New shimano tranx 300/400
 

Was in the process of looking at a reel to throw double 10's. Then news of this bad boy broke. Which reel would you use for double 10's? I saw the low speed 5.8.1 comes only with the double paddle handle and pulls in 30" per crank and the high speed 7.6.1 comes with the power handle and pulls in 40" per crank. I like the power handle and the ability to really burn them in but I don't want it to feel like i'm reeling in a garbage can lid lol! Any thoughts?

Hard to say, as they do not come out until March I believe.

If you want some thoughts on the new 300/400 head on over to M1, and under tackle & equipment there is a lenghy on going discussion. I saw a reel guru mention the 400 in 5:8 would be good for double 10's, but you would want a power handle which I think is only on the 300 right now as you mentioned. Not sure how long before Shimano offers a power handle for you. For sure I would think you want the 400 model.

[QUOTE=1/4 oz Jig;5296666]Was in the process of looking at a reel to throw double 10's. Then news of this bad boy broke. Which reel would you use for double 10's? I saw the low speed 5.8.1 comes only with the double paddle handle and pulls in 30" per crank and the high speed 7.6.1 comes with the power handle and pulls in 40" per crank. I like the power handle and the ability to really burn them in but I don't want it to feel like i'm reeling in a garbage can lid lol! Any thoughts?[/QUOTE]


The lower gear ratio will be easier for all day use. If you are looking to burn the snot out of 10's the high ratio will do that but will be more laborious. I have both a HG and a PG Tranx now and the PG gets most of my double 10 use and the HG is only used on blades when I really want to get them smoking....

Thanks for the responses. I use my Curado 300Ej right now for 10's and it's a pain in the you know what! I was thinking that having the lower gear ratio would make it easier but it seems odd that there's no power handle on the lower speed reel. I know the tranx 500 is a sweet reel but don't feel like dropping $500 for one. The tranx 400 is in my price range. I know no other reel really can do what the tranx 500 can but was looking for the next best thing.

I think you could be the house that you can get a Power Handle from Shimano by Summer Time or Dave Reel Service or some of the other reel service companies will have one available if an existing power handle does not fit..

I know guys talk a lot about the reel for pulling 10s but I really think it has more to do with the rod. Just holding the rod is a challenge. I pull 10s all day with a tranx Hg and no problem. Also a revo toro HS and same. Soft rod vs stiff rod make a ton of difference.
The new reels I would do this. 400 5.8 for 10s. 400 7.6 for rubber.

[QUOTE=bloodman;5301354] Soft rod vs stiff rod make a ton of difference.
[/QUOTE]

Sorry to hijack, but can you please explain? Soft rod is better or worse? I am new to chasing muskies and I don't like pulling double 10's AT ALL. Maybe it is my set up, maybe I'm just a wimp. I mostly use a Toro Beast and an 8' heavy Mojo Musky. PM me if you'd prefer.

A somewhat stiffer rod and point towards bait when reeling in will provide the least resistance on the rod guides making it easier. Not always possible but is best. Try it whenever you start fishing again. Hold your rod straight to the bait and reel in. Then hold your rod 90 degrees to the bait and reel in.

[QUOTE=1/4 oz Jig;5298122]Thanks for the responses. I use my Curado 300Ej right now for 10's and it's a pain in the you know what! I was thinking that having the lower gear ratio would make it easier but it seems odd that there's no power handle on the lower speed reel. I know the tranx 500 is a sweet reel but don't feel like dropping $500 for one. The tranx 400 is in my price range. I know no other reel really can do what the tranx 500 can but was looking for the next best thing.[/QUOTE]

Saltist or Lexa 400 would be the next best thing, or Toro S