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Posts: 7038
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Instead of adding to the other 110 posts...
I had the opportunity to check out the new Tranx 400 this weekend at the Schaumburg show. My initial reaction is that if you're not one for a small reel (think smaller than a Curado or Revo S), this is not the one for you. If you're like me, and appreciate light weight, compact power, then read on. Though I did not have the chance to spool and cast the reel, my feel was that it seems smooth, though the model I played around with could have used a touch of oil. This was the 5.8:1 edition, and the speed did not seem over the top (I am one personally for medium speed reels where I reel faster as needed versus having high speed reels then slowing down to match needed retrieves). Feels solid, definitely worth checking out further and for the price of under $300, definitely an addition to my reel arsenal in 2017.
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Location: Contrarian Island | hmmm almost sounds like they could of made it bigger... smaller than a curado? yah, I'll stick w the 500 
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Posts: 7038
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | BNelson - 1/30/2017 9:23 AM
hmmm almost sounds like they could of made it bigger... smaller than a curado? yah, I'll stick w the 500
While I'm the opposite: I buy expensive custom rods for the feel and light weight they offer. Putting a full-sized Tranx on these kills the exact reason I purchase them. So, for ME, a smaller reel is better. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | eat some more spinach! |
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Posts: 7038
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | BNelson - 1/30/2017 9:54 AM
eat some more spinach! ;)
Get off the dianabol! |
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Posts: 2325
Location: Chisholm, MN | Hmmm, yeah looks a little small for my taste. I will check them out though. |
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Posts: 230
Location: St Paul, Minnesota | I got to play with both the 400a (double paddle) and the 400ahg (power handle) over the weekend.
My thoughts:
-The body of the 400 is very comparable to the size of the Curado 300e and 300ej. Which some won't like but it makes sense in that these reels are designed to replace the Curado 300e's and answer to all those who thought the Tranx 500 was too big for their hands. So this reel makes sense and won't cannibalize too many of the Tranx 500 sales.
-The length of the power handle looked about the same size as the Tranx 500's if not maybe 1mm longer. =Like
-The double paddle handle looked like the Calcutta D's. = Like
-Had a very similar metallic click/clank when you engaged the reel similar to the Tranx 500. =Like
It could have been branded as a new/upgraded Curado 300, being that they're both made in Malaysia instead of Japan (hence why, it if I had to guess, it doesn't carry the price tag of the Japanese made Tranx 500), but maybe Shimano's marketing crew is trying to separate the segmentation of bass reels from Musky/Striper/Saltwater application reels so they kept the Tranx moniker. Either way I'm ok with it. Overall it looks good and feels good. I loved my old Curado 300e's, so I'm excited to pick one or both up and try them out. Will there be any corners cut or drop off in quality from switching production centers?? Only time on the water and a mechanical review of the internals from those smarter than me (PIKEMASTER) will tell but I'm optimistic...
C7 |
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Posts: 1716
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | anyone have any pictures next to a toro s/beast 60?
http://forums.tackletour.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=73877&sid=43db49d...
there are pictures here comparing to a 300 lexa, but I don't have one of those to compare size wise. |
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Posts: 1405
Location: Detroit River | Smaller than a Curado but pulls in more line per crank & comes in lefty. It will be perfect for jigging Bondy Baits in the DR.
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | BNelson - 1/30/2017 10:23 AM hmmm almost sounds like they could of made it bigger... smaller than a curado? yah, I'll stick w the 500 My thoughts as well. ....and I love dianabol during muskie season. |
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Posts: 410
Location: With my son on the water | I have the Tranx 500, and only those of us who have them know what a great reel and game changer it is.
However!!
I am 57 years old (and for those of you who are not,, you will be some day) and have been exclusively a die hard after these critters for over 35 years, most years several extended weeks on LOTW fishing 14 hours days (boy have I seen changes there which is another story). My point is I have lots of hours on my body. Now granted I am a physically fit guy too but the sport is catching up to me. (Rotator cuff, torn bicep, tennis elbow, and tendonitis in the wrist/thumb) which all work together, get a problem with one and other one will come too.
The good news I got into a great physical therapist that diagnosed what I do and gave me some simple exercises that are amazing. I literally do them every other day. However he sure didn't like the Tranx 500......He said that palming the large reel creates more of an open hand grip which definitely puts a ton more strain on the entire body.
So last year I tried a Beast (great reel, but not a Tranx).
So even though I wasn't in the market for a new reel, a (smaller, powerful, fast reel) maybe just what the Doctor (literally) ordered.
I will check it out, but the bar is set pretty high with the Tranx 500.
Enjoy the winter.
Brad
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Posts: 1901
Location: MN | Everybody is getting excited, perhaps rightfully so. But we'll have to see what these reels can do and more importantly how much work is involved or what it feels like to have the speed or the power. Based on descriptions these reels aren't going to cut it for what I and most people wanted. Great marketing scheme but I wish they had just built a 400 size Tranx. |
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Posts: 132
| It's a wait and see approach for me. I was pretty set on getting a 401HG for big rubber. But now I am a little hesitant, given the size of the reel. But who knows, maybe Shimano was able to get the necessary durability in a much more compact size - time will tell. |
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Posts: 410
Location: With my son on the water | I would think the 400 HG with 40 IPT will work well for large rubber seeing large rubber has very little resistance.
But if we are comparing the 400 to the 500 for large blades like 10s we want the (speed and power combination) that the 500 has made its name for. Both the PG and HG 500s have a lower gear ratio compared to the 400 PG and HG so it will be hard to expect the same (speed/power combination) from the 400. But the 500 PG with 10s is almost to easy, so the 400 may have its place for those that like that speed?? It may be similar to the Revo S with 5:3 gears. But the only way to know is to try them all side by side. I still think the 500 has set the bar very high.
As for the size, as in too small? Are you concerned about line capacity? For me this always bugs me as I always put a backer on my reels and only put 75 yds on. Mid way through the season on reels I use a lot I reverse them to put the new stuff on the outside. I don't troll, but this is the way I have been doing it over 35 years and it works for me. It's a great way to get the full life out of a spool of line.
Cool stuff.
Have a good day.
Brad |
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Posts: 132
| No, not concerned about line capacity at all. I believe both 400s have the same line capacity as the 400D and Conquest.
I guess I just feel that a reel of that size couldn't be that durable over time (maybe I am wrong). Rubber doesn't have much resistance cranking in, but ripping Pounders will put a lot of strain on a reel. I also use my Rubber rod for big dive and rise baits (Intimidator size), which also strains a reel when ripped aggressively.
I agree that the Tranx 500 has set the bar very high. I just don't have that option since I am a lefty. |
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Posts: 1901
Location: MN | RnG, I'm not even so concerned about durability unless for some reason they make the teeth on the gears very fine. They will I'm sure do a similar construction in terms of the main and pinion gears and the idler gears and other parts. Two things you can do to prolong the life of any reel is hold the thumb bar down on the cast until the violent part of the cast is complete, then you will never ever have to worry about the handle engaging prematurely and busting the pinion gear, which will then take out some other stuff if you try to continue using it. The other is when ripping baits, get in the habit of using your thumb on the spool when performing the rip, vs relying on the handle and the reel itself to absorb the full force of the rip. AR bearings and spool shafts and other things will last you a lot longer doing it that way. |
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Posts: 386
| Personally, I'm pumped for them. Basically I love my 300ej, just wanted it with a heavier drag and a larger spool. So far, it sounds like the Tranx 400 is exactly that. Shut up and take my money Shimano! |
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Posts: 1901
Location: MN | I agree there are still some advantages, and those may be plenty for some. Just saying it remains to be seen whether it should really be called a Tranx |
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Posts: 132
| That's just it. If these were the a new Curado 300 and 400, this would be a completely different discussion. When they were announced and labeled as a Tranx, the expectation and excitement (at least for me) was for a reel that I envisioned would be a bit different than what we are seeing. |
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Posts: 135
| Seriously? It's come to the point where people want to pick apart whether or not Shimano named the reel properly to match your approval as a "real" Tranx?
It's a Shimano baitcaster that'll bit nicely in the hand, has good line capacity, strong drag, great retrieve speeds, and all of their best technologies proven in previous reels like X-Ship gears, Hagane frame, HEG body/gear fit, and CoreProtect water resistance. What else are you looking for exactly???
Buy it. Be happy. Or don't.
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Posts: 132
| It's winter - it's all I have to do! And I don't think I'm alone in my thoughts above.
I will end up buying one - but I don't think there is anything wrong with saying my expectation for when a 400 Tranx was finally made is a bit different than what was actually made.
Regardless, it's a Shimano and I'm sure it will end up being a solid reel. |
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Posts: 230
Location: St Paul, Minnesota | My expanded thoughts on the new Tranx...
A lot of people wanted a Tranx that is about the same size as (if not just a tad bid smaller than) a Daiwa Lexa 400hd, arguably (not do discredit Abu or Okuma) the Tranx 500's top competing alternative. The Diawa Lexa 400hd costs $300, sits lower on the reel (lower profile), and comes in left and right hand retrieve models.
If Shimano were to just shrink the Tranx 500 to that specification and sell it for $400 dollars it would be painting itself into a corner. That reel would cannibalize a lot of the Tranx 500 sales, but if they discontinued the 500 line a lot of people (myself included) would probably be pretty butthurt/disappointed. Also keep in mind that no matter if/when they release the Tranx 400 we are seeing now or the hypothetical one I've described that they're going to seriously hurt their Calcutta D sales no matter what. (I actually wouldn't be surprised if in the next year or two they discontinue the Calcutta D and only continue to produce the Conquest, I'm sure sales will dictate it's fate...)
What they needed to do was replace and update the antiquated Curado 300e, which was a great reel for it's time, but in dire need of an update. The 300e is a great mag bass reel, striper, and predator reel with a size and shape that was desired by multiple industries most of which bass/striper likely (just guessing from what I've been told in the past) put far more dollars into Shimano's pocket than the Musky/Pike market.
So, enter the updated Curado 300e (Tranx 400), pimped out with all of Shimano's new engineering features and specs that the super reels demand (faster inches per crank and higher drag), made in Malaysia (same as the new Curados) which I'm sure helps keep the cost down. If the gears hold up and it casts well enough I promise you it is going to greatly take away sales from all of it's top competitors (Abu Garcia Toro Beast/Rocket, Daiwa Lexa 400hd, and Okuma Komodo) which ultimately most people buy because they 1) Don't want to spend Tranx 500 money on a reel, or 2) Don't like the size of the Tranx 500. And the genius of it all is that this new reel won't take too many sales away from the existing Tranx 500, in fact it is a pretty good compliment, I'll own both by the start of this season.
If you are a die-hard Shimano guy like myself, the Tranx 500 PG is my 85% reel it does the bulk of the work for me. My500 HG is my rubber reel. I'm looking at the highspeed 400 for jerk baits/wtd lures and a backup and or small rubber reel, and I'm looking at the lower gear 400 as a solid reel that can do a little bit of everything + small bucktails +night fishing topwater+ downsized reel for the girlfriend to use.
Just my 2 cents...
-C7
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Posts: 410
Location: With my son on the water | My 2 cent.
Muskie tackle has gotten very specific over the years. Unlike years ago when the majority of the guys owned one 5'6" rod with a 6500 on it.
I regularly use 4 setups now and many guys use more. I didn't see where anyone was criticizing or bashing Shimano on this thread, versus trying to point out the specific difference between different reels and how one may or may not work for a particular application. To me this type of discussion is invaluable to help guys who read this get what they are hoping for when they fork over $XXX. 30 years ago we didn't have these types of forums and it was almost impossible to get any information.
So I actually welcome it when people pick apart a product on here to get more information.
Plus like RunNgun said before, it's winter which for me is time to reorganize, and upgrade for another season.
Have a good day.
Brad |
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Posts: 386
| Just a heads up, these things are on Rollie & Helens site now, expected to be on market in March. The higher gear ratio has a lighter drag according to the descriptions. The intrigue continues. That honestly could be a deal breaker for me as I am potentially looking to replace my jerkbaits reel or large rubber reel. Both of which I like to have fairly heavy drags on so I can rip them, particularly ripping out of weeds. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | with the drag locked on those reels no way it slips ripping a jerkbait out of the weeds imo....
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | Regarding drags, several years back I used Okuma Indurons. They had what - 12 pounds of drag? And I never locked those drags down either and had a very good landing percentage using anything from bucktails to rubber. I think either of these reels will have more than enough drag to do the job. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Two things
Upgrade drag washers to Carbontex
Use your thumb on the spool for ripping and hook sets. |
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