Shimano TRX500HG TranX High Gear Baitcasting Reel

Shimano TRX500HG TranX High Gear Baitcasting Reel

Price: $549.99
Model
TD Code
Line Retrieve Per CrankHollow Ace Capacity
(lb/yds)
PowerPro Capacity
(lb/yds)
Mono Capacity (lb/yds)Max
Drag
S A-RB BearingsRoller BearingsGear
Ratio
WeightPrice
TRX500HG
SHM-2318
43 in40/350
60/275
80/260
50/420
65/270
80/210
30/160
40/120
50/100
25lb716.6:120.0 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 !

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
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
6 Questions & 6 Answers
Octavio
from Carson CA asked:
January 18, 2018
Does it come left handed
1 Answer
The Shimano Tranx only comes in a right hand retrieve.
Submitted by: Bernie on January 19, 2018

Duc Nguyen
from California asked:
April 15, 2022
Which country made it and what year it is made 
1 Answer
Hello Duc, 


The manufacture country is Japan. These reels were on backorder and were just manufactured this year 

Submitted by: Bernie - TackleDirect Customer Service on April 19, 2022

kelvin chua
from singapore asked:
May 10, 2020
hi there ,hope your well .im looking at the item tranx500hg right ,do you ship to singapore ?
1 Answer
Hello Kelvin, 


We hope you are well also! Yes, we do ship anywhere in the world! 

Submitted by: B. Smith on May 19, 2020

Mychal
from Pomona.CA asked:
June 5, 2019
Can you fly line with this reel 
1 Answer

This reel has a recommendation of 


Power Pro Braid 


40lb = 350 yards

60lb = 275 yards

80lb = 260 yards 


please do not use fly line on this reel.


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.




Submitted by: Andrew Montagna on June 6, 2019

Richard Soto
from Los angles Calif 90061 asked:
June 20, 2018
What rod would be the match for my tranx 500 ,Casting, live bait,bottom fishing westcoast waters
1 Answer
I would recommend using the G-Loomis Pro Blue Rod in either the PBR844C model or the PBR843C.
Submitted by: Ricky on July 5, 2018

Lou
from San Diego asked:
April 14, 2018
Would the hg pair well with phenix phd809xh for flatfalls, jigs and bait for tuna and yellowtail in socal?
1 Answer
The shimano tranx 500 would be a great option for the Phenix 809XH for the style of fishing your doing.
Submitted by: Donald on April 14, 2018

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