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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | I hate to start another "which reel" thread but here goes.
Looking to pick up a fast, powerful reel to use almost exclusively for 10's. I was originally set on one of the black Saltist 20's with the newer auto engage. Sounds like they are tough, pretty reliable, and can smoke 10's in without too much effort.
Then along came the Lexa 400 which has me wondering. The 7.1:1 with power handle looks promising. I would guess it's easier to cast with it having spool brakes. I'm sure the low profile is nice to palm (though the Saltist 20 doesn't seem any bigger than other 400 series round reels).
Is the handle long enough on the Lexa to make it "feel" a little easier to pull 10's? Do the gears hold up with such a high gear ratio - bringing in ~ 38 inches per crank?
Is the Saltist that hard to cast (double 10's into the wind...) for an experienced fisherman?
Looking for reliability and a reel that doesn't crank too hard (within reason). Not looking to spend enough to move up to a Tranx.
Tucker |
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Posts: 1245
Location: Walker, MN | Personally I like 25-28 inches per revolution of pick up for double 10's. I tried 10's with my saltist 20 but it wore me out. I use a Revo Toro 5.4 for 10's and the Saltist for big rubber. I know it is winter but trying one or two reels out is the best way to go. Also, casting bucktails into the wind can be a problem with the saltist. |
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Posts: 639
Location: Hudson, WI | I just picked up a Lexa 400 HS with the power handle...the 7.1 to 1 version. The guy at Thorne Bros. told me that the HS version will be more versatile for Double 10's. Ideally, you would want the lower gear ratio for more power, but it will be much more difficult to burn. The 7.1 with the power handle is obviously easier to burn, and if you want to slow roll it, you are hardly turning that power handle (the thing is huge by the way) so the fatigue and wear on the reel won't be a big deal. |
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Posts: 58
| does anybody have any experience actually casting double 10s on the lexa 400?
i have a feeling the 7.1 gears are going to be too fast to cast 10s all day |
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Posts: 639
Location: Hudson, WI | Boss - 1/22/2014 1:40 PM
does anybody have any experience actually casting double 10s on the lexa 400?
i have a feeling the 7.1 gears are going to be too fast to cast 10s all day
That's what I thought, but I was told otherwise. I guess I'll find out! |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | A co-worker used some on LOTW last summer, told me the 7-1 was a pain for 10's, the 6.3 was much better.
At 33 inches per crank the 6.3 is still plenty fast, more versatile, I would think. |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | The 400 Lexa 6.3 does seem like more of an ideal ratio/line pickup. I don't need to BURN blades, just looking for a pretty fast reel that also won't wear me out.
I wish the 6.3 came with their power handle. I know their double paddle is big though, but haven't been able to handle the 400 size yet. I usually prefer "power" handles with the big handle to hold on to, but if the throw is long enough and the paddles big enough, the double paddle might work just fine.
So, thoughts on the Lexa 400 6.3 vs the Saltist? I like that the Saltist has been proven to be pretty durable and a work horse. The Lexa is not as proven to hold up (just because it's newer), but I'm sure would be easier to cast - especially with wind resistant flashabou double blades. |
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Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Haven't used the Lexa 400 so I can only talk about the saltist. Size wise it is larger than a 400B or 400 TE, not sure about a 400D though. If you are throwing weighted flashabou blades, like a dadson bullet or custom built with extra weight, then it's not really an issue. Also, marabou blades pretty much eliminate the issue, I was throwing a double 8 into the wind and backlashed once. When it comes to burning 10's I don't think it's too bad fatigue wise, and I actually need to slow down otherwise I end up blowing the blades out of the water.
The only reason I'm looking to sell mine is as I only run one setup, I need something a little more versatile. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | Can't speak for the durability, sounds like after 1 year of use the 300's are holding up well. My buddy had to return his 400's to Daiwa after his trip (not for repair, they were loaners for a promo). |
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Posts: 865
| I have used the 300 Lexa last year and really liked it, I left the paddle handle on it which by the way is really not that much smaller if any than the power handle. Never had one issue with it and it performed flawlessly. It handled the double ten blades fine..... was it effortless No" but it was not that difficult to use either. I put it in the same class as the revo toro w 5/1 calcutta 401 TE, and a Curado.....I personally think that when the 400 lexa comes out in a lefty model I will be using it for all my Bucktails and there is not a doubt in my mind that with the larger spool and a 5/1 gearing will be what us lefties have been waiting for .... I think that the 6/1 and 7/1 gear ratio reels are great for line pick up only...But for Large Blades they will still be a problem once that resistance is on the reel. With those Big Blades you will be struggling to reel as fast as you can...I would prefer a nice large spool with 4.9 to 5.4 gears with a nice gear system that will bring in about 28 to 32 inches per turn....It's weird that in this day and age no one really has made a a Nice sized reel Tht's under $200.00 that has a line out clicker, an engaged level wind (in and out) weight under 15 ounces, medium profile, Nice strong 5/1 gears, anti reverse, Nice drag system, with about 28- 30 inches of line take up per turn....Maybe SOMEDAY |
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Posts: 1000
| I think the 5.1:1 is going to be the gear ratio for double 10's all day. You might have to reel faster to burn, but you're probably not going to burn all day. Depending on how long of stints you'll be doing, the 5.1 will likely be the more comfortable and flexible reel for all day fishing.
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | The 7.1 gears in the Lexa 400 will have no cranking power with DCG and when U have a fish on, go with the 6.3 for DCG, at 33 inches of line pickup. The 5.1 gears has 27 inches of line pickup and will be a joy to fish with DCG all day long, U won't be burning DCG but that is what I would go with.
The Saltist 20 has 35 inches of line pickup and is a Tank of a reel but hard to cast light baits, under 4oz with a stiff tip rod.
The Tranx HG is the reel that can burn DCG all day long, with 43 inches of line pickup, now that is burning !!!!!!!! |
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Posts: 212
Location: Wisconsin | With the low ratio for ease of cranking while still bringing in 27" of line I think the 5.1.1 is the reel I will be going with. Should really be a nice all purpose reel. As far as the 6.3.1 goes I have a nacl in that ratio and I like it for everything but blades. Hoping to pick up the lexa one of these days. Will have to try and find a warm water discharge somewhere so I can try it out. Throw in the fact that you can get them for under 200 and it really makes the reel seem appealing to everyone. |
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Posts: 865
| PIKEMASTER so you would prefer the Tranx HG over the Tranx PG for throwing Double 10's all day? I was under the impression that most Guys preferred the lower geared Tranx PG Model that had more power. I have heard many guys claim that the PG model made an effortless retrieve on Double 10's.........Would the Higher gears on the HG make it just as easy to reel in, or easier as you would be able to turn the handle slower and bring in the same amount of line....
PIKEMASTER I would personally like to thank you for answering so many reel questions on this website that have helped all of us make a good decision on our future reel purchases. Your Honest non bias Opinions are greatly appreciated by all of us. Thank You Mike Melfa Sr. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | cast4musky - 1/23/2014 7:55 AM
PIKEMASTER so you would prefer the Tranx HG over the Tranx PG for throwing Double 10's all day? I was under the impression that most Guys preferred the lower geared Tranx PG Model that had more power. I have heard many guys claim that the PG model made an effortless retrieve on Double 10's.........Would the Higher gears on the HG make it just as easy to reel in, or easier as you would be able to turn the handle slower and bring in the same amount of line....
PIKEMASTER I would personally like to thank you for answering so many reel questions on this website that have helped all of us make a good decision on our future reel purchases. Your Honest non bias Opinions are greatly appreciated by all of us. Thank You Mike Melfa Sr.
The HG is a reel that can burn but how many times do you need 43" of line pickup ??? only a few lakes I can think of so the PG is the best all around ratio. I have the HG and I use it for picking up slack line mostly and the PG for Bucktails. My HG Tranx I have a LJV handle on it so I have a little more power but U will still know that U are bringing in a DCG. The PG U may have to reel faster but with no effort what so ever.
Thanks I fish alot of different reels and have seen how they are built so I try to give a Honest Opion. |
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Posts: 58
| cast4musky - 1/22/2014 5:44 PM
I have used the 300 Lexa last year and really liked it, I left the paddle handle on it which by the way is really not that much smaller if any than the power handle. Never had one issue with it and it performed flawlessly. It handled the double ten blades fine..... was it effortless No" but it was not that difficult to use either. I put it in the same class as the revo toro w 5/1 calcutta 401 TE, and a Curado.....I personally think that when the 400 lexa comes out in a lefty model I will be using it for all my Bucktails and there is not a doubt in my mind that with the larger spool and a 5/1 gearing will be what us lefties have been waiting for .... I think that the 6/1 and 7/1 gear ratio reels are great for line pick up only...But for Large Blades they will still be a problem once that resistance is on the reel. With those Big Blades you will be struggling to reel as fast as you can...I would prefer a nice large spool with 4.9 to 5.4 gears with a nice gear system that will bring in about 28 to 32 inches per turn....It's weird that in this day and age no one really has made a a Nice sized reel Tht's under $200.00 that has a line out clicker, an engaged level wind (in and out) weight under 15 ounces, medium profile, Nice strong 5/1 gears, anti reverse, Nice drag system, with about 28- 30 inches of line take up per turn....Maybe SOMEDAY
the 5.1 gearing on the Lexa 400 is not available in left hand |
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Posts: 416
Location: Madtown, WI | Funny, I have a Saltist 20 and am thinking about replacing with Lexa 400. The Saltist is an awesome reel in every respect except for the spool breaks. People say you will learn how to cast it, and you do, but when you are casting into a stiff wind with a flashabou DCG, you will get a lot of backlashes regardless of your skillz. And when you're on LOTW, you get stuck on the bottom 50% of the time, very frustrating.
I'm going to try out the Lexa 400 6.3:1 this season, hopefully it'll hold up as well as the Saltist. I love my NaCl, but I don't think I want to drop that far in line pickup. |
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Posts: 619
| im also gonna switch to a Lexa. i believe the Lexa is lighter and easier to palm.
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Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | stdevos - 1/23/2014 1:12 PM
Funny, I have a Saltist 20 and am thinking about replacing with Lexa 400. The Saltist is an awesome reel in every respect except for the spool breaks. People say you will learn how to cast it, and you do, but when you are casting into a stiff wind with a flashabou DCG, you will get a lot of backlashes regardless of your skillz. And when you're on LOTW, you get stuck on the bottom 50% of the time, very frustrating.
I'm going to try out the Lexa 400 6.3:1 this season, hopefully it'll hold up as well as the Saltist. I love my NaCl, but I don't think I want to drop that far in line pickup.
Yeah if they made a Saltist 20 with a spool brake I wouldn't need any other reel. |
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Posts: 865
| Reel Specs on the Diawa Lexa 400 Series
HIGH CAPACITY STANDARD SPEED BAITCASTING REEL WITH PADDLE HANDLE
LEXA400H XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 6.3:1 33.4” 15.3 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25
HIGH CAPACITY HIGH SPEED BAITCASTING REEL WITH PADDLE HANDLE
LEXA400HS XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 7.1:1 37.7” 15.3 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25
HIGH CAPACITY HIGH POWER BAITCASTING REEL WITH POWER HANDLE
LEXA400PWR-P XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 5.1:1 27.1 16.2 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25 |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | cast4musky - 1/24/2014 9:15 AM
Reel Specs on the Diawa Lexa 400 Series
HIGH CAPACITY STANDARD SPEED BAITCASTING REEL WITH PADDLE HANDLE
LEXA400H XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 6.3:1 33.4” 15.3 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25
HIGH CAPACITY HIGH SPEED BAITCASTING REEL WITH PADDLE HANDLE
LEXA400HS XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 7.1:1 37.7” 15.3 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25
HIGH CAPACITY HIGH POWER BAITCASTING REEL WITH POWER HANDLE
LEXA400PWR-P XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 5.1:1 27.1 16.2 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25
FYI do not get the 7.1 for big blades DCG |
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI | PIKEMASTER - 1/22/2014 11:33 PM The 7.1 gears in the Lexa 400 will have no cranking power with DCG and when U have a fish on, go with the 6.3 for DCG, at 33 inches of line pickup. Are you sure about this, have you used the reel with double tens? I know it seems that way on paper but the Tranx HG would also seem that way if only going by the specs. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Will Schultz - 1/24/2014 9:26 AM
PIKEMASTER - 1/22/2014 11:33 PM The 7.1 gears in the Lexa 400 will have no cranking power with DCG and when U have a fish on, go with the 6.3 for DCG, at 33 inches of line pickup. Are you sure about this, have you used the reel with double tens? I know it seems that way on paper but the Tranx HG would also seem that way if only going by the specs.
The Tranx has some of the biggest gears sets in a reel today, I'm sure the Lexa will be a great reel but I hate to see a guy on a budget get the 7.1 for DCG and be disappointed. I could be wrong but, guys that use the 6.4:1 Toro for DCG, after a year the reel will sound like a coffee grinder because the small pinion gear teeth will fold over being brass. The taller the gear the smaller the Pinion is and then the pinion will only have maybe 2 teeth inside the main gear, where as a 5.1 pinion will have 3-4 teeth inside the main gear and the teeth will not fold over.
Plus on a 7.1 gear set U will have very liitle power for the bait or fish to bring in so when you have a heavy fish on, U will not be able to crank him in with out pumping the rod and causing slack line. |
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Posts: 639
Location: Hudson, WI | PIKEMASTER - 1/24/2014 9:22 AM
cast4musky - 1/24/2014 9:15 AM
Reel Specs on the Diawa Lexa 400 Series
HIGH CAPACITY STANDARD SPEED BAITCASTING REEL WITH PADDLE HANDLE
LEXA400H XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 6.3:1 33.4” 15.3 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25
HIGH CAPACITY HIGH SPEED BAITCASTING REEL WITH PADDLE HANDLE
LEXA400HS XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 7.1:1 37.7” 15.3 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25
HIGH CAPACITY HIGH POWER BAITCASTING REEL WITH POWER HANDLE
LEXA400PWR-P XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 5.1:1 27.1 16.2 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25
FYI do not get the 7.1 for big blades DCG
Okay...I have a 7.1:1 brand new in the box. Anyone want to trade for 5.1:1, or plan on buying a 7.1:1 for burning? Let's make a deal. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Moltisanti - 1/24/2014 10:07 AM
PIKEMASTER - 1/24/2014 9:22 AM
cast4musky - 1/24/2014 9:15 AM
Reel Specs on the Diawa Lexa 400 Series
HIGH CAPACITY STANDARD SPEED BAITCASTING REEL WITH PADDLE HANDLE
LEXA400H XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 6.3:1 33.4” 15.3 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25
HIGH CAPACITY HIGH SPEED BAITCASTING REEL WITH PADDLE HANDLE
LEXA400HS XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 7.1:1 37.7” 15.3 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25
HIGH CAPACITY HIGH POWER BAITCASTING REEL WITH POWER HANDLE
LEXA400PWR-P XH / H 2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB 5.1:1 27.1 16.2 MONO: 17/245, 20/190
BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 25
FYI do not get the 7.1 for big blades DCG
Okay...I have a 7.1:1 brand new in the box. Anyone want to trade for 5.1:1, or plan on buying a 7.1:1 for burning? Let's make a deal.
U can always buy a set of 6 gears or 5 gears from Daiwa and see which ones U like the best and then sell off the ones U don't like here on the forum.
I would think a gear set will be around $50.00
The 7.1 will make a great topwater or jerk bait reel for picking up slack line fast. |
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Posts: 999
| Has anyone had any backlash issues or anti reverse issues with the Saltist 20 when only using them for casting big rubber? What im gathering is there pretty bulletproof, wonder if the Lexa will be the same? |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Mr Musky - 1/24/2014 11:15 AM
Has anyone had any backlash issues or anti reverse issues with the Saltist 20 when only using them for casting big rubber? What im gathering is there pretty bulletproof, wonder if the Lexa will be the same?
I sure I have worked on over 200 Saltist reels in the last 3 years and they are VERY BULLIT PROOF, the A/R bearing is very large and the reel also has a A/R Pawl as backup for the A/R bearing. Great reel for BIG RUBBER. As far as backlashes the Saltist has NO spool brakes so it will backlash at will if U don't keep a thumb on the spool on every cast. Also try to use a rod with a moderate action and a softer tip that will help alot backlashing. Also make sure to keep line on the Saltist spool as tight as possibly U can, so after each day of use let all the out in the water when U R running back to the dock and wind on as tight as U can. |
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Posts: 1245
Location: Walker, MN | Mr Musky - 1/24/2014 11:15 AM
Has anyone had any backlash issues or anti reverse issues with the Saltist 20 when only using them for casting big rubber? What im gathering is there pretty bulletproof, wonder if the Lexa will be the same? What I wonder about is that old angler error situation when the reel is engaged a second too early at the end of a cast...will the Lexa 400 hold up to that. It happens.
I have not had any backlash issues with my Saltist 20s casting big rubber. A big spinnerbait, maybe. |
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI | Masqui-ninja - 1/24/2014 1:00 PM Mr Musky - 1/24/2014 11:15 AM Has anyone had any backlash issues or anti reverse issues with the Saltist 20 when only using them for casting big rubber? What im gathering is there pretty bulletproof, wonder if the Lexa will be the same? What I wonder about is that old angler error situation when the reel is engaged a second too early at the end of a cast...will the Lexa 400 hold up to that. It happens. I have not had any backlash issues with my Saltist 20s casting big rubber. A big spinnerbait, maybe. I had clients do it all year with my Lexa 300's and they still don't have any slip in the anti reverse. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Masqui-ninja - 1/24/2014 12:00 PM
Mr Musky - 1/24/2014 11:15 AM
Has anyone had any backlash issues or anti reverse issues with the Saltist 20 when only using them for casting big rubber? What im gathering is there pretty bulletproof, wonder if the Lexa will be the same? What I wonder about is that old angler error situation when the reel is engaged a second too early at the end of a cast...will the Lexa 400 hold up to that. It happens.
I have not had any backlash issues with my Saltist 20s casting big rubber. A big spinnerbait, maybe.
If you engage the reel when the bait is in the air, what happens is the pin on the spool shaft is slamed into one of the 2 slots in the pinion gear and the pinion is made of brass so it won't take long and the pinion will break or the pin gets bend in the spool shaft. Has nothing to do with the A/R Bearing. |
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