Last updated on March 7th, 2023 at 10:49 pm
Engineered to handle basically any large baits that muskie anglers can attach to the Daiwa Lexa 300 WN & 400 Type-WN reels, they would be a welcome addition to any musky hunter’s collection. These heavyweight reels are designed to cast, reel, and crank the heaviest and largest of muskie baits. Combining their ergonomically crafted Winn Grip knobs and impressive new styling, the Daiwa Lexa Type-WN 300 & 400 reels are a great choice for a low profile, high capacity reel for most diehard musky fishermen. Continue reading for our full Daiwa Lexa 300 WN Review.
Table Of Contents
Daiwa Lexa 300 Type-WN Review: A Musky Reel Heavyweight Contender
Daiwa first presented the new Type-WN 300 & 400 at the recent ICAST event. Daiwa’s Lexa series was originally designed to be a super powerful baitcaster reel, and the Lexa Type-WN caries on this tradition. Among the improvements we saw when reviewing the Lexa WN were the Winn Grip handles which offer better control and comfort, an appealing matte black finish, and a better range of retrieval speeds. No doubt this fishing reel has been designed for a wide array of fish and applications.
Pros:
+ Excellent value for a reel of this caliber.
+ Superior for casting large baits.
+ Suited for both salt & freshwater fishing.
+ Outstanding power and drag for large fish.
Cons:
– Not suited for smaller baits.
– Slightly heavier than other muskie reels.
The Lexa 300 & 400 Type-WN comes in a wide assortment of retrieve ratios including 5.5:1, 6.3:1, and 7.1:1. We’ve put together the following tables for our Daiw Lexa 400 & 300 review.
| Model | Gear Ratio | Line Per Handle Turn | Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards) | Drag Max | Check Price & Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXA WN300H | 6.3:1 | 28.8” | MONO: 12/240, 14/190 BRAID: 40/240, 55/180 | 22 |  |
| LEXA WN300HS | 7.1:1 | 32.4” | MONO: 12/240, 14/190 BRAID: 40/240, 55/180 | 22 | |
| LEXA WN300HSL | 7.1:1 | 32.4” | MONO: 12/240, 14/190 BRAID: 40/240, 55/180 | 22 | |
| LEXA WN300HS-P | 7.1:1 | 32.4” | MONO: 12/240, 14/190 BRAID: 40/240, 55/180 | 22 | |
| LEXA WN300HSL-P | 7.1:1 | 32.4” | MONO: 12/240, 14/190 BRAID: 40/240, 55/180 | 22 | |
| Model | Gear Ratio | Line Per Handle Turn | Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards) | Drag Max | Check Price & Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXA WN400H | 6.3:1 | 33.4” | MONO: 17/245, 20/190 BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 | 25 | |
| LEXA WN400HL | 6.3:1 | 33.4” | MONO: 17/245, 20/190 BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 | 25 | |
| LEXA WN400HS-P | 7.1:1 | 37.7” | MONO: 17/245, 20/190 BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 | 25 | |
| LEXA WN400HSL-P | 7.1:1 | 37.7” | MONO: 17/245, 20/190 BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 | 25 | |
| LEXA WN400PWR-P | 5.1:1 | 27.1” | MONO: 17/245, 20/190 BRAID: 55/300, 80/200 | 25 | |
As you can see, they each have adequate line capacity, and various retrieve options ranging from 5.5:1 up to 7.1:1. No matter your musky bait of choice, there is a model of Lexa WN for you.
While some other Lexa fishing reels are popular among saltwater anglers, the new Lexa Type-WN reels appear to be designed more specifically for freshwater fishermen, and especially for big lure fans. Recently, several reel manufacturers have introduced new fishing reels with black finishes, as this seems to be the latest trend. By adding some nickel colored parts and unique blue highlights, Daiwa’s Lexa Type-WN takes on an even sportier and more aggressive look than some of the competition.
The Lexa Type-WN reels come in two different handle configurations: the single knob power handle is featured on the 400PWR-P, 400HS-P, and 400HSL-P, while the 400H and 400HL models feature a more traditional double paddle handle. Some other manufacturers, such as Abu Garcia, sometimes bundle both handle options together, Daiwa chose to only include one option with each Type WN reel. So, it’s best to make sure that you select the proper reel that best suits you, prior to making a purchase.
If you are going to use either the Lexa 300 Type WN or 400 Type WN, you’re for sure going to need a big fishing rod. As this reel is rather substantial in size, a smaller rod simply will not be ideal. In particular, the 400 size was built for the biggest baits and freshwater fish that you’re likely to encounter. When paired up with a beefier rod, like one of the St. Croix’s, it simply feels great. When tossing heavy baits and using heavy line, you feel extremely confident that you’ll be able to handle even the largest muskies with ease.
Daiwa Lexa 400 WN Review: Tremendous Power For Large Baits
Casting & Performance: For sure, this heavyweight reel was not created with finesses in mind. That being said, for such a large muskie reel, the Lexa 400H handles large baits with surprising precision. And while it was designed primarily for heavy baits, it can still be rigged with baits as little as 1/2oz. Although, we recommend that you stick with baits over 2 ounces, for best performance. More specifically, lures in the 3-8 ounce range seem to perform the best on the Lexa 400 WN.
Thanks to the built in MagForce magnetic cast control, a feature unique to Daiwa reels, the 400 Type-WN can cast similar to it’s smaller counterparts. When it comes to cast control, Daiwa is still among the best. The large dial makes for easy adjustments on the go. Most anglers will find this feature very handy on a baitcaster, as it allows for fishing of a variety of bait sizes and weights with a simple adjustment for each.
Handling & Retrieve: Despite it’s large size, the Lexa Type-WN features a surprisingly smooth retrieve. There is also plenty of torque to be had, thanks to it’s enormous brass main gear. When you’re hung up on some weeds, or reeling in a 40-pounder, you will have all the cranking power you could possibly need.
Being that this reel was built for durability, it should require only the bare minimum of maintenance of it’s lifetime. We have seen reports of this reel being used for months on end with the internals looking just as good as new and no oiling or grease required. This reel truly is a powerhouse and built like a tank.
Engineering & Ergonomics: There is no hiding the fact that the Daiwa Lexa 400 is a relatively big reel, and a heavyweight one as well, coming in at 15.3 ounces. However, thanks to Daiwa’s engineering, it an ergonomic masterpiece. It has a similar feel and look of other traditional low profile baitcasting reels. Daiwa was able to push the spool position very low in the reel’s frame so that the Type-WN sits low on reel seats. This allows you to wrap your hand around the muskie reel and finger the fishing line relatively comfortably. Additionally, the Lexa’s edges feel natural and smooth in the palm.
Initially, some felt that the Winn grips were a bit too bold when they were first appeared on the rod grips. As have become more common, they have also become more accepted. For out Daiwa Lexa 400 WN review, we found Daiwa’s implementation of them to be quite seamless. In fact, we really loved the styling of the Winn knobs on the Lexa 400 WN, and we really appreciated how the reel felt our hands. Not only that, we felt that it was really easy to wrap our whole palm around the reel’s grip and apply significant leverage into each turn of the handle.
Power & Drag: Inherited from it’s saltwater cousins, the Lexa Type-WN reels utilize Daiwa’s UTD, or Ultimate Tournament Drag. In addition, they implement a huge drag stack of varying steel and carbon discs behind and around the main large brass gearing. The benefits of this system are not only massively powerful drag, but also an ample range of adjustments. The Daiwa WN-300 has drag rated to deliver 22lbs., while the WN-400 has a drag rated at 25lbs. Beastly, for sure!
Price & Value: The Daiwa Lexa Type-WN reel is made with corrosion resistant ball bearings which can take abuse from the elements. It’s outstanding drag capability gives this fishing reel the ability to handle the largest predators with ease, including tiger muskies and northern pike. The Daiwa Lexa Type-WN 300 & 400 is a heck of a reel that is built like a brick house, and yet it is blissful to fish with when you use appropriate bait.
Perhaps the main downside of the Daiwa Lexa Type-WN is it’s weight. It’s a heavyweight indeed, but Diawa did a fantastic job of ensuring that the reel doesn’t feel too big. This negative can be turned into a positive by pairing it with a large enough rod.
The reel’s Winn Grips are also helpful in making the Daiwa feel comfortable, natural, and dang fun to muskie fish with. We think you will come to appreciate just how good the Lexa 400H is at helping you throw big baits, especially compared to it’s competitors.
The Daiwa Lexa 400H was designed to handle the largest of freshwater baits and fish, and it does so with ease. Typically, it’s hard to find this level of precision with in this price range (around $250). The Abu Garcia Revo Toro compares more closely to the Lexa WN300, and while the Shimano Tranx is close, it lacks the same abundant line capacity. If you are looking for a low profile reel with the extra line capacity of a traditional round reel, then the Daiwa Lexa 400 Type-WN should be at the top of your list of considerations.
Daiwa Lexa 300 & 400 WN Review Conclusion
If you are in search of a casting reel that you can attach any bait to, then this is definitely not it. The Daiwa Lexa Type-WN is just too heavy and big to be your main casting reel, especially if fishing with smaller, lighter baits. However, if you are planning to load up big heavy swimbaits, then you would for sure find tremendous value in this reel. When casting large lures, this musky reel takes a great deal of the strain and pressure off of the angler.
We find that one of the best features of the new Type-WN is the Winn Grip Knobs. They provide the reel with great aesthetics and better ergonomics.
Casting and reeling with the Lexa Type-WN will provide you with a tremendous sense of confidence that you are up to the challenge of hauling in even the largest muskies.
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