Shimano Tranx 300B Baitcaster - A More Refined Beast for Big Baits and Bigger Fish (continued)

Retrieve:  Compared to the 300A’s multi-piece design, this new body is designed to provide noticeably greater rigidity by eliminating even subtle flex under load. Shimano’s CoreSolid design integrates the frame, outer sideplate, and levelwind guard into a single, unified aluminum structure. I found that the result is a smoother, more connected feel when cranking through resistance - whether that’s swimming a big bait or battling a surging bat ray.

The Tranx 300B features an oversized gearbox and is available in both 5.8:1 and 7.6:1 gear ratios

Inside, the Tranx 300B also benefits from Shimano’s latest MicroModule gearing and X-Ship system, the latter of which provides dual bearing support for the pinion gear. This translates into less gear deflection, better alignment, and increased durability under the stress of heavy torque. In hand, the new 300B feels surprisingly smooth, noticeably more refined than the 300A, and delivers the kind of effortless power that anglers normally expect from Shimano’s higher-end reels.

I found the noticeably smoother feel of the new reel particularly interesting given that it doesn’t rely on a higher bearing count or upgraded handle bearings. The difference comes down to the new CoreSolid frame design, which adds rigidity and alignment precision that translate directly into a more connected, fluid retrieve. It’s a good reminder that sheer bearing count isn’t always the defining factor in reel smoothness or overall feel.

I like the higher speed 7.6:1 gear ratio for fishing most swimbaits and find it easier to slow down than speed up

Compared to the 300A, the 300B feels less “mechanical” and more seamless in operation - something especially evident during slow, deliberate swimbait presentations where even minor gear roughness becomes apparent.

Even after fishing in saltwater in the San Francisco Bay the bearings and spool shaft show minimal signs salt intrusion and no corrosion

The 4+1 S A-RB bearings also deserve credit for maintaining that smooth, tight feel even after repeated saltwater exposure. After fishing this reel extensively in the salt of San Francisco Bay and the brackish waters of the California Delta, I experienced no degradation in performance - and I certainly haven’t been babying it between trips.

Hanging out with my fishing buddy Emmie as we wait for Bat Rays to jump on our line

Drag: The Cross Carbon Drag system on the Tranx 300B proved to be both smooth and unflinchingly strong throughout our testing. On the freshwater side, it handled big largemouth bass with ease, providing consistent pressure without any jerky startup, even when fish surged boatside. But it was on the San Francisco Bay shoreline where the drag really earned respect, going head-to-head with powerful bat rays that tested its limits.

We caught a number of Bat Rays with the Tranx, helping test both the winding power of the new reel as well as the drag's stopping power

Despite multiple, determined runs that would expose any inconsistency, the Tranx’s drag remained silky and controlled, applying steady pressure that wore the rays down without overheating or fading. I found the 300B’s system’s adjustment range pretty wide which also made it easy to dial in just the right amount of resistance, offering a level of smooth stopping power that inspires confidence whether you’re battling largemouth or saltwater bruisers.

Not the usual bass we tangle with, and while these Bats pulled hard the Tranx 300B didn't break a sweat

When comparing the drag of the new 300B to the outgoing 300A, I didn’t find a dramatic difference in sheer stopping power. The new system does feel slightly smoother during extended runs, but in most bass fishing situations, the performance gap is minimal - which really speaks to how capable the previous multi-disc drag system already was.

Fishing from morning to sunset with the Tranx 300B. Though slightly heavier than the previous generation it feels more comfortable to palm and still balances well with most swimbait rods

Ergonomics: Usually when reels get heavier their ergonomics suffer. Despite the slight increase in weight over the previous generation, the Tranx 300B remains surprisingly comfortable and palmable for a reel of its size. The CoreSolid design – solid, compact rounded frame edges, well-placed handle, and low-profile construction - makes it easy to maintain control during long swimbait sessions or when battling big fish.

The Tranx 300B palms very well despite the reel's overall size and weight

In hand, the reel feels balanced and natural, with the added rigidity of the one piece frame actually enhancing that planted, connected feel. The Tranx 300B never feels unwieldy, convincing me that a heavier reel doesn’t necessarily compromise ergonomics when the design is dialed in.
The Tranx 300B also gives anglers options when it comes to handle configuration. The slower 5.8:1 model comes with a standard double power handle, which I found ideal for most bass fishing applications – deep cranking, most swimbait presentations, working oversized spoons, and throwing large jigs and plastics - where you want controlled retrieves without over-rotating the handle.

While the Power Handle is nice for saltwater and power applications I still preferred the double handle configuration for most bass fishing applications

The 7.6:1 high-speed model ships with a larger knobbed power handle, which I normally don’t gravitate toward - but I quickly came to appreciate it when working slower, bulky baits or dunking setups for San Francisco Bay predators. It offered excellent leverage and a secure grip under heavy loads. That said, for my swimbait-focused applications, it felt a bit cumbersome, so I swapped the stock handle for a DRT Varial WCZ. The 117mm handle with flat WCZ knobs not only looked and felt fantastic, but it also reinforced the 300B’s identity as a purpose-built swimbait reel, delivering each crank with confidence and an extra level of style and refinement.

While the DRT upgrade is fantastic, it’s more of a “nice-to-have” than a necessity - anglers looking for a more cost-conscious option can also explore handles from Avail, Yumeya, Livre, or Gomexus.

The new looks and feels much more modern