Shimano Tranx 300B Baitcaster - A More Refined Beast for
Big Baits and Bigger Fish (continued)
Price and Applications: While the new Tranx 300B offers significantly better
retrieve feel and handling than the previous generation not everything in the
new generation is an upgrade. The new reel comes in at $349.99, about $50 more
than the previous model, and also adds a touch of weight across the comparable
models. The higher speed reel is also noticeably heavier than the lower speed
version due to the enlarged gearing and the 7.6:1 version tips the scales at
12.2 ounces, while the 5.8:1 is 11.8 ounces.
While it would have been nice to see the new reel maintain the same weight I do
feel, at least in the case of this new Tranx reel, the gains in rigidity and smoothness
make it a fair trade.
With aftermarket handles and
oversized knobs the Tranx feels custom made for slinging swimbaits
Also, while two gear ratios cover most needs, a slower
4.9:1 power cranking option would be welcome for deep-running the biggest plugs
and A-rigs.
My personal favorite 300B retrieve ratio is still the 7.6:1 reel which I find is
fast enough to work topwater baits, and still easy enough to slow down for more
subtle presentations, like working softbodied swimbaits in Fall and Winter.
A solid fish caught on a Toxic
Baits glide with the Tranx 300B paired with a F5 Ghost Code II rod
Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
|
Shimano
Tranx
300B Reel
Ratings
(?/10)
|
|
Construction/Quality |
Still
built
like a
tank,
just
more
modern.
The new
reel
feels
just as
robust
as the
outgoing
model
but more
refined |
8.8 |
|
Performance |
I was a
fan of
the 300A
Tranx,
heck I
still am
and
regularly
use it
to fish
big
swimbaits,
but the
new reel
takes
things
to
another
level.
The
CoreSolid
design
and
externally
adjustable
SVS
Infinity
MD
System
make
this
reel
both a
better
caster
and more
solid
feeling
reel
when
retrieved |
8.8 |
|
Price |
Not
surprisingly,
the new
Tranx
300B
comes in
about
$50
higher
than the
previous
generation
we
reviewed
back in
2017.
Like
most
things,
reel
prices
have
climbed,
and
while it
would
have
been
nice to
see
Shimano
hold the
original
price
point,
that’s
probably
unrealistic
given
today’s
material
and
labor
costs.
Even at
$349,
the
Tranx
300B
still
delivers
a lot of
reel for
the
money |
8 |
|
Features |
The new
reel
doesn't
grow in
bearing
count
and even
gains a
little
weight
but it
features
a whole
new
platform
with the
CoreSolid
body.
The
other
feature
that
really
improves
performance
is the
SVS
Infinity
MD
casting
system.
Other
proven
technologies
like
X-Ship,
MicroModule
gears,
and
corrosion
resistant
S A-RB
bearings
all help
add up
to a
powerful
reel
that
feels
right at
home in
both
fresh
and
saltwater
applications
|
8 |
|
Design
(Ergonomics) |
The new
reel
sits
lower
and
feels
more
natural
when
palmed
thanks
to the
compact
CoreSolid
body. It
feels
really
good
when you
consider
the
reel's
large
gearing
and high
line
capacity.
The new
Tranx
looks
like a
bigger
bantam
from
many
angles,
and
feels
like one
too when
cast and
palmed |
8.5 |
|
Application |
Like the
previous
generation,
the
Tranx
300B
easily
pulls
double
duty in
both
freshwater
and
saltwater
environments.
Everything
about
this
reel
feels
purpose-built
for big
bait,
big fish
scenarios,
with the
power
and
refinement
to back
it up |
9.5 |
|
Total
Score
|
8.60 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus |
Minus |
|
+
CoreSolid
body
dramatically
increases
rigidity and
power
transfer
(and it
looks better
too) |
-
Higher price
than
outgoing
model |
|
+
Smoother and
more
powerful
retrieve |
-
Slightly
higher than
previous
generation |
|
+
Better
casting
control and
distance |
-
The power
handle may
not be
preferred by
everyone (I
liked it for
saltwater
fishing but
preferred a
dual knob
configuration
for bass
fishing) |
|
+
Improved
overall
refinement |
|
|
+
Better
ergonomics
(except
weight) than
previous
generation
|
|
|
+
Feels
powerful and
purpose
built for
big baits
and battles
with big
fish in both
fresh and
saltwater |
|
Conclusion: Most of the time, Shimano doesn’t
reinvent their platforms - they evolve them. Rather than starting from scratch,
the company typically refines proven designs by integrating features from
higher-end reels. In the case of the Tranx 300, however, Shimano went a step
further. The new 300B feels like a complete refresh built around the CoreSolid
formula that has already proven itself in the smaller Bantam and Metanium
series. In fact, the CoreSolid design arguably makes even more sense here,
providing the rigidity and alignment benefits that a larger, more
torque-oriented reel truly needs.
The new Tranx 300B feels much more
refined than the previous generation, and is a pleasure to cast and retrieve
with
The result is a reel that feels more connected and planted under load, with
MicroModule gearing and SVS Infinity MD braking combining to deliver exceptional
smoothness, precision, and control. On the water, those upgrades translate
directly into confidence—whether pulling against the raw power of bat rays in
the Bay or working Delta tulle lines for largemouth bass.
Arguably the most improved Shimano
baitcaster this season, the Tranx 300 is a beast of a reel that feels right at
home casting big baits for in the hunt for big fish
After weeks of use across both freshwater and saltwater, the Tranx 300B feels
like the reel the original 300A always aspired to be - tougher, smoother, and
more refined. It handled everything I threw at it without flinching and has
already earned a permanent spot in my lineup, particularly for targeting
fall-run stripers. For anglers chasing big fish
with big baits, the Tranx 300B
stands out as an outstanding revolution of a popular series - and quite possibly
Shimano’s most improved reel of the season, earning it our Editor’s Choice
Award. Whether your target is trophy bass, stripers, muskie, tarpon, and
even bat rays, this new Tranx delivers a solid blend of strength, control, and
refinement - all at a very compelling price.
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the Shimano Tranx 300B?
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