Tranx 300/400

[Bantam1]

The 400 is slightly wider than the 300. The power handle comes on the 300HG and 400HG models. The standard gear ratio reels have a double handle.

[nativefloridian]

Thanks Bantam1

[Bantam1]

The 400 spool size/line capacity is exactly the same as the Conquest 400 and the Calcutta 400D.

[nativefloridian]

Thanks im interested in the 300/400 tranx, some of the other manufacturers reels that are low profile in the 400 size are really big. Would you say the the 400 is the same size as the curado 300? thanks

[Slazmo]

No bearings in the handles. These were designed mostly for the inshore market and for high durability. They have bearings where it makes sense. I started fishing the prototypes last April. My Curado 300's will be retired now that we have these...finally.

Handle bearings install no biggy there at all.

There are small drain holes where they need to be. EVA is not a good option, we went with grease since it will not mess with side plate alignment. Our main field tester on the west coast fishes out of a 26' Ranger bay boat. It was rough and windy a lot last year. The reels took lots and lots of salt spray. My back took some punishment on those days as well We learned a few things and made some small changes based on what we found. The end result is a solid reel.

Ok so there are still side plate drain holes as per Curado / Chronarch platform, down the bottom of the drive side plate and one at the back beside the clutch bar release??

When I mentioned EVA, the holes on the drive side plate where the AR bearing slides into it, there are usually slit type holes around the AR bearing, these I usually fill with EVA so that water cant get in there through behind the drag star, grease also helps. I am assuming that you got me confused with the side plate mating with the frame on that one.

Also with the Tranx - the original series was a dedicated stand alone series of reel. Very unique to its own name in all entirety (here in Aus especially) with the 500HG or PG. The Curado 300EJ or the (hideously blue & silver) JDM Curado Type J Jigging model 200 / 300 (and its LH variations) being Japans sort of "Tranx" as such following through. Assuming that the Curado 300 in the USDM has been basically absorbed the Tranx namesake, and not much more than a new platform of reel other than the Curado 300 overall- well when looking at its schematics and your pictures.

[MardukFIN]

Heres size comparison between 300 Lexa and 300 Tranx.

[spookybaits]

Hey Bantam1, can you comment on casting distance compared to the curado 300?
That was my only gripe with the cu300. Even with tuning and upgraded bearings, It couldn't match the distance from my stock calcuttas or Calais 200asv's.

[Bantam1]

I only used them in our local saltwater and I found them to cast better. The spools are narrower, but taller. I never had an issue casting with the Curado 300 either...so it comes down to your style and what you consider to be better. I was using weedless swimbaits, hard jerkbaits, crankbaits and 5-7" swimbaits with 3/4-1.5 ounce lead heads paired with an 8' Teramar rod. I spooled the reels with 50-80 pound Power Pro and Maxcuatro with 30-50 pound FC leaders.

You have to remember the spool in a Curado 300 will weigh more than a regular low profile reel. Using braided line will help reduce the overall weight of the spool.

[hanboy21]

Mr. Bantam1, how come the power handle is not offered on the low gear ratio? Just trying to understand the decision making process and if you have any influence on the matter, please give the us loyal Shimano fans a choice . I guess I'll have to search for an after market power handle once I get my hands on this beauty.

[Choupique]

How bout a pic of it next to the 500

[Bantam1]

Typically higher gear ratio reels do not have as much power so they gave it a longer handle for increased leverage. We will have the handle available to purchase if you want to swap them. There are some anglers that want the double handle for the HG versions. Maybe you will find someone that wants to swap.

I would be careful with using different handles on these reels. A heavier knob will trip the clutch on a hard cast, or maybe even a regular cast due to the weight. The same is true for something longer than the stock length.

[Mike-74SG]

Greetings Bantam1, would it be possible to let us know if the Tranx 300/400 has a single or multi disk drag stack? Also would it be solid or woven carbon drag materials inside there? Many thanks in advance

[Bantam1]

Multi disc drag with cross carbon washers.

[nativefloridian]

hi will the high gear and standard gears be interchangeable in the 400 size. thanks

[Bantam1]

Yes but I'm not sure if the drag washers and key washers are the same size or not. I will need to look at the schematic. A handle swap is easier than a gear swap...