Posted 1/13/2012 10:02 PM (#532758 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 485
Location: On my favorite lake!
Very nice reel. Its made well and should hold up to throwing big blades for which it was designed for. It has the look of a low profile but it definatley is not, It sits up tall on the rod. Has 2 speeds available which is good one in the 6.3 , 6.4 and think other was 4.6 range. The price is the only thing stopping me from buying. Just can not afford $499 on one reel.
Posted 1/14/2012 9:59 AM (#532810 - in reply to #532782) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 566
Location: Elgin, IL
I think that alot of you will enjoy having this in your arsenal. Nice looking reel.
But long before I even hold one of these, I have electronics and boat control issues to work/improve on first. I'm fortunate to own the reels and rods I have, and I'm just starting to feel really confident with them.
I need time on the water at this point....not another reel.
Posted 1/14/2012 10:15 AM (#532812 - in reply to #532810) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 981
Northwind Mark - 1/14/2012 10:59 AM
I think that alot of you will enjoy having this in your arsenal. Nice looking reel.
But long before I even hold one of these, I have electronics and boat control issues to work/improve on first. I'm fortunate to own the reels and rods I have, and I'm just starting to feel really confident with them.
I need time on the water at this point....not another reel.
Posted 1/14/2012 10:16 AM (#532813 - in reply to #532810) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 51
Worthless at any price because it doesn't come in a left hand wind. I actually sold 2 of my 61 Toro's and a TE401 because I was naive enough to think that Shimano finally started to care about their customers.
I'll stick to my Saltiga 30L and my 2 Toro's, that's all I need.
Shimano should start listening to their customers more, and not their pro's, that's what James at TI does, and look at the great things that are coming from him.
Posted 1/14/2012 10:53 AM (#532818 - in reply to #532813) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 181
Location: St.John, Indiana
Saw and held it at the show. Shimano put out another quality well made reel to answer all the needs that have been filling threads for yrs. This reel will definitely be a needeed addition to my arsenal. I had already preordered one prior to the show based on all the yrs using Shimano products. Those that are complaining about a lefty I am sure Shimano is working to get the left handed version out to the 10% of you who need it.
Posted 1/14/2012 11:38 AM (#532825 - in reply to #532818) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Ontario
Esocidae - 1/14/2012 11:53 AM
Saw and held it at the show. Shimano put out another quality well made reel to answer all the needs that have been filling threads for yrs. This reel will definitely be a needeed addition to my arsenal. I had already preordered one prior to the show based on all the yrs using Shimano products. Those that are complaining about a lefty I am sure Shimano is working to get the left handed version out to the 10% of you who need it.
10% ? .... I don't know but 80% of fisherman I know are lefties - and I mean left handed
Posted 1/14/2012 1:08 PM (#532839 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Guys have been using Trinidad 16s for a few years, and they are about 20 oz, and I don't really recall anyone complaining about the weight of them. The selling point of the TranX for me is the thumb bar and the levelwind, combined with power and speed.
I'm right handed and cast with my dominant right hand, and wind with my non-dominant left hand. I tried to switch many times, but it was like walking backwards for me.
I'm right handed and cast with my dominant right hand, and wind with my non-dominant left hand. I tried to switch many times, but it was like walking backwards for me.
same with me, I dont get how people can do both. I look just as foolish trying to fish with my right hand as I do when I try and throw a ball with my left
I'm right handed and cast with my dominant right hand, and wind with my non-dominant left hand. I tried to switch many times, but it was like walking backwards for me.
Just like me and many others
Guest
Posted 1/14/2012 1:53 PM (#532848 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Why don't they just make more lures that catch fish better that don't require something like the tranx to operate efficiently??
Posted 1/14/2012 3:59 PM (#532861 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
I know I'm going to make some people made, but why can't a left handed individual use a right handed reel if they have done so all of his/her life? If one were to use a right handed hockey stick all his/her life, that would feel natural, even though he/she is left handed. Left handed reels are fairly recent, so I would assume most lefties have used right handed reels for majority of their fishing careers.
Posted 1/14/2012 4:02 PM (#532863 - in reply to #532839) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
catchandrelease - 1/14/2012 1:08 PM
Guys have been using Trinidad 16s for a few years, and they are about 20 oz, and I don't really recall anyone complaining about the weight of them. The selling point of the TranX for me is the thumb bar and the levelwind, combined with power and speed.
AND IT IS ONLY $20.00 MORE RETAIL THEN A TRINADAD 16NA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have the 4.6 gear one on order !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and for all the left hand guys, go cry a river somewhere else
I was talking to a guy at the show he said it was to much, so I ask him how many rod and reels he brings in the boat and he said 6-8, I said Y, and he said that his ABU RECORD reels fail so much he has to have backups. 8 records reels, retail $169.99 X 8 = $1359.92 !!!!!!!!!! how many TRANX can U buy for that ???????
Posted 1/14/2012 4:07 PM (#532864 - in reply to #532863) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
PIKEMASTER - 1/14/2012 5:02 PM
catchandrelease - 1/14/2012 1:08 PM
Guys have been using Trinidad 16s for a few years, and they are about 20 oz, and I don't really recall anyone complaining about the weight of them. The selling point of the TranX for me is the thumb bar and the levelwind, combined with power and speed.
AND IT IS ONLY $20.00 MORE RETAIL THEN A TRINADAD 16NA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have the 4.6 gear one on order !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and for all the left hand guys, go cry a river somewhere else
I was talking to a guy at the show he said it was to much, so I ask him how many rod and reels he brings in the boat and he said 6-8, I said Y, and he said that his ABU RECORD reels fail so much he has to have backups. 8 records reels, retail $169.99 X 8 = $1359.92 !!!!!!!!!! how many TRANX can U buy for that ???????
For about $1360 (not including tax):
4.6:1 TranX
6.6:1 TranX
400TE
Seems better than 8 Records. I think the $20 more than a retail Trinidad will help put things into perspective.
Posted 1/14/2012 6:31 PM (#532888 - in reply to #532846) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 181
Location: St.John, Indiana
I too switch hands casting with a bait caster , but always reel with my right hand except when I walleye fish with spinning tackle and then I cast with my right and reel with my left. I have tried to use a left handed bait casting reels but cannot seem to get it down. I am not nocking being left-handed I am just saying that a company will focus on a majority first then adjust to fit other markets. It is common sence from a business stand point.
Posted 1/14/2012 6:31 PM (#532890 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 469
Location: MN
Well. I'm pretty sure the Tranx is hell of a reel and there is no such beast on the market at this time. I'm one of those unfortunate lefties. I can do with my right hand as well (heavy saltwater fishing practice). I learned to use it 15 years ago, when I wasn't able to find left-handed reel. I can, but it's a lot easier and more natural to work with left-handed reels for me. I probably will not buy it for 500$ now, but let say used one for 300$ might be a good idea sometimes next season. I can use it both ways: fresh and saltwater (I still fish with right-handed reel in the salt)
Posted 1/14/2012 9:21 PM (#532915 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
if 500 is too much then just wait til people start selling the Tranx. I'm sure some will realize musky is no fun with gear designed for saltwater
lambeau
Posted 1/14/2012 9:44 PM (#532918 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
i also prefer to crank with my left-hand, but can do either hand equally well. it took about 3 days to build the muscle-memory in my other hand. quit your bit$hin'...or just don't buy it.
people are overlooking ergonomics. while it's true that it's a big reel, roughly the same weight as a Trinidad 16NA (which i have also owned for comparison), the feel of this reel is vastly superior. i have quite small hands but the TranX fits comfortably/naturally in my grip when palming the reel - something the Trinidad had never been even close to doing.
so...speed and power enough to burn even the hardest pulling baits; a thumb-bar and levelwind for ease of casting; a comfortable feel in your hand on a rod; the reputation for quality/durability of Shimano engineering...yep, at $500 i think it'll be worth every dime.
Posted 1/14/2012 10:11 PM (#532926 - in reply to #532918) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 1220
I was totally ready to pull the trigger on this reel when I got to Chicago, but now am going to give that decision a bit more time. Like I said before, I now rely on two Saltist 30 LW's for my heavy lifting. They are hard to learn to master but totally efficient when you do and for about a hundred and sixty bucks each or about one third of the cost of the TranX. The brake is for "crap" and the reel must be manually engaged every single cast. The higher speed model of the TranX is very similar in what it can do...but you do get a brake that really can be adjusted to avoid the backlash learning curve of the Daiwa, and you get a push button that makes casting the TranX just like casting a Calcutta 400TE. No question, the TranX looks really swift too......my fear is that the push button will allow the beefy power handle to "go over" during a cast, engage the reel (which can not happen on the manual reel) and literally shred the gears inside into mush. Obviously, you can cast with a lot of care and watch to position the handle each time in a way to minimize that outcome, I am just not sure this reel has everything inside that it needs to have. So, the jury is out for me just for a little while cuz it really does have a lot of sex appeal. I am going to show up in Kentucky for the PMTT and hope that somebody who has one will pass it around during the practice days. If it does turn out to be all it's cracked up to be, that reel on a Big Nasty might just be like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers....we'll see! Marty Forman
Posted 1/15/2012 12:24 AM (#532943 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 553
Location: 15 miles east of Lake Kinkaid
I was a "judge" of the bucktail burning contest and I watched all the contestants closely. Hulbert's Shimano 400te ljv SMOKED the tranx. It is smaller, lighter, faster (because it has a smaller, more natural turning radius), and also has a thumb bar and level wind. I would buy that before a tranx. And as everyone said.....they are very big reels.
Posted 1/15/2012 12:39 AM (#532946 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Just from looking at the video you could tell Mike was burning the fastest. However, I would contest that it was the user more so than what reel he was using. He was definitely more committed and was working way harder than the other contestants. Check out the link to the video, he was going all out. I'd like to see him switch off between the LJV and the TranX to get a better comparison.
Posted 1/15/2012 1:52 AM (#532949 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 3868
Way way crazy stupid expensive. If yer loaded with dough and not too smart you should buy a bunch as soon as you can.
Guest
Posted 1/15/2012 6:26 AM (#532952 - in reply to #532863) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
PIKEMASTER - 1/14/2012 4:02 PM
catchandrelease - 1/14/2012 1:08 PM
Guys have been using Trinidad 16s for a few years, and they are about 20 oz, and I don't really recall anyone complaining about the weight of them. The selling point of the TranX for me is the thumb bar and the levelwind, combined with power and speed.
AND IT IS ONLY $20.00 MORE RETAIL THEN A TRINADAD 16NA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have the 4.6 gear one on order !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and for all the left hand guys, go cry a river somewhere else
I was talking to a guy at the show he said it was to much, so I ask him how many rod and reels he brings in the boat and he said 6-8, I said Y, and he said that his ABU RECORD reels fail so much he has to have backups. 8 records reels, retail $169.99 X 8 = $1359.92 !!!!!!!!!! how many TRANX can U buy for that ???????
be nice with that guy ,do not reveal his name
i will try to see if shimano can sound more serious whit the release of a lefty.
as a right handed guy it took me something like a day or two to feel confortable whit a left handed.
on a side note i will never pay $500 for again look like a mongoloid,i need to strongest harm to set the hook,like a king on his queen
Posted 1/15/2012 6:29 AM (#532953 - in reply to #532943) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
MuskyMATT7 - 1/15/2012 12:24 AM
I was a "judge" of the bucktail burning contest and I watched all the contestants closely. Hulbert's Shimano 400te ljv SMOKED the tranx. It is smaller, lighter, faster (because it has a smaller, more natural turning radius), and also has a thumb bar and level wind. I would buy that before a tranx. And as everyone said.....they are very big reels.
How can a LJV that has a 5.1:1 gear ratio and a 25" line pickup with each turn of the handle beat a TranX 6.6:1 gears that have a 43" line pickup of each turn of the handle ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Because Mike H. was reeling harder then anyone eles, not because the LVJ beat the TranX. Also the only way Mike H. was able to keep up was he was not reeling in all his line on the reel on each cast, he was casting like he had a fly rod with about 50 feet of line not reeled in on the reel. Next year I hope the judges make each person reel in all the line on the reel on each cast.
As far as price if U guys would cruise the internet as much as U post how much the reel cost U would have found a major retailer that all ready has a BIG DISCOUNT on pre-order TranX reels, pm if U what to know more info.
Edited by PIKEMASTER 1/15/2012 6:44 AM
Guest
Posted 1/15/2012 7:11 AM (#532958 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
no tks,no lefty no money & i'll let you be a good beta tester,so next year all the problems will be fixed ,they wil lproduce a lefty(i hope)& pricing lowered
Posted 1/15/2012 10:05 AM (#532977 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 298
Location: Not where I want to be!
One of the best anglers in the last 35 years is Joe Bucher. Caught more muskies than any of us will dream about!! He is a natural lefty and fishes like a righty with no problems. Your casting accuracy is better than most natural righties because you can cast with your dominate arm and don't switch sides of your body to retreive. Suck it up and learn how to use a right hand reel!!
Guest
Posted 1/15/2012 10:20 AM (#532981 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
No doubt he uses a right hand retrieve, I mean who wants to change hands after a cast. Get it?
Guest
Posted 1/15/2012 10:43 AM (#532986 - in reply to #532977) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
wavridr - 1/15/2012 10:05 AM
One of the best anglers in the last 35 years is Joe Bucher. Caught more muskies than any of us will dream about!! He is a natural lefty and fishes like a righty with no problems. Your casting accuracy is better than most natural righties because you can cast with your dominate arm and don't switch sides of your body to retreive. Suck it up and learn how to use a right hand reel!!
oh yeah?where did you read that ?
maybe you a are that pro who designed that kind of status??
and btw i set the hook whit my right hand and i also cast whit my right hand(dominate).so i guess i reel whit my wekest arm
Posted 1/15/2012 11:12 AM (#532992 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 298
Location: Not where I want to be!
Guest,
I didn't read it. If you've ever seen him in person or watched his TV show, you would know that he is a natural lefty.
PS. You might want to brush up on your grammer and spelling!
Posted 1/15/2012 11:38 AM (#532995 - in reply to #532992) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 968
Location: N.FIB
I thought the tranx felt good and not that heavy,I`ve been using a penn 975 for double tens and don`t think it will feel much different plus the lower gear ratio will be faster than the penn I think.
Posted 1/15/2012 12:14 PM (#533004 - in reply to #532977) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Ontario
wavridr - 1/15/2012 11:05 AM
One of the best anglers in the last 35 years is Joe Bucher. Caught more muskies than any of us will dream about!! He is a natural lefty and fishes like a righty with no problems. Your casting accuracy is better than most natural righties because you can cast with your dominate arm and don't switch sides of your body to retreive. Suck it up and learn how to use a right hand reel!!
I guess you don't get the point...
I write with my right hand (dominant hand)
I'm casting with my right arm and reeling with left hand.
So one would think that right handed people need left handed reels.
Why would you cast with one hand then hand over the reel to the other and start reeling?
JB does it the same way just in reverse since he is left handed.
guest
Posted 1/15/2012 1:25 PM (#533011 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
I am right handed. Cast with right hand and set hook with right hand. Prefer to crank with weaker left hand. If the Tranx is as good as they say, I sure hope they come out with a lefty. Otherwise I may have to start a strength training program for my left hand so I can get better casts and hooksets with my left hand and arm, reel with my right hand, and then buy the tranx. ha ha.
Actually most people are so amazingly uncoordinated that as easy as it is turn a crank now days they simply can't do it with their non dominant hand. That is why right handed reels are so popular among right handed people. If it is true that Joe Bucher is a lefty, but reels with his right hand it makes sense as he is a musician and probably more coordinated than most.
Posted 1/15/2012 1:34 PM (#533012 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 348
To me it makes no sense not to make a left handed reel come out with 5,000 to 10,000 reels i guarntee theyll all be sold,hell ill buy 2 ;]. Come out with a small enough run of reels an lefty to see how they sell i know they can base it off how many lefty TE's theve made an sold since coming out come on its a no brainer!!!!!!!!!!
Guest
Posted 1/15/2012 1:50 PM (#533017 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
we go thru this every time a reel comes out...all the leftys whining about not offering it in the a lefty....maybe try what lambeau did and learn to reel w your right hand...
until then quit ur b*tchin.
Posted 1/15/2012 3:23 PM (#533032 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Northern Wisconsin
What makes a righty's left arm weaker? I may not be able to write or throw as well with left arm but it's equally as strong. Anyway don't you use your whole body for the hookset, not just your arm?
I grew up using a lefty retrieve spinning reel my whole life. At age 15 got my first baitcaster. Went to Gander and tried both the 6500 and 6501 c3's. The 6500 just felt natural, even though I had been reeling with my left hand my whole life with a spinning reel.
Posted 1/15/2012 3:27 PM (#533033 - in reply to #533032) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Ontario
fish4musky1 - 1/15/2012 4:23 PM
What makes a righty's left arm weaker? I may not be able to write or throw as well with left arm but it's equally as strong. Anyway don't you use your whole body for the hookset, not just your arm?
I grew up using a lefty retrieve spinning reel my whole life. At age 15 got my first baitcaster. Went to Gander and tried both the 6500 and 6501 c3's. The 6500 just felt natural, even though I had been reeling with my left hand my whole life with a spinning reel.
Posted 1/15/2012 4:22 PM (#533045 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 51
Medically, a Doctor will tell parents, that if they notice their child writing with their left hand at the beginning of their life, to never force the child to use their right hand to do so. This could cause long term neurological implications.
Switching hands to complete a task would only be advised by a doctor to patients with amputated ligaments. A person, who is right hand dominant, will never be as efficient, if he/she would use their non-dominant hand.
This is what we have been taught at medical school.
Posted 1/15/2012 5:52 PM (#533063 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 380
Location: Michigan
So what is the verdict on the best ratio for burning double 10's?
Guest
Posted 1/15/2012 6:12 PM (#533070 - in reply to #533045) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
This is what we have been taught at medical school.
Oh my god.
A doctor should also have been taught that handedness tasks and neurological implications in children have to do with brain pathways development when a child is very young. As long as you're not 5 years old, you can learn to reel with your other hand without messing up your brain. C'mon already Mister Medical School.
I'm equally efficient with either hand. I wasn't the first time I tried, or even the first month. It's called practice. I carry both right and left handed reels in my boat, and switch out during the day in order to prevent fatigue to one hand, something that would have a much larger effect on efficiency than some cockamamie neurological confusion. Funny stuff.
I wonder if Shimano did any market research over the years on the number of left-side cranking reels they would sell and the cost/benefit ratio of producing them?
Posted 1/15/2012 8:02 PM (#533107 - in reply to #533104) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 968
Location: N.FIB
looked up the percentage of people who are right and left handed,85% of humans are right handed,out of that 15% of leftys how many want to buy a tranx,lol
guest
Posted 1/15/2012 8:16 PM (#533111 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Not all lefties want left handed reels and not all righties want right handed reels. It is a preference for fishing style. The 85% right handed vs 15% left handed doesn't mean those wanting a left handed reel are left handed. I have two burners for double 10s. One righty and one lefty. I am right hand dominant and prefer to cast with my right hand and reel with my left. I spoke with Avet who makes a left hand burner last summer and I thought the gentlemen I spoke with said about 1/2 of the people ordering left handed reels were considered right handed people.
In terms of Shimano making the Tranx in a lefty would depend on if Shimano feels it is a good marketing decision. In my opinion most right handed people use right handed reels and a for a lot of left handed people it is a benifit to use a right handed reel as they can cast with their left hand naturally and don't have to learn to cast left handed to use a right handed reel effectively.
Guest
Posted 1/15/2012 8:44 PM (#533115 - in reply to #533111) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
and a for a lot of left handed people it is a benifit to use a right handed reel as they can cast with their left hand naturally and don't have to learn to cast left handed to use a right handed reel effectively.
Exactly. I'm a lefty and I'm the only guy out of my circle of friends who reels right handed.
Posted 1/15/2012 9:00 PM (#533117 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 742
Location: Grand Rapids MN
I've avoided replying to this thread because of how it turned out but I guess I needed to throw my point out there like so many. It's called a "left-hand crank reel" meaning which side the handle is on and that's it. Nothing to do with what's your dominant hand. Like many I used spinning reels for a long time before I ever picked up a casting reel and like many I cranked with my left hand. I learned to work baits and cast with my right so that feels natural to me. I can crank in baits with my right hand but I can't work a bait or do anything else.
This is no different than right handed people buying left-handed baseball gloves. We learned to throw with our rights so we catch with our lefts. I learned to cast with my right and crank with my left.
And for the other guys saying suck it up and learn to fish with a right handed reel; they should just suck it up and learn to crank in big blades with their Abu 6500's. It's all about comfort and that's what we are all after.
Posted 1/15/2012 9:16 PM (#533119 - in reply to #533063) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 1316
Location: Lebanon,Mo
Chasin50 - 1/15/2012 5:52 PM
So what is the verdict on the best ratio for burning double 10's?
As I stated in another thread,I was fortunate enough to try both models out before the contest with 10's and IMO,I would have the slower ratio for big blades and higher for small blades.Just my thoughts though...
Posted 1/15/2012 10:37 PM (#533133 - in reply to #533070) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 51
Guest - 1/15/2012 6:12 PM
This is what we have been taught at medical school.
Oh my god.
A doctor should also have been taught that handedness tasks and neurological implications in children have to do with brain pathways development when a child is very young. As long as you're not 5 years old, you can learn to reel with your other hand without messing up your brain. C'mon already Mister Medical School.
I'm equally efficient with either hand. I wasn't the first time I tried, or even the first month. It's called practice. I carry both right and left handed reels in my boat, and switch out during the day in order to prevent fatigue to one hand, something that would have a much larger effect on efficiency than some cockamamie neurological confusion. Funny stuff.
That was just the simplest example, and in no way does it apply to "us", but I used it to introduce it as a "thought", and that's why I used it in the first paragraph.. There is more to it. Please, look it up, and don't dissect what I wanted to share.
In the end, you could never be as efficient. Why hammer in a nail with my non-dominant hand, when I can do it better and safer with my dominant right hand. Again, there is more to it.
For my self, and I can speak for all of my fishing friends who are right handed and wind with their left hand. I/we really tried hard to convert, but it just feels so unnatural to me. Things I found hardest to implement when fishing with my non-dominant hand were: fighting fish, setting the hook, working a lure, casting, holding the rod, etc...pretty much everything felt uncomfortable.
When ever I view a fishing show, I can pick up pretty fast on a person who is doing it wrong. And because musky fishing demands so much from our bodies, musky shows are the easiest to differentiate. I can "guaranty" that if that person did it with their proper hand he/she would be much more "efficient", and in the end, caught more fish.
There is just so much to it, I wish that I had more time to share this with you guys.
Tight lines, back to reading, which I have done almost non-stop since 7 am yesterday morning.
Posted 1/16/2012 6:08 AM (#533148 - in reply to #533119) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
missourimuskyhunter - 1/15/2012 9:16 PM
Chasin50 - 1/15/2012 5:52 PM
So what is the verdict on the best ratio for burning double 10's?
As I stated in another thread,I was fortunate enough to try both models out before the contest with 10's and IMO,I would have the slower ratio for big blades and higher for small blades.Just my thoughts though...
I would also have the 4.6 for hard pulling DC10-13 and the 6.6 for picking up slack line ripping Dawgs or Jerk baits. One thing I did notice about the TranX reels is that the handle length, it is shorter then the Trinidad, so if U wanted a little more power U could install a Trinidad handle on the TranX. But I wonder if Shimano did that so the reel won't engage on the cast .
Posted 1/16/2012 8:24 AM (#533167 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 743
I'm all confused about this righty vs. lefty stuff. It seems backwards to me .I'm a lefty and all my reels are rightys and it seems perfectly natural to me. Too me a lefty reel is assbackwards.
Posted 1/16/2012 8:24 AM (#533168 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana
As I thought I would/could,, I SMOKED the Tranx with my 400 LJV this weekend. The Tranx is an amazing reel, not doubt about it, but I think I will keep on fishing and buying the 400 LJV's. Best reel I have ever used, by a mile. The Shimano Tranx is sweet for sure, fast, smooth, etc...but I don't think it is any better than the LJV's.
Guest
Posted 1/16/2012 8:49 AM (#533174 - in reply to #533148) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
PIKEMASTER - 1/16/2012 6:08 AM
I would also have the 4.6 for hard pulling DC10-13 and the 6.6 for picking up slack line ripping Dawgs or Jerk baits.
I guess I'm missing something here Dick. If you're (and others are) saying you'll use the 4.6 for the blades, then what's the selling point of this reel for you? I thought the glory of this reel was that it's a 43" burner with a levelwind and thumb bar. But if you're using the lower ratio for blades, why not use a 400TE with a power handle or LJV? What the difference in line pick up...5"? That's no biggie. I know it'd pull harder, but if I were getting one I'd get it for the blades and get the 6.6. I guess I don't see the selling point of the 4.6 model when there's so many other options in that ratio class, and you're not using the 6.6 for blades. That's my head scratcher. For day time bucktails I use Trinidads and had a 16N and now a 16NA (as well as a 14) and I love them for blades and if I were to get a Tranx (which I'm not planning on) I'd get the 6.6 and roll with the 43"....but you're saying you'd use the 4.6 for the blades and that ratio isn't really anything special compared to what we have on the market now...in a smaller package and for less money.
I value you're opinion and I'm not arguing, I'm asking because I don't know. Thanks.
Posted 1/16/2012 9:12 AM (#533178 - in reply to #533174) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 23
Location: St Paul
Another question for Pikemaster. I use a Calcutta TE 700 for moderate speed on big blades, and i am thinking the slower Tranx would not be much of an upgrade. I use the foregrip, so "palmability" is not a factor for me. If I remember correctly, theTE700 is lighter at 19 oz, and has plenty of power to get the job done.
Thoughts?
Posted 1/16/2012 9:15 AM (#533180 - in reply to #532843) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 127
figureight - 1/14/2012 1:36 PM
not to mention setting the hook with your weaker arm. whats the sense in that?? :-O
Personally, my arms are definitely not the primary hook setting muscle. Much more core and lower body to generate the power, just like swinging a baseball bat.
guest
Posted 1/16/2012 9:37 AM (#533189 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Here is the part I'm not sure I get about the Tranx and other high speed reels for us musky fishermen.
For example if I cast into a pocket on a shield lake and I truly want to burn and the water is only a few inches deep around the pocket. I will have to have speed to burn it over the rocks without getting hung up. The majority of the people I fish with will cast with their right hands for accuracy, then switch hands, tilt their rod, and then start cranking with their right hand. In the above scenario half of them will be hung up on the rock by the time they start reeling no matter how fast the reel is.
The supposed advantage of a high speed reel is more line pick up per inch and thus less fatigue on the hand doing the reeling. I can see right handed people reeling with their right hands for speed on reels with lower line pick ups. Now with the newer high speed reels it seems that reeling with a right hand is not a big deal anymore as speed of the handle crank is no longer the issue. I prefer to cast right handed on my burners so I use a left handed cranking reel. If I had to use a 6500 reel for burning I would never use a left handed cranking reel. I would use the right handed reel because my right hand would be quicker and cast with my left hand.
I think this is why some are wishing high speed reels would come out in left hand versions.
Posted 1/16/2012 10:38 AM (#533205 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 743
200 price tag. Wow some people are really living in the past. I can't believe so much complaining about the price. I don't remember anyone complaining about 480 for a 16na. This is a BETTER reel for us.
Posted 1/16/2012 10:41 AM (#533207 - in reply to #533180) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 267
Howdy,
Just to add my 2 cents on lefties and the gear ratio question....
first I am a true lefty who writes with my left, throws with my left, bats left handed etc. I actually consider myself blessed when it comes to baitcasters as I can cast with my left, crank with my right and buy ANY "right handed" baitcaster on the market. I use spinning reels the same way and all of my "push-buttons" were like that as a kid. Total muscle memory from my first day of fishing to my most recent. Its great!
Interestingly, all of my friends who fish are right handed. All of the younger ones who have never been conditioned to switch hands during the cast (like most older fisherman have) prefer "left handed" baitcasters like a 6501 so that they can cast with their right and crank with their left.
I suspect that they, and fisherman like them, are the ones driving the market for left handed reels more than left handed dudes like myself... so don't hate on the lefties as our life expectancy is short enough already due to can-opener accidents!
Now on the issue of saltwater reels and their higher gear ratio and cranking power-and again, don't hate- I have to say I didn't find my Trinidad 14 and its 6:1 ratio to be any easier to crank DCGs than my Curado 300 with an after market EJ handle on it. I know that sounds like heresy, but I thought they felt about the same. Either one could blow the lure out of the water if I really pushed it and both were harder to crank a DCG than my CT-400 was with a lower ratio and the rosewood power handle (which also generated a lot of speed if I worked harder.)
That said I'm struggling with the Tranx (which I originally planned to purchase), which no doubt is awesome, its gear ratio (and the whole ratio debate in general) and the price to value of the $400+ saltwater reels compared to reels on the $200-300 range.
While DCGs are harder to crank on traditional reels, the addition of a power handle and investing in the occasional replacement gear (no different than maintenance items like tires on a truck) makes them very manageable for most situations on the water. Even with higher gear ratio reels.
Also, all reels break, even saltwater reels. When they do, however, its usually a part that costs less than a case of beer, and we all stock up on that. Parts are no different (or could be at least).
Now-and get ready to flame away-I'm wondering if a Curado 300EJ at $270.00 and the purchase of an extra drive gear and pinion gear (just in case) wouldn't be a better cost to value approach when paired with 65lb line. Even with the added torque of DCGs the reel wouldn't crank that much harder than a Trinidad 14, would be cheaper (even if you had to replace the occasional pinion or drive gear) and would be more versatile for everything else.
Posted 1/16/2012 11:49 AM (#533220 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
For all of those crazy right-handed individuals like myself that cast and reel with their right hand, when exactly do you switch hands? For me, it is during the cast while the lure is in the air, so I'm ready to crank with my right hand as soon as the lure hits the water. It is incredibly easy.
Posted 1/16/2012 12:30 PM (#533224 - in reply to #533174) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
Guest - 1/16/2012 8:49 AM
PIKEMASTER - 1/16/2012 6:08 AM
I would also have the 4.6 for hard pulling DC10-13 and the 6.6 for picking up slack line ripping Dawgs or Jerk baits.
I guess I'm missing something here Dick. If you're (and others are) saying you'll use the 4.6 for the blades, then what's the selling point of this reel for you? I thought the glory of this reel was that it's a 43" burner with a levelwind and thumb bar. But if you're using the lower ratio for blades, why not use a 400TE with a power handle or LJV? What the difference in line pick up...5"? That's no biggie. I know it'd pull harder, but if I were getting one I'd get it for the blades and get the 6.6. I guess I don't see the selling point of the 4.6 model when there's so many other options in that ratio class, and you're not using the 6.6 for blades. That's my head scratcher. For day time bucktails I use Trinidads and had a 16N and now a 16NA (as well as a 14) and I love them for blades and if I were to get a Tranx (which I'm not planning on) I'd get the 6.6 and roll with the 43"....but you're saying you'd use the 4.6 for the blades and that ratio isn't really anything special compared to what we have on the market now...in a smaller package and for less money.
I value you're opinion and I'm not arguing, I'm asking because I don't know. Thanks.
Here is my thinking on the the 2 gears, I don't fish lakes that DC10-13 need to be burned at warp speed, if I did then I would use the 6.6 gear TranX for DC10-13 blades. So the TranX 4.6 has a line pickup of 30" per turn of the handle and a TE/LJV has a line pickup of 25" per turn of the handle, only 5" right !!! but on a 150ft /50yd cast a TranX 4.6 U will have to turn the handle 60 times to bring in a bait and the TE/LJV 72 turnes of the handle, 12 more turns so after 500 casts you have 6000 more turns of the a reel handle, so the 5" becomes a Big factor in a day of fishing.
The TranX has the same size gearing as the Trinidad which is bigger then a TE/LVJ
so they will last longer then a TE/LJV. The TE/LJV is a great reel but the TranX has more power and speed then the TE/LVJ but at a price, weight and cost, each person will have to make that decession if it is worth it to them. I always disliked not having a levelwind and a push button spool release.
Posted 1/16/2012 12:43 PM (#533226 - in reply to #533178) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
MJPfeiffer - 1/16/2012 9:12 AM
Another question for Pikemaster. I use a Calcutta TE 700 for moderate speed on big blades, and i am thinking the slower Tranx would not be much of an upgrade. I use the foregrip, so "palmability" is not a factor for me. If I remember correctly, theTE700 is lighter at 19 oz, and has plenty of power to get the job done.
Thoughts?
The TranX 4.6 would not be any faster but U have bigger gears in the TranX so it will have more power over the 700TE not much but a little, both reels have level winds but the TranX has a push button spool release over the lever of the 700TE. The TranX cost more and has a little more weight so that one U will have to decide on.
I would try them out on a reel and go with the one that feels right to U.
Posted 1/16/2012 12:44 PM (#533227 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Has anyone checked the actual line pick up of a 400TE with a power handle?
Ratio guest
Posted 1/16/2012 12:45 PM (#533228 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Fair enough. Thanks. I see your point about the "end of the day" factor, and then like you said, it's up to each person to decide. For me, I gladly put down the coin for my Trinidads, and my TE's aren't cheap reels either. So price isn't huge, other than the fact that I have a 16NA and I don't mind the non-levelwind and I actually like the lever release, so for me the $500 is now not worth it to replace a reel that is so similar and which I don't mind it's features.
Posted 1/16/2012 12:50 PM (#533231 - in reply to #533227) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
catchandrelease - 1/16/2012 12:44 PM
Has anyone checked the actual line pick up of a 400TE with a power handle?
The 400TE has a line pickup of 25" with a full spool of line and the length of the handle will not increase or decrease the line pickup. The longer a handle is the more torque U will have that is all.
Posted 1/16/2012 12:56 PM (#533232 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 2
I can't see what the need for the higher speed retrieve in fresh water. I like the change from traditional 400 te. Yes it expensive but cheap compared to musky fishing lures, boats, motors, fish graphs, gps, etc. yes, I also own an I phone.
Steve
Isaac
Posted 1/16/2012 12:58 PM (#533233 - in reply to #533224) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
pikemaster
your theory is interesting, but incorrect, the laws of physics tell us no matter what the gear ratio is you will do the same amount of work to move an object a certain distance, whether more of that work come from speed of cranking or force used, in the end it equals out,
- it'll come down to personal preferance, whould you rather reel fast or push hard on that crank and what reel will handle what you prefer to do
Posted 1/16/2012 1:10 PM (#533235 - in reply to #533233) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
Isaac - 1/16/2012 12:58 PM
pikemaster
your theory is interesting, but incorrect, the laws of physics tell us no matter what the gear ratio is you will do the same amount of work to move an object a certain distance, whether more of that work come from speed of cranking or force used, in the end it equals out,
- it'll come down to personal preferance, whould you rather reel fast or push hard on that crank and what reel will handle what you prefer to do
Whatever, U are book smart but all I know "street smart" Y are breaker bars long in automovtive tools ???? Y do they sell long Power Handles for fishing reels ????????
Posted 1/16/2012 1:18 PM (#533237 - in reply to #533235) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 968
Location: N.FIB
what I`m wondering is will the tranx cast longer than say a trinidad or any other big game reel,I`m no larry d so don`t think I could cast it a 100yds like he did.
Posted 1/16/2012 1:23 PM (#533239 - in reply to #533233) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 127
While what you say holds true in theory, but that is assuming that every other variable remains constant except for gear ratio.
The focus on gear ratio is entirely over emphasized. Gears in a reel are part of a system, and depending upon the amount of friction in the system, the efficiency of the gearing (the gears ability to transfer our force input by turning the reel handle into true reeling power), and the ergonimics of the system, our effort (both perceived and actual) will change.
Isaac - 1/16/2012 12:58 PM
pikemaster
your theory is interesting, but incorrect, the laws of physics tell us no matter what the gear ratio is you will do the same amount of work to move an object a certain distance, whether more of that work come from speed of cranking or force used, in the end it equals out,
- it'll come down to personal preferance, whould you rather reel fast or push hard on that crank and what reel will handle what you prefer to do
Isaac
Posted 1/16/2012 1:26 PM (#533240 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
pikemaster - I'm not trying to argue with you, but physics has real world aplication and is never wrong, just because i spent alot of time in school working towards an engineering degree doesn't mean i do not understand how this stuff works in the "street"
-in those cases you are moving a greater distance to achive your goal, which is the same as lowering gear ratio which, now that is the opposite of what you originally said with with the 25" per crank vs 30" per crank,
Posted 1/16/2012 1:34 PM (#533241 - in reply to #533237) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
CASTING55 - 1/16/2012 1:18 PM
what I`m wondering is will the tranx cast longer than say a trinidad or any other big game reel,I`m no larry d so don`t think I could cast it a 100yds like he did.
I hope physics don't enter into this one LOL LOL LOL
The Trinidad has no level wind "friction" to slow down the line as it is leaving the spool, so a Trinidad should cast longer but it has no spool brakes to slow down the spool and may backlash. Way to many factors to pick one over the other, but both should be close.
Posted 1/16/2012 1:46 PM (#533244 - in reply to #533240) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
Isaac - 1/16/2012 1:26 PM
pikemaster - I'm not trying to argue with you, but physics has real world aplication and is never wrong, just because i spent alot of time in school working towards an engineering degree doesn't mean i do not understand how this stuff works in the "street"
-in those cases you are moving a greater distance to achive your goal, which is the same as lowering gear ratio which, now that is the opposite of what you originally said with with the 25" per crank vs 30" per crank,
Hey good luck on your Engineering degree and I don't know anything about physics, but I"ll take a reel that I have to turn less times in one day over another that I have to turn 6000 more times in a day. I don't know Y it works but a longer handle will have more power, torque, feels better, takes less force to move it then a short handle on a reel.
Posted 1/16/2012 1:59 PM (#533247 - in reply to #533240) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 968
Location: N.FIB
Isaac - 1/16/2012 1:26 PM
what school do you attend and how many yrs at it,have a step daughter in her final yr of engineering school,maybe I`ll ask her about this and see what she says, mil school of eng
pikemaster - I'm not trying to argue with you, but physics has real world aplication and is never wrong, just because i spent alot of time in school working towards an engineering degree doesn't mean i do not understand how this stuff works in the "street"
-in those cases you are moving a greater distance to achive your goal, which is the same as lowering gear ratio which, now that is the opposite of what you originally said with with the 25" per crank vs 30" per crank,
Posted 1/16/2012 2:08 PM (#533250 - in reply to #533244) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 1716
Location: Mt. Zion, IL
PIKEMASTER - 1/16/2012 1:46 PM
Hey good luck on your Engineering degree and I don't know anything about physics, but I take a reel that I have to turn less times in one day over another that I have turn 6000 more times in a day. I don't know Y it works but a longer handle will have more power, torque, feels better, takes less force to move it then a short handle on a reel.
I am a licensed engineer and your logic is correct. The longer power handle, just like you describe allows you to apply more torque to the gearing. This is why low quality gears in fishing reels can't take a power handle. You literally overload the gearing.
Torque is equal to force x distance. If the distance is increased, so is the applied torque.
If say you have to apply 10 lbs of force to a 2.5 inch (measured from the center) crank, you apply 25 in-lbs of torque to the gearing. If you increase the crank length to 5 inches from the center, it only takes 5 lbs of force to generate the same torque on the gears.
Some gearing is also more efficient than others. This is why the angles of the gear teeth are important. Larger angle typically means smoother transition between gear teeth. Industry standard (not necessarily fishing reels, but industrial gearing) is that 3 teeth, at a minimum, are in contact with the adjacent gear.
Leaving less line on the spool will also decrease the amount of torque to bring in the same bait. Again torque is equal to force x distance. This distance is measured from the center of the spool, to the outside edge of the line, if looking at the spool from the side.
The 3 most important items to consider for "fatigue" are crank length, spool diameter, and gear ratio. All 3 of these play into how much it will take you to reel in a bait.
Einstein
Posted 1/16/2012 2:19 PM (#533254 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
I think we're getting off in the weeds here, and I think words are being used interchangeably. "Power," "force," "work," and "effort" are all different things but sound and seem the same.
Yes, the same amount of work is required, it's just being done over more or fewer revolutions of the handle. Same work, but divided over a certain number of revolutions makes the "feel" different.
Same as with power handles, you still have to put the same amount of energy into the reel, you're just doing it over a longer distance (larger circumfrence) with a power handle. Think of pushing a box up a ramp onto a 3' ledge. You still have to put the same amount of energy into the box to move it, but if your ramp is 10' it'll be "easier" than if your ramp is 4' long. A power handle is a longer ramp.
You're both right. Energy is constant, but the means through which it's put into the reel and expended over time and distance is what makes the difference.
Posted 1/16/2012 2:30 PM (#533256 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 221
Shimano needs to know this reel will be popular with Saltwater and Musky fishermen before they spend the money to reverse engineer and produce the Tranx in a left handed version.
Give it a couple years, and if the Tranx is a hit and therefor not going anywhere, then you'll see a left handed model.
...look at it this way. When/If they do release a lefty, then they"ll have 2+ years of feedback to work out any problems it may have.
Posted 1/16/2012 2:34 PM (#533259 - in reply to #533254) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 1220
I am not a scientist...but I play one on TV. FORCE is the application of how I end up shopping in a mall instead of fishing on the lake. SPEED is the way charges go on my wife's card before I can put them on mine. TORQUE is the pressure applied to testicles being twisted into submission....but I digress! Back to the physics related to the new TranX, I will add that when the button is pushed to cast the bait, the level wind feature is disengaged. Therefore the line needs to bend back and forth to find the now stationary guide. In some other reels, you push the button to cast your bait but the level wind moves back and forth with the line coming off the spool. So, the next question to all you "egg-headed Harvard types" out there is this: Do you create less drag with the level wind disengaged versus engaged? I'd say that you do!
Posted 1/16/2012 2:46 PM (#533262 - in reply to #533250) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Ontario
RyanJoz - 1/16/2012 3:08 PM
PIKEMASTER - 1/16/2012 1:46 PM
Hey good luck on your Engineering degree and I don't know anything about physics, but I take a reel that I have to turn less times in one day over another that I have turn 6000 more times in a day. I don't know Y it works but a longer handle will have more power, torque, feels better, takes less force to move it then a short handle on a reel.
I am a licensed engineer and your logic is correct. The longer power handle, just like you describe allows you to apply more torque to the gearing. This is why low quality gears in fishing reels can't take a power handle. You literally overload the gearing.
Torque is equal to force x distance. If the distance is increased, so is the applied torque.
If say you have to apply 10 lbs of force to a 2.5 inch (measured from the center) crank, you apply 25 in-lbs of torque to the gearing. If you increase the crank length to 5 inches from the center, it only takes 5 lbs of force to generate the same torque on the gears.
Some gearing is also more efficient than others. This is why the angles of the gear teeth are important. Larger angle typically means smoother transition between gear teeth. Industry standard (not necessarily fishing reels, but industrial gearing) is that 3 teeth, at a minimum, are in contact with the adjacent gear.
Leaving less line on the spool will also decrease the amount of torque to bring in the same bait. Again torque is equal to force x distance. This distance is measured from the center of the spool, to the outside edge of the line, if looking at the spool from the side.
The 3 most important items to consider for "fatigue" are crank length, spool diameter, and gear ratio. All 3 of these play into how much it will take you to reel in a bait.
Posted 1/16/2012 6:22 PM (#533303 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 380
Location: Michigan
Well, as a right-handed person who fishes with a more efficient left hand wind, I am intrigued enough by this reel to consider forcing myself to learn how to cast ass backwards, and much less efficiently. I don’t think I can wait 2-3 years for a lefty… I will buy one strictly to burn double 10’s in a straight line, and will go with the high gear ratio.
Posted 1/16/2012 7:37 PM (#533320 - in reply to #532846) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 1184
Location: Iowa Great Lakes
Many of us cant reel a baitcaster with their left hand, and cant reel a spinning reel with their right.... sounds weird but I can't switch from either and have tried...then again I'm amidexteris (sp)....I also cant shoot a gun right handed but can shoot a bow either way, swing a hammer with my right hand but run a screwgun with my left... Maybe I'm just odd....BTW I'm primarily right handed....
Posted 1/16/2012 10:05 PM (#533348 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 814
At first I was impressed by the hype and promotion this reel received, then I went and saw the reel first hand. With all this talk about the gearing,line pickup and which one for this and that, I'm surprised no one commented on the durability issues I saw at the show. I saw the used dahlberg tranx's at thorne's, both reels felt sloppy in the handle, the spool had lots of side play, and I casted the one on the rod and I made the handle engage twice with minimal effort. I thought they were addressing this problem? You think they would have taken care of this problem being its a push button reel. My gold Trinidad 14 is 3 yrs old and feels tighter than this reel. I had the money ready to preorder at the show. Now I think I'll wait a year and see what issues surface.
I will say this though,thus far Shimano has and continues to put out the best reels in the business and continues to produce products everyone tries to compete with.
Posted 1/17/2012 1:42 AM (#533356 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
The main concern I've had about these reels is the handle engaging during the cast, and that's the first I've heard anyone mention the fact. I assume that problem could be fixed by swapping the "Trinidad" handle with a counterbalanced one. I'm actually surprised Shimano did not introduce the reel with one already on the reel. That may come back to haunt them if this is a common problem. At $500 I would expect people to be more apt to complain and seek replacements as the reel engaging on the cast can destroy a reel. Personally, I find it hard to believe that Shimano would put a reel on the market that would engage easily and/or persistently. They're a good company and they know the issues reels have better than we do. As far as handle and spool play, hopefully that was just an issue on the prototypes, and they will be resolved on the actual models.
I'm all for the TranX. I think it will be a much needed tool, and I'm genuinely excited to use one. However, the more I consider everything one thing is certain for me, I won't purchase one sight unseen. Additionally, as much as I would love to have one for ice out, I think the smart move may be to wait until July or August to see how people like them and what issues will be discussed. If the feedback is positive, I'll pull the trigger. If not, I'll wait for the next model to come out. At the very least it will give me additional time to earn some more money.
Posted 1/17/2012 5:20 AM (#533360 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 814
Catch/release, Shimano does have a reel on the market that accidentally engages on the cast regularly, it's called the ljv, theres lots of info on this board regarding this issue. They should never use a non counter balanced handle on push button reels period, put a lever release on it and problem solved just like the 700 te. For this kind a cash you shouldn't have to worry where the handle is when you cast imo
Posted 1/17/2012 5:27 AM (#533361 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 283
Location: beloit
I have a non counter balanced handle on my te and the only time u ever had it engage during the cast is when I bumped it, it doesn't really matter what position the handle is in when you cast its how you cast!
For those of you that want a left handed tranx I have a solution for you, FLIP IT OVER and your problem will be solved! Just pretend its a spinning reel. LOL
Posted 1/17/2012 7:21 AM (#533366 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 221
An LJV was designed for JIGGING not casting. ...it says it right on the side of the reel.
If you want an LJV that doesn't engage, use a Tekota handle and get it machined to fit the LJV.
So unless you're making sure you handle points down on your LJV on every cast, there's really no room for complaining about it engaging. I would be peeed at the guy who sold it to you and didn't explain what the reel is actually meant for in the first place... not Shimano.
speed?
Posted 1/17/2012 7:34 AM (#533368 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
will these types of reels put more fish in the boat? Yes, imo they do. Look at just a few years ago when we didn't have reels like trinidads/saltists etc to really make our bucktails move. Yes, spot is more important but anyone that thinks speed at times won't help you put more fish in the boat is crazy imo. Yes, these types of reels will put more fish in the boat over the course of the season.
Posted 1/17/2012 8:22 AM (#533374 - in reply to #533368) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Contrarian Island
I guess imo reels like this (maybe not THIS particular reel) will put more fish in the boat over the course of the season...to me of course the spot is key but look at it this way...say you troll a bait by a fish at 2.5 mph and it doesn't hit it, but you make another pass at 4mph and bingo, it hits..isn't this the same thing? sure location is paramount but isn't speed part of the equation? imo it definitely is.... look at the days we only had 5500/6500 type Abu's....then times changed and we had reels like Calcuttas and Revos etc w power handles to attain more speed without fatigue...then came trinidad/saltwater type reels....imo they DID put more fish in my boat...speed kills...it's a trigger, just like color/contrast, action, etc etc....is it first on the list ? No...but imo anyone that thinks these reels don't put more fish in the boat over the course of the season isn't quite looking at the big picture.
maybe this is a discussion for another thread but Doug J's post got me thinking...
QuickSet
Posted 1/17/2012 9:42 AM (#533398 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Most/many of us are already using reels intended to maximize speed and minimize fatigue, so it's a moot point (or at least a different discussion) about whether or not that matters. Enough people believe in it that we've been misusing saltwater jigging and trolling reels to try and accomplish it.
Assuming that as a given, the next consideration is whether or not there's any real mechanical advances offered by the TranX over the Trinidad or a modified TE; physics tells us "not much" and it will run a bait at about the same speed and you'll feel about the same amount of resistance depending on which gear ratio model you're using.
So, what's the advantage of it? The point of this reel from my perspective is that it is purpose-built as a casting reel, with a levelwind for ease of casting and a shape that is more comfortable in your hand than those other options. I expect that will mean fewer backlashes, more accurate casts, and less hand fatigue in the "off" hand that's holding the reel.
I had a 16NA but it was bulky and awkward so I found myself reaching for other, slower reels that were easier to hold and cast. If having a TranX means I actually use the reel more often to speed bucktails, then yes, I believe it will put more fish in the boat.
depoms2003
Posted 1/17/2012 10:39 AM (#533413 - in reply to #533374) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
BNelson - 1/17/2012 8:22 AM
I guess imo reels like this (maybe not THIS particular reel) will put more fish in the boat over the course of the season...to me of course the spot is key but look at it this way...say you troll a bait by a fish at 2.5 mph and it doesn't hit it, but you make another pass at 4mph and bingo, it hits..isn't this the same thing? sure location is paramount but isn't speed part of the equation? imo it definitely is.... look at the days we only had 5500/6500 type Abu's....then times changed and we had reels like Calcuttas and Revos etc w power handles to attain more speed without fatigue...then came trinidad/saltwater type reels....imo they DID put more fish in my boat...speed kills...it's a trigger, just like color/contrast, action, etc etc....is it first on the list ? No...but imo anyone that thinks these reels don't put more fish in the boat over the course of the season isn't quite looking at the big picture.
maybe this is a discussion for another thread but Doug J's post got me thinking...
you dont need a tranx to get 4 mph,you can get that speed whit ease whit a te 400.
and btw nobody troll from 2.5 to 4mph............
2.5 is a late fall speed and good luck to catch a fish at 4 mph during that period.
you better get better examples,never that reel is gona put more fish in the boat!
if you start to burn small blades whit that reel you will get something like 8 mph......
Posted 1/17/2012 10:50 AM (#533419 - in reply to #533413) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 999
depoms, you obviously haven't fall trolled much. We caught many fish trolling 4.5 on the woods and plenty more when the outside bait was going ever faster on the turns! Funny how so many get stuck by the book speeds.
Posted 1/17/2012 11:20 AM (#533427 - in reply to #533205) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 582
KSauers - 1/16/2012 10:38 AM
200 price tag. Wow some people are really living in the past. I can't believe so much complaining about the price. I don't remember anyone complaining about 480 for a 16na. This is a BETTER reel for us.
And as long as people think a reel is worth 500 dollars and that it will magically catch more fish they will keep the price going up. Like i said, 200 dollars maybe but this reel is not even competitive with others. Its double the cost.
Posted 1/17/2012 11:33 AM (#533428 - in reply to #533427) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Contrarian Island
depoms, thanks for the laugh.... and did you skip English class?
you can't catch fish at 2.5 ? huh? or 4mph? huh? wtf are you smoking...?
you missed the point.point is, if a bucktail goes by a fish at a slower speed and it doesn't hit but then another bucktail goes by the same fish at a much faster speed w a reel like this and it hits..isn't that putting more fish in the boat...?
Posted 1/17/2012 11:42 AM (#533429 - in reply to #533413) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Sun Prairie, WI
depoms2003 - 1/17/2012 10:39 AM
BNelson - 1/17/2012 8:22 AM I guess imo reels like this (maybe not THIS particular reel) will put more fish in the boat over the course of the season...to me of course the spot is key but look at it this way...say you troll a bait by a fish at 2.5 mph and it doesn't hit it, but you make another pass at 4mph and bingo, it hits..isn't this the same thing? sure location is paramount but isn't speed part of the equation? imo it definitely is.... look at the days we only had 5500/6500 type Abu's....then times changed and we had reels like Calcuttas and Revos etc w power handles to attain more speed without fatigue...then came trinidad/saltwater type reels....imo they DID put more fish in my boat...speed kills...it's a trigger, just like color/contrast, action, etc etc....is it first on the list ? No...but imo anyone that thinks these reels don't put more fish in the boat over the course of the season isn't quite looking at the big picture. maybe this is a discussion for another thread but Doug J's post got me thinking...
you dont need a tranx to get 4 mph,you can get that speed whit ease whit a te 400. and btw nobody troll from 2.5 to 4mph............ 2.5 is a late fall speed and good luck to catch a fish at 4 mph during that period. you better get better examples,never that reel is gona put more fish in the boat! if you start to burn small blades whit that reel you will get something like 8 mph......
Brad was just giving an example of how changing speeds can sometimes trigger a fish. He used a trolling example to do this. For me, it provided more food for thought.
Posted 1/17/2012 11:46 AM (#533430 - in reply to #533428) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi.
i'm gonna guess mr. depoms is Quebecois ... Go Habs!!!
Richard Brooker
Posted 1/17/2012 12:05 PM (#533435 - in reply to #533419) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Mr Musky - 1/17/2012 10:50 AM
depoms, you obviously haven't fall trolled much. We caught many fish trolling 4.5 on the woods and plenty more when the outside bait was going ever faster on the turns! Funny how so many get stuck by the book speeds.
noob stick at 4.5 during late fall i will stick to 2.5,we will see at the end of the day who won.........
Posted 1/17/2012 12:52 PM (#533444 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 298
$500 isnt so bad if it lasts. If your using large blades as your primary lure, the Trinidad gearing is the only reel that I've experienced that can handle this abuse. The gears in most Garcia, shimano, diawa, etc are being shredded inside. Powder will be everywhere inside at the end of a season if used significantly. The TRANX hopefully will keep right on going just like the Trinidad. Revo's have been solid also; so far. No experience with TE's.
Posted 1/17/2012 12:54 PM (#533445 - in reply to #533435) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 51
Richard Brooker - 1/17/2012 12:05 PM
Mr Musky - 1/17/2012 10:50 AM
depoms, you obviously haven't fall trolled much. We caught many fish trolling 4.5 on the woods and plenty more when the outside bait was going ever faster on the turns! Funny how so many get stuck by the book speeds.
noob stick at 4.5 during late fall i will stick to 2.5,we will see at the end of the day who won.........
One day you'll win, another day he will. No one wins.
Every day is different, one day they are aggressive/chasing baits, and on another slow an neutral. Even in the fall/early winter.
Guest
Posted 1/17/2012 2:05 PM (#533458 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Speed also helps you cover more water, which certainly improves your odds of contacting an active fish over the course of a day. Maybe there are days when an active fish won't eat a fast-moving lure but will eat a slow-moving lure, but on those days speed isn't a trigger, either. When speed is a trigger, you contact more fish AND trigger more fish by using the technique. Sort of like exponential returns on the "speed investment".
Posted 1/17/2012 2:37 PM (#533464 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 8782
The real question is does the extra speed you will get and the potential for a few more fish a season justify the cost of spending $500 on a reel... You can do a lot more fishing with an extra $500 in your pocket.
Posted 1/17/2012 2:48 PM (#533468 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 7039
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs
For what they're worth, here are my thoughts on the TranX: If you're throwing Double 10s and bigger for 3+ wks out of the season and are already used to the larger/heavier reels. This is a reel you should check out. From speaking with the Shimano guys, it seems as thought this reel has been engineered specifically for the purpose of chucking double 10s. I/they fully understand that the price point is going to be far too high for many people and that many people don't NEED a reel such as this. BUT, if you're looking for a high-quality reel (so far as it seems from playing around with it, talking with the reps, etc) for hard pulling baits that has a level wind, might be worth a look beyond saying "$500!" and deciding there is no use for a reel like this.
Fly
Posted 1/17/2012 6:15 PM (#533503 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
There's two sides to the "more fish" argument. I fish Trinidads for blades and I definately feel that speed is a trigger and that covering more water is another added bonus. But I'm with Doug in that if people think this thing is a magic wand that will have fish jumping over the gunwhales, people have a second think coming.
All the hype over this reel is insane. I love Shimano and I'm sure it's a great reel, but you'd think this thing was good for guaranteeing a 50 and a 55 with the option of a 58 on your first day out. I'm not even saying it'll be a disappointment; I'm sure it will work as advertised, but everyone is falling all over themselves to get this thing and talking about how it's a game-changer and is the biggest thing to muskie fishing since the DCG and I'm just not seeing it. Nice reel for sure, but me and my 16NA will fish side by side with a dude and his Tranx and it's not like they're going to shut out the lights on me. Levelwind and a thumb bar don't put fish in the boat. They're conveniences which are nice, but it's just a reel. A very nice reel, but it's just a reel. JMO.
Posted 1/17/2012 7:26 PM (#533516 - in reply to #533045) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 432
Location: Eagan, MN
h2o. - 1/15/2012 4:22 PM
Medically, a Doctor will tell parents, that if they notice their child writing with their left hand at the beginning of their life, to never force the child to use their right hand to do so. This could cause long term neurological implications.
Switching hands to complete a task would only be advised by a doctor to patients with amputated ligaments. A person, who is right hand dominant, will never be as efficient, if he/she would use their non-dominant hand.
This is what we have been taught at medical school.
Let me get this straight... you've been to medical school, but you don't know the difference between limbs and ligaments?!?! Amputated ligaments!?!?!? LOL
Posted 1/17/2012 8:51 PM (#533538 - in reply to #533526) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion
Sorry, but at 20oz. and $500.00 plus I'll stick to what has worked in the past...... Casting the bait where the fish are, will still work better for Me.
Sometimes slower is Better,...... in Sex and Fishing.
Posted 1/17/2012 10:18 PM (#533553 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 999
I question why didnt Shimano just make a 5:4 ratio Tranx and capture the best of both worlds? Speed and power. I would think it would be somewhere in the mid thirties?
Posted 1/18/2012 6:26 AM (#533564 - in reply to #533553) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
Mr Musky - 1/17/2012 10:18 PM
I question why didnt Shimano just make a 5:4 ratio Tranx and capture the best of both worlds? Speed and power. I would think it would be somewhere in the mid thirties?
Catch 22 for Shimano, guys that wanted a low gears would say it is to fast and guys that wanted a high spped gears would say it is to slow.
Guest
Posted 1/18/2012 10:27 AM (#533591 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
It's official: the TranX stole the Chicago Muskie Show.
Posted 1/18/2012 11:17 AM (#533606 - in reply to #533591) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana
As I have said before, I use all Shimano 400 LJV's...and NO, I do not have a problem with the reel engaging during the cast. Never have...no matter how hard I cast or where the handle is. The power this reel has is crazy...best reel I have ever used. As I mentioned before, I beat the Tranx with my LJV but I was also burning like a crazy man...where the Tranx makes it EASIER, less Fatigue which means you can BURN longer. Also, "BURNING" is a relative term as what I consider burning is not what most people consider burning. The Tranx will make fishing big tails EASIER with less fatigue for sure, but I know I can beat it for speed with my LJV. Will I get one...after thinking about it, yes, I will. I will also use it for pounders up shallow, as I like to toss pounders in 3-5 ft. of water and need this reel to really rip them. It is a pretty slick and amazing reel. I will be getting one and since it is a Shimano, I know it will be quality. All TE's, LJV's and Tranx in my boat for 2012.
Posted 1/18/2012 2:47 PM (#533650 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 311
Location: Ontario
EA nailed it....five hundred bucks buys a lot of fuel, maybe three or four nights with a dock at a good resort, a couple good GPS chips etc etc etc. I can think of a lot of ways to get more out of that kind of money. I think it's important to realize that things are only 'worth' what people are willing to pay for them. The same $500 reel will be being sold this time next year NIB for $350. Five years from now they will be $150. Again, equities are a perfect example in this case. It's a voting machine, not a measure of actual value. There's probably $20 worth of rubber, leather and child sweat in a pair of Nike, but the materials and production costs have nothing to do with the 'value' people associate with them. "Here's my $200!"
Someone here can (and I'm sure will) do the math but can casting and reeling can't really come close to duplicating and maintaining the speeds you can trolling, can it? You can go 6mph trolling all day and expend zero effort doing it. Can a reel really get a bait up to 5, 6 miles an hour consistently? If it can, it won't be for very long. You guys looking for all this speed should really look at trolling. The efficiency, lack of wear and tear and production will probably work for you. I know lots and lots of casters who switch to trolling and rarely go back to spending most of their time casting. Much fewer good trollers seem to revert to casting as theri no1 approach after seeing it work. (Yes, yes I know that some spots are made for casting and some for trolling and good fishermen use both). Everybody almost to a man starts out as a caster. Look at all the fish caught over fifty pounds or 55/57in the last ten years. There are fewer trollers than casters I have to beleive, and the score is lopsided even still. My first pickup cost me $1,100. Hard to believe with tax that probably wouldn't cover two muskie reels lol.
Posted 1/18/2012 4:03 PM (#533667 - in reply to #533650) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 284
Location: Eagan, MN
I don't get it.
At $479.99, there was never this much 'noise' about the cost of a Trini 16NA. Why is the cost of this reel such a hot button vs. the 16NA? Certainly not the $20 bill cost difference.
Posted 1/18/2012 4:12 PM (#533669 - in reply to #533667) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
BrianF. - 1/18/2012 4:03 PM
I don't get it.
At $479.99, there was never this much 'noise' about the cost of a Trini 16NA. Why is the cost of this reel such a hot button vs. the 16NA? Certainly not the $20 bill cost difference.
Brian
One Major Retailer is $50.00 OFF and Free Shipping
QuickSet
Posted 1/18/2012 4:19 PM (#533671 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
It's a psychological barrier rather than an objective one. So just like gas hitting $5/gallon feels tremendously higher than $4.50/gallon, a reel hitting $500 seems crazy compared to one in the $450 range. It's the same reason products are priced at $19.99 instead of $20.
If your budget allows you just enough money to stay at a resort this year, or maybe to upgrade your electronics or maybe (gasp!) buy a boat of some kind, then you should do those things instead of getting an expensive reel with a narrow application. If you already have those other things, and can afford it, then there's no reason to apologize for spending the dough on a new reel which should make fishing big hard-pulling lures easier.
ryan marlowe
Posted 1/18/2012 4:37 PM (#533675 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
We will see in a year what guy's actually are sayin about this reel.....
Posted 1/18/2012 8:10 PM (#533726 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana
I will be getting the high speed. Used them both this past weekend. If I need power, it is hard to beat the LJV, if I need speed, then the high speed Tranx is what I will be throwing. I understand $500 is a lot to pay for a reel, and I will be getting mine straight from Thorne Bros. just like most of you. It's a tough pill to swallow, but we all have well more than $500 worth of worthless lures that we never use, old rods that sit in our garage, old reels from years ago, etc...so even though it is expensive, I can swallow the price tag a little more knowing it will be put to good use!!!
Posted 1/18/2012 8:44 PM (#533731 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 999
I look at it this way how many hunters will spend $1000 on a deer rifle or slug gun to hunt ONE week out of the year or even less? A quality musky reel you will get to use 8 months out of the year in WI!
Posted 1/18/2012 10:37 PM (#533738 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 716
Economics discussion
Lets see, spend $500 on a trip....you have fun the money is gone. Okay I have done that, many times...I get the concept
Spend $500 on a reel that you will use for quite a while and still is worth something whenever you want to sell it...maybe not all of what you paid but a reasonable valuation if it is a quality product...( like used guns...quality sells, junk is junk) and you got to use it while you had it so partial depreciation.
One isn't right and one isn't wrong but comparing an investment in tackle to expenses on a trip is not a direct comparison, apples to apples...unless it's your last $500 ....in which case either expenditure seems a little excessive.
Absolute Fact:
In certain situations the gear will help you catch more fish...if you still question that you have either not been in that situation (yet) OR were not aware of it while you were in it...because you didn't have the gear to find out.
Having the gear is a personal/asset/need/tactical and personal issue to deal with and not everyone will have the same results but to argue that it never matters is .....kinda like saying I only need a stick and twine...it matters on some level.
Posted 1/18/2012 11:33 PM (#533742 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 8782
Not disagreeing with you Bob. But coming from a place where money was no object and now finding myself in a place where money is the deciding factor in my fishing? There was a time when I would have bought this reel sight unseen. Hell, I probably would have bought two of them, for exactly what you describe -- the situation where it's going to put a fish in the boat I ordinarily would not have caught. But then you can buy a few days at a lodge, drive a few hundred miles further north, buy another combo and have a throwback lure ready to go, hire a guide, or spend quite a few Sundays on your local lake for $500; all of which are likely to = more fish at the end of the season. $500 will buy you enough gas to get to Canada and back.
depoms2003
Posted 1/19/2012 5:00 AM (#533749 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
it's obvious ,the marketing have been done very well
i am sure this reel work like a charm but the thing that bugging me is when some guy start to tell that reel is gonna put more fish in the boat.i dont know who have put these theories in your heads?
imo reel preference is something personal.same thing for your love for the marvelous eggies
: )
slamr i think you have been teased.
that reel like every other shimano reel have not been builded especially for musky.
saltwater purposes first!
here is some good read
Posted 1/19/2012 7:49 AM (#533758 - in reply to #533742) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
finding myself in a place where money is the deciding factor in my fishing?
If that's the case it means _your_ finances don't support buying this reel.
That's completely different from whether or not the TranX is worth $500. It is.
As for catching more fish? Speed's a trigger, but I already have a Trinidad for speed. However, if it makes casting easier I will make more casts in a day instead of picking out backlashes, etc. Mulitplied over the course of a year that means more fish.
Posted 1/19/2012 10:44 AM (#533784 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 716
Total undiscused side bar: The level wind and better cast control gave me about a 10-15% casting distance advantage vs the Trinidads as I could wail on it with no worries about backlashes.
And D...03 is right Shimano makes reels...not muskie reels. This one just happens to address some of our issues quite well.
My reference to gear making a difference is a general statement, specificly this reel does some things better than other "speed" or "power" reels....if you don't have a reel capable of generating speed it means that you will/could miss out on some opportunities requiring that aspect of presentation That is the big view, mine at least.
The reels actual performance is not conjecture or speculation on my part....I tested both models for a week fishing with them extensivly. I have TE's, Lucanus, 14 and 16's, Saltist 20's, old 70's 7000's, Diawa 3000's and Curado's in my boat to test against. So while my statements may still be an opinion.... at least its an educated one vs pure speculation.
chris riebe
Posted 1/19/2012 11:25 AM (#533791 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
The fact is this reel is 20oz and a 400 te is 12.8oz. The tranx is still awsome in my opinion and I will be buying one but I don't burn a bucktail all day so I think I will be using my te more often. If shimano would have made the tranx in a 400 model instead of a 500 this thing would have been a home run. After we all run out and buy one they probably will come out with a 400 model and everyone will be peeed they have the wrong size for what we do!!
Posted 1/19/2012 12:48 PM (#533818 - in reply to #533791) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 127
The truth of that matter though is that a tall spool is required to get pickup while keeping the gear ratio under 7. To get a Calcutta 400TE up to a 40"+ pickup would require at least an 8:1 gear ratio.... The beefiness of a construction becomes a necessity for long term durability and performance.
I'm not saying it isn't possible for a smaller reel to come out that does what we need for large bucktails, but I'm not holding my breath either.
chris riebe - 1/19/2012 11:25 AM
The fact is this reel is 20oz and a 400 te is 12.8oz. The tranx is still awsome in my opinion and I will be buying one but I don't burn a bucktail all day so I think I will be using my te more often. If shimano would have made the tranx in a 400 model instead of a 500 this thing would have been a home run. After we all run out and buy one they probably will come out with a 400 model and everyone will be peeed they have the wrong size for what we do!!
Posted 1/19/2012 12:53 PM (#533819 - in reply to #533731) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 582
Mr Musky - 1/18/2012 8:44 PM
I look at it this way how many hunters will spend $1000 on a deer rifle or slug gun to hunt ONE week out of the year or even less? A quality musky reel you will get to use 8 months out of the year in WI!
the diff is, a rifle is still worth money during it's lifetime which is longer than most people will live. Guns have gone way up in value lately. My rifles will be handed down, i doubt i would buy a tranx and plan to hand it down 20 years from now.
Posted 1/19/2012 12:55 PM (#533820 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek
I've never used a Trinidad but the NON levelwind reels I've used outcast a levelwind by 5-10% and outcast a disengaging levelwind by about 10-15%. Obviously the levelwind will make the TranX more versatile as far as ripping cranks and jerkbaits than a non levelwind HS reel, but I can't imagine it will improve casting distance.
Posted 1/19/2012 4:09 PM (#533864 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
On my Trinidad 16NA it was rated at 46" of line pickup WITH A FULL SPOOL and I never had more then 75% full of line on that reel, so I was getting maybe 34"-38" of line pickup. I had to use a lite tip of a rod so I would not backlash so much which suck on the 8 and if I used a XXH rod I would backlash every 20 or so casts, plus always looking at the spool to make sure the line was not going to one side which meant I was not watching my bait. So the TranX with a level wind and spool brakes will be so much more for me, now I can use a XXH rod for DC10-13 and not worry about backlashes and now have a rod that will not fold over on the 8.
On casting of a Trinidad I never did a hard cast it was more of a soft casts, now with a TranX I should be about cast as hard as I want with no fear of backlashing. So I would say YES that a Tranx would out cast a Trinidad.
Posted 1/19/2012 6:51 PM (#533889 - in reply to #532751) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
Posts: 716
My added distance casting was totally based on being able to cast with zero fear of backlash...so very aggressive. With the Trinidad (even using them daily for 5 years) I just have to a little defence in my game.
The power/slower model has considerably more power than a 400 even though it pulls about 6" more line per turn...bigger spool, bigger gears, bigger handle = more leverage. If a person throws 13's a lot and/or has good hand speed to burn smaller blades when required the slower one is a good call. It still pulls more line than most at about 31" per turn
I am not an engineer but R Stein is and he and I have talked reel ratios, spool diameters, lever (handle) lengths etc for hours while fishing. The exact mechanical advantages to all these variable is endless In the end the person using the reel is the engine driving it... and matching your style of reeling to the equipment is important to get the most out of it. Resale on Shimano stuff is pretty decent...not as good as a gun but they generally last better than most. I had a original release 400TE (ten years old ?) that finally started sounding a little cranky....$30 bucks for a trip to Shimano and it came back with new gears and another prospective ten years of life.....pretty good deal.
Guest
Posted 1/20/2012 4:42 PM (#534052 - in reply to #532813) Subject: Re: Thoughts on TranX
h2o. - 1/14/2012 10:16 AM
Worthless at any price because it doesn't come in a left hand wind. I actually sold 2 of my 61 Toro's and a TE401 because I was naive enough to think that Shimano finally started to care about their customers.
I'll stick to my Saltiga 30L and my 2 Toro's, that's all I need.
Shimano should start listening to their customers more, and not their pro's, that's what James at TI does, and look at the great things that are coming from him.
Posted 1/24/2012 8:39 AM (#534570 - in reply to #532751) Subject: RE: Thoughts on TranX
Location: Sun Prairie, WI
Has anyone thrown a heavier bait with this reel, something other than a crank or bucktail, something like a Magdawg or Pounder? If so, does the added weight of the bait make the handle more likely to turn during the cast and engage the gears? Thanks.
Thoughts on TranX
