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Posts: 6
| Hey guys,
I just need some opinions to choose which Tranx model I should get (it will be a 400 series I am positive). It will be used for everything from running Double 10's to Double 8's, Mid size Medusa's and Bulldawgs, Mid size gliders.
So for an overall reel to handle everything, should I lean towards the lower geared 5.8:1 with the paddle handle 400A model or the 7.6:1 higher geared with power handle 400AHG model?
Your thoughts?.......Thanks for any suggestions
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Posts: 112
| I say 400AHG. Prefer the power handle, and the high speed is more versatile imo. I know folks often suggest to go with lower ratios for an all-around reel, but have found the 400AHG to do a pretty darn good job with everything. Throws blades fine (maybe not great for 10s all day, but works just fine), and really like the higher ratio for working plastics and jerkbaits. |
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Posts: 1100
| Could i only have one, i would go HG |
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Posts: 1716
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | IMO, get the 5.8 and the power handle from the HG as an accessory. This is the most versatile reel I own. I personally do not like HS reels for gliders and 10's will be much harder on the gearing of the HG. I have 7 400's and 1 300. I do use 500HG's where most may use 400AHG reels, but the 400A 5.8 is the one I reach for the most. Gliders, cranks, bucktails in 9, 10, or 12 (8 if i'm not absolutely burning them). |
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Posts: 7038
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | I'm with RyanJoz on this one. I run two of the Tranx 400 A's which I use for big rubber, top waters, 8s and some 9s and I never really feel like I need more speed. Probably less, actually. I DO have power handles on each, which probably increases the speed but....
And yes, I feel like they have the speed to keep up with both side to side and up and down jerkbaits. |
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Posts: 30
Location: Harrisburg, PA | I am trying to make this same decision, but I will only be using the 400 for glide baits.
What is the problem with using the HG for these? Is the power handle a help or hindrance? |
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Location: Contrarian Island | baits you have to "work" a power handle is not really the way to go... use a double paddle handle.. power handle is great for baits you just straight retrieve. I put a Lexa double paddle handle on a tranx 500 hg and it is awesome for rubber and big gliders. |
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Posts: 864
Location: NE Ohio | so your saying BN that the lexa paddle will fit the tranx 400/500 with no mod's? |
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Posts: 233
Location: Iowa | If I were you I would get the regular speed tranx. Then get a power handle for it. A longer aftermarket one of you can find one. The stock power handles on both the 400 and 500 need to be a tad longer imo. Reeling in 8 and 9's like there's nothing there, makes it worth it. Even if it is overkill for throwing rubber.
Jeremy |
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Posts: 34
| I have a Daiwa Lexa 400 HD power handle on my Tranx 400 (I have the EVA foam version, 120mm). I bought the handle from Dave's Reel Service. They drilled and tapped the Daiwa handle to fit the Tranx lockplate, so the nut and lockplate and set screw are still the Tranx parts.
Super happy with the new handle. Third item down on this page:
http://www.davesreelservice.com/parts-store/ |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | zelmo - 9/1/2020 7:17 AM
I am trying to make this same decision, but I will only be using the 400 for glide baits.
What is the problem with using the HG for these? Is the power handle a help or hindrance?
If only using for glider/jerk baits, I would get the high speed. In terms of being 'too fast' for small gliders(which could be the only downfall I'd see argued), just reel slower. The act of picking up line quickly between jerks/snaps/pulls, or working the lure, is all easier with a high speed, and you will miss fewer fish with other 'pull' style lures also. I run 300's, 400's and 500's in both speeds. In Wisconsin, for smaller gliders, I run a 300 high speed with 65lb line and I love it. If you are spooling with 80 lb, using larger lures and make long casts, the 400 is better suited. |
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Posts: 30
Location: Harrisburg, PA | Reef Hawg - 9/2/2020 4:11 AM
zelmo - 9/1/2020 7:17 AM
I am trying to make this same decision, but I will only be using the 400 for glide baits.
What is the problem with using the HG for these? Is the power handle a help or hindrance?
If only using for glider/jerk baits, I would get the high speed. In terms of being 'too fast' for small gliders (which could be the only downfall I'd see argued ), just reel slower. The act of picking up line quickly between jerks/snaps/pulls, or working the lure, is all easier with a high speed, and you will miss fewer fish with other 'pull' style lures also. I run 300's, 400's and 500's in both speeds. In Wisconsin, for smaller gliders, I run a 300 high speed with 65lb line and I love it. If you are spooling with 80 lb, using larger lures and make long casts, the 400 is better suited.
Any comment on the high speed having the power handle for my application?
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | zelmo - 9/2/2020 7:53 AM
Reef Hawg - 9/2/2020 4:11 AM
zelmo - 9/1/2020 7:17 AM
I am trying to make this same decision, but I will only be using the 400 for glide baits.
What is the problem with using the HG for these? Is the power handle a help or hindrance?
If only using for glider/jerk baits, I would get the high speed. In terms of being 'too fast' for small gliders (which could be the only downfall I'd see argued ), just reel slower. The act of picking up line quickly between jerks/snaps/pulls, or working the lure, is all easier with a high speed, and you will miss fewer fish with other 'pull' style lures also. I run 300's, 400's and 500's in both speeds. In Wisconsin, for smaller gliders, I run a 300 high speed with 65lb line and I love it. If you are spooling with 80 lb, using larger lures and make long casts, the 400 is better suited.
Any comment on the high speed having the power handle for my application?
i'd use the standard paddle handle for the gliders. The bigger paddle handle is designed to help give more power, which isn't what you're looking for in this case, as you're just using the reel to pick up slack line or snapping a glider which even the very large ones are relatively easy to work for the most part. |
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Posts: 30
Location: Harrisburg, PA | Reef Hawg - 9/2/2020 7:12 PM
zelmo - 9/2/2020 7:53 AM
Reef Hawg - 9/2/2020 4:11 AM
zelmo - 9/1/2020 7:17 AM
I am trying to make this same decision, but I will only be using the 400 for glide baits.
What is the problem with using the HG for these? Is the power handle a help or hindrance?
If only using for glider/jerk baits, I would get the high speed. In terms of being 'too fast' for small gliders (which could be the only downfall I'd see argued ), just reel slower. The act of picking up line quickly between jerks/snaps/pulls, or working the lure, is all easier with a high speed, and you will miss fewer fish with other 'pull' style lures also. I run 300's, 400's and 500's in both speeds. In Wisconsin, for smaller gliders, I run a 300 high speed with 65lb line and I love it. If you are spooling with 80 lb, using larger lures and make long casts, the 400 is better suited.
Any comment on the high speed having the power handle for my application?
i'd use the standard paddle handle for the gliders. The bigger paddle handle is designed to help give more power, which isn't what you're looking for in this case, as you're just using the reel to pick up slack line or snapping a glider which even the very large ones are relatively easy to work for the most part.
The problem is that the high speed comes with the power handle.
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Location: Contrarian Island | Daves reel service modified the lexa handle a few yrs ago for me to put on the HG. He now offers that on his site I think. |
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Posts: 88
Location: Wisconsin | I own an HG for rubber, which I love. For myself, I'd never consider it for big blades. It's great for picking up slack line fast. I wish I were like others that can throw blades with it all day, but for me it's not going to happen. The 5.8 at 30" per crank isn't exactly a slow reel. Just not as fast. I'd get a power handle for it and call it good. Tom |
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Location: Contrarian Island | if you get the longer power handle they make for the HG and only spool it just above 3/4ths full that helps a lot. it is still way faster and easier to bring in bucktails than the 400s.
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Posts: 30
Location: Harrisburg, PA | I guess the best solution is to set up 2 rigs. Use the A on one and the HG on the other and swap handles. |
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Posts: 864
Location: NE Ohio | thanks BN |
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Posts: 864
Location: NE Ohio | BNelson - 9/3/2020 9:26 AM
Daves reel service modified the lexa handle a few yrs ago for me to put on the HG. He now offers that on his site I think.
thanks. i use mark to service my reels in the winter so i'll pick one up off him then. |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | BNelson - 9/3/2020 9:56 AM
if you get the longer power handle they make for the HG and only spool it just above 3/4ths full that helps a lot. it is still way faster and easier to bring in bucktails than the 400s.
Can you please share a link to the longer power handle for the 500 HG. I'm presently running the power handle that shipped with the reel. Thank you. |
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Posts: 72
| find Rockyslures on facebook and reach out. Just had him do a 400a tranx handle. Well priced and really nice.
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Posts: 13
| Guys, couple questions:
- Does the white rubber power handle that comes on the TranX 500 fit on the 400 reels?
- If the answer to the question above is yes, would you prefer the power handle that comes on the Tranx400HG or the white
rubber power handle that comes on the TranX 500?
I'm asking because I have the TranX 400A, and am looking to get rid of the paddle handle and purchase one of the two power handles I just mentioned.
Thanks gang! |
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Posts: 214
Location: Beaver County, Pennsylvania | I had an answer planned but got rid of my 400s for 500s and never looked back. |
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