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Posts: 34
| Any users out there now with some reviews? I am possibly looking at both the 400 and 300 models. 400 for the 10's and rubber baits (mag dawgs, and possibly a pounder) and 300 for speed for cranks, 8's, etc. Any thoughts, recommendations
My wife just got me a Tranx PG for out 31st anniversary. I have been hinting around about it for awhile. Guess it paid off. Anyway I am thinking about returning it and getting a 400 D. Never been used, no line on it. Just seems it would take awhile to get used to the additional weight on the handle. Anyway what I have been reading is that the 400 D is as strong as the Tranx but more compact. Am I wrong?
Recommendations appreciated |
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Posts: 512
Location: Appleton | I have one. It's small and as smooth as any reel I've owned. I can't imagine needing a 300 cause the 400 is pretty small already. It's pretty much the opposite of the Tranx for size. I've thrown most everything with it and works great. I actually like it so much I just got another this weekend. Hope this helps. |
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Posts: 309
Location: Elgin IL | Just tried one and was very happy with it. The reel is small light and comfortable.Note pics how the reel is seated on the rod. The palm side is a lot closer to the rod.Smooth and powerful and will be a nice reel for multiple lures. I thought with 5.1 gears that it would be slow and that's not the case.The paddle handle is huge and you can work lures with the handle.
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Posts: 1141
Location: NorthCentral WI | I'm sold. If I only purchase one thing this offseason, it'll be a 401D. I wish I had the spare change laying around to get one sooner. |
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Posts: 1901
Location: MN | I foresee the semi-permanent crimp in my left hand/fingers going away next year! |
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Posts: 833
| I know it is exceedingly minor, but I wish the thing came with a clicker.
On the Tranx PG vs. 400D: I haven't used a 400D so I cannot comment on it's performance, but as far as power, if you feel any amount of pull with a double 13, then the 400D is not as powerful as the Tranx PG. Tranx PG makes 13s feel literally effortless. You may not need that power, but that is what the reel brings to the table. 31" per crank isn't bad either. |
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Posts: 309
Location: Elgin IL | New design makes it feel powerful and smooth...Tranx is a different animal...Mustang GT vs F150 |
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Posts: 865
| Is The Tranx Reel that much heavier than other Reels? Seems Like for a Newer reel on the Market that there seems to be quite a few being sold after only a week or two of being used....Pretty Strange isn't it? |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Not really, I think most folks don't really understand how big that reel is. it is a TUNA reel, for goodness sakes, and is a big animal of a machine. Does what it is supposed to well, but one had better be ready for the size.
I got an Okuma salty, and it BURNS double 10s. It's also BIG. I guess I'll keep it around just in case, but won't use it much, just too big for my paws. |
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Posts: 1100
| Msky3 are those reel 400 size both og them ? |
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Posts: 865
| Steve I think your right, makes a lot of sense. Mike Sr. |
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Posts: 309
Location: Elgin IL | Pics are Calcutta 400D and Calcutta 400 |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | cast4musky - 9/24/2012 11:42 PM
Is The Tranx Reel that much heavier than other Reels? Seems Like for a Newer reel on the Market that there seems to be quite a few being sold after only a week or two of being used....Pretty Strange isn't it?
I think a lot of guys either were not prepared for the size or else took it on their once a year trip and put it up for sale to get some cash back...
I absolutely love mine and will not be selling it...Once I made a few adjustments and got used to it it is just a beast of a reel that I found myself not wanting to put down. I haven't used the 400D but I have doubts it can do what a Tranx can, probably still a nice reel though and obviously cheaper... |
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Posts: 103
| Bought a 400D and at first didn't think it was worth the money. It reels impossibly smoothly, but it didnt cast as well as I thought it should for the price. I talked to Pikemaster and he recommended trying Power Pro Slick in 65# and it made a big difference (I think because of the dis-engaging level wind). I had 80# Bronzeback on there which I love on my other reels. I also think it just took a few hours of break in. Now I love it. Noticeably smaller and smoother than my 400B's. I think I will have less hand and shoulder cramping after long days of fishing which for me anyway will be worth the price.
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Posts: 366
| Can anyone post a pick of a 400D next to a Winch for the comparison on handle lengths?
Thanks,
Ryan
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Posts: 75
| I think because of the dis-engaging level wind
Really does the levelwind disengage ??
I never again buy a reel without a levelwind wich is engaged all the time.
Anyone wanting to sell their 401TE ?? i,m looking for an aditional one, was planning to go for a 401D but with a non continious levelwind i don,t think about buying one.
Wouldn't fish it even when ik got it for free......
Edit..
My opinion is a bit crude, personaly i realy like the smoothness of line alignment with the levelwind, less sound and grinding from line seeking its way over other line getting out under presure. Dont want to offend anyone.
I have a small okuma widespool pt20 or something, from witch the levelwind does disengage. I forget before casting to put the levelwind in the middle and this cost me distance. When fish go trough the drag, you get this terrible sound.
So for me, spending that amouth of money is not going to happen.
And when i get one for free seriouly i send it to Fishwizard.
(Fishwizard has to pay the shipment though)
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Posts: 128
| It has a narrower spool so a levelwind that disengages on the cast isn't a big deal at all. Most bass reels are like this, and I've used some really nice older round reels (Abu-Pro Max) that disengaged. No problems whatsoever.
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Posts: 366
| The Calcutta 250 that I use for bass has a levelwind that disengages as well, and it casts great. From the pics above, my 250 looks to be pretty close to the same overall width as the 400D. The spool is a larger for sure. I think it will be a long ways from garbage, but if you do get one for free I would certainly take it off your hands for free, so you don't have to be forced into fishing with it. I can't wait to try out the 400D in a couple weeks when I get mine.
Ryan
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Posts: 833
| cast4musky - 9/24/2012 11:42 PM
Is The Tranx Reel that much heavier than other Reels? Seems Like for a Newer reel on the Market that there seems to be quite a few being sold after only a week or two of being used....Pretty Strange isn't it?
They weigh about 20oz, so it is all relative. It will feel huge compared to a 300 Curado or a 400TE, but it isn't like you have a cinder block on your reel seat.
As far as palming goes, mileage will vary. You can also just hold the foregrip, that is how I fish.
The Tranx offers an amazing combination of power and speed in an oversized baitcasting package. That is it's primary selling point. Some people want that, some don't. I absolutely love mine. |
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Posts: 456
Location: Kansas City BBQ Capitol of the world | So do you find on the D that it casts further or smoother with the disenguage than with a TE? Also any problems with the levelwind positioning before the cast?
Thanks, ill kick back, drink a coffee and wait for a reply.
Ron |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Mine casts really well, even throwing a light spinnerbait. Fine reel. No issues with anything, actually, and it casts a mile. I've boated a few using the reel on different rods, it's nice. |
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Posts: 75
| Hello Steve,
Sounds promising, do you have to put the levelwind in the middle before casting or doesn,t that matter?
I would really hate myself buying a reel that does take this kind of awereness.
I live in europe so i cant feel one before buying. They are not in stores overhere. |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Nope, just cast. No problems. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Both the 300D and the 400D have narrow spools so the Dis Engaging levelwind sysytem will be fine on both reels. But I would highly recommend say Power Pro Slick or Suffix, or Suffix 832 line for both reels. The newer lines have a 8 weave style and are so so smooth. If you use some of the older style lines you have have a little more noise and shorter casts because the line is a lower weave count and is not as smooth as the newer 8 weave lines. |
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Posts: 456
Location: Kansas City BBQ Capitol of the world | My 400D came in last Friday. Other than being a 400 in the size of a 300 and a reduced weigh tI didn't see where it significantly did anything better than my Calcutta 300. Both are about the same size and casted, in my estimation about the same distance. With the non engaged level wind, yeah I suppose you can throw lighter baits a little further. The paddle handles don't seem to be any longer than the 300 and they may be the same length as on my Abu Record. The handle being closer to the reel because of the new drag being on the outside of the handle I didn't get any feel of any added torque, and torque moves the pork! The 400D did seem extremely smooth with no resistance on it, With resistance it felt average and I wouldn't recommend it for a big bait reel. It will get the job done with finesse but won't mow in 10's or 13's like my Saltist, but then again my Saltist won't cast like the 400D so there is your trade off.
The 400D should be bullet proof, should last a long time and will do a good job throwing most baits you have in the boat. As far as the 400D being the next "BIG" thing, keep your Revo's, TE's and B's, not unless you just need have it.
Ron
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| rjhyland - 9/29/2012 9:48 PM
My 400D came in last Friday. Other than being a 400 in the size of a 300 and a reduced weigh tI didn't see where it significantly did anything better than my Calcutta 300. Both are about the same size and casted, in my estimation about the same distance. With the non engaged level wind, yeah I suppose you can throw lighter baits a little further. The paddle handles don't seem to be any longer than the 300 and they may be the same length as on my Abu Record. The handle being a foreskin closer to the reel because of the new drag being on the outside of the handle I didn't get any feel of any added torque, and torque moves the pork! The 400D did seem extremely smooth with no resistance on it, With resistance it felt average and I wouldn't recommend it for a big bait reel. It will get the job done with finesse but won't mow in 10's or 13's like my Saltist, but then again my Saltist won't cast like the 400D so there is your trade off.
The 400D should be bullet proof, should last a long time and will do a good job throwing most baits you have in the boat. As far as the 400D being the next "BIG" thing, keep your Revo's, TE's and B's, not unless you just need have it.
Ron
Are you comparing it to a 300TE or 300D? Thanks. |
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Posts: 456
Location: Kansas City BBQ Capitol of the world | RonsdrinkingbuddySteve,
That's a good question. The guy I bought it from said it was not a "B" and it was not a TE. It was just a 300. Maybe a D?
It is probably 6 years old + and he sold it to me 65 dollars. That's all the info I have on that. I can post a pic if you like and maybe you can tell me.
Ron
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Posts: 63
| I got to use mine today for the first time.. I threw a little bit of everything and I had no problems. It casted baits a mile. I had no troubles with 10's or pounders or rippin 10" jakes.. Hopefully I can catch a fish on it before the season ends. I would suggest the 400D if your thinking about it. |
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Posts: 865
| Why would you recommend the 400 over the 300? what reason thanks Mike |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | The 300D has taller gears, 5.6:1 with 30" of line pickup and has a 90mm size handle, the 400D has 5.1 gears with a 27" line pickup and has a 105mm handle so the 400D will handle DCG alot better then the 300D. The 300D will make a great topwater reel for fast line pickup and the 400D will be best for DCG. |
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