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Posts: 58
| I've been eyeing these two reels, but not sure which direction or size to go with. I'm looking for an all around reel that will do double-8's, crankbaits, and smaller-mid rubbers.
Is the Tranx the golden class of all purpose musky reels? I've seen yes but I've also seen some issues with them. Also heard that the 300 might be a bit on the small side, would the 400 be too big?
I don't know that I'd consider the Lexa 400 since it appears these models are substantially larger than the tranx, but the 300 WN looks nice.
Finally, what kind of IPT would you all recommend for all purpose. Tranx would probably be an easy decision with the standard at 30 IPT- I think the 39" at the high speed would be too much. Looking at the Lexa 300 they have 28.8" or 32.4".
Thanks In Advance |
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Posts: 58
| I want to lean towards the Lexa 300, but casting distance is a big priority for me. I've heard some concerns about that referring to the Lexa, or maybe it's just that it doesn't do as well as the Tranx. The range of weights I'd be throwing with this would be smaller crankbaits (1 oz) to standard bulldawgs (5 oz). Will I see a substantial increase in casting ease and distance with the Tranx…..
The more I look at them I'm opening up to the Tranx 300 as well.... |
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Posts: 100
| Get a Tranx 400 HG. Best all around real there is. You won't love it for double 10s, but it's a great all round real for rubber, cranks, jerk baits and bucktails.
I never find the reel to be too fast. You can crak it slow to slow roll a bucktail or crank. Jerkbaits can be worked by quick short movements of the reel with no input from the rod. Rubber it really shines on with the amount of line pickup-this is also a benefit when working baits like suicks. You never have an issue with slack in the line.
As far as casting, I've casted HJ14 husky jerks with no backlashes, a bait weighing in at 3/4 oz. Larger baits aren't an issue until you get over 8 oz. They'll cast fine but the reel won't take it for long (more than a year or two). Get a 500 for those applications.
The guy I fish with had a regular Tranx and bought a high speed after using mine. Several time last weekend he picked up the regular Tranx only to put it away after a few casts and go back to the HG. Just a much more versatile reel that is less tiring to use for most applications.
As far as 300 vs 400 I don't see the benefit to using a 300. A 400 will cast light baits out of a similar frame size with more longevity and a higher line capacity. |
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Posts: 58
| CRK925 - 6/19/2020 9:33 PM
Get a Tranx 400 HG. Best all around real there is. You won't love it for double 10s, but it's a great all round real for rubber, cranks, jerk baits and bucktails.
I never find the reel to be too fast. You can crak it slow to slow roll a bucktail or crank. Jerkbaits can be worked by quick short movements of the reel with no input from the rod. Rubber it really shines on with the amount of line pickup-this is also a benefit when working baits like suicks. You never have an issue with slack in the line.
As far as casting, I've casted HJ14 husky jerks with no backlashes, a bait weighing in at 3/4 oz. Larger baits aren't an issue until you get over 8 oz. They'll cast fine but the reel won't take it for long (more than a year or two). Get a 500 for those applications.
The guy I fish with had a regular Tranx and bought a high speed after using mine. Several time last weekend he picked up the regular Tranx only to put it away after a few casts and go back to the HG. Just a much more versatile reel that is less tiring to use for most applications.
As far as 300 vs 400 I don't see the benefit to using a 300. A 400 will cast light baits out of a similar frame size with more longevity and a higher line capacity.
Thanks that is helpful- I wish I could get the 400 hg with the paddle handle but they all seem to come with power handles |
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Posts: 100
| ajschn06 - 6/20/2020 6:56 PM
CRK925 - 6/19/2020 9:33 PM
Get a Tranx 400 HG. Best all around real there is. You won't love it for double 10s, but it's a great all round real for rubber, cranks, jerk baits and bucktails.
I never find the reel to be too fast. You can crak it slow to slow roll a bucktail or crank. Jerkbaits can be worked by quick short movements of the reel with no input from the rod. Rubber it really shines on with the amount of line pickup-this is also a benefit when working baits like suicks. You never have an issue with slack in the line.
As far as casting, I've casted HJ14 husky jerks with no backlashes, a bait weighing in at 3/4 oz. Larger baits aren't an issue until you get over 8 oz. They'll cast fine but the reel won't take it for long (more than a year or two). Get a 500 for those applications.
The guy I fish with had a regular Tranx and bought a high speed after using mine. Several time last weekend he picked up the regular Tranx only to put it away after a few casts and go back to the HG. Just a much more versatile reel that is less tiring to use for most applications.
As far as 300 vs 400 I don't see the benefit to using a 300. A 400 will cast light baits out of a similar frame size with more longevity and a higher line capacity.
Thanks that is helpful- I wish I could get the 400 hg with the paddle handle but they all seem to come with power handles
I didn't think I would like the power handle either but now prefer it to the paddle handle. You can always buy a paddle handle and swap them. |
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Posts: 402
Location: SW Ohio | Never have used a Tranx although my friend has a couple of them. I reel lefty, him righty. I do have both the Lexa 300 s and 400s, four of each. No problem with any of them. I use the 300s on my MH and H Shimano rods. The 400s are on my XH and above rods. Even then, I can cast small crankbaits (large bass version) without issue with the 400s. The 300s are great on the shorter, lighter rods for underhand casts near brush and falldowns. |
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Posts: 93
| If I was going to buy one or the other, I would buy the Tranx 400. I am more of a Daiwa fan than Shimano, but I have 4 Lexa's (couple years old model, dark blue) and don't like any of them. They are like a cheese grater when you crank em. I heard the 300WN has and is a best choice of these reels but have no experience with them.
If you plan on using the reel to throw big rubber, I would recommend the Tranx 400HG.
I DO NOT like the power handle Shimano provides with their Tranx. The knob is a slippery plastic and absolutely sucks in the wet or wet/freezing environments. I bought a replacement power handle style handle at the last Musky show and it was a game changer for the reel. Sorry I don't remember who's it was but I am sure someone here can chime in. |
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