Lews super duty 300 or tranx 300?

[21qdodge]

I’m looking to buy a new swimbait reel and I want to buy the tranx but it’s almost three hundred. So I looked at maybe buying the lews super duty 300 instead because it is only 200. Should I just save or go for the lews? 

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

I faced the same dilemma last year.  My decision was based on practical considerations; I would certainly not argue the relative merits of the two reels since they have been well documented in other threads.

 

First was cost - I was buying two reels for medium swim baits (1- to 4-ounces).  I would spend $200.00 more on the Tranx. With unlimited funds I probably would have chosen the Tranx.

 

Second was a reality check - I am not a rabid bass fisherman.  I would rate myself as a very enthusiastic hack.  To be honest, I really love the idea of owning the Tranx, but I honestly do not believe I would require that Tranx level of quality.  I fish a few times a week from April through November so either reel would satisfy my requirements.  The Lew’s Superduty has an aluminum frame and side plate on the handle side of the reel; plenty solid for my requirements.

 

Third was customer support -  I have no experience with Shimano customer support. Others can probably comment on that.  My experience with Lew’s has been extremely satisfying and helped me make my decision.

 

I chose the Lew’s Superduty 300 and have not regretted the decision.  I have one on a rod rated for baits to two ounces, the other on a rod rated for baits from two to four ounces. Both reels have performed flawlessly. In fact, the lighter rig works well for heavier jigs and t-rigs as well as small swim baits. I can’t comment on the drag since I haven’t caught anything big enough to really test it, but the brake system is easy to configure and use with various sizes of baits and both cast as far as I require. They palm comfortably and definitely feel solid and smooth.
 

So, would I recommend one over the other.  Nope!!!  I am completely satisfied with the Super Duty 300 reels and would buy more. But if I could justify the Tranx …  
 

One final thought.  If I remember correctly, the Super Duty 300 is lighter but you might want to check that.

 

Don’t know if this has helped.  I doubt you can make a wrong decision.  Good luck.

Edited November 16, 2021 by GrumpyOlPhartte
Should have stated “handle side”

[21qdodge]

Thank you a lot!! I think I’m in the same boat so this really helped thank you 

[ATA]

TranX 300 and only TranX 300

[A-Jay]

Tranx 300 is a solid unit. 

A-Jay

 

[desmobob]

 

Wow... seven of 'em!

I probably shouldn't mention it but... isn't it bad luck to have an uneven number?  

 

?

[Hammer 4]

Don't overlook the Diawa Tatula 300. In the past I used a Shimano Curado 301 E 7, was a great swimbait reel, and trouble free. I would say the Tatula is on par with that reel, and why I chose it over the 2 mentioned. 

[GreenPig]

TranX. It will handle bigger baits longer and most go there in time. IMHO.