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Posts: 10
| Alright guys, so for my first new musky setup for 2015, I'm finally getting serious! I'm going with a Big Nasty and a Lexa 400. I'm just not sure whether I want the mid-range 6:1 gearing, or the 5:1 power gear. The rod is gonna be my go-to bucktail rod, but since it'll be such a nicer combo than anything else I have, I'm sure I'll use it for the majority of my fishing. Topwaters, jerks, cranks, lighter rubber. I realize there are other rods that are more ideal for some of those presentations, and I do have three or four other musky rods, but I'm trying to make this rod as versatile as possible.
Having said that, at the end of the day this will be my bucktail rod, and I did just invest in about half a dozen double 13s. However I really think varying speed can be huge, so I'd like the ability to "somewhat" burn baits in. I realize that actually burning a double 13 bucktail might require an electric ATV winch, but I'd like to be able to add short bursts of speed if I want to, and ideally I'd be able to burn in the double 10s, agian, to the extent that you can burn a big@$$ bucktail!
So what do you guys think? I kind of want the 6:1 because of the burning ability compared to the 5:1, plus I think the 6:1 would be a better all-around reel, as far as topwaters, jerkbaits, and the like. And before you ask, yes I'm set on the Lexa! However I do plan on my next reel being a Revo of some sort, so feel free to take that into consideration. Thanks again! |
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Posts: 49
| Ive used my Lexa 400 6:1 for the past year without any mechanical issues. It's great for an all around reel, but it still won't "burn" double 13s or 10s. I don't have problems with any bucktails smaller than that though. Honestly, in my opinion if you're gonna be throwing 13s for any amount of time and trying to bring them in with any speed, I'd look into a better reel. Don't get me wrong, I like my Lexa, but I don't think it'll be what you may be anticipating. |
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Posts: 212
Location: Wisconsin | i think the 5:1 would be best for the blades. I have the 6:3 and bought it for a dedicated rubber set up. I looked at the 5 also but did not like the power handle size and balance. You wont be able to burn 10's very long with the higher gear ratio. |
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Posts: 1283
| The 5.1 does absolutely NOTHING better the a 5.4 NACL. In fact it seems like more work at the end of the day and it is. If I were to buy another LEXA 400 down the road it would have to be the 6.3 for the extra speed. That is the only way it would be worth it IMO. Also you are buying a really nice rod I think it deserves a really nice reel to match it. |
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Posts: 525
| I have the mid speed 6.3:1 lexa 400. It is not a big blade reel. Could you use it for that, sure. Would you be happy with it for that, I don't think so. If you are set on a lexa get the low speed ratio if it's going to be your bucktail combo and I think you will be much happier. If you can swing it, get a tranx pg and you will never look back. I have a pg tranx on the big nasty as my primary big bucktail combo. In my opinion, it is the best big blade combo made. |
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Posts: 1713
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | Every Lexa I have worked on after less than a year of use has plastic chards all through the reel and need new "yokes". Save yourself some trouble and buy a revo toro nacl 60 5.4:1 or tranx pg. |
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Posts: 1000
| I love the lexas, but if you're serious about reeling in trash can lids you should find a way to get the tranx PG. I say that not because the lexa 400P has a lack of power, but because of durability. My buddy already had to send his in and is now saving for a Tranx PG. I would've bought the lexa 400P if I didn't already have a Tranx. I have a 400H and I absolutely love that reel for everything double 8's and down. When shimano comes out with a lower-profile 400 size reel I will be buying it.
Revo toros - they're excellent reels, but they don't fit my hand as well as a lexa.
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI | I think you're on the right track with the 6.3:1 Lexa 400. It's the best all-around reel of the three ratios and at 33.4" per turn it is capable of truly burning a bucktail. For comparison the TranX PG is 30"/turn and TranX HG is 43"/turn. The 400H on a Big Nasty is what I use for my dedicated big blade rod and I'm very happy with it. |
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| The 5:1 is a great reel for big blades and all around use. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Go with the 5 Gears, the 6 gears dont have the power for anything bigger then 7 or 8 blades, this is from a 50 year old person, if you are 20 and have strong hands maybe on the 6 gears ??? |
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI | PIKEMASTER - 2/23/2015 5:04 PM Go with the 5 Gears, the 6 gears dont have the power for anything bigger then 7 or 8 blades, this is from a 50 year old person, if you are 20 and have strong hands maybe on the 6 gears ??? LOL. My Dad is 67 and loves his 6.3:1 for big blades, he liked his Saltist but loves his 400 Lexa. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Will Schultz - 2/23/2015 9:16 PM
PIKEMASTER - 2/23/2015 5:04 PM Go with the 5 Gears, the 6 gears dont have the power for anything bigger then 7 or 8 blades, this is from a 50 year old person, if you are 20 and have strong hands maybe on the 6 gears ??? LOL. My Dad is 67 and loves his 6.3:1 for big blades, he liked his Saltist but loves his 400 Lexa.
Trust me if you use a 6.3 lexa for 10 or 12 blades they will sound like coffee grinders in less then 6 mths. I have over 30 of them in the shop waiting on new gears. They have brass gears and the pinion on the 6 gears, the teeth will fold over time, not the fault of the brass gears, they where not made to bring in 10 blades all day long. |
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Posts: 27
Location: Miltona | PIKEMASTER - 2/23/2015 11:32 PM
Will Schultz - 2/23/2015 9:16 PM
PIKEMASTER - 2/23/2015 5:04 PM Go with the 5 Gears, the 6 gears dont have the power for anything bigger then 7 or 8 blades, this is from a 50 year old person, if you are 20 and have strong hands maybe on the 6 gears ??? LOL. My Dad is 67 and loves his 6.3:1 for big blades, he liked his Saltist but loves his 400 Lexa.
Trust me if you use a 6.3 lexa for 10 or 12 blades they will sound like coffee grinders in less then 6 mths.
If you're a lefty what reel do you recommend for 10/12 blades, Calcutta D? |
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI | PIKEMASTER - 2/24/2015 12:32 AM Will Schultz - 2/23/2015 9:16 PM PIKEMASTER - 2/23/2015 5:04 PM Go with the 5 Gears, the 6 gears dont have the power for anything bigger then 7 or 8 blades, this is from a 50 year old person, if you are 20 and have strong hands maybe on the 6 gears ??? LOL. My Dad is 67 and loves his 6.3:1 for big blades, he liked his Saltist but loves his 400 Lexa. Trust me if you use a 6.3 lexa for 10 or 12 blades they will sound like coffee grinders in less then 6 mths. We must be really lucky, in an entire season ours still feel and sound as good as new. Granted they don't have a ton of hours on them, only around 200. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Smiltona - 2/23/2015 11:52 PM
PIKEMASTER - 2/23/2015 11:32 PM
Will Schultz - 2/23/2015 9:16 PM
PIKEMASTER - 2/23/2015 5:04 PM Go with the 5 Gears, the 6 gears dont have the power for anything bigger then 7 or 8 blades, this is from a 50 year old person, if you are 20 and have strong hands maybe on the 6 gears ??? LOL. My Dad is 67 and loves his 6.3:1 for big blades, he liked his Saltist but loves his 400 Lexa.
Trust me if you use a 6.3 lexa for 10 or 12 blades they will sound like coffee grinders in less then 6 mths.
If you're a lefty what reel do you recommend for 10/12 blades, Calcutta D?
Yes the 300 - 301 / 400- 401 D Calcutta reels have bearing supported pinion gears, and have Micro gearing so more teeth will touch between the Pinion and Main gears so they will not fold over using them on 10 Blades.
I know I have over 30 Lexa reels in the shop waiting for new gears and to have the plastic bushing that supports the pinion gears replaced because they are worn out after one season on the water. The Lexa is a price point reel. Great reel for the $$$ I have one in the 5 gears and I use, but the Calcutta D I use a lot more. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Left hand reels to burn Tens, not to many out there. |
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Posts: 31
| I have the Lexa 400 5.1 paired with a big nasty and I absolutely love it! Its brings tens in super easy and is my dedicated bucktail setup. I find it great for burning them as well. I would reccomend the setup to anyone. |
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Posts: 525
| " For comparison the TranX PG is 30"/turn and TranX HG is 43"/turn. The 400H on a Big Nasty is what I use for my dedicated big blade rod and I'm very happy with it."
I assure you as a guy who owns all three of the reels mentioned here, there is simply no comparison for reeling in big blades. The tranx pg will outperform either of the other two hands down. I had the tranx hg first, it is a work out and not at all fun to throw 10s or 13s with. The next year I got the tranx pg. night and day difference between it and the hg tranx. Bulging super models is not a problem, you can blow them out if you really want to. The lexa 6.3:1 is a great reel for smaller baits like show girls and 700 series buchertails, but it isn't enough reel for big blades in my opinion. Maybe the 5.4:1, but I don't have one of those yet.
The true beauty of the pg tranx is the spool size. Although it claims only 30 " per turn with a full spool and the power handle burning big blades is a breeze.
I guess Mr. Schultz and I will have to agree to disagree on this one... |
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Posts: 1283
| Pikemaster how many NACLs do you have in for worn out parts? |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | achotrod - 2/25/2015 2:38 PM
Pikemaster how many NACLs do you have in for worn out parts?
Toro reels are bullitt proof
Only thing is the thumb bars need adjusting on some of them. If guys try to push down on the thumb bars fighting a fish that will bend the cast thumb bar arm. The 5.4:1 gears are the best to get for 10-12 in my opion, the 6 gears use for fast line pickup. the 4 gears are great at slow rolling 10 - 12 at nite |
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI | musky513 - 2/24/2015 8:11 PM " I guess Mr. Schultz and I will have to agree to disagree on this one... No need to disagree, the OP's question wasn't about which to choose a TranX PG or a Lexa 400 it was about which Lexa. IMO the 6.3:1 has the power and speed for burning big blades and it's just that, my opinion. I don't disagree with your opinion because it's what works for you. |
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Posts: 1000
| 6.3:1 doesn't have the durability to do 10's. The 400P is the only big blades reel in their lineup |
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Posts: 1283
| PIKEMASTER - 2/25/2015 3:10 PM
achotrod - 2/25/2015 2:38 PM
Pikemaster how many NACLs do you have in for worn out parts?
Toro reels are bullitt proof
Only thing is the thumb bars need adjusting on some of them. If guys try to push down on the thumb bars fighting a fish that will bend the cast thumb bar arm. The 5.4:1 gears are the best to get for 10-12 in my opion, the 6 gears use for fast line pickup. the 4 gears are great at slow rolling 10 - 12 at nite
This is why I own 5 Toro NACLs and sold my LEXAs and Tranx. Completely agree with your ratio choices also. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | TMF89 - 2/22/2015 11:22 AM
Alright guys, so for my first new musky setup for 2015, I'm finally getting serious! I'm going with a Big Nasty and a Lexa 400. I'm just not sure whether I want the mid-range 6:1 gearing, or the 5:1 power gear.
And before you ask, yes I'm set on the Lexa! Thanks again!
A lot of folks on this site have some reading compehension issues.
In my experience the 5.1 is the best choice for bigger bucktails.
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Posts: 349
| Flambeauski - 2/26/2015 11:15 AM TMF89 - 2/22/2015 11:22 AM Alright guys, so for my first new musky setup for 2015, I'm finally getting serious! I'm going with a Big Nasty and a Lexa 400. I'm just not sure whether I want the mid-range 6:1 gearing, or the 5:1 power gear. And before you ask, yes I'm set on the Lexa! Thanks again! A lot of folks on this site have some reading compehension issues. In my experience the 5.1 is the best choice for bigger bucktails. Agree on both accounts. 5:1 is the Lexa to get for big blades. @Achotrod... we get it, you like NACL's |
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Posts: 62
Location: Northwest WI | In response to the original question...
I added a Lexa 400 6.3 to my collection early last spring, and fished it pretty hard. I used it for everything except double tens and it proved to be a solid, all around reel. Mine's paired with a St Croix Long Ranger which makes a nice combination.
A couple of my buddies bought the same reel and were equally satisfied.
I throw 10's with either a TE 400 or Penn 975 so I can't comment on the 6.3 Lexa's suitability for the bigger blades. However, it handles mag 8's and smaller with no trouble.
Keith |
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Posts: 1000
| KGW - 2/26/2015 4:12 PM
In response to the original question...
I added a Lexa 400 6.3 to my collection early last spring, and fished it pretty hard. I used it for everything except double tens and it proved to be a solid, all around reel. Mine's paired with a St Croix Long Ranger which makes a nice combination.
A couple of my buddies bought the same reel and were equally satisfied.
I throw 10's with either a TE 400 or Penn 975 so I can't comment on the 6.3 Lexa's suitability for the bigger blades. However, it handles mag 8's and smaller with no trouble.
Keith
I'll echo this. I love the 6.3:1 for jr cowgirls. |
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Posts: 334
Location: Madison, WI | 1 full season throwing 8-9 sized blades with my 400HS-P equipped with nacl power handle. Zero issues. never once did I feel worn out. Those that say the tranx hg is a workout must have wet noodles for forearms because it's the one to get for burning. It's a big reel but man is it fast. |
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Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | tswoboda - 2/26/2015 1:51 PM
Flambeauski - 2/26/2015 11:15 AM TMF89 - 2/22/2015 11:22 AM Alright guys, so for my first new musky setup for 2015, I'm finally getting serious! I'm going with a Big Nasty and a Lexa 400. I'm just not sure whether I want the mid-range 6:1 gearing, or the 5:1 power gear. And before you ask, yes I'm set on the Lexa! Thanks again! A lot of folks on this site have some reading compehension issues. In my experience the 5.1 is the best choice for bigger bucktails. Agree on both accounts. 5:1 is the Lexa to get for big blades. @Achotrod... we get it, you like NACL's
LMAO I thought the same thing. Any time there is a thread relating to a blade reel, lexa, or toro I can be assured that he will chime in about the NACl. |
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Posts: 1283
| Dont have to listen to me but Id listen to what Pikemaster has to say. He is a reel repair guy and has more LEXAs in for repair then Cabelas has in stock.
Funny thing I wasnt even an Abu fan until I bit the bullet and bought one. |
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Posts: 757
| I don't own any Lexa's, but I would go with the 5 to 1 ratio, especially with the big tails. To maximize your speed, make sure you top out your reel with line. I learned this tip decades ago from Doug Stange using my ABU 7000'S. Kdawg |
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Posts: 270
Location: SE WISCONSIN | I do not fish for Muskie full time with that said.I have a Lexa 5.1 on a 8"6 mojo it works great for 10's I don't like power handles so I bought a Lexa paddle handle off the swap board I'm looking forward to using it this spring. |
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Posts: 397
Location: Wisconsin | I have always gone by the rule that 5:1 is more of a power reel used for blades, 6:1 are reels used to pick up slack and used more for pull baits and rubber |
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Posts: 334
Location: Madison, WI | Good luck getting speed out of the pwr and h models. |
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| achotrod - 3/2/2015 11:08 AM
Dont have to listen to me but Id listen to what Pikemaster has to say. He is a reel repair guy and has more LEXAs in for repair then Cabelas has in stock.
Funny thing I wasnt even an Abu fan until I bit the bullet and bought one.
All reels break, perhaps lexa owners just fish harder:-) |
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Posts: 3
| Looking at buying a Revo Nacl as my primary reel for throwing 6-8" Grammas and #8 bucktails. Already have a 30 Saltist for bigger blades. What gear ratio would be recommended for all purpose and #8 blades. This would be my main reel. |
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Which Lexa For Me?