Shimano Tranx

[bassballer]

Anyone pick this reel up yet for the season? I want one. Price tag is up there though for (for what I would use it for) boat reel. Thing looks bad ass though.

[niko]

Looks bulky.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Adam_777]

Made it a point to check one out at the show.It is huge.You should check one out before buying.

[Pete_G]

Interesting. I like it because it's NOT huge and because of the light spool it's very castable...

I guess it depends on what you're planning to use it for.

It's certainly popular, we've sold every one we had.

Except this one - A customer bought the "Power Gear" model not realizing there are two models and he brought it back for a "High Gear" model. Somehow he managed to maul the box it came in, so while the reel is "new" the box it came in isn't and it needs a home.

$75 off the normal price for a "Power Gear" model for any one who wants it. It's already spooled up with braided line.

[Mr. Sandman]

I think it is really cool for the offshore guy who wants to lob a big bait to a big fish. I don't see it as a bass reel but I am sure it could be used for that as well. I would like to try it lobbing a live bait to a white marlin or tuna this year.

I was never into the "flipping" reels and this looks like a big flipping style reel but I give them credit for creating a powerful reel in a casting or flipping style. I see a use for it and think it will be popular

[numbskull]

20 oz /25lbs drag
$500
270 yds 65 power pro

Here is a crucial question. Does the levelwind disengage during a cast?
If so, think twice before buying it. It creates big problems when a fish runs further than your cast.

[Adam_777]

If Pete says it's not huge then I may have brought my small hands and wrong glasses to the show. Please disregard anything I post from here on out !

[bassballer]

Pete I might have to swing by and take a look at it.

[Raven]

Originally Posted by Adam_777

If Pete says it's not huge then I may have brought my small hands and wrong glasses to the show.

this one is for you ADAM

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Adam_777

If Pete says it's not huge then I may have brought my small hands and wrong glasses to the show. Please disregard anything I post from here on out !

It's all relative to what you're comparing it to I think.

Smaller in the hand compared to similar capacity "round" reels but a monster compared to a traditional freshwater bass reel.

I can fish it like I would a freshwater bass reel, with my hand around it and while I don't have tiny hands they certainly aren't mitts either.

Numbskull - it does disengage.

[JFigliuolo]

Originally Posted by numbskull

20 oz /25lbs drag
$500
270 yds 65 power pro

Here is a crucial question. Does the levelwind disengage during a cast?
If so, think twice before buying it. It creates big problems when a fish runs further than your cast.

Is it because if the fish runs past where the LW disengaged you could have a situation where the line is coning off say the left side of the spool while the LW is on the right? It MIGHT be ok if the spool is narrow enough...maybe.

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by JFigliuolo

Is it because if the fish runs past where the LW disengaged you could have a situation where the line is coning off say the left side of the spool while the LW is on the right? It MIGHT be ok if the spool is narrow enough...maybe.

Yes, but I have a Shimano Calcutta 200 GTB (the fancy drilled out one, the regular Calcutta 200 does not do this) where the levelwind disengages to improve casting distance. I have found the reel unusable for saltwater fishing because of it even though the spool is very narrow. Under appropriate drag for 14lb test fireline the drag becomes very rough as the line coils get dragged across the line next to it.

Pete says the levelwind does disengage and that would worry me. I have also noticed that the currado series has the same feature. One thing that might help with the currado and this reel is that the levelwind guide is positioned further from the spool than on the calcutta so the angle may be less acute. Maybe a smoother braid than fireline would be better as well. Whatever, my experience has been so bad with the Calcutta GTB (and before it with the early ABU 6600) that I would hesitate before ever going there again.

[Adam_777]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

It's all relative to what you're comparing it to I think.

Smaller in the hand compared to similar capacity "round" reels but a monster compared to a traditional freshwater bass reel.

I can fish it like I would a freshwater bass reel, with my hand around it and while I don't have tiny hands they certainly aren't mitts either.

Numbskull - it does disengage.

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Adam_777

Good call.

Tranx is on a Loomis Pro Blue 844C. Hands are, uh, normal.

[Pete_G]

From above the Tranx looks giant, from the side you can see why it's so easy to palm. Reel is again a Calcutta 400B.

[Adam_777]

Thanks for the pics Pete. I am saving up for a trip to the shop soon.That damn bridge fee keeps me on this side.