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Posts: 90
| Just as title says. Looking for info from those with experience on these.
Currently I use Tranx 500 HG for #10 blades and big rubber.
I also have a couple of the 300 EJs which I've loved since first sight. I have another 300E too and all the Garcia round reels which don't get much of any use now.
The currados I feel are awesome all around reels. I use them for anything even size 10 blades sometimes. The comfort of these reels are amazing too. Nice trade off from the 500 HG which wears you down....doesn't reel in 10s as great as I thought it would...
I know there's been numerous threads on these reels, but trying to decide between the three this might be easier. Looking for an all around like the EJ, built tough, have some speed (300D = 30 in per turn.) Good for gliders and 8s and sometimes maybe 10s to take a break from the HG.
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Posts: 4269
Location: Ashland WI | Only interested in the ones you mentioned? |
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Posts: 90
| Open to anything...I like to tinker |
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Posts: 1084
Location: Aurora | I've had/have them all and my new favourite hands down is the Okuma SS 463 with the double paddle.
Don't knock it till you try it. |
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Posts: 371
Location: Dixon, IL | I am thinking about to buy Shimano Curado CU300EJ for my St. Croix 8 ft MH Legend Tournament Musky rod for musky fishing in spring, smaller musky lures and wild shiner for big bass in Florida. Is this good reel? |
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Posts: 4269
Location: Ashland WI | I have a revo Toro s and I think it would work great for what you are needing. Definitely closer in size to the ej than a tranx 500. |
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Posts: 667
Location: Wisconsin | Northern, I can't comment on the Conquest, but as for the TE or D, well they both are fine reels. I feel the TE has better power, and is a bit slower retrieve compared to the 300D. For me, and the baits I normally throw, bucktails and minnow baits, the D is my favorite reel. I have it paired with a Slingblade and pretty much use it exclusively, as it is very comfortable to palm. If you throw more more big stuff, the TE may suit you better better. |
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Posts: 20212
Location: oswego, il | What are you looking for this new reel to do that you feel you do not already have in your arsenal? |
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Posts: 212
Location: Wisconsin | If you like the Curado buy one of the new tranx 400's. I have a couple of them and so far they have been great reels. |
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Posts: 7036
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | I have owned a D, have 2 TEs, and 2 Tranx 400s (and a Curado, not the EJ). For gliders, you're going to feel like the TE is too slow, but the Tranx 400 will do the job. For 10s, the TE is fabulous, but more than a week of hard pounding on the TE and you'll be getting new gearing (it's $20 in parts, don't let your reel fix it person tell you differently). The tranx 400 will be perfect for 8s, not super full tailed 9s and will throw 10s but it will be tiring on your paws. But I would imagine if you like throwing 10s with an EJ, on pretty much any of the reels you mentioned, you will feel less resistance on the crank and less fatigue on yourself.
If you can find an "old school" Conquest 400 (ie 2 years or more old) it will feel and run much better than the current 400...because the old school ones where a new frame built around the innards for a 400 TE. Just with a much higher price tag. BUT, the newer ones will probably be good for you UP TO a 10, but not as a dedicated 10s reel. Still a nice reel, not a fan of the price tag versus what you could get for a lot less in the Tranx 400.
And the D models...I had a 400D, it was the only Shimano reel I have ever owned that I did not like. Strangely difficult to cast without many backlashes and it really had no advantages over my 400 TEs. I sold the reel at a loss and was happy to have some value in that way.
Overall personal thoughts:
-of the reels you mentioned, my fave for 10s would be a 400TE, but I have a reel service guy (Mark at Daves Reel Service http://www.davesreelservice.com/) who does great work at a great price so he fixes my 10s killed TEs once a year.
-the Tranx 400 will rock for gliders, 8s and non-huge tailed 10s. (also nice for rubber, cranks, topwaters, etc)
-not a huge fan of the D |
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Posts: 90
| Thank you so far for the responses. I appreciate the words.
"What are you looking for this new reel to do that you feel you do not already have in your arsenal?" I don't think im looking for something different. With all the reels I have, i think i have all applications covered. Think im interested in the "older" conquest and TE because of their high praises. Plus they are awesome looking machined "Machines".
"If you like the Curado buy one of the new tranx 400's. I have a couple of them and so far they have been great reels." I was considering a 400 series. The 300 is most likely too small to be a versatile reel. Just was considering one of the older reels that are hard to find, but have elite status. Might be fun to have....
"Slamr" I've found The 400D models to be hit or miss...they don't don't seem to have the praise of the other two. Would you consider the older conquest better than a TE? How about the 300 series Conquest? It has hgiher speed/ more IPT. But is that too small? Never seen in person.
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Posts: 239
Location: Madison, WI | i threw 12's a lot this season on my 400HG and it has held up great. different types of 12's pull harder than others though of course |
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Posts: 96
| Curado- gliders, smaller baits
Tranx 400- TW, 8s,9s
Conquest 400- 10s once in awhile,
Rubber on either Conquest or Tranx. |
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Posts: 7036
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | The older Conquests ARE a TE in the inside, same gearing and parts. Just a different frame. And higher costs. |
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Posts: 833
| I've run a 400D for the past 4 or 5 seasons and I really like that reel. I did have to have it fixed up a bit year, had some issues with the casting bar, but that was $27 problem. The reel has deceptively good power, it is my go to reel for slow rolling super models, which you'd think would be outside it's comfort zone, but it is a champ.
Not sure why it took me so long to notice this, but IMO the 300D is superior to the 300EJ is just about every possible way. Smoother, more power, etc.
I know others have said they do not like Ds, but my mileage has been very positive.
I have nto tried the 400 / 300 Tranx yet. I run the 500HG for Blades and Rubber, the reel is an all star for that. |
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Posts: 253
Location: On the water | I also have a 400D for the last 3 seasons and it's been perfect. I purchased a Tranx 400HG a year ago and it too has been a great real. The 400D for just about everything and the 400HG for big rubber and D8's and 9's. These are the best reels I have ever owned. Both have been flawless. Good Luck, Tom |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | I have been using the 400D since they came out and love them. I also had a 400TE which I sold to pick up another D. Must be personal preference but I find the 400d to have the perfect blend of speed and power. It's also comfortable to palm. |
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Posts: 90
| hmmmm sounds like people are favoring the newer reels from the older TE's and older conquest....the Tranx 400 HG seems to be popular here...
I was watching a 400D that just auctioned off for 165!!! on the bay. I should of just bid to try it out at that price, but got cold feet. It seems like people are 50/50 on that reel.
Think I'm just going to keep using the curados and see how they hold up for what my intended purposes and might be looking at a tranx 400 sometime down the road.
I've seen a few of the "older" Conquests, but none that can be had for under 300 unless i tried making an offer on them.
I have a Garcia Record, 6500 CS Chrome Rocket, and a 6500 C5. I kind of feel those are all similiar to a TE or Conquest being the round reels.....so why add another round reel???.....I unfortunately don't get to fish nearly as much as I'd like. Work, life, Chicago...yeahh.....So I'm not spending 20 or 30 hours a week on the water burning these things out which is where the guts of a reel would really matter.
Sure can't deny the beauty of a Conquest though |
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Posts: 7036
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | fish4musky1 - 9/29/2017 1:07 PM
I have been using the 400D since they came out and love them. I also had a 400TE which I sold to pick up another D. Must be personal preference but I find the 400d to have the perfect blend of speed and power. It's also comfortable to palm.
To each their own!
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Posts: 667
Location: Wisconsin | Ditto for me,as I agree with the others who like their Calcutta D's, save I like the 300 for faster gearing for most applications. Love the way it fits my hand, super comfortable for all day fishing. Don't care at all for the curado, tried and just didn't like so I replaced with a 300 and 400D. Its funny how people feel so differently about the same reel. I guess that's why they make so many variations of reel sizes, gearing etc. So, see what works best for you and go for it. Seeing that you like the Curado, It seems that the 400 tranx may be the reel for you. |
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Posts: 1000
| I'd take a 400 tranx over just about any of those right now. They're unbelievably versatile reels. I've been running 400A Tranx for 5 weeks now, 3-5 nights per week (5-9 hours at a shot), 90% doubles 10's. I don't have the concerns about the durability of that reel that I had when I originally bought it, and the power from a reel that small is phenomenal. |
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Shimano 400 TE vs last gen 400 conquest vs Calcutta 300 D