Tranx 300 vs Daiwa 300HD or Komodo 364

[Paulo Grandez]

Every single one of those reels will launch a coltsniper and any other lure as far as needed. The casting differences between these reels are minimal if you want to get specific I would say the Lexa is the best caster but that's like saying a Lamborghini is faster than a Ferrari or a Porsche.

 

[Most1]

Every single one of those reels will launch a coltsniper and any other lure as far as needed. The casting differences between these reels are minimal if you want to get specific I would say the Lexa is the best caster but that's like saying a Lamborghini is faster than a Ferrari or a Porsche.

Makes sense, starting to lean toward the Komodo 364 ….

 

[onehottip]

Don’t forget to look at the Fathom too.

 

[Most1]

Don’t forget to look at the Fathom too.

Penn ?

 

[Paulo Grandez]

Penn ?

The Penn fathom low profile is also an option.

 

[onehottip]

Yes a very nice reel in the 300 size ! They come in left hand models too! IMO best looking too.

 

[hucklongfin]

If you want to cast better/further become a better caster! As they say, it ain't the arrow, it's the Indian! Someone who's a good caster will outcast you with just about anything. Golfers think they'll do better with new clubs (it's my putter!) and fishermen think they'll do better with a new reel... both are appreciated by the gear makers!

 

[Most1]

If you want to cast better/further become a better caster! As they say, it ain't the arrow, it's the Indian! Someone who's a good caster will outcast you with just about anything. Golfers think they'll do better with new clubs (it's my putter!) and fishermen think they'll do better with a new reel... both are appreciated by the gear makers!

agree ….

 

[kzaam1]

Agree that you can only rely on the Tranx 500 being rock solid out of the box. The Tranx 300 and 400 reels are very inconsistent out of the box. I've had about 5 or 6 of the 300/400 reels in the last 3 years and I think I had to send 3 in for some type of warranty work in a very short time. After I get them back from Shimano Service they're usually perfect and seem to stand up much better.

 

[Kai]

Get rid of the baitcasting idea all together and get a small star drag!

I love my Torque 12. I throw a wooden close pin with my old 9ft Loomis close to 60 ft.
Much easier to maintain, casts great and less moving parts.

U all really like problems I guess?

I know the handyness of a levelwinds, but the trade offs to me are just not worth it!

 

[Paulo Grandez]

U all really like problems I guess?

I know the handyness of a levelwinds, but the trade offs to me are just not worth it!

Problems, what problems? And what trade offs are you speaking of?

 

[Kai]

Cons:

Casting Distance is hindered by levelwind.

Levelwinds worm gear wears and it will stack line unevenly .

More moving parts, more chance of failures.

Have you serviced one? Not as easy to maintain. I could go through and fix and maintain two conventionals, on the time I spent working one Lexa.

Some of them, you need special tools.

It is something to think about, especially when I hear about the service issues as of late on this board.

On the none TW Lexa 400, not sure about other models, there is an engineering flaw with the Thumbar. There is a huge slot hole for the saltwater to get in from spool. For all of you who have issues with it, it will start here.

Drag pressure on Levelwinds is more uneven.

I have a spot for them, for smaller fish 15-20 lbs, or less.

 

[Paulo Grandez]

First of all I'll commend you for fishing with a Torque rather than a fathom

Servicing and moving Parts quite frankly that's a non-issue. These reels, even the cheap piscifun reels hold up just fine.

I only use conventional reels for 40lb and above for 20 and 30lb there's no need for a conventional reel. Any 300/400 size baitcaster will to do the job just fine without a single issue.

I've been fishing 20/30lb with baitcasters since 2015 and I've never had an issue.

Quite frankly I don't see the need for small size conventional reels anymore.

BTW I don't service my own reels.

 

[Kai]

Ok. Why I love choices and Capitalism.

I have been fishing bait casters since 1996, and had many issues.

 

[F.I.S.H.Y]

Casters stand out with their preformance using artificial baits and lures. Having the line lay itself evenly and being able to focus on your jigs action is really helpful when trying to get a bite. Sure the torque 12 can cast light baits, but working that bait is going to be a lot harder since you have to constantly lay line for each crank. Casters also have pretty efficient cast controls so you can get back into the water quicker with less worry of backlash too.

 

[djek81]

there are different tools for different applications.
I would never use a star drag reel to throw swimbaits, jerkbaits, stickbaits, poppers and so on.

 

[Kai]

Lol l guess I am too old school and pro. Yes it helps with the retrieve, but caught plenty of fish throwing lures without it. Including: surface iron, stick baits, swimbaits, spoons, grubs. Etc.

 

[djek81]

Lol l guess I am too old school and pro. Yes it helps with the retrieve, but caught plenty of fish throwing lures without it. Including: surface iron, stick baits, swimbaits, spoons, grubs. Etc.

good for you man. I love my stardrags, lever drags and baitcasters. I have never had any issues with saltwater casters. I tend not to worry about my gear's longevity and focus on the fun. Life's too short for that.

 

[Most1]

Guys question , the Tranx 300-400 have the same drag 18-22lbs, is the 4lb difference really significant ? Thx

 

[Double O]

Lol l guess I am too old school and pro. Yes it helps with the retrieve, but caught plenty of fish throwing lures without it. Including: surface iron, stick baits, swimbaits, spoons, grubs. Etc.

Me too, I can throw a light plastic with my Trinidad 12A farther than any baitcaster

 

[Line_Sider]

Komodos are great. I have had some QC issues with the two reels I've purchased but their warranty took care of that.

Despite that, they are workhorses and I've been using them for years. Love them. I beat them up fishing for Snook from structure in south Florida. Fishing artificial or live/cut bait.