Shimano Tranx 200 300 400 Review

The Shimano Tranx 200, Shimano Tranx 300, and the Shimano Tranx 400 reels are all covered in this review, as they are very similar in most aspects.

The Shimano Tranx 200 is the most recent addition to this line-up, introduced at ICAST in 2018 due to the demand after the 300 and 400 were introduced the previous year. It comes in 3 gear ratios for the right-hand retrieve and 1 for the left-hand retrieve.

The Tranx 300 and Tranx 400 are the younger siblings of the infamous Shimano Tranx 500, a unique, heavy-duty, low-profile baitcaster reel for your larger saltwater species.

The Tranx 300 / 400 was introduced to the market in January 2017. Both models come in gear ratios: 5.8:1 and 7.6:1. The HG or High Gear model uses a single power handle instead of a double paddle.

Both models combine X-Ship and HEG technologies to give you massive cranking power for big baits and fish, along with the smoothness that Shimano is known for.

The Bottom Line

Excellent baitcasting reels are designed for heavy baits, lures, and large fish.
High level of manufacturing quality with a very durable design.
Oversized gears are designed to handle the torque associated with cranking large baits and lures and retrieving larger fish.
It is a great reel for large Reds, Snook, and smaller Pelagics.

If you are looking for a solid saltwater baitcaster, this is available here.

Shimano TranX 300/400 Baitcast Reel | TackleDirect

If you're serious about winning those epic battles yet to come, put a Shimano TranX 300/400 Baitcast Reel in your hands. This is a tank of a reel, built for big baits and big fish, with the strength to subdue almost anything that swims and the durability to keep coming back for more.

Buy on TackleDirect Buy on Cabelas

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If you are a fan of the baitcasting reel design and want to target large Snookie, Bull Reds, Blue Fish, and the like, then you are going to love what the Shimano Tranx 300 and Shimano Tranx 400 have to offer.

I also like that the Tranx 300 / 400 comes with Shimano’s CoreProtect water-resistant technology, which helps repel water without creating a heavy feeling when cranking the reel.

Shimano Tranx 200 300 400 Features

Hagane body

The Hagane body is a metal body with a high rigidity that prevents flex during the fight while maintaining superb balance; this, in turn, keeps hand fatigue to a minimum after a long day on the water, cranking big baits and large fish.

Oversized HEG Gearing

Most gears are cut when manufactured, leaving some room for variances during the manufacturing process.

The Hagane manufacturing process consists of a 3D modeling process that is precision cold-forged, resulting in gears that provide one of the smoothest retrieve experiences you will ever have, especially under a load from a big fish.

X-Ship

X-Ship combines features that work together to create much greater efficiency. It stands for Extra, Smooth, & High Power.

Positioning the pinion gear close to the large-diameter drive gear’s center line transfers more power from the handle to the spool.

Two Shimano A-RB roller bearings also support the pinion gear. This increases the efficiency of the reel and adds to its durability over its lifetime.

Advanced Coreprotect sealing system

When cranking the reel, the CoreProtect water-resistant technology helps repel water without creating a heavy feeling.

The problem with most waterproofing techniques is that while they do repel water, they result in a gummy feel during the retrieval process.

Precision Aluminum S3D high-capacity spool

The high-capacity spool on the 400 allows for up to 275 yards of 50lb braided line.

QuickFire II clutch bar

Shimano has incorporated the QuickFire II clutch bar, which allows you to be ready to cast quickly and efficiently with one hand.

3+1 system with S-ARB stainless steel bearings (200) & 5+1 system with S-ARB stainless steel bearings (300 & 400)

These bearings are the same as the standard A-RB bearings, with the exception that they are shielded on both sides by a stainless steel shield for ultimate corrosion resistance and contaminant protection to reduce the likelihood of any salt, dirt, or water penetrating and affecting the smoothness of the bearings.

Variable Braking System

The variable brake system from Shimano uses centrifugal force vs. magnets to manage how the line pays off the reel during casting.

It works because during the initial cast, when the reel is spinning its fastest, individual brake weights are flung to the outside of the reel inside of the housing, which causes just enough friction to prevent backlashes in most situations.

What I like about this feature is that it addresses the number one problem most anglers have when they start using a baitcasting reel: backlash.

Cross Carbon drag with up to 22 lbs. of drag power

The Cross Carbon drag system positions the carbon fiber washers on either side of the master gear for even pressure.

This provides you with a very smooth drag that does not get jumpy or sloppy under heavy loads, and it can be finely adjusted using the oversized star drag constructed of solid aluminum.

This is the same system used in the Shimano Curado series of reels.

Rugged CI4+ handle knob

The HG or high gear models feature an oversized massive Ci4+ power handle constructed of durable Ci4+ material and provide a very comfortable grip to crank in those larger fish and retrieve the big baits repeatedly.

Paddle Handle

The LG or low gear models of the 300 & 400 and all of the 200s have a 102 mm double handle or Paddle Handle with oversized rubber knobs.

Features at a Glance

Superior power and durability
Diecast aluminum Hagane body
Oversized HEG Gearing
X-Ship internal reinforcement
Advanced Coreprotect sealing system
Precision aluminum S3D high-capacity spool
QuickFire II clutch bar
3+1 system with S-ARB bearings (200)
5+1 system with S-ARB bearings (300 & 400)
Variable Braking System
Cross Carbon drag with up to 22 lbs. of drag power
Rugged CI4+ power handle knob

The Tranx 200 is the smallest threesome, but it still packs a powerful punch and is perfect for the inshore fisherman who needs a reel designed to be abused in saltwater conditions.

The Shimano Tranx 200 comes in three gear ratios for the right-handed angler: a 6.2:1 with a 26″ retrieve rate, a 7.2:1 with a retrieval rate of 7.2:1, and a high speed 8.5:1 with a 36″ retrieval rate. The left-handed angler is not left out and can get the medium speed of 7.2:1.

Both the Tranx 300 and the Tranx 400 come in standard or low gear and high-speed or high-gear models designated with the HG at the end of the model numbers below and are available in both right- and left-hand retrieve.

The Tranx 300 is smaller than the current Shimano Curado 300E, yet it delivers twice the drag. With their large line capacity, 230 – 330 yards, these reels are perfect for retrieving large live baits, chunking, or big swimbaits.

The Tranx is durable and is indeed built to land larger species of fish with its star drag system that delivers 18 lbs. of drag on the HG models and 22 lbs. of drag on the standard model.

If you are looking for a reel that can land big 40 lb plus fish, then I think you will want to consider moving up to the Tranx 500.

Shimanos Coreprotect has been available in the spinning models for several years, and now it is available in the Tranx low-profile baitcasting series of reels. Coreprotect addresses the seepage of water in several key areas.

The worm shaft seal is the first area susceptible to water penetration, next up around the anti-reverse bearings, where Shimano uses sealed ARB bearings.

Another weak spot where water resistance is key is around the frame seal where the pinion support bearing is located. Shimano has added a seal here to keep the saltwater and grease out.

Last but not least, there is another seal around the clutch button and special grease between the frame and the side plate.

The Tranx 200, 300, and Tranx 400 are designed to stand up to repeated use in saltwater conditions, notorious for wreaking havoc on gear even when you do your best to rinse and clean it.

Numerous fishermen have found the Shimano Tranx reels excellent for muskie fishing.

Pros

Smooth and strong drag
Durability from HEG and X-Ship technologies
Coreprotect waterproofing
Variable braking

Cons

Price
No clicker

Shimano Tranx 200, Tranx 300 & Tranx 400 Alternatives

If you want to have a reel that you can use both inshore and for tackling the larger species 30 lbs+ or the super hard fighting fish like Tuna, Stripers, and wahoo, then you might want to step on the bigger brother Shimano Tranx 500.

You will pay nearly twice as much, but you will have a reel that you can use for all situations, but it will be heavier. Your choice will come down to how much time you spend fishing for larger vs. midsized species. Heck, if your budget permits, you might want to consider one of each.

Known for their quality are the Daiwa Lexa 300 and Daiwa Lexa 400 reels, which are in the same wheelhouse as the Tranx 300 & 400 and are priced a few dollars less. Personally, I think that it comes down to a personal preference between these two brands.

In Conclusion

These are phenomenal reels that, if you are a baitcaster fan and you love to fish inshore, seriously consider adding to your arsenal of equipment.

As I said earlier, I think that the Daiwa Lexa 300 & 400 are very close competitors, and it will come down to brand preference when comparing these low-profile baitcasting reels.

About
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David Edwards

David is a freelance writer. He enjoys fishing as much as you do. He understands the challenge to pick the best fishing rod or learning the lifestyle. He provides a detailed review of the available products in the market. He wants to ensure you make the right decision for your next shopping day.