I'm looking for a reel for 0.5-1.5 oz baits like spinnerbaits, swimbaits, jigs, deep cranks, etc. I've been using an old Curado 300E, and I like it a lot, but it's starting to show its age. Plus, it's slower than I'd like it to be.

 

I'm looking for something versatile that can burn baits that need to move fast but still has the power to handle hard-pulling crankbaits. I also care a lot about casting distance, and I want something I can palm. I use a Tranx 400HG for small- to medium-sized musky baits, and I love it, so I was thinking of going with a Tranx 300AHG for bass. Has anyone used one, or does anyone have any other suggestions?

At my favorite fishing store, they had a their last 300E, sitting in the very top shelf of their pile of reels, out of the way and gathering dust.   I wanted it, but I kept telling myself to wait, until I had some genuine disposable income.   When I finally decided that I had spare money, that didn't need to be allocated for anything else, I went to the store and some one else had bought the reel.  They told me, don't despair - the new Tranx will be in soon and it will be the replacement in their line for the 300E and it is a sturdier, more reliable reel.

 

I thought ok, I'll wait and see, the new Tranx came in and it was more or less everything they said it would be EXCEPT it is quite a bit heavier than the 300E.  Heavy enough that I don't want to mess with it.  I wanted the reel to throw A-rigs a ways and not throw out over half the. spool like I'm currently doing with my current A-rig reel. (Calcutta 200 TEGT)

 

Anyway, my dreams for a palmable distance casting reel have been put on hold for a while.   That Tranx is just too heavy for me and it would bug me every time I threw it.  

 

I think that if you can deal with the weight on the Tranx, it would be your distance casting reel for the foreseeable future.   I think you'd have to work very hard to wear that reel out.

Thanks, I should've mentioned that I want something where I'm not casting half the spool off as well.

 

I think the Tranx is only about 10% heavier than the Curado 300E, and I often use much heavier reels for non-bass applications, so I don't think I'll mind the weight.

Easy: the new Lews Superduty! 6.7oz, heavy duty bearings and gears, available in several gear ratios, and high spool capacity. It'll be available end of September.

lews superduty widespool, it is everything you are looking for

It sounds like a Tranx 300 would fit the bill perfect.

Diawa Tatula HD.  It is Small, inexpensive as well as handles larger baits very well.

300 size low profile reel, Daiwa Lexa 300 or 300 HD fits your needs.

Tom