Gear Review: Shimano Tranx

What is it?

Shimano Tranx

What sets it apart?

Shimano recently expanded the Tranx series — long popular with anglers targeting heavyweights like musky, stripers and tuna — to include 300 and 400 sizes. Now, when the moment calls for hefty swimbaits, big deep-diving crankbaits and umbrella rigs, anglers can count on Shimano’s Hagane Body for added durability without worrying about frame distortion. You’ll also appreciate big-time cranking power, thanks to the X-Ship bearing supported pinion gear and High Efficiency Gearing (HEG) super strong no-flex frame and gearing.

How do I use it?

The Tranx expansion includes low and high-speed reels: the 300, 400, left-hand retrieve 301 and 40 with 5.8:1 gear ratios; and the 300HG, 400HG, left-hand retrieve 301HG and 401HG, all with fast 7.6:1 gear ratios. The single-handle Tranx HG reels have durable, lightweight CI4+ knobs and retrieve 40-inches of line per crank. The low gear reels have a double handle with oversized rubber knobs and take up 30-inches of line per crank. The 300 size reels hold up to 190 yard of 50-pound braid (or 180 of 14-pound mono), while the 400’s hold 170-yards of 65-pound braid (or 260 of 14-pound mono.)

How much?

$279.99-$299.99

More Information:

Fish.Shimano.com

Angler’s insight:

Sometimes, you gotta toss that elephants-eat-peanuts stuff out the window and sling something that’ll interest a big fish. Shimano’s proven the Tranx formula elsewhere in the fishing industry, so bass anglers can throw those big baits with confidence. Shimano engineered these reels to send those big baits on long trips thanks to that X-Ship design, which eliminates friction between the pinion gear and spool shaft to create enormous amounts of free spool for extended casting distance.