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Posts: 186
| Alot of reels have come out within the last few years with upgraded this and that. Most people I have asked about this have said a lower geared reel is easier on you and the reel which is pretty obvious. The tranx500 pg seems to be the standard which others are judged by and that only brings in 30". Most companies have come out with reels around the 30" mark. Is that the prime area to be in for both comfort and durability of the reel? The lexa 7.1 i have brings in almost 38", I have tossed some bigfoot buchertail with it a couple times just to see how it works. I love the speed it brings them in with but wouldn't want to use that as my reel for them. I picked up a 5.1 for them instead. So I've been wondering what others have been using and the experience of how they perform. Thanks in advance |
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Location: new richmond, wi. & isle, mn | Use the search function. This topic had been taken to the wood shed over and over again. |
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Posts: 186
| I did, the only thing that came up was my old post on something else. Do you know what they would be under? |
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Posts: 298
| Shimano Tranx 500 PG is the King IMO for big blades and speed. Tranx 400 and Revo Beast 60 are solid, but a distant 2nd. |
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Posts: 33
| Try a search on some of the reel names? Most have model-specific commentary on large blades.
FWIW I most often use a 5.8 ratio + power handle for 9’s and 10’s. For me, that’s where I balance retrieve speed and comfort. My 16 year old son likes 7.3. He can go all day with that setup, despite extra resistance. Endurance matters.
There’s no right or wrong. It just comes down to what feels best to you personally. You’re doing the right thing by trying a few for yourself.
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Posts: 415
Location: MN | Cranking effort is mostly determined by IPT and handle length. Neglecting friction, the ratio IPT/(handle length) is directly proportional to the force required on the handle. Internal friction will vary some reel to reel, but in general I find that ratio is pretty accurate as far as predicting how hard the cranking is.
Examples:
Tranx 400 HG: 40 IPT, 70 mm handle --> ratio: 0.571
Lexa HD 400 HS: 37.7 IPT, 60 mm handle --> ratio: 0.628
Lexa HD 300 HS: 33.7 IPT, 50 mm handle --> ratio: 0.674
Abu 6500C3: 26 IPT, 40 mm handle --> ratio: 0.65
In the above examples, the Tranx would be easiest cranking even though it's fastest, and the C3 would be harder than both the Lexa 400 and Tranx even though it's much slower. Handle length plays a huge role. IPT determines the torque requirement on the spool and handle length determines your leverage in applying that torque.
Regardless of what reel you choose, if you are using it for hard pulling baits, a long handle helps with effort.
For durability, generally higher IPT = less durable because of the higher torque. Beyond that, it's up to specifics. For example, a Tranx 500 HG is going to take more abuse than a Lexa 300. |
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Location: Mt. Zion, IL | 500hg and a ljv handle. forget the rest if you're serious. |
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Posts: 487
Location: Northern Illinois | JHC - 12/28/2020 6:26 PM
Try a search on some of the reel names? Most have model-specific commentary on large blades.
FWIW I most often use a 5.8 ratio + power handle for 9’s and 10’s. For me, that’s where I balance retrieve speed and comfort. My 16 year old son likes 7.3. He can go all day with that setup, despite extra resistance. Endurance matters.
There’s no right or wrong. It just comes down to what feels best to you personally. You’re doing the right thing by trying a few for yourself.
Trying out reels as JHC says is the best approach IMHO. I had a Tranx 500 and sold it after a season, too big. I like to palm reels and this never felt comfortable to me and I have longer hands than most. Some people like them, not me. I can use a Tranx 400A for big blades all day. Works for me. |
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Posts: 79
| Tranx 500hg...Can throw big rubber or blades all day long |
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Posts: 186
| nar160 - 12/29/2020 11:46 AM
Cranking effort is mostly determined by IPT and handle length. Neglecting friction, the ratio IPT/(handle length) is directly proportional to the force required on the handle. Internal friction will vary some reel to reel, but in general I find that ratio is pretty accurate as far as predicting how hard the cranking is.
Examples:
Tranx 400 HG: 40 IPT, 70 mm handle --> ratio: 0.571
Lexa HD 400 HS: 37.7 IPT, 60 mm handle --> ratio: 0.628
Lexa HD 300 HS: 33.7 IPT, 50 mm handle --> ratio: 0.674
Abu 6500C3: 26 IPT, 40 mm handle --> ratio: 0.65
In the above examples, the Tranx would be easiest cranking even though it's fastest, and the C3 would be harder than both the Lexa 400 and Tranx even though it's much slower. Handle length plays a huge role. IPT determines the torque requirement on the spool and handle length determines your leverage in applying that torque.
Regardless of what reel you choose, if you are using it for hard pulling baits, a long handle helps with effort.
For durability, generally higher IPT = less durable because of the higher torque. Beyond that, it's up to specifics. For example, a Tranx 500 HG is going to take more abuse than a Lexa 300.
This was some of the stuff I was looking for, another part was if any companies had produced a gearing system that " overperformed or underperformed " so to speak. Meaning if they all were 30" per crank ex.1 would only take 80% of the effort compared with ex.2 which takes full 100% and ex.3 takes 120% to achieve the full 30ipt. That in conjunction with handle length could produce higher results with less effort.
When I posted this I was looking for a reel to put on a jerkbait rod. I was thinking about taking my toro s off my blade rod and upgrading that to something better. I have however just picked up a 2nd toro s61. I got a good price that I couldn't pass up. At this point in my musky hunting, being new to it and fishing from the banks I'm not going to spend $500 on a reel to get banged around on the boulders i usually have to climb on just to fish. If anything I'd rather burn and beat up cheaper reels while I learn. I got my Lexa hd400 for $240, 2 lexawn300 $135 a piece, and 2 revo toros61 for $150 $120. Found some nice deals for sure on some nice reels that should last me at least a few years with minimal extra cost. By the time I'm looking at getting a new reel at this point for big blades they will either be better,cheaper,more durable or all of the above than they are now. And I should be on a boat where they won't be getting banged around even though I try not to beat on my gear. Thanks for all the responses
Edit- that tranx 500 hg and an assault stick shock and awe will be what ill be watching to see how other companies compete to try and eclipse. That sure seems like an awesome combo!!! $800 it better be |
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Posts: 199
| The average person cannot burn blades all say with a 500hg. 500pg is the gold standard |
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Posts: 186
| Muskie Gal - 1/3/2021 11:04 AM
The average person cannot burn blades all say with a 500hg. 500pg is the gold standard
With this being said that reel only brings in 30" per crank. Albeit probably a good bit easier with it , without trying one first I wouldn't drop $500 on one.
I was finally able to get my hands on the tranx 400 hg this week at a cabelas. What I IMMEDIATELY noticed was how awkward the balance of the weighting is. That power handle is waaay heavier than should be on that reel!!! For all the hype and talk I've heard about this reel I was really surprised they would even build a reel like that. The lexa I have is balanced alot better, I'm sure thats because the frame actually being bigger and weighing more. I would say the same for the toro s61. Just reeling in the store i was also unimpressed by the smoothness as well. Again I would say the other 2 are quite a bit smoother. I have no idea if it was a return, some kid had sticky candy fingers and played with the insides, or what but I was definitely disappointed in the initial feel of it. I'd have to actually use it in real world applications first to even consider it though. Having said that I have no idea how people can run blades all day, those of you that do bless your heart because it is way too boring for me to just cast and burn all day. Im sure having a boat changes things but I would still have to mix it up with other styles of "fun" lures. |
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Location: Chisholm, MN | If the fish want blades, I run blades. The fun part is catching fish. |
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Posts: 199
| Muskyrookie - 1/17/2021 5:14 AM
Muskie Gal - 1/3/2021 11:04 AM
The average person cannot burn blades all say with a 500hg. 500pg is the gold standard
With this being said that reel only brings in 30" per crank. Albeit probably a good bit easier with it , without trying one first I wouldn't drop $500 on one.
I was finally able to get my hands on the tranx 400 hg this week at a cabelas. What I IMMEDIATELY noticed was how awkward the balance of the weighting is. That power handle is waaay heavier than should be on that reel!!! For all the hype and talk I've heard about this reel I was really surprised they would even build a reel like that. The lexa I have is balanced alot better, I'm sure thats because the frame actually being bigger and weighing more. I would say the same for the toro s61. Just reeling in the store i was also unimpressed by the smoothness as well. Again I would say the other 2 are quite a bit smoother. I have no idea if it was a return, some kid had sticky candy fingers and played with the insides, or what but I was definitely disappointed in the initial feel of it. I'd have to actually use it in real world applications first to even consider it though. Having said that I have no idea how people can run blades all day, those of you that do bless your heart because it is way too boring for me to just cast and burn all day. Im sure having a boat changes things but I would still have to mix it up with other styles of "fun" lures.
Its easier to crank the 500pg a little faster than it is to do a standard retrieve on the 500hg. The 500 is in a class by itself over the 400's. |
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Posts: 20211
Location: oswego, il | When I throw bucktails it's because the fish want them fast, fast as I can reel them and that's not fast enough. If the fish don't want them fast, I feel your better off with baits that pause. I have a 7to1 lexa with an aftermarket power handle now, my penn 975 would wear you out reeling as fast as I was. The power of that reel was easy just not fast enough. The tranx 500hg with the upgraded handle is the best way to go. The lexa 7to1 with the standard power handle didn't have enough leverage for 10's.
Adding weight to bucktails is a great way to keep them down at high speeds. Putting a bell sinker at the joint of an articulated bucktail works great. On the mepps double 8 the blades tick the bell sinker giving it an extra vibe without sacrificing blade rotation. You can burn it without it blowing out. |
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Posts: 112
| Avet SXJ 6/4 raptor. Tons of leverage on the handle, and 2 speed so can run it fast most of the time, and pop it into low speed for slow rolling blades at night or if you get tired. Tried various tranx and lexa models and believe this is the best option |
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Posts: 186
| I'd imagine that the 500 would balance alot better too with the size and weight of it. That sprocket sized gear wouldn't hold ya back thats for sure. Lol. I've never seen one in person yet just videos online. Their really isn't any bountiful shops around here for musky gear.
The lexa 7.1 does have some good speed although it takes some effort to get them rolling. What aftermarket handle did you put on it? Mine came with the power handle. The toro s i have brings them in nicely but wont burn them thats for sure!
I have tried putting some sinkers on the lighter bucktails just to get casting distance. The blades actually wore grooves into the sinkers, but got better distance out of them. |
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Posts: 549
Location: deephaven mn | Tranx 400 ahg right size....... the Tranx 500 ridiculously big and bulky
i dont like the power handle either prefer the standard..... and for me standard rod grip is awkward tooI
I prefer rod to have palming grip From trial and testing thats my preference |
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Posts: 244
Location: Madison | Avet SXJ 6/4 raptor. Tons of leverage on the handle, and 2 speed so can run it fast most of the time, and pop it into low speed for slow rolling blades at night or if you get tired. Tried various tranx and lexa models and believe this is the best option
Completely agree, plus Avet makes them in Lefty |
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Posts: 199
| kirkkopplin - 1/18/2021 7:56 PM
Avet SXJ 6/4 raptor. Tons of leverage on the handle, and 2 speed so can run it fast most of the time, and pop it into low speed for slow rolling blades at night or if you get tired. Tried various tranx and lexa models and believe this is the best option
Completely agree, plus Avet makes them in Lefty
levelwind? |
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Posts: 199
| kap - 1/18/2021 7:58 AM
Tranx 400 ahg right size....... the Tranx 500 ridiculously big and bulky
i dont like the power handle either prefer the standard..... and for me standard rod grip is awkward tooI
I prefer rod to have palming grip From trial and testing thats my preference
You would not be burning 10's IMO. |
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Posts: 244
Location: Madison | Avet's have no level wind, not an issue with blades.
the reel is also small and very comfortable to palm |
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Reels for big blades