Bates GOAT SWM vs Shimano Tranx 300HG | Which is Better for You?

[@jimt5683]

Nothing will beat a shimano!

[@odyishere1828]

West coaster here, I own a tranx 400 and can confidently say that the bates is just better when it comes to inshore conditions. Don’t get me wrong they are both bulletproof proof but shimano’s gearing isn’t as good as it use to be

[@guttermayne89]

Miami Fl fisherman here. Just got myself a tranx 300hg last week for snook fishing. I absolutely love the reel. I’ve caught some big peacock bass on it as well. It does it all.

[@tailwateroutfitters]

Heck yea that's great to hear! It's killer

[@ericjchastain]

Got a tranx 400 hg, curado dc 150, chronarch ci4 even first gen curado 200s, lews custom light and bates salty 150 and bates hundo. All reals are great for what there for.

[@njsurfrider]

I have both. Bates allday everyday

[@GrantLangmore]

Fact

[@rmorris75252]

Agreed. Not that Shimano doesn't make some solid reels but given the choice I'm taking Bates reels all day long.

[@rugerguy1679]

I have over 30 Shimano reels of which 19 are Curado and Curado DC's. The last 6 reels I bought are Bates............Shimanos are amazing but Bates are crazy amazing.

[@snipergene]

Great review, thanks.

[@tailwateroutfitters]

Appreciate it! 👍

[@CurtCatchemFishing]

Nice job as always! Been itching to learn how to use a baitcaster. I can’t decide what would be a good midpoint price range reel to learn on though. Any suggestions?

[@tailwateroutfitters]

Yo! The something like the Shimano SLX would be a great $100 option

[@CurtCatchemFishing]

@@tailwateroutfitters thanks!! See yall soon 🤙🏾

[@CurtCatchemFishing]

@@tailwateroutfitters would you say it’s worth the extra $30 to go with the XT and have the external braking adjustment for learning?

[@gussk8e]

@@CurtCatchemFishingyes 100%

[@CurtCatchemFishing]

@@gussk8e appreciate ya

[@ReactionGiants]

Ay bro im from okc and plan on going to Florida next year, which line do you recommend for snook and peacock bass?

[@snipergene]

Does the Bates really have more line capacity since the ratings was for 30lb vs 40lb?

[@tailwateroutfitters]

Yea, probably 75 yards or so, the 10lb difference isn’t that big of a deal for capacity. Just look at the Shimano line capacity ratings. Looks like there’s only a 25 ish yard difference from one size to another

[@doggmansnapperdude3405]

Is the bates pretty large frame like at least close to the tranx

[@solexcollector831]

Good review. But you only covered the looks of the reels. Would help if you break both reels and compare intenals. Gonna end up like a Van staal or any usa made reels with cheap bearings.

[@Fast_Snail_]

I feel like the Abu García revo beast should be in this comparison.

[@nhebert81]

I would like to see a comparison of the bates salty hundo vs a tranx 150

[@rmorris75252]

I have both and if the bates is in your budget, I'd go bates all day long. But I love my tranx 150s as well for the price don't get me wrong. I don't think you can go wrong with either reel but you're talking two reels in two very different price points. Salty hundo is noticeably lighter and smoother, and cast a wider range of lures better and gets you a little more distance. That being said tranx is no slouch either, certainly not going to be the smoothest reel but it doesn't feel geary and it still feels solid under load when fighting fish, I can cast 1/8 oz head and plastic on up to a 1 oz spook, but it seems to do best with the 3/8 - 3/4 oz lures. Both reels have good smooth drags so no complaints there. All depends on your budget but you won't go wrong with either one imo.

[@doggmansnapperdude3405]

I have such problems with my Tranx 300 hd I’ve sent it out twice to get the drag fixed but always back to the same problem and it’s no drag all of a sudden so ya go to tighten and it’s basically either tight as hell or loose as hell there is no big range and I can’t figure it out and I used a guy last time that’s works on the reels for a very reputable tackle shop in va beach and he’s always done me and all my saltwater friends good that spend thousands on reels I’m a glide bait fisherman so I am throwing 4 oz baits with it but that’s it and dude says no it’s made for that and shouldn’t be malfunctioning but I don’t know if I should give this hates a try and I’ve been having luck with the curado 300’s but I’m really starting to like the Lexa HD’s from Diawa even though they only have magnetic braking and I have never bought anything but Shimano high end bait casters all my life like Metaniums and cores chronarchs and Ive always been a fanboy and hate on all the others but I gotta say Diawa is a good Japanese company too but I just want my tranx 300 and my 200 is busted too now and I’ve never in 30 yrs had stuff like this happen with Shimano but it kills me on the water to miss a 6+ pounder bass bc the drag is loose after the fifth cast.

[@lucas.abdala2391]

Does the Bates company make a 400 size reel?

[@tailwateroutfitters]

Not at this time

[@richardroot7711]

I do not know the warranty when it comes to the Bates reels? When it comes to Shimano , it’s had to beat, service ,parts , warranty..I

[@doggmansnapperdude3405]

I have such problems with my Tranx 300 hd I’ve sent it out twice to get the drag fixed but always back to the same problem and it’s no drag all of a sudden so ya go to tighten and it’s basically either tight as hell or loose as hell there is no big range and I can’t figure it out and I used a guy last time that’s works on the reels for a very reputable tackle shop in va beach and he’s always done me and all my saltwater friends good that spend thousands on reels I’m a glide bait fisherman so I am throwing 4 oz baits with it but that’s it and dude says no it’s made for that and shouldn’t be malfunctioning but I don’t know if I should give this hates a try and I’ve been having luck with the curado 300’s but I’m really starting to like the Lexa HD’s from Diawa even though they only have magnetic braking and I have never bought anything but Shimano high end bait casters all my life like Metaniums and cores chronarchs and Ive always been a fanboy and hate on all the others but I gotta say Diawa is a good Japanese company too but I just want my tranx 300 and my 200 is busted too now and I’ve never in 30 yrs had stuff like this happen with Shimano but it kills me on the water to miss a 6+ pounder bass bc the drag is loose after the fifth cast.