I Regret Buying this Shimano SLX

Shimano SLX is one of the most popular baitcaster for beginners reels at the $100 price point, but I am going to tell you why I think it may NOT be such a great buy.

Review & comparison of the Shimano SLX vs the SLX XT and tell you why you should skip over the SLX and just get the XT version & why the extra $30 is worth it.
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[bosshogg]

I work on reels in my town and there's alot of ppl using the SLX and I rarely see them in my shop needing work and that says alot for how good they are!! I need to start calling my shop a Lews repair shop because they come in all day everyday from the 100$ ones to tha 350$ ones they keep me in buisness! I grabbed a couple SLX XTs because I wasn't getting them in to work on and have had no probs plus they are solid and smooth!

[rileymcgill]

Always been a diawa guy until I bought that slx mgl. Now I've got 3 of em in different gear ratios. Outcasts my $200 tatulas and my buddy's slx dc with less line management issues. It's 149 but such a steal at that price. Can't hold as much line but put 30-40 lb power pro on there and you're golden

[BrianKuhl]

Having the adjustment on the outside of the reel is great in variable conditions. I have zero experience with Shimano specifically, but I love being able to crank up and down on my Fuego without having to open the side plate if the wind picks up or I change my cast angle relative to windy conditions.

[red]

I bought 2 of the original SLX's and had problems out of both of them. They were both making weird noises. I returned them and bought 2 XT's. I agree the XT's are well worth the extra $30. I'm on my second year of them and I've had no problems out of them.

[Little_B]

I own both, and use the SLX for frogging, (I modded the bearings, and added carbon drag washers), The SLXT I only added carbon drag washers). I agree the SLXT is better for most people, for more finite control with the additional brakes.

[ManOpFishing]

I have used Shimano for over 30 years and love them. I have two SLX DC's and I love them.

[emilianobanzi]

Honestly after using for more the one year the cheaper original SLX I think it's a solid and smooth reel for the price. Taking off all the 6 pins/arms of the internal brake it cast a mile, sometimes even further than my Chronarch MGL with the same rod, line and lures

[bayouburner]

I dig my slx-I use I on a 6’9” med/fast McCain rod for saltwater twitch baits(Mirrolures and Hyperjerks) mostly and has been great.
I’ve convinced myself that I don’t need to spend over $150 on a solid baitcaster, even though I have some over that price point.
I use the Daiwas Tatula CTs too. Im definitely going to get a XT soon. I might pair with a Dobyns Maverick 735 for Frogs/Heavy swim jigs/ Small swim baits-it would match nice like you mentioned. Keep on truckin Hella👍🏼

[kayacanadagr]

This two is almost same thing when you cast after you used to use them. Outside adjuster is just a little difference. Most of time, you just set up for one lure or two lure. You will not change the tension for the reel always. So not too much different.

[scottstuckey]

Great job Rich. Straight forward truth. We’ll take more of this anytime.

[hammer]

Love all my SLX's including the DC and MGL (which has a lighter spool than the XT, it too is a beast of a reel and its great at flinging lighter lures). Now I hope they bring their BFS version to the states soon so I can retire my Zephyr.

[caroferg]

Thanks for the review. Got my first shimano a few months back. Am still getting used to it. different from anything else I own.

[Dannyskitchen]

i have both but for sure the XT feels smoother. but both cool reels. id agree and spend a little more and get the XT

[NorthWoodsWes]

Good vid HellaBass! I like your hoodie too. 👍

[DuelandGuideService]

I absolutely agree. The XT is a FAR superior reel and in my opinion the best bang for your buck reel on the market.

[Mr.Higgs.]

Well considering there is a price difference between them you obviously will get better features out of the SLX XT vs the standard SLX. Same thing as a base model car and a trim package...

[retflo]

Done did it, got two SLX XT and a SLX DC, all three are great !!!!

[TSmith]

I have had 12 of the OG SLX reels for 2 years and all of them have performed flawlessly while I’ve had them. I feel I’ve gotten way more than my money’s worth. I do have 3 of the XT reels and so far they have served me well also. They are both great reels for their respective costs in my opinion.

[davidwood]

I can't get my SLX to close. Tried loosen drag. Will not lock. Any suggestion?

[davidrauschenbach]

Thanks for saving me $$ at Omnia! Awsome code! Went with a drop shot rod! My nemesis technique!