing in the 400 is nearly the same as the 500. The 400 gears are larger than the beast 60z. If you compare “slow to slow” the 400 gearing is larger and picks up more line per turn.
Pic is 500 pg gear on table in front of 400a
You should do your homework.
Komodo 471SS w/ 54mm main gear, Lexa 400HD w/ 53mm main gear, Beast 60 w/47mm main gear, Tranx 400AHG w/45mm main gear.
The Tranx 500 has a 50mm main gear.
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Posts: 145
| Here is the Beast 60 with the Tranx 400 main gear side by side.
Sorry Ryan, but you need to do your homework.
And the beast isn't even marketed as being in the size range of the 400s.
(resized beast tranx.jpg)
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Posts: 1679
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | My 4.9 beast main gear is 43mm... |
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