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!
Same with me, I run a reel repair & maintenance around where I live and honestly I see very very few Shimano's period come by me, mainly quantum's & diawa's and like you said a good bit of lews, my friends heavy into fishing either throw lew's or Shimano's, I've tried to get everybody to shimano just bc I want them to have reliable gear but you like what you like, I've fished strictly Shimano's for 13 years, big benefit being able to tear down a reel to nothing but screws and gears and clean and oil, repair if worst happens and throw it back together in just a little, guess that's what I like to do, I'm a little of a gear geek😂
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
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.
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.
It’s so hard to tell where an issue is with a Graphite frame Baitcasting Reel, I have a new Quantum KVDPT and it started making a grinding type or rubbing noise after about 30 casts and I still don’t know why. I saved to get a nice new Baitcasting Reel but man I went back to my Aluminum Frame Browning and BPS Tournament Pro Johnny Morris lol… Great Video my Friend stay safe
@@willtrax71 really hard to tell, a few weeks ago I’ve noticed hearing a weird rubbing bearings noise on my Daiwa Tatula sv reel. Don’t know what it could be but I’m gonna stick with my SLX
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.
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👍🏼
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
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.
What is your opinion on bumping up another $50 and going for the SLX DC? I just purchased one over the winter and am waiting very impatiently for the ice to thaw up here in Grantsburg, WI so I can get out and test it.
I think DC reels can be a big benefit for those still on the learning curve and developing muscle memory for baitcasters, for me personally I do not see a ton of value in a DC reel
Great video. On the vbs 6 break on the slx, if clicked up does that mean break is on? Or off?. Still beginner like the upgrade reel but maybe next year unless I get good faster?
When a pin is clicked up it is "fixed" and therefore "off". A pin that is pushed "loose" will sling outwards when the spool spins fast and rub against the round shape on the sideplate to control spool rotation. For balance purposes always have pins "on" that are away from eachother - for example if you have 3 on and 3 off, have every other on and every other off, not 3 on that are "in a row".
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.
I have a SLX DC that is like locked up when I try to cast it. It won't cast all all even with breaks all the way lose any idea what it may be. I went to grease it and it done that. Thanks.
I put a SLX XT on a 7'5" XH/XF rod for doing my lighter punching with an 1.25oz to 1.5oz and 60lb braid a little over 2 years ago. I wanted to know if they'll hold up over time but didn't want to wait 3+ years to find out so I figured if it'll hold up to punching for a year or so it would definitely hold up to most other things. I've always been a Shimano Curado guy especially the MGL spool versions but I've got a bunch of rods to rig out and if it's a technique I don't use a lot or extra reels with different size/kind of line on them if I can save a little money on the rod/reel I do. I really like these reels just wish they made a 200 and 300 size in them...
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...
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.
Yeah this is totally believable. You should've said 2 or 3 reels and it would've been more believable. SLX are good reels, but the XT is better because of the VBS.
I sold seven of the SLX XT’s because of the brakes. The external dial made very little difference and without it clicking it’s almost impossible to make low light adjustments. The standard SLX is a set it and forget it reels
@@HellaBass A Daiwa Tatula Elite 7’3 Randy Howell. With non ags guides. I have a Daiwa Tatula LT3000SS that put on it. It was on a St Croix Avid X but I wanted to see if casting distance changes with non micro guide rod. My connection knot does not like micro guides. Have to see!
The SLX is fine I set it to minimal spool tension to eliminate side to side play in the spool and 2 breaks on. It throws buzzbaits extremely far with no backlashes....
I think it's mostly in people's mind ..the two reels are constructed from the exact same material ..that one ball bearing is absolutely not making any difference in durability . IMO ..unless you're throwing lures 1/4oz and under ..the outside break dial is unnecessary ..if u throw lures heavier than 1/4 mostly .save the 30 bux and get u sum line and a lure .
I can’t stand my standard SLX compared to the rest of my Shimano reels. It doesn’t cast well. I would blame this on the price difference between it and my curados, but my Daiwa fuego and Lews both out perform this reel by far.
The SLX was my 1st bait caster ever and wow what an absolute nightmare. I bought a revo X at the same price to see how they would compare. it was outrageous how much better the Revo was for me. come to find out a year later 1 of the bearings had so much god damn grease in it i'm surprised it was able to spin at all. with that being said i put some spool speed bearings in there and its now my favorite reel lol.
I think the old casitas was the best budget reel they’ve ever made. Had SVS and 5 bearings and originally came in at 120$ and it was knocked down to 100$ within a few years. I don’t know about the XT but the Casitas definitely trumps the regular SLX in terms of performance at least in my experience.
The friggin door latch wont completely close on my slx and ive used it less than 10 times. Apparently im the only one with this problem bc i cant find anyone else who has.
@HellaBass naw, I went into bass pro today, you have to completely loosen the the tension knob and the drag. Apparently it's well known to them at BP, but no combination of words would give me anything on RUclips. Thanks for the reply though!
IMO I don’t waste my money on junk People always say Lews is the best. Just like they say shimano etc People just like what they are told to like. I’ve owned about every brand there is have over 50 outfits in my arsenal rigged for 2 boats. And every reel and rod I own is either the revo family or roxani and all my rods are veritas PLX. I’m not a shimano fan period and can’t stand favorite and lews. I do like some of the diawa products though.
![COLOMBIA vs. CHILE [4-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 10](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TDjN4W3yy1k/mqdefault.jpg)
🌟🌟 *See why SLX XT is an awesome Chatterbait Reel as well >>>> **ruclips.net/video/fJlvKGqnIvU/видео.html* 🌟🌟
@@chrisrus53 Same same, there is just something about the way they balance and feel together, its magical lol
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!
Same with me, I run a reel repair & maintenance around where I live and honestly I see very very few Shimano's period come by me, mainly quantum's & diawa's and like you said a good bit of lews, my friends heavy into fishing either throw lew's or Shimano's, I've tried to get everybody to shimano just bc I want them to have reliable gear but you like what you like, I've fished strictly Shimano's for 13 years, big benefit being able to tear down a reel to nothing but screws and gears and clean and oil, repair if worst happens and throw it back together in just a little, guess that's what I like to do, I'm a little of a gear geek😂
Good insight
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
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.
it's nice being able to get the internal brakes and then fine tune with the outside adjustment, best of both worlds
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.
It’s so hard to tell where an issue is with a Graphite frame Baitcasting Reel, I have a new Quantum KVDPT and it started making a grinding type or rubbing noise after about 30 casts and I still don’t know why. I saved to get a nice new Baitcasting Reel but man I went back to my Aluminum Frame Browning and BPS Tournament Pro Johnny Morris lol… Great Video my Friend stay safe
@@willtrax71 really hard to tell, a few weeks ago I’ve noticed hearing a weird rubbing bearings noise on my Daiwa Tatula sv reel. Don’t know what it could be but I’m gonna stick with my SLX
I have used Shimano for over 30 years and love them. I have two SLX DC's and I love them.
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.
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👍🏼
SLX XT w/ 735 Maverick sounds SPICY
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
people sleeping ..that regular slx is a beast! that extra 30 bux is definitely not necessary unless ur throwing really light lures . imo
Both good reels, I just feel XT is better value
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.
What is your opinion on bumping up another $50 and going for the SLX DC? I just purchased one over the winter and am waiting very impatiently for the ice to thaw up here in Grantsburg, WI so I can get out and test it.
I think DC reels can be a big benefit for those still on the learning curve and developing muscle memory for baitcasters, for me personally I do not see a ton of value in a DC reel
Great job Rich. Straight forward truth. We’ll take more of this anytime.
Thnx Scott
Great video. On the vbs 6 break on the slx, if clicked up does that mean break is on? Or off?. Still beginner like the upgrade reel but maybe next year unless I get good faster?
When a pin is clicked up it is "fixed" and therefore "off". A pin that is pushed "loose" will sling outwards when the spool spins fast and rub against the round shape on the sideplate to control spool rotation. For balance purposes always have pins "on" that are away from eachother - for example if you have 3 on and 3 off, have every other on and every other off, not 3 on that are "in a row".
@@borreholic Tyvm. Read it wrong so deleted last reply lol. Got it now. Tybm
Bernie nailed it, thnx
@@HellaBass 👍 yes. Tyvm
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
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.
How does the body size of the XT compare to a 200K....or 150 MGL? Thanks!
I don't I have those 2 other bodies to compare, maybe ask Debo????
Thanks for the review. Got my first shimano a few months back. Am still getting used to it. Sooooo different from anything else I own.
Caro - Which Shimano did you get?
@@HellaBass 2 actually. SLX 150 and SLX MGL 70. They are so much smoother and quiet. Weirds me out lol.
@@caroferg8857 Very nice reels!
@@caroferg8857 I have the 70 mgl and it is an amazing reel. Great for finesse fishing but the shallow spool also handles flipping well.
Done did it, got two SLX XT and a SLX DC, all three are great !!!!
Well done
I can't get my SLX to close. Tried loosen drag. Will not lock. Any suggestion?
I have not had that issue.... maybe somebody else in comments can help
Loosen the tension knob a hair while trying to close
very informative Rich thx!! Best of luck this season and as always stay safe!
Same to you David
I have a SLX DC that is like locked up when I try to cast it. It won't cast all all even with breaks all the way lose any idea what it may be. I went to grease it and it done that. Thanks.
Had it always been locked up or did suddenly start?
I put a SLX XT on a 7'5" XH/XF rod for doing my lighter punching with an 1.25oz to 1.5oz and 60lb braid a little over 2 years ago. I wanted to know if they'll hold up over time but didn't want to wait 3+ years to find out so I figured if it'll hold up to punching for a year or so it would definitely hold up to most other things. I've always been a Shimano Curado guy especially the MGL spool versions but I've got a bunch of rods to rig out and if it's a technique I don't use a lot or extra reels with different size/kind of line on them if I can save a little money on the rod/reel I do. I really like these reels just wish they made a 200 and 300 size in them...
It would be nice to have more sizes of SLX XTs agreed
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...
Absolutely and in this situation, I think the better bang for the buck is the XT
Good vid HellaBass! I like your hoodie too. 👍
Thanks, its this one here - bit.ly/WPHoodie
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.
Yeah this is totally believable. You should've said 2 or 3 reels and it would've been more believable. SLX are good reels, but the XT is better because of the VBS.
@@twiggsherman3641 Why would it be more believable? Are you calling me a liar?
@@TSmith911 yes. I am.
@@twiggsherman3641 So be it.
You've used 12 SLX reels in 2 years?
I sold seven of the SLX XT’s because of the brakes. The external dial made very little difference and without it clicking it’s almost impossible to make low light adjustments. The standard SLX is a set it and forget it reels
sounds like the base SLX is best for your needs
I absolutely agree. The XT is a FAR superior reel and in my opinion the best bang for your buck reel on the market.
One of the best for sure
Excellent review!
Thanks for saving me $$ at Omnia! Awsome code! Went with a drop shot rod! My nemesis technique!
Awesome David, what did you get?
@@HellaBass A Daiwa Tatula Elite 7’3 Randy Howell. With non ags guides. I have a Daiwa Tatula LT3000SS that put on it. It was on a St Croix Avid X but I wanted to see if casting distance changes with non micro guide rod. My connection knot does not like micro guides. Have to see!
@@davidrauschenbach6871 hope it works out, haven't had my hands on that rod, but hear good things about the Tatula Elite rods
Great info Thanks Rich!
You bet!
The SLX is fine I set it to minimal spool tension to eliminate side to side play in the spool and 2 breaks on. It throws buzzbaits extremely far with no backlashes....
Same here. 2 breaks on and can't even remember when I changed it last time..
I think it's mostly in people's mind ..the two reels are constructed from the exact same material ..that one ball bearing is absolutely not making any difference in durability . IMO ..unless you're throwing lures 1/4oz and under ..the outside break dial is unnecessary ..if u throw lures heavier than 1/4 mostly .save the 30 bux and get u sum line and a lure .
I have the XT and really enjoy using it.
I can’t stand my standard SLX compared to the rest of my Shimano reels. It doesn’t cast well. I would blame this on the price difference between it and my curados, but my Daiwa fuego and Lews both out perform this reel by far.
All of those reels are far more expensive then the slx and there DC reels when the slx is not
Maybe try cleaning it, some Shimano reels come way over greased
Great video thanks I was recently gifted my first Abu and I love it
Nice 👍 - Which Abu is it?
@HellaBass red and black Revo rocket its phenomenal 👌
@@HellaBass it's a speed demon at 10.1.1
I have a SLX MGL70. It’s one of my favorite reels.
Heard good things about them, have not fished one yet
Absolutely love my SLX MGL 70
Haven't tried that one yet
I prefer the XT to a Curado K. Only use curado when I need the greater line capacity.
I have not used the Curado K yet, so that is an interesting take!
Just got a Metanium DC new on eBay for $260. No one bid on it…Thing is sexy.
sounds like an amazing deal!
That's a great deal .
So daiwa cr80 or slx?
Not familiar with thr cr80, haven't tried it
Can you do your impressions of the curado 150 mgl
Don't have it yet, but as I rework and update a few things in the arsenal this year, will see if we can work it in to the rotation
Wish they would ditch the blue accents. Love the XT though!
Why don't you like Blue?
Clicked on the video for the title, stayed for the visor and beard
Winning combo 🤘
The SLX was my 1st bait caster ever and wow what an absolute nightmare. I bought a revo X at the same price to see how they would compare. it was outrageous how much better the Revo was for me. come to find out a year later 1 of the bearings had so much god damn grease in it i'm surprised it was able to spin at all. with that being said i put some spool speed bearings in there and its now my favorite reel lol.
not uncommon for Shimano reels to come over greased
The SLX AND SLX XT are both phenomenal “budget” reels
Agreed, just think the XT is a better bang for the buck
I think the old casitas was the best budget reel they’ve ever made. Had SVS and 5 bearings and originally came in at 120$ and it was knocked down to 100$ within a few years. I don’t know about the XT but the Casitas definitely trumps the regular SLX in terms of performance at least in my experience.
Never had a Casitas but hear good things
should i get that or the slx
SLX XT, I imagine Casitas be hard to find
@@HellaBass i found a casitas and it’s between that and the regular slx
@@troyoutside never used a Casitas, couldn't say
The xt is definitely better. But I've had both that I've beat to hell over the last few years and never had issues out of either
agreed, both solid reels, just think XT is better value
This is nothing more than matter of opinion and preference. I've seen great reviews on this reel from other's!
Did I say anything negative about the SLX?
The friggin door latch wont completely close on my slx and ive used it less than 10 times. Apparently im the only one with this problem bc i cant find anyone else who has.
Have you reached out to Shimano?
@HellaBass naw, I went into bass pro today, you have to completely loosen the the tension knob and the drag. Apparently it's well known to them at BP, but no combination of words would give me anything on RUclips. Thanks for the reply though!
Daiwa CT is the best bang for your buck at $100 in my opinion
where do you get CT's for 100$? would love one at that price lol
Maybe the Fuego CT with my code at Omnia?
@@HellaBass ahhh i thought he meant the tatula CT.
IMO I don’t waste my money on junk
People always say Lews is the best.
Just like they say shimano etc
People just like what they are told to like.
I’ve owned about every brand there is have over 50 outfits in my arsenal rigged for 2 boats. And every reel and rod I own is either the revo family or roxani and all my rods are veritas PLX. I’m not a shimano fan period and can’t stand favorite and lews. I do like some of the diawa products though.
Yeah I gotta agree with you on this. You should just skip the base model and snag the XT. Even better is the SLX 70 MGL. That thing is a beast 💪.
Quit trying to get me to spend more money on the MGL lol
I like the slx mgl 70
Have not tried it, but hear good things
100$ real I love the quantum accurist
Interesting, never fished one
Chrome or go home!!! Definitely worth the 30 bucks extra
100%
I’m curado K till I die!!!
I have yet to use a Curado K
Haha I went straight to the mgl
No shame in that game, you like it?
Great video! Buy Daiwa! 🎣
I have plenty of both Daiwa & Shimano
@@HellaBass I know. Just had to make a Daiwa reference lol
Trolls and their opinions
Who is trolling?
Yeah. I love my XT's....
They are easy to LOVE
🤙🏼
🤘
Your the only guy saying the slx isn't that good so
Are you sure that is what I said?????
@@HellaBass all I'm saying is your the only one complaining, I've had a slx for years and have had no problems
@@charliebutterfield2223 I am starting to think you didn't really watch the video and you are jumping to conclusions
@@HellaBass I watched it, you clearly are hating on the standard slx
@@charliebutterfield2223 I clearly said it was a good reel, but the SLX XT was a better reel for the money