Shimano TranX 500 Baitcasting Reels
by Shimano
The revolutionary design and shape of the TranX provides the comfort of low profile with the capacity of a conventional reel.
Price: $549.99
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| Model TD Code | Line Retrieve Per Crank | Hollow Ace Capacity (lb/yds) | PowerPro Capacity (lb/yds) | Mono Capacity (lb/yds) | Max Drag | S A-RB Bearings | Roller Bearings | Gear Ratio | Weight | Price |
| TRX500HG SHM-2318 | 43 in | 40/350 60/275 80/260 | 50/420 65/270 80/210 | 30/160 40/120 50/100 | 25lb | 7 | 1 | 6.6:1 | 20.0 oz | $549.99 USD | |
| TRX500PG SHM-2319 | 30 in | 40/350 60/275 80/260 | 50/420 65/270 80/210 | 30/160 40/120 50/100 | 25lb | 7 | 1 | 4.6:1 | 20.0 oz | $549.99 USD | |
Shimano TranX reels have a revolutionary design and shape that provides the comfort of low profile with the capacity of a conventional reel. Shimano TranX is offered in high gear (HG) and power gear (PG) models to cover a wide range of applications.
- X-Ship provides an extra smooth retrieve with superior durability.
- HEG - a larger drive gear and pinion gear increase cranking efficiency.
- SF - Superfree Bearing supported Pinion Gear eliminates friction with spool shaft for better freespool.
- E.I. Surface treatment on the spool protects against corrosion from saltwater soaked braided line.
- S A-RB coating protects bearings from rust in saltwater use.
- Super Stopper eliminates handle back play.
- VBS Brake System effectively reacts to spool rotation speed to provide ideal brake force at all times during cast.
- Dartainium II Drag Washer provides incredibly smooth drag performance with durability.
- Ergonomic Power Handle for better leverage
5 Stars based on 22 reviews
By Mike
Key Largo , Fl
Shimano TranX
July 1, 2012
I have put this reel on 30+ fishing trips so far catching everything from Snapper / Grouper / Jack Cravelle / Baracuda / 5ft Nurse shark est weight 50+ lbs and this reel is top notch.
Everything about this reel is super smooth and I could not have asked for a better baitcaster... now im ready to take on deep water Dolphin / Tuna !
Everything about this reel is super smooth and I could not have asked for a better baitcaster... now im ready to take on deep water Dolphin / Tuna !
Pros
- Smooth casting
- Smooth drag
- Very powerfull
- High amound of line
Cons
- Easy to scratch
- Handle gets dirty fairly easy (white)
By Capt F.
Jacksonville FL
TRANX - best of the best!
May 23, 2012
This reel is for the major fishing and tackle ENTHUSIEST. And yeah, I'm one! I love all my Curado 300 DSV's and all my Curado 300 EJ's.
But I can see when it comes to serious man-maker fish. Out comes the TRANX. This reel is like having a Cummins Diesel engine on top of your reel seat. Everything, it was supposed to be.
Now I need something to challenge it, and it needs to be HUGE!
My video discussing these reels: http://youtu.be/JVQtgIp6mmQ
More, articles on my fishing reports blog at: http://www.captdaves.com
But I can see when it comes to serious man-maker fish. Out comes the TRANX. This reel is like having a Cummins Diesel engine on top of your reel seat. Everything, it was supposed to be.
Now I need something to challenge it, and it needs to be HUGE!
My video discussing these reels: http://youtu.be/JVQtgIp6mmQ
More, articles on my fishing reports blog at: http://www.captdaves.com
Pros
- EVERYTHING, I'm a shimano low-pro junkie!
Cons
- Can't find anything!
By Jason
New York
All around beast
March 28, 2022
Great casting. Great jigging. Great power. Light! I use this real for everything from cod to tuna. Awesome reel to travel with as well. Caught grouper, snapper, and jacks on it as well.
Pros
- Everything
Cons
- None
By Wayne
CA
Tranx 500
August 30, 2021
This really is great. Very smooth and casts a mile. Plenty of power for bigger fish.
By Paul Y.
Gardena, Calif
The BEST reel for your jig stick
August 24, 2021
This is the ULTIMATE reel for casting jigs! Once dialed in just let it fly, no thumbing the spool! Coupled with the stopping power of shimano drags, this is why Shimano is the brand you can TRUST!
By Ryan
Virginia Beach, VA
Unbeatable reel
March 10, 2021
I honestly don't think there's a better reel on the market. $500 might seem like a lot, but once you use its worth every penny.
By Tim
Carlsbad, CA
Awesome Reel
November 3, 2020
Awesome Reel, a great buy if you want to be able to cast far and hang some bigger grade fish.
By darrell
COSTA MESA, CA
great jig reel
July 23, 2020
i prefer levelwind for jigs and surface irons. best levelwind i’ve used.
By Kai
Carpinteria, CA
My wife's forvarite reel and I like it too!
February 19, 2020
Super vestal reel, and lots of power. My wife uses this reel for everything from bottom fish to pelagics. Spooled with 65lb PowerPro, which allows you to fish a wide range of topshots.
Cons
- Price
By Michael
Oak Lawn, IL
TRX500HG
April 30, 2019
Outstanding reel! Casts great! Works great whether tossing to Mahi, burning jigs or wreck fishing! Great drag! Paired with Shimano Terez 70 mh! Great combo!
Pros
- Best baitcasting option paired with best drag for the money!
Cons
- N/A
By Pete C.
Colorado Springs, CO
The best IMO
December 30, 2018
Very strong, really dependable. I’ve used 80 pound for fishing the bluefin and held strong the whole time.
By Jose
West Hills, CA
Excellent powerful reel.
December 29, 2018
I am able to cast anything from an anchovy to a heavy iron on this reel and able to reel in big fish, the only downside is the line capacity.
Pros
- Cast-ability, power.
By Alan
Suwannee, FL
Awesome reel but...
December 15, 2017
I purchased the TranX 300A to replace a Torium 16 on a Shimano medium jigging rod because the reel clamp on the Torium interfered with the reel trigger. Used it only once and it easily landed numerous black sea bass and gag grouper up to 27" on a 90 gram butterfly jig. Early on, I put the reel in free spool with my thumb while fighting fish. Oops. I learned to use the contralateral (opposite) thumb to apply additional drag to the top of the spool. This is an awesome combo paired with Berkley 50# professional braid and a 60# fluorocarbon leader. I refuse to lock down my drag to the max and break lines, loose fish at the surface or bend hooks. Too much fun giving the fish a fighting chance. My Torium 16 is a 5 star reel now on a trolling rod. If I were a freshwater fisherperson, I would give it 5 stars.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smooth drag that is so silent that my dog cannot hear it
- Deceptive amount of drag in a small package
Cons
- Time will tell
- My wife keeps asking how many reels do you need....
By Kai
Carpinteria, CA
HG and PG are both great
July 31, 2017
I purchased both, but fish the 500HG more, as I love to toss surface iron for yellowtail, and this reel just dominates! The PG is awesome if chasing tuna offshore. These reels are really easy to tune, and my wife loves the 500PG for live bait fishing since they rarely backlash.
Pros
- Lots of power and super easy to cast
Cons
- Expensive, but worth it!
By Peyton
D.C.
Power
July 16, 2017
This reel is great for small tuna it has just the right amount of power you'll need to reel in those fish and is all around a good reel for the price
Pros
- Lots of power
Cons
- Heavy
19 Questions &
19 Answers
Rob
from brooklyn, ny asked:
September 11, 2017
Do they make a left handed reel?
1 Answer
Shimano only makes this reel in a right hand model.
Submitted by:
Bernie
on September 11, 2017
Jacob
from SoCal asked:
August 4, 2021
I want to throw Jigs,Poppers,Stick bait at California tuna what rod would you recommend.
1 Answer
Jacob,
The recommendation would be either Teramar XX West Coast (TXWC80MH) or St.Croix MOJO Inshore (JIC79XHMF) to use with the Tranx 500. Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.
Submitted by:
Rick - TackleDirect Customer Service
on August 5, 2021
Brian Bennett
from NJ asked:
July 26, 2021
For inshore-midshore tuna slow pitch jigging, PG or HG?
1 Answer
I would recommend the PG it will be more than enough to slow jig. The 6.6:1 ratio is far to fast since you will be utilizing 1 turn pitch, as well as 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 turn pitch.
Submitted by:
Paul Olah
on July 30, 2021
Striper Jones
from Las Vegas, Nv asked:
July 10, 2019
Does the reel need a seat to clamp to the rod or can it connect to a deckhand jig stick with a backup speed clamp?
1 Answer
The reels do not have seat clamps. They are a traditional bait caster style.
Submitted by:
CHARLES
on July 26, 2019
Jd
from Stockton,ca asked:
May 9, 2019
Which Phenix rod would you pair this with for sturgeon fishing on a boat and bank??
2 Answers
I like anything over 7 feet
Check this item out TSU-0061
Submitted by:
Andrew Montagna
on May 23, 2019
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Submitted by:
Andrew Montagna
on May 24, 2019
Gailactica
from St Clair Mi asked:
February 24, 2018
What rod pairs best with the 500 PG for Musky?
1 Answer
The St. Croix Mojo Musky Rods would be a great class rod to match with the 500 PG for Musky fishing.
Submitted by:
Donald
on March 3, 2018
Roy Smith Oak ca
from Hayward ca asked:
January 28, 2018
Is there a new model for 2018? And what year did the TranX 500 come on the market
1 Answer
There hasn't been any confirmation of a new 500 tranx available in 2018. This model we have in stock is the 2011 model.
Submitted by:
Donald
on January 30, 2018
Paul
from TN asked:
April 2, 2017
Does the TRAN X have a disengaging level wind ?
1 Answer
Yes, the level wind will not move back and fourth while the reel is in free spool.
Submitted by:
Devon
on April 3, 2017
karl
from Duluth, GA asked:
March 23, 2017
I am looking to purchase The Shimano Tranx HG, for casting small-medium surface poppers as well as soft baits and smaller live baits, to Dolphin, Blackfin Tuna, Cubera Snapper, Roosterfish and smaller
Yellowfin Tuna. Which of the Shimano Terez rods would be best suited to this kind of fishing/application?
Yours Sincerely
Karl Hyde
1 Answer
The Shimano TZC70MHBLK Terez Conventional Fishing Rod Black would pair nicely with the The Shimano Tranx HG. Thank you for considering TackleDirect fro your fishing needs.
Submitted by:
Donald
on March 25, 2017
Tam
from Tyson va asked:
August 27, 2016
Does this reel come in left hand ? Thanks
1 Answer
Tam, Hello they do not make it this reel in a left handed model.
Submitted by:
Tyler
on August 29, 2016
Vincent
from Houston asked:
April 16, 2015
Is St Croix Legend Salt 7' MH power a good fit for this reel?
1 Answer
Vincent, It would fit well on that rod, but to better answer your question what type of fishing will you be doing.
Submitted by:
Frank
on April 18, 2015
JUAN
from miami asked:
September 29, 2013
WHAT IS THE BEST ROD FOR THE SHIMANO TRANX?
1 Answer
The Shimano Terez conventional/casting rods are a good fit for that reel. The size and weight depends on the type of fishing you are looking to do.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on September 30, 2013
casey
from png lihir asked:
July 30, 2012
how would they go for fighting tuna and spanish mackerel?
1 Answer
The TranX is well suited for Spanish, and should be able to handle some smaller tuna.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on July 31, 2012
john
from aandjroberts@aanet.com.au asked:
June 9, 2012
thank you for your reply for the suitabilty of the tranx reels for barra fishing.My question now is which option should i choose. the HG or the PG model.i intend to use it for barra and boat fishing .
1 Answer
I would fish the High Gear for that application.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on June 12, 2012
john
from maryborough qld austraila asked:
May 30, 2012
would these reels be OK for barramundi
1 Answer
Yes, it is an awesome reel for the big barramundi.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on May 31, 2012
Matt
from Shelter Island, NY asked:
May 18, 2012
What is the best set up saltwater bass fishing in Northeast? Avg weight between 20 and 35 lbs from boat.
jay
from perth, western austrlia asked:
May 15, 2012
does the reel have a bait clicker or ratchet like most other conventional reels?
1 Answer
The Shimano TranX does not have a clicker.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on May 15, 2012
Fred
from st catharines Ontario Canada asked:
April 24, 2012
What is the max drag of the new Tranx real
1 Answer
Fred,
The max drag is 25lbs on both models of Tranx.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on April 24, 2012
GW
from TI asked:
April 15, 2012
Does it come in a lefty?
1 Answer
No it does not, sorry.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on April 17, 2012
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