Breaking Down Shimano's Tranx Series

Shimano’s Tranx reel series has taken the musky world bystorm, and for good reason — it is packed with many features that make it stand out. Here is a short list of some of the features that make the Tranx what it is.

- Mat Hegy

• X-Ship — This is a system that uses bearings to stabilize the pinion gear to maintain gear alignment even under the pressure of fighting a fish. This also allows for better casting due to less friction between the pinion gear and spool shaft.

• HEG — This is the larger size of the gears to increase leverage and power, and a one-piece frame incorporating a set plate and stamped side plates. It increases strength and eliminates flex in the drive train that can cause gear binding.

• Super Stopper — This is an anti-reverse bearing that uses a one-way stainless steel roller bearing to eliminate back play. This provides an instant hook-set. If the roller bearing slips or fails there is a secondary mechanical anti-reverse to back up the primary on the 300 and 400. The 500 Tranx has two secondary anti-reverses for good measure.

What all of this really means is these reels are very well built.