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| Just made about 100 casts off the dock with the Tranx and never had the handle engage during the cast. Tried it in numerous in all positions. |
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| let them get a few hundred hours on them, let the spring loosen a little, the demos at the chicago show were sloppy and the handle engaged very easily at the thornes booth. |
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| What about just keeping your thumb on the thumb bar? I've heard of guys with LJVs doing that. |
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Posts: 221
| ****************EDIT! My following statements are flawed... The reel doesn't engage when line is on and casting a lure. See my last post for a proper evaluation of the reel.****************************
I'm holding a brand new Tranx 500PG in my hands right now... If the power handle is in a forward position, it absolutely does engage on a hard cast... any other position and it's practically impossible to get it to engage.
As Mike and others have stated... HOLDING THE THUMB BAR DOWN PREVENTS THIS COMPLETELY. ...In fact, it's impossible to get it to engage while doing this no matter what the position is. |
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Posts: 968
Location: N.FIB | is there a different power handle you could put on to prevent this |
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Posts: 218
| Today, I spent a couple hours playing with my new Tranx with the 4.6/1 drive. I threw several hundred casts with a double 10, and a bunch more with a Suick, then some more with a big spinner bait. I tried to throw in as many different ways as I could, and the reel never engaged on a cast. The reel preformed very well and was comfortable to palm. The resistance was similar to an Abu 7000 with a 4.1/1 gear ratio with all baits. I think I picked up a few inches of line with each turn of the handle over the 7000 but not a significant amount. The low profile will be a nice change of pace from the round 7000 but nothing significant.
I will use the reel this year and enjoy it, but at this time, I don't see where it is a significant improvement over my other reels. A Calcutta 400 TE pulls much easier and I am hard pressed to remember when it was too slow. In addition, I think the TranX is the ugliest reel I have ever seen. I first saw it on Larry D's video and then again, at the Chicago Muskie Show and thought it was the worst looking reel ever. I still feel the same about the looks even though I paid for it. It is a nice reel but.........I may have buyers remorse
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Posts: 221
| A Tekota 500 handle with the counter balance fits on it...
***edit... I'm wrong in the statement below... read my following posts****
...I think the guys that aren't having problems with it engaging can't be casting with it in a forward position with a hard enough cast or there thumb is holding down the bar. While the handle is forward a light cast won't engage the reel, on a hard cast in the same position it absolutely does. |
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Posts: 221
| *********....BUT!!!! On the same note, I'm dry casting the reel on a Big Nasty without line or a lure on it... So maybe that is the difference???******** |
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| Southshore - 3/18/2012 5:57 PM
Today, I spent a couple hours playing with my new Tranx with the 4.6/1 drive...The resistance was similar to an Abu 7000 with a 4.1/1 gear ratio with all baits.
I'm a little disappointed to hear that analysis. Somewhat surprised as well. I was expecting there to be a lot more power, especially with the PG model. I was hoping the HG model to be more comparable to a 7000 in those regards. |
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Posts: 136
Location: Chicago | . |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | 50inchGrinch - 3/19/2012 8:32 AM
*********....BUT!!!! On the same note, I'm dry casting the reel on a Big Nasty without line or a lure on it... So maybe that is the difference???********
How is this even a good comparison to the REAL thing? put some line on the reel and a few different lures on a GOOD 9ft. rod and get some REAL feedback before you make an educated desision.
Jerome |
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Posts: 719
| Never had an issue myself or with others trying them in my boat with the pre -production models.
As for the haters...it's always entertaining to hear them downgrade something they will never buy and haven't tried.
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Posts: 432
Location: Eagan, MN | bturg - 3/19/2012 8:35 PM
As for the haters...it's always entertaining to hear them downgrade something they will never buy and haven't tried.
I'm not sure how that comment contributes anything to the discussion. I asked a legit question. Several people who have tried and or bought one have commented that it is possible to get it to engage prematurely. Perhaps if you could elaborate (beyond the "no issues" response that we've already seen here) it would help. |
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Posts: 755
| This could be the most inane topic..ever. Three people that have actually used the reel and caught fish on it: Larry Dahlberg, Bob Turgeon and Ryan Marlowe have all said its a non issue. Sure would not want to listen to one of those 3...I mean what they hell do they know.... Much more fun to forumlate half baked theories than listen to credible experts... |
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Posts: 432
Location: Eagan, MN | I'm asking him to elaborate, so to me it kinda sounds like I want to listen. Get it? I have never seen so many people on this forum get this threatened, defensive and emotional about a few simple questions. If this reel is as great as everyone is saying, then I'd expect it could hold up to a little scrutiny and due diligence. "Trust me, just buy it" doesn't fly. "No issue" doesn't fly. "Buy one, and THEN you can complain" doesn't fly. I don't care who is pimping it. I've been extremely objective and willing to listen, if only someone endorsing this reel would say something besides "don't worry about it". Counter-balanced handles are a half baked theory now? Just a superfluous gimick on all of the other reels that have them? If not, then what makes the tranx unique in this regard? You want to be considered a credible expert? Then talk like one. And spare me the indignation.
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Posts: 719
| Fair enough, I'll elaborate:
edited to note I was typing as 10K was posting ....so this is a response to the previous post asking for more input
I did not have any casting issues myself and the others in my boat (including some novices) did not as well. Also to be fair I'm guessing you could make it engage. With about 8 years casting Trinidads (the handle won't engage the gearing but it will hit your knuckles) and LVJ models I simply have developed a habit of doing two things, when I cast I choke up a bit and snug my hand up near the reel handle, I also rotate the handles to the sky rolling my wrist inward, this gives me better accuracy and I suspect both moves limit handle turn as well. Most people using a thumbar follow through during the cast and their thumb stays on the spool to control overspin ...this keeps the thumbar down as well and it simply cannot engage with the thumbar down....even if you lighten up during the end of the cast the danger has already past.
As far as the haters comment...again fair enough. Seven years ago I had a Schimano engineer in my boat for an afternoon, I had him throw all the big new blade baits and showed him what I thought we needed. Now I'm not saying that was the reason they made this reel (or even close) but I like to think it had an impact...when he left he said "I get it, I can build it if the sales guys think it has wider appeal" So late last season I heard they were building this kick butt reel and I felt some personal pride in it. Since the reel has been anounced people have lined up...both to buy them and others to tell everyone why they won't....I guess I am simply over it with the haters of everything new, better and usually more expensive. There will be a few people who won't like them after they try one but my experience is that the guys who want to throw high end finely tuned gear will love them and it will change their games for the better. Will a few adjustments be needed for some people ....maybe but a guy stepping into a Porsche won't get the most out of it if he drives it like a 76 chevette.
Nope it's not for everyone because it is NOT inexpensive, it IS larger than many standard reels, it MAY require a little more attention to get the most out of it from a few, BUT it will perform on a higher level in certain situations than any other current reel . For me thats good enough.
PS Tonka is wide open...crappie time
So fair question on my comments, I hope that clears it up and adds some value to the thread. |
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Posts: 432
Location: Eagan, MN | Thanks Bob, that is exactly the kind of info I am looking for. I have no doubt that it performs great for you personally. It's just nice to know as much as you can before making this kind of investment. I was one who bought a trinidad years back, and sold it within a month. It just wasn't for me, although I know it works great for other guys.
And I do understand the value of top of the line tackle, whether real or perceived. I use nothing but Thorne Bros customs, and while I'd be hard pressed to explain what makes them so great, I feel they're worth every penny.
As far as the Tranx, I still think it's an interesting reel and I will probably try one. My first and foremost criteria for any muskie reel is dependability, and I'm sure this one has it in spades. And you should be proud of your involvement, not everyone gets the opportunity to do that. I kind of think the 4.6 will be a 7000 high speed without the durability issues, or a 700te without the carpal tunnel. If it can do that it's well worth the price.
Finally, I apologize if I came off like a hater. I'm just a guy who likes to research his purchases and spend his money wisely, or at least as wisely as a muskie nut can.
Good luck this year and maybe see you out on tonka. |
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Posts: 32935
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | It's proper form to turn the reel 90 degrees when casting. I'm left handed with a spinning reel, which means the handle is on the right side of the reel. I'm still left handed with a casting reel because I still cast with my left hand-- the handle is on the right--who came up with that being right handed?
So when I cast, the handle paddle/paddles end is/are facing down. If you cast with your right arm (weird...) and the handles are on the right side of the reel, the paddles need to be facing the sky.
Makes a big difference reducing backlash, providing accuracy, and obviously will help avoid accidentally engaging any reel from the handle slamming forward. One is supposed to cast with the wrist, not arms, anyway.
So it makes sense some folks might have issues, and others, none.
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| Iv mentioned this before...
I used the reel for 11 day's and never one issue with this reel. Confident in the product i gat from Shimano. I allway's ran the best fishing equipment even before i owned Figure 8 Baits. Nothing has changed. I am running 2 500pg's and 2 500 hg's for myself this summer.
Before anglers knock them without touching them, be non biased when you try one as you just might like it!
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Posts: 1753
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | sworrall - 3/19/2012 11:03 PM
Makes a big difference reducing backlash, providing accuracy, and obviously will help avoid accidentally engaging any reel from the handle slamming forward. One is supposed to cast with the wrist, not arms, anyway.
I would like to hear how handle position reduces backlash. This should be good. My thumb, friction knob, and centrifugal/magnetic brakes I can understand, but how does handle position reduce backlash? |
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Posts: 221
| And I'm definitely NO SHIMANO HATER either... I use ONLY their reels. BUT people need to know if this reel is going to engage how to AVOID it from happening. Shimano themselves will be thankful for the truth coming out with proper education on how to use this reel... So they don't have a bunch of them coming back for WARRANTY within the first year.
I'll do a full test today...
**********EDITTTTTT.... Ok, I was wrong, I suck. Out of 100 casts today with the reel strung and a cowgirl on, it engaged only once...************ Top H20 you're right. Sorry for the comments.... |
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Posts: 221
| ...and I sell these reels with my name behind them. So I'm not going to lie to people just so they can come back with a busted reel and call me a liar. ...It was the same story with LJV's. Probably had at least half a dozen returned last year with the same problem. All of which could have been avoided with proper education on the reel. (thumb bar down and handle down or back) |
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Posts: 221
| ****Ignore my previous comments and read this one!*****
Well, I was WRONG!!!! Strung it this morning, and made about 100 casts... it engaged only once and it may have been my error when it did. Almost all 100 of the casts were done with the handle in the 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock position and for the life of me I couldn't get it to engage 99.9% of the time. Sorry for any that I misled with the dry casting test.
This is a good lesson though... Anyone who checks out the reel in the stores and tries to engage it in the forward positon will be able to do so... But there is NO COMPARISON to when the reel has line and a lure on it...
Again, sorry guys... I feel like a knob. |
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Posts: 32935
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin |
It isn't 'handle position', it's how one holds the reel while casting and about using the wrist more than the shoulders to get the lure where you want it. Here's a couple random links:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2089068_cast-baitcasting-reel.html
http://survival-training.info/Library/Fish/How%20to%20Cast%20the%20...
The why of it is how the energy of the line coming off the reel spool and through the guides is distributed when in that position, the fact that that is the way your wrist works; plus it's about the efficient transfer of the energy from the rod blank. I learned some baitcasting tricks from this guy:
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1979&dat=19820501&id=fIs0AAAA...
Shag was one of the top 'trick casters' in the world, and was very instrumental in the development of modern casting reel design. Google the name, some fascinating articles. Great guy, too.
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | For some trick casting Master Casters are some of the best !!!!
http://www.takemefishing.org/fishing/videos/master-casters
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Posts: 619
Location: Verona, WI | I had the same experience as the Grinch. I wasn't counting but the reel did engage once. For me, it's not a big deal as I'll deal with the hassle/worry in exchange for a thumb bar. And I am sure there will be a handle option at some point. The reason I bought this real is that my motion in the figure 8 with my Trinidad/Saltist was herky jerky as I would use my left hand to flip the lever to free spool the reel. No problem anymore.
I can post a copy of my receipt to show I bought it if I need street cred for some to comment on the reel (sarcasm intended).
Shane |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | For all U guys with video cams, tape your self casting and watch it and you will be very surprise on your form. I did it last year and it has made me alot better caster. |
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Location: Sun Prairie, WI | ShaneW - 3/20/2012 10:35 AM I can post a copy of my receipt to show I bought it if I need street cred for some to comment on the reel (sarcasm intended). Shane Now that's funny right there!!! |
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Posts: 32935
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | One thing is certain, there's a correct way to hold a casting reel when casting, and an incorrect way. The incorrect way will increase the propensity for a reel to engage in the middle of a cast.
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | can someone give me a listing of casting coaches who can break down my form please? ... just want to up my game a bit |
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