I am looking at a Tranx right now for big single hook softbaits (What I mean by big is between 6-10 inches). I don’t know which one to choose because I know the 400 is not actually as big as most people would think but I don’t want to get a reel that is bigger and bulkier than necessary. I was going to get a Calcutta B but they don’t have any left hand retrieves (I’ve only checked on Tackle Warehouse though). If I could get some insight that would help make my decision easier.

   I use the TranX 300a, and in my mind the answers to your question depend on two things: 1) which line you'll use, and 2) how far you want to cast.

   If you use braid, I think the 300a will be great. It casts a good 50 yards with 65 lb. PowerPro. But if you want to use fluorocarbon or nylon line, perhaps the 400-size would be better.

   Hope this helps you.     jj

I have a 401...for musky fishing. The size question is kinda pointless as both reels have the exact same body. The only difference between both models is spool size. So the only thing you have to ask yourself is what line do you think you will be using and then choose the spool size you need depending on the application.

 

nathan

6 hours ago, jimmyjoe said:

   I use the TranX 300a, and in my mind the answers to your question depend on two things: 1) which line you'll use, and 2) how far you want to cast.

   If you use braid, I think the 300a will be great. It casts a good 50 yards with 65 lb. PowerPro. But if you want to use fluorocarbon or nylon line, perhaps the 400-size would be better.

   Hope this helps you.     jj

I’m probably throwing 25 lb fluoro. I see what ur saying with this JJ. This helps make my decision easier.

for 25 pound fluoro or mono, definitely the 400. they are the same reel other than the spool is a bit wider on the 400, the so the body is actually slightly wider on the 400.

 

I have the 400A for musky and its amazing. i run 20 pound mono on it right now as i am throwing small muskie baits with it (under 2oz) on a MH musky rod and it holds a ton. 

 

there is a slight weight difference between the 300 and 400 as well if i recall. 

Get a 400 size...

200 at the top, then 300 then 400.

 

19 hours ago, BassBlowup354 said:

I am looking at a Tranx right now for big single hook softbaits (What I mean by big is between 6-10 inches). I don’t know which one to choose because I know the 400 is not actually as big as most people would think but I don’t want to get a reel that is bigger and bulkier than necessary.

Take a look at the Tatula 300 too. It cranks as smoothly as the Tranx 400 on big crank down wakes. Definitely feels smoother and stronger than the Tranx 300, meaning you feel it working less on the retrieve. The frame is quite narrow for a Tatula if that matters to you. Here's one reel where the t-wing seems to actually pay dividends as heavy line like 25-30lb Big Game isn't fighting it's way through a typical line guide aperture, and you can feel that on the cast. The same would go for heavy Fluoro. The 400 is going bye bye, probably. 

I have a Tranx 400a on a Phenix PSW869H-Deck Hand rod for throwing swimbaits from 2 to 8 ozs, and still wonder if I should have went with the 300. I started with 30# line, then 25#, and now use 20# line. The 25# and especially the 30# line were just too stiff. They didn't act right with slow swimming swimbaits. If they had the resistance of a bill, they might play better with heavier mono or fluorocarbon line, but they don't. 

 

The Tranx 400 is much smaller than the Daiwa Lexa 400, but it's still a decent size chunk sitting on top of a rod. If I was ocean fishing, then the 400 would be a no brainer.

10 minutes ago, Big Hands said:

I have a Tranx 400a on a Phenix PSW869H-Deck Hand rod for throwing swimbaits from 2 to 8 ozs, and still wonder if I should have went with the 300. I started with 30# line, then 25#, and now use 20# line. The 25# and especially the 30# line were just too stiff. They didn't act right with slow swimming swimbaits. If they had the resistance of a bill, they might play better with heavier mono or fluorocarbon line, but they don't. 

 

The Tranx 400 is much smaller than the Daiwa Lexa 400, but it's still a decent size chunk sitting on top of a rod. If I was ocean fishing, then the 400 would be a no brainer.

I concur 20 pound mono (i use sufix siege) casts amazing on the 400. I was thinking about going up a size but your experience has verified what i was thinking: that going up a line size might get stiff.