Built for Big Baits, the Beast that is the Daiwa Lexa Type-WN 400H

Total Score: 8.33 - BEST VALUE AWARD!

Introduction: Designed to tackle just about anything that anglers can tie on the new Daiwa Lexa Type-WN reels feel right at home in inshore and saltwater applications but is also a great fit for big bait specialists that are looking for a reel that can cast and crank back the biggest and heaviest swimbaits available. With new more menacing styling and ergonomically sculpted Winn Grip knobs the Lexa Type-WN reels just might be the high capacity low profile reel that hardcore swimbait fans have been waiting for.

Daiwa's newest Lexa the massive Type-WN 400 Series

Impressions: This past ICAST Daiwa rolled out their new Lexa WN Series which builds upon the popularity of both their saltwater and inshore oriented full sized low profile baitcasters. The Lexa Series has always been designed for power applications and as a workhorse reel in the lineup and the new Type-WN reels are no different.

Designed to tackle a wide range of fishing applications and species the new reels feature a wider range of retrieve speeds, a fresh matte black finish and the addition of Winn Grip handles designed to provide anglers with greater comfort and control.

The Lexa 400H comes in a variety of retrieves including 5.5:1, 6.3:1, and 7.1:1

While the Lexa CC reels are already very popular with saltwater anglers and even come with a clicker for slow trolling or bait fishing the new Type-WN reels look and feel like they are designed specifically for freshwater anglers, and big bait fans in particular. At this past ICAST many manufacturers introduced new reels with black finishes, it just seemed like the popular thing to do last year. Daiwa helped give the new Lexa Type-WN reels a little more character with nickel colored components and anodized blue highlights on the knobs and spool to match the blue Winn Grips, giving the reel a sportier look while still looking sinister enough to appeal to bass anglers.

The reels boast a ton of line capacity (17/245)

With the series Daiwa also introduced two handle configurations, a single knob power handle on the 400HS-P, 400HSL-P, and 400PWR-P reels, and a more traditional double paddle handle on the 400H and 400HL models. Unlike Abu Garcia that often bundles both handles enabling anglers to switch out their arrangement based on application you only get the handle that comes with the Lexa you buy, so making sure you have the reel that fits your needs and personal preference is key.

Time to see what this beast can do on the water

Real World Tests: To test the Daiwa Lexa I bolted the rod on some of the biggest rods that I had at my disposal, including multiple Dobyns swimbait rods. Anything else just looked downright silly with the Lexa being such a substantial reel, not to mention overall balance challenges. The Lexa, especially the 400 size, is built to be a serious big bait or inshore reel, and when paired with a beefy rod it looks and feels right. Over the span of the last four months I fished the Lexa on the California Delta and a number of Northern California lakes and reservoirs, primarily tossing soft and hard bodied swimbaits using heavy mono or 55lb. Daiwa J-Braid.

The Lexa 400H is best when paired with a swimbait rod and casting big baits

Next Section: A Big Bait Catapult