Burning bucktails (especially double-9s and double-10s) is all about speed + spool diameter + torque + durability. Below are my top 6 picks —each vetted for high IPT (inches-per-turn), stout gearing, and real-world musky use. After the picks, you’ll find a comparison table, a quick buyer’s guide.
Why these five cover every burning style
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Maximum speed, minimal compromise: Shimano Tranx 500HG and Daiwa Lexa 400 TW XH—both hit ~43″ IPT territory.
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Speed + big-bait frame: Revo Toro Beast Rocket—designed for burning big baits with Rocket-level retrieve.
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Durability/torque focus: Komodo SS—stainless gearing and braid-friendly levelwind excel for sustained heavy pull.
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Compact but powerful all-rounder: Concept A3—~40 lb drag and up to ~37″ IPT in 8.1:1 for fast 8s/9s without the bulk.
1) Shimano Tranx 500HG — “the burner” that made burning famous
Why it’s deadly for bucktails: The huge 500-size spool keeps IPT high even under load, and the HG model cranks ~43″ per turn. That’s the magic number for lighting up double-10 blades from cast to boatside without bogging. Shimano’s X-Ship + HEG drivetrain and rigid HAGANE body keep everything aligned and smooth at speed.
Standout tech: X-Ship, HEG, Cross Carbon Drag, S-A-RB bearings, VBS centrifugal brakes, HAGANE body.
Pros
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True high-speed 43″ IPT on the 500HG (6.6:1) with 25 lb max drag.
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Massive line capacity; spool diameter helps maintain speed late in the cast.
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Robust internals; runs smooth season after season.
Cons
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Big and a bit heavy; not everyone loves the 500 footprint.
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Pricey—worth it if you’re serious about burning.
Best for: Anglers burning double-10s all day, hot summer fish, and anyone who values top-end speed over compact size.
2) Abu Garcia Revo Toro Rocket (REVO T3 RCKT60) — speed-first bucktail burner
Why it’s great for burning bucktails:
The Toro Rocket is purpose-built for a fast retrieve: the 7.6:1 ratio scoops roughly 42″ per turn, which is right in the burn zone for double-9s and double-10s. The big frame helps keep that speed under load, while Abu’s heavy-duty brass gear train and carbon drag keep everything smooth when you’re grinding blades all day.
Standout tech & specs anglers care about
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~42″ IPT, 7.6:1 gear ratio → true “burn” speed for big blades.
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Power Stack Carbon Matrix™ drag (about 25 lb max) for locked-down blade work.
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X2-Cräftic™ alloy frame/sideplate for rigidity under heavy pull.
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Duragear™ heavy-duty brass + DuraClutch™ for stronger engagement and longevity.
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Infini™ brake + Infini II™ spool, Ti-coated line guide, extended power handle.
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Weight about 14.6 oz; drag ~25 lb; line per turn 42″ (model REVO T3 RCKT60).
Pros
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Legit high-speed retrieve (≈42″ IPT) that lights blades fast and keeps them thumping.
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Strong, corrosion-resistant frame with heavy-duty brass gears for season-long abuse.
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Big, comfortable handle options make holding cadence easier on long burns.
Cons
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Not as massive a spool as a Tranx 500—IPT drops a bit deeper into the cast vs. true 500-size reels.
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Availability and trim naming (Rocket/RCKT60) can vary by region/retailer.
Best for
Anglers who want near-Tranx speed in a low-profile package for burning double-9s and 10s, with a lighter feel than many 500-class reels and Abu’s familiar ergonomics.
3) Okuma Komodo SS (463/471) — the stainless “torque tank”
Why it’s great for burning: While not the fastest on paper, the Komodo SS uses stainless-steel main & pinion gears, stainless drive/spool shafts, and a high-output Carbonite drag inside a rigid aluminum frame. It’s a workhorse that shrugs off heavy-pull bucktails and keeps a consistent cadence—especially for double-8s/9s or when you want more leverage than sheer RPM.
Standout tech: All-stainless gearing, dual anti-reverse, synchronized levelwind optimized for braid, 6-pin centrifugal brakes. KDS-463 retrieves ~85.1 cm (33.5″) per crank—pair with a long power handle and you’ll keep 9s thumping.
Pros
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Stainless gear train = long life under heavy pull.
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Excellent drag and rigidity; happy with heavy braid.
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Great value if you prioritize durability.
Cons
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Slower IPT vs. the speed demons—pure “burners” may want more top end.
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Heavier than some low-profiles.
Best for: Anglers who want a bulletproof reel for 8s/9s, cold-water blades, or anyone who prefers torque and longevity over max speed.
4) Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast (Rocket when available) — big-bait muscle with Rocket speed
Why it’s great for burning: The Revo Toro Beast Rocket variant was built specifically to bring “Rocket” speed to the big-frame Beast—documented around ~42–43″ IPT with a 9.2:1 retrieval in Gen-4 and marketed for burning big baits. The platform keeps Abu’s X2-Cräftic frame, Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag, and Duragear brass for strength.
Standout tech: Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag, X2-Cräftic frame/sideplates, Duragear brass gearing; Rocket-ratio option for high IPT.
Pros
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Rocket speed (~42–43″ IPT) suited to double-10s at max clip.
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Strong frame/drag package for big predators.
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Multiple handle options on some trims.
Cons
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Availability of the Rocket trim can be hit-or-miss.
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Price varies widely by model/year.
Best for: Dedicated blade-burners who want near-Tranx speed in a palming-friendly profile, with Abu’s feel and drag system.
5) 13 Fishing Concept A3 — compact body, big-reel power
Why it’s great for burning: The A3 brings big-bait capacity and power in a surprisingly compact frame, with H.A.M. (Hamai-cut hardened brass) gearing and a Carbon Bull Drag rated to ~40 lb. The 8.1:1 version retrieves about ~37″ per crank, which is fast enough for burning double-8s/9s and moderate-burn 10s, especially with a long power handle.
Standout tech: 40-lb Carbon Bull Drag, H.A.M. gears, Ocean Armor 2 corrosion treatment, low-friction braking.
Pros
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Strong drag (up to ~40 lb) and stout brass gearing.
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Big capacity in a compact, ergonomic package.
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Good “one-reel-does-a-lot” option.
Cons
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Not as fast as the true speed kings for 10s.
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Parts/support vary by region.
Best for: Anglers who want a versatile low-profile that can comfortably burn 8s/9s and push 10s without feeling like a brick.
6) Daiwa Lexa 400 TW (XH) — T-Wing speed with heavy-duty guts
Why it’s great for burning: The latest Lexa TW adds Daiwa’s T-Wing System (TWS) to the proven Lexa platform for smoother line flow plus CRBB bearings, UTD drag, stainless pinion + brass main gear, and aluminum frame. The 400 XH (8.1:1) trim hits about ~42.9″ IPT, putting it right in the wheelhouse for burning big blades.
Standout tech: T-Wing System, UTD drag, CRBB bearings; 400 size with single power handle and oversized EVA knob.
Pros
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~42.9″ IPT on the 400 XH—legit burner speed.
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TWS helps line flow (less friction) and levelwind angle.
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Sturdy gear materials and frame.
Cons
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Spec availability differs by region/retailer.
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Power handle lengths vary—choose wisely.
Best for: Anyone who wants high-speed in a 400 with Daiwa’s TWS feel for repetitive burning and long casts.
Head-to-head comparison (features & uses)
| Reel | Max IPT (approx.) | High-speed ratio | Frame | Gearing | Drag (approx.) | Standout tech | Ideal use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano Tranx 500HG | 43″ | 6.6:1 | Aluminum (HAGANE body) | X-Ship + HEG | 25 lb | Cross Carbon Drag, S-A-RB, VBS | All-day double-10 burning, max speed & spool |
| Okuma Komodo SS (463/471) | ~33.5″ (463) | ~6.3–6.4:1 | Aluminum (ALC) | Stainless main & pinion | High output Carbonite | Dual anti-reverse, 6-pin brakes | Torque build for 8s/9s; durability first |
| Abu Revo Toro Beast (Rocket) | ~42–43″ | ~9.2:1 (Rocket) | X2-Cräftic | Duragear brass | Strong (Power Stack Carbon Matrix) | Rocket speed option | Speed + power for big blades |
| 13 Fishing Concept A3 (8.1:1) | ~37″ | 8.1:1 | HD Aluminum | H.A.M. brass | ~40 lb | Ocean Armor 2 | Fast 8s/9s, moderate 10s with power handle |
| Daiwa Lexa 400 TW XH | ~42.9″ | 8.1:1 | Aluminum | SS pinion + brass main | ~24 lb (UTD) | T-Wing System, CRBB | High-speed 10s with smoother line flow |
How to choose a musky reel for burning bucktails (what actually matters)
1) Decide your blade size & pace
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Double-8/9 at a fast clip: target ~38–42″ IPT (400 size).
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True “burn” with 10s: target ~40–46″ IPT (400–500 size).
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If fatigue is an issue, pick longer handle (100–120 mm) before chasing a higher gear ratio.
2) Read IPT, not just gear ratio
A 7.1:1 on a bigger spool can out-speed an 8.1:1 on a small one. Compare IPT at full spool whenever possible (Tranx 500HG 43″; Lexa 400 XH ~42.9″).
3) Prioritize powertrain quality
Look for rigid metal frames, brass or stainless gears, supported pinions, and reliable clutches/anti-reverse (e.g., Shimano X-Ship/HEG, Okuma’s stainless gear train, Daiwa’s SS pinion + brass main).
4) Levelwind that plays nice with blades
Non-disengaging, wide guides or T-Wing reduce line angle/friction when you’re grinding heavy bucktails at speed.
5) Drag & ergonomics
You’ll fish nearly locked; choose smooth carbon drag and power handles with large knobs for leverage (all five reels above fit that bill).
6) Spool/line setup
Use 80–120 lb braid, fill 1–2 mm from the lip so IPT stays high; add a heavy fluoro/wire leader with quality swivels to help blades start smoothly.
FAQs
What gear ratio/IPT do I need to burn double-10s?
Target ~40–46″ IPT. Examples that hit the mark: Tranx 500HG (43″) and Lexa 400 TW XH (~42.9″).
Is a 400-size reel enough for burning?
Yes—400 XH reels like the Lexa 400 TW can burn 10s. A 500 (Tranx) gives more spool diameter (easier RPM and sustained IPT) if you’re doing it all day.
Which reel if I value durability over top-end speed?
Okuma Komodo SS—stainless gears/shafts and Carbonite drag make it a season-long grinder for blades.
I want compact feel but real power—what then?
13 Fishing Concept A3: ~40 lb Carbon Bull Drag, H.A.M. brass gears, up to ~37″ IPT in 8.1:1. Great for fast 8s/9s and moderate 10s.
Does the Revo Toro Beast really keep up for burning?
Yes—look for the Rocket version. It was specifically introduced to combine Beast power with ~42–43″ IPT for burning big baits.
If your plan is “Best Musky Reels for the Money” or “Best Musky Reels for Beginners,” work that into separate guides. For burning bucktails, you want speed first, then the guts to hold alignment under heavy pull. Start with the Tranx 500HG or Lexa 400 TW XH if you’re a blade-burner, the Komodo SS if you’re a durability hound, the Concept A3 for compact power, and the Toro Beast Rocket if you want Abu feel at Rocket speed.
Our Relevant Article-
“Understanding Gear Ratios (Fast vs Slow Reels)”