Battle of the Baitcasters Part 3 Daiwa Lexa HD 500 vs Tranx 500

[@timklippel5164]

I bought the Lexa 500 for WSB however used for rockfish at 450’ and was blown away by the performance. I brought up doubles of big reds and 5 lb Salmon grouper. The reel performed like a winch, multiple double hookups with 20oz sinker and it handled it with medium effort! I can’t say enough about how other fishermen were struggling and this reel not!

[@Seastheday88]

Thats awesome to hear! Which gear ratio did you go with? My buddy bought one for his pops for the same purpose of deep rockfishing with the P-P gears.

[@timklippel5164]

@@Seastheday88 6.1 The level wind is an added bonus when fishing deep water

[@Seastheday88]

@@timklippel5164 great choice. I was hoping the 6.1 when I went to buy and for some reason I went for 5.1, way too much winding for deeper depths lol

[@DerekRonin]

great indepth review! Keep these coming!

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks bro 🙌

[@harold1733]

1. The Lexa freespool disengaged with strong casts. Even when I moved the handle to mitigate this. I sent it in to Daiwa to get it fixed. Did the same thing and eventually broke again. It was a major headache to work with the Daiwa repair team too. Never had a single problem with my Tranx 500pg. Sent it in for servicing. Apparently a bearing needed replacing. It was working fine when I sent it. Shimano replaced all the bearings and serviced it. For free. Just because they wanted to, I guess. Screw Daiwa. Never going to buy anything from them ever again. Theyre like the Mitsubishi of fishing gears. Theyre a big company but their cars are junk. Shimano is like the Lexus of fishing gear. Nice, high end, and dependable.

[@Seastheday88]

@@harold1733 I honestly read the same results from a couple of other Daiwa owners as well. Let’s just say I only own Daiwa baitcasters and that’s it. The rest are Penn and Shimano for my star drag and 2spd conventionals

[@ata1421]

All my reels are Shimano, but I got this because it is 500 size left handed. Shimano didn’t make left handed unfortunately, otherwise I would buy it.

[@Seastheday88]

@@ata1421 Shimano missed the market on that.

[@mannyperez7680]

Lexa has cast controls on the side for on the fly adjustment. You have to physically open the tranx to adjust cast control. Lexa's AR bearing is basically the second dog. For either, I'd use power pro MaxCuatro for the most line capacity.

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for watching Manny! Still a big fan of Lexa. Like every tool in the arsenal, I’ll have an outfit for a different purpose I can see where the Lexa 500 fits and when I’ll use the Tranx 500. Agreed, MaxCuatro all the way, that’s what I have on my 500hg. Went with Toro Tamer as it was 300yards free from Charkbait with purchase. Can’t wait to put the Lexa 500 to use this season.

[@mannyperez7680]

@@Seastheday88 Also, you had me busting up laughing at the 400 Wide at the beginning 😂 tighlines my dude!

[@Seastheday88]

@@mannyperez7680 🤣🤣I wanted to call it a 450, but 400wide was too fitting.

[@richardimagawa2827]

The toro tamer line was designed to have a heavy breaking strength, not rated for igfa line records, but this makes it a lil on the thicker side. I believe the 60# 16 strand has a breaking strength just above 90#, but don’t quote me. At the end of the day line is just preference, but every company has a different diameter and breaking strength. Thanks for the cool vid, can’t wait to see u catch fish on the 500.

[@Seastheday88]

You’re spot on, They did say it broke higher than 80lb. Really looking forward to this season and putting it to use.

[@kevinyang6256]

If only Shimano came out with a left hand 500….

[@Seastheday88]

For being made in 2012, I’m surprised Shimano never did. Good on Daiwa for capturing that market.

[@Terryray123]

​@@Seastheday88amen

[@nosleepfishing]

Shimano could easily make a lefty TranX 501HG right now by using gears from the left-hand retrieve Toriums or Tekotas.

[@216edwin]

401hg

[@216edwin]

​@Seastheday88 that's why I'm going for diawa 500 left handed they're not biased inconsiderate😂

[@xXMizuJetXx]

I've always used Daiwa and Shimano products, I definitely lean more towards Daiwa. I've been waiting for a Lexa 500 HD for a long time and especially glad they make a left hand model. I do hate that they stopped putting in the mag seal bearings for the HD models including the new 500, especially for its price point and what its marketed for. I also wished they give us a lower gear ratio in left hand for the 300 and 500 sizes. I know this is stretching it now but a decent left hand Daiwa conventional reel like the saltist would be nice too.

[@Seastheday88]

Yeah, the left hand market is overlooked. I have a friend who is all Accurate because of that. Unfortunate that they didn't include the mag seal, but they're using their own name of Corrosion Resistant bearings which I'm still curious what the difference is. Still looking forward to push this Lexa 500 to see it's limits.

[@socalsteve22]

The moment we have been waiting for!

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks Steve! I had to rush this one, lol

[@socalsteve22]

@@Seastheday88 dude awesome breakdown! I posted on BD because people need to see that its a glorified 400. I think I would stick with a tranx if I were to get one.

[@Seastheday88]

@@socalsteve22 Appreciated bro! I'm griplimited on there.

[@socalsteve22]

@@Seastheday88 sweet! I was like how did he know my youtube name haha

[@Seastheday88]

@@socalsteve22 lol the username was similar and I thought it was you. Glad to see you on another platform 👍

[@TheSilverCube86]

I'm disappointed that they haven't come out with a TW 500 reel with a bigger spool similar to the Tranx 500. I mostly use my Lexa 400 for shore casting because of the T-wing and cast control that are ideal for jigging and using top lures.

[@Seastheday88]

I was hoping for that as well since we get pinion housed into bearing on the TW instead of the spool shaft. They really missed out on making an actual Tranx500 competitor. I'll still fish the Lexa500 and see how it performs this season, but no plans to ever get rid of the Tranx500.

[@Arsen1c42]

Hey bro! Love the videos! I am looking for some advice.. I am a SoCal fisher like yourself and am looking to get a baitcaster mainly for surface irons, colt snipers, topwaters etc. I am between a Shimano Tranx, Daiwa Lexa and the Prorex. I'll be spooling with 65lb braid and using a 8'2 rod.. Which of the three would you recommend? I have been eyeing the Prorex most as of recent.

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for that! For most line cap, the 500 sizes will be it. The Tranx 500 is a bit more refined with double dog. I still have both and go for Tranx for heavier and would use the Lexa 500 if it’s smaller school size. Hope that helps

[@user-qv2vh2kz8t]

Sir, Excellent videos! Sean from Cape Cod.

[@Seastheday88]

Thank you Sean. Appreciate you 👊

[@dkcustomrods]

I have the lexa 500 and was curious about how much mono it would hold. I got 150 yards of 30 mono on it! I am a lexa fan compared to the Tranx. I do like the handle better on the Tranx (but that changes this week with my Lexa 🙀). I use it for grouper here on the west coast of Florida and it performs flawless. My ultimate goal is to get a Louisiana yellowfin on it using a big popper or stick bait.

[@Seastheday88]

I loaded mine with braid to the top of 0.4mm at 300yards, equivalent to 0.4mm is 15lb mono, so 150yrds of 30lb should be right. It'll be a good choice. Hope you land that YF, would be fun with a popper!

[@tamalpias]

I guess I will stick to my tranx, charkbait is having an in store super sale this week. You should had waited for the sale because it is store wide.

[@Seastheday88]

lol truth, i was too anxious. They're good guys and were helpful in the process. Always glad to put my money towards good people.

[@cpuff7]

Charkbait doesn’t carry Shimano

[@tamalpias]

@@cpuff7 I am aware of this, I was talking about his lexa500. Mark lost his ability to sell shimano because he refuse to honor shimano's price protection scheme. Most major lines do this but mark was caught discounting shimano products to often.

[@visi0n_]

Awesome content. Subscribed.

[@Seastheday88]

Much appreciated, thank you!

[@rickcfish]

Great review.

[@Seastheday88]

Thank you 🙏

[@Mr.Plutonium]

How well would a Lexa cast on the surf, I wonder if it has enough reach?

[@Seastheday88]

More than enough line, I casted my 400 for practice with a 60gr metal colt sniper. hooked up on a slug Corvina. The 500 would be plenty

[@nolanoshiro2083]

i am going to try a wait (before i can resist) for a lexa 500 TW. i would like to wait for it to get a little narrower.

[@Seastheday88]

It’s possible they will make a TW. For now I want to try the HD 500 for snipers lighter in class from the Tranx500

[@Mac7504-OG]

The TWs do not have the counter balance weight as the HD so many are worried about it kicking into engage which will cause backlash and possible damage. I'm sure Daiwa has it figured. I have 2 tw and they cast great, but have their quirks.

[@Seastheday88]

@@Mac7504-OG I thought the missing counterbalance on TW would be a hinder, but they haven’t caused any problems for me so far.

[@mrmidnight32]

Which is better for YT and small blue fin the Trinidad or these bait casters?

[@Seastheday88]

The Trinidad will give you the most line capacity in 20size and either sizes will be best for fly lining a live bait. The baitcasters will be more easier to use for those starting or those casting lures. You’ll learn better techniques and skill set if you start off with conventional like Trinidad. But for YT and smaller BFT, you’ll do perfectly fine with the baitcasters plus it’d be fun if they’re on the top and you can cast to them.

[@jurajsladkay2608]

I wait till Shimano update T500 frame to this age. For now happy with 400/300.

[@Seastheday88]

Can’t believe it’s 12 years on the same design of the Tranx500. Shimano R&D knows they still have a winner in the 500 category

[@216edwin]

I know I've been waiting for the 2024 version they have the 2023 shimano 23 calcutta conquest bfs xg which is pretty badass but only 8lb of drag

[@gpena383]

Tranx doesn't come in a lefty is the only reason I wouldn't buy the tranx.

[@Seastheday88]

Shimano missed that market on it, especially having sold it for over a decade now.

[@Hucklongfin]

Did you actually test the drags to see how much you can get?

[@Seastheday88]

Didn’t test the drags, but internal components are identical to the 400 model for a hot swap.

[@Hucklongfin]

@@Seastheday88 The TW gears are the same as the original 400, the HD gears are all stainless, drags should be the same. Why is the Daiwa marketing dept advertising them with different specs?

[@Seastheday88]

@@Hucklongfin part 1 of this series break down the HD/Winn vs TW and Prorex. Slightly different in diameter sizes, also the pinion gear seats into the bearing on TW/Prorex, while HD/Winn has the spool shaft seat into pinion bearing.

[@stripervince1]

I have a tranx 400 and a daiwa prorex 400. Daiwa is way better. 2x the drag, casts smoother and farther anjust better all around

[@Seastheday88]

Prorex is a nice real, I'm still holding onto that one. Hopefully we see updates from Shimano in the near future.

[@TylerKTanaka]

Awesome review as always. I was curious if it would dethrone the Tranx 500 or not, but to me the extra strength of the Tranx 500 in the gearing and frame construction make the Shimano still the king of this reel type and size. Pretty weak IMO that the Lexa 500 is identical to the 400HD... lazy by Daiwa and big opportunity missed.

[@Seastheday88]

Thank you bro 🙌. Agreed. I think we all anticipated much more from Daiwa providing a seller in the 400 series that making a 500 would’ve dominated. They def missed the ball in creativity. Can’t believe 12 years running and the Tranx500 still dominates.

[@TylerKTanaka]

@@Seastheday88 well said above and in your review. I am more than a bit of a Shimano fan owning Talicas, Trinidads, Tranxs, Ocea Jiggers, Toriums, even spinning setups and all my Shimano bass reels too haha sheesh... but the same thing exists in the bicycle world. Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and Ultegra Di2 (and cable) just can't be beat. Others have tried but they are both still the best group-sets and components on the market for both on & off-road after all these years IMO. Outstanding quality and over-engineered parts.

[@bft2840]

Very disappointing release, lazy on daiwas end. Hopefully Okuma comes to play with a Komodo 500, that would hands down be the toughest baitcaster on the market!

[@Seastheday88]

It is. Everyone was patient about it. And to call it a 500 when there’s only one player in the market, we had higher expectations. The Komodo is a beast for its size. I’m hoping Okuma is taking notes here.

[@bft2840]

@@Seastheday88 Was really hoping they would take the lexa TW design and upscale everything, kinda like how shimano did with the TranX 400 to 500. That would have been a TranX killer.

[@gpena383]

@@bft2840Same. I was expecting the same exact thing. I guess I will hold off on buying it. Maybe their get their crap together.

[@Mac7504-OG]

Won't happen. Lazy r&d.

[@the1stvendetta]

Agreed. Minimal effort for maximum profit only. A komodo 550 size, same architecture as the 450 size but taller spool I would be super interested in. Had 3 tranxs, all their gears failed. 2 komodos, seen more use than the tranxs, even blew up a clutch sleeve, gears still butter smooth. Casts great when cleaned out first, and the drag is absurdly good.

[@socalsteve22]

You going to Day at the docks?

[@Seastheday88]

Yo Steve, wanted to check it out. Still out of town for kids spring break. Been itching already to get on waters even with the 2 vermillion limits lol

[@socalsteve22]

@@Seastheday88 enjoy the family brotha, event was nice and great weather honestly better then Bart hall SD show lol

[@sardgt4]

It would be nice if someone came out with a like a torium version sub $300 so most people can buy one. I already have a tranx 500h, but just saying.

[@Seastheday88]

I own 2 of the 300 size Piscifun Alijos from Amazon. They came out with a 400 last year. I’m sure they could do it. It def has china in mind, but honestly for a 300, this thing has been a beast in its size

[@WingManDK]

I think Lexa 500 is little over priced

[@Seastheday88]

Agreed, for the price, fork out a bit more and go to the Tranx 500. But for someone looking for a little more line in a level wind type reel, it's a solid build.

[@Elevation86]

These need bait clickers

[@Seastheday88]

@@Elevation86 true, would help a lot. Only the Komodo has that feature so far.

[@timb8970]

Guess im sticking with my Lexa 400, no need to get the 500.

[@Seastheday88]

400 is plenty for it’s intended purpose. A buddy grabbed a 500 for his father as an easy to use rock fishing setup.