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Posts: 811
| Need some guidance on getting a new reel. I have always used Abu Garcia 5500 C3 series. These are great reels, but they are not so great when it comes to using Double 8 and Double 10 Bucktails. I do not fish enough to justify getting a reel to just throw Bucktails of this size. I want a reel that will handle Bucktails as well as a staple of other baits like Gliders, Dive and Rise, Crankbaits and smaller (ie: Magmum Bulldawg and smaller) size Rubber.
Should I get something with a power handle? What about gear ratio - is a smaller ratio better to handle all these needs?
For context, I am looking at the Piscifun 300. |
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Posts: 1716
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | Tranx 400A 5.8 with the power handle. Rollie and Helen’s sells them with this upgraded handle. I like them so much I have 15 of them. I use the HG for rubber and 8’s but for an all around, the 5.8 is my go to. It will pick up over 30” of line with a full spool so it is plenty fast. |
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Posts: 811
| Thanks for the reply. What about Gear Ratio? |
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Location: Hayward WI | I've been using a Aljoiz 300 with the power handle in 6.6 this season mainly for blades. Haven't tried 10's with it, but for the price ($80) it's a good deal, smooth casting/reeling. I've got tranx 400's as well, but at 1/4 the price it's worth it I feel. |
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Posts: 811
| Thank you. My debate has been on which gear ratio to go with. Does the lower one handle blades and other baits well?
I still have my 5500 C3 so if I needed to alternate between those and the 300 that would fit the bill. |
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Posts: 760
| I still occasionally use my 5500's, got seven of them in various models. All of them that I use for muskies specifically, I installed the power handle. Like night and day over the original stock handle. Kdawg |
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| kdawg - 7/5/2024 9:20 AM
I still occasionally use my 5500's, got seven of them in various models. All of them that I use for muskies specifically, I installed the power handle. Like night and day over the original stock handle. Kdawg
While I no longer use, I also put a power handle on my 5500. I have some traumatic arthritis in my hand and it was worth it just for ease of use. The shop where I had it worked on also put in better gears. |
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Posts: 2269
Location: SE, WI. | mountainmuskies - 7/5/2024 8:23 AM Thanks for the reply. What about Gear Ratio? I believe Ryan’s post gives you the gear ratio 5.8 is the lower ratio on the Tranx 400A I think the Winch 60 by Abu is a great all around reel. Lower gear ratio, 4:7:1 |
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Posts: 357
Location: Long Prairie, Minnesota | mountainmuskies - 7/5/2024 9:13 AM
Thank you. My debate has been on which gear ratio to go with. Does the lower one handle blades and other baits well?
I still have my 5500 C3 so if I needed to alternate between those and the 300 that would fit the bill.
A C3 has a gear ration of 5.3-1 and a C4 would have a gear ration of 6.4-1 So a Tranx 400A would be splitting the middle of the two. It should be a very good all around gear ratio to use. Cover all your bases. I wouldn't throw Super Model Cowgirls with it tho. |
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Posts: 1716
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | Brett’s advice about gear ratios is correct, but he is missing spool diameter and handle length as variables also. The 5.8 Tranx picks up more line than a C4 at 6.3 and does so with less force due to the diameter of the spool and length of the handle. Inches per turn are the number most should consider, but frequently miss. |
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