Shimano Tranx 400B Review: Top 3 Upgrades That Make It a Casting Beast

Hey folks, it’s Chad here at Tackle Express in Santa Clarita.

If you’re like me and you spend way too many mornings chasing big bass or throwing swimbaits in the salt, you’re going to want to hear this. I just got my hands on the new Shimano Tranx 400B, and man… they didn’t just tweak the old reel—they actually fixed the things that bothered me most about the A version.

Check out the Shimano Tranx 400B. There are three upgrades on this reel over the previous model that you’re going to want to know about.

Upgrade #1: SVS MD Tune Braking System The most impressive feature to me on this reel is the SVS MD Tune braking system. You’ve still got those eight internal pins you can flip up or down inside the side plate for the big adjustments, but now they added an external dial on the outside of the reel. That dial lets you fine-tune your casting on the water—windy day at Castaic, heavy 1-oz swimbait, or light Texas rig—without ever cracking the reel open. I dialed mine in on a breezy morning in Baja and never looked back. No more guessing. Just cast and go.

Upgrade #2: Solid Core Body Second upgrade that really matters is the solid core body on the B model. The old A version had a little flex; this one is locked down tight. That means all the gears, bearings, and internals mesh perfectly for years instead of wearing out early. Plus—and this is huge for us feel guys—the energy transfers straight into the palm of your hand. When that big bass picks up your swimbait and barely taps it, you feel it. Crystal clear. I’m telling you, the sensitivity jump is real.

Upgrade #3: X-Protect Last but not least, the Tranx 400B now runs X-Protect instead of the older CoreProtect. Water has a heck of a time getting inside. Whether you’re running the boat through chop in the Delta or getting sprayed all day on the Colorado River, the gears and bearings stay smooth and protected way longer. I’ve already put mine through some nasty conditions and it still feels brand new.

Bottom line, with these three upgrades the Shimano Tranx 400B is an absolute essential for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. It comes in right-hand and left-hand retrieve, handles everything from big swimbaits to deep cranking, and it’s built to last.

If you’re ready to step up your game, grab the Shimano Tranx 400B in the size and hand you need. We’ve got 99% same-day shipping on orders before 2pm PST, free shipping over $59.99, and if you’re local in Santa Clarita you can always swing by the shop and we'll personally show you how the external dial works.

Tight lines,
Chad C.