Shimano took care of my teen son's SLX DC reel after an accident, so we are grateful fans and will buy Shimano when possible. My next purchase will be a SLX XT.
Just bought this reel today. Fishing Clear Lake tomorrow. Glad this reel was given a good bill of health, I took a gamble when buying it...really was looking for a Lexa ...I also bought a Phenix Maxim 6'10" to pair it with...we'll see how it goes.. New Sub, great vid.
Awesome Jim, there are not a lot of guys that are doing these in-depth reviews.. truly love how you break down everything! Keep Rockin my friend!! 👊💪 Oh, sweet reels too! 😎
@@TackleJunky81 Absolutely buddy! Thank you Bro, all is well! Spending some quality time with my third son Noah.. we have one night a week that we devote a couple hours to him called "Noah night" 🙂 the older boys all have fishing with Dad but Noah is more into video games and drawing and watching movies.💪
Can this reel be used in Saltwater if you rinse them off properly after use, and maintain them, constantly?. Im using a KastKing Royal Legend Elite 2 which i only use in Saltwater, and its been working decently for a year now. Again i constantly rinse it and lube it as well. PS Your video swayed me into purchasing the XT model just now. $120 Shipped on Ebay. Oh and I subscribed to your channel, a most definite. Very nice video brother, keep up the great quality informative videos.
Quick question: Which would you recommend, The Shimano SLX XT or Diawa Tatula CT? I'm looking to buy one of the two. Thank you for your time. Great videos man.
That's a tough one! I probably recommend the CT the most. Both are great casters and have a ton of control. If you have a smaller hand I'd go XT as it palms a bit better, but honestly you can't go wrong with either.
I know this video is not new but I just started watching it today. I also have a couple SLX reels on Okuma TCS rods. How funny. They were already set up before I saw this so I had to make a comment to note I am not the only one who thought they matched.
I would use the slx for heavier baits like jigs and use the xt for lighter baits were you need to finetube the reel much more. Heavier baits are often easier to throw and only needs a bit presence of a thumb on the spool while lighter lures often have a poor airodynamic which often makes the spool to backlash much more often.
Love my slx xt. Love the slx standard too. But love the fine tune. But I sure want to get my hands on the 200 m , but I mean is the slx xt good enough?
Nice video. I have the SLX DC. Been looking at the XT maybe a 8.x ratio for a flipping rod. Anything else you recommend for that application in that price range?
3 version of slx, normal one, xt and new one is with the mgl spool, im used to slx xt but man when the mgl come, i dont even bother the xt anymore, the slx mgl way more fun and have a longer casting distance thx to the small size and mgl spool....you should review that too man, btw nice catch!
Thanks for the great information. Just got a SLX XT after watching your video. Phenomenal reel. Great price too. Any recommendations for a really good pair of braid scissors? Thanks man.
I have a little bit of an issue.So i have a Daiwa that was like $80. A couple 13 fishing reels. A SLX MGL....AND a Shimano SLX XT. I have all my other reels dialed nicely. I can cast any lure on just about any of them and with a little tuning on the spool knob , im golden. But this XT just always seems to give me trouble. Seems to backlash and tangle easier than any of my other rEEL. I even had all 4 pins inside engaged with the side break at 6 and it still wants to backlash. Obviously i know how to cast, but man this is the only reel that doesnt this. The MGL is supposed to have the same braking as the XT. With my MGL i have 2 pins on and 2 pins off at about a 3 on the dial and it casts like a dream. Is it maybe because i have braid on the MGL and Fluorocarbon on the XT? That seems silly because tons of people us that line on this reel. Its just annoying that one of my more expensive reels is giving me such problems. One thing that may or may not have anything to do with it is for backing on the XT i have this really cheap mono that was extremely "loopy" when i was putting it on. Could that small amount of backing be messing up my spool when it seems like its pretty far from the end of the fluorocarbon?
Australia isn't going to get the SLX MGL, or the BFS... So just bought another new XT for $99 and save my golden oldies... Good little reel and it's much better than the original SLX for the fact that the graphite is painted...
Great review Jim! You can't go wrong with either one, but if you're less experienced go with the XT. You can get a great deal at TW if you wait for the black Friday sale also. Keep up the great work buddy! 👍
I have a question for about boat cleaners. I bought the peregrine 250 sample pack. I was wondering what order should I be using the wax and etc. I was wondering if you had a video on it.
I got a tatula because the slx “didn’t” have enough settings then I got a concept a, it can outcast 90% of the reels I’ve used and I usually always keep it on 2 or 3 I think all these setting are hyped up a bit much imo
I personally haven't used the LFS, but I know many guys swear by that reel. I don't believe you can go wrong either way, but if it was me I'd go with the SLX. Karl's carries both which will save you a few bucks...link in description.
The XT will help you in the wind. I throw the keitech impact fat in 5.8 a lot and it’s not a light bait. If you throw into 10mph wind it will lash unless you make an adjustment. I have curados, revo rocket, ardent apex and lews tournament lps. All are good reels but the shimano’s are 10x more durable and easier to maintain. I am getting an slx xt to replace the apex grand and maybe the revo as snakeheads do a number on the gears. 16lb snakes are powerful and in the Lilly’s you need durability. Shimano will give you that but the xt is just a better reel no matter what weight bait you’re throwing.
Both have brass gears. The SVS isn't dual brakes, its just an externally adjustable centrifugal brake. The SVS is what almost all the reels above the STX in the Shimano line up have. The exceptions are the DC and BFS reels.
Dual brakes are what some of the Lew's reels have with both centrifugal and magnetic brakes. No point in having both if either one is well designed. Shimano does centrifugal right. Daiwa does magnetic right.
@@helotaxi The bass pro reels that I use have dual braking which like you said they are magnetic and the XT is not, but in a sense it's the same principle. Appreciate you watching buddy!
I guess this is the reel that replaced the Citica? I heard they have a plastic reel seat.....which might be a concern for me. Have you heard of anyone having a problem with the seat cracking or breaking?
I have 100 dollar budget and I saw a dealer who offers the slx xt for 100 dollars and the slx for 80 dollars. Should I buy the slx xt or rather the slx and put the rest of the money in a better line?
@@TackleJunky81 hey man love your channel. I just bought an slx xt and my brakes sideplate wont open/pop up when the reel is on my rod but when i take it off it pops up fine. Any idea why? Thanks
@@TackleJunky81 I like it so far. I bought it for throwing squarebills and small lures. It sure does cast very nice. In reviews people complain about the brakes but it sounds like they don't understand there's pins inside the reel. I like the whole slx line, they made high end features a lot more affordable. It definitely isn't an aldebaran but I think the slx is more bang for your buck
good review, I already have the slx its a great reel better then some of my $200 reels, thinking about getting the slx xt also now i already know im gonna love them both
Jumped straight to the slx xt myself. Is tough going back after fishing premium reels. It does make a good reel for heavy swimbaits though, which his how I purposed it. For the money it's solid. I will mention that I do wish shimano would migrate over to these low profile frames; not a fan of the Chronarchs, Antares and old Metaniums. The new Metanium20 would be nicer if it had a wider spool similar to the SLX XT. I prefer the thumb bar on the SLX XT as well. I could only dream of a premium SLX XT in the same vein as a Metanium20 or Antares; would be all over it. But...unfortunately as mentioned in one of the comments here Daiwa's magnetic braking if FARRRRRR superior than Shimano's SVS Infinity system. Yeah there's the DC, but if you want to save weight with one you'd need to buy the Metanium DC just to get under 7 oz.
I'm liking the Shimano reels that I've tried so far, but I do prefer most of my Daiwa reels over them...I haven't taken my Met20 out of the box yet though.
@@TackleJunky81 I'm with you though...I like my shimano reels and rods. I still fish my slx xt and slx rod combo I bought when they launched; they're solid products. I like user feedback like these videos to help with the buying process. At the end of the day the fish don't care whether you're running a $500 reel or $50 reel, what's on the end of your line and whether or not it fools them is what counts.
@@TackleJunky81 just got my SLX in the mail today then paired it with some 12lb mono and i absoutly love this reel it casts a mile and is as smooth as could be. I plan on buying another one after this one gives out.
Love my slx xt. Love the slx standard too. But love the fine tune. But I sure want to get my hands on the 200 m , but I mean is the slx xt good enough?
Just bought a SLX for my buzz bait replacement combo. You know the one I love when I fell off the boat. lol
Lol, I remember! You'll dig the reel man!
Shimano took care of my teen son's SLX DC reel after an accident, so we are grateful fans and will buy Shimano when possible. My next purchase will be a SLX XT.
You'll dig it man!
I did buy a SLX XT and do dig it!
@@shanescott3168 Glad to hear that man!
Awesome review my friend. Just what I was looking for!!!
Thank you brother! 👊
You always have the best content. I will think about a product and you pop up with a video about it. Glad I became a subscriber.
Appreciate you buddy!
I did go back and find this vid and watch it after the live stream tonight. Just wanted to say thank you for the reference.
Just bought this reel today. Fishing Clear Lake tomorrow. Glad this reel was given a good bill of health, I took a gamble when buying it...really was looking for a Lexa ...I also bought a Phenix Maxim 6'10" to pair it with...we'll see how it goes.. New Sub, great vid.
Appreciate the sub and thanks for watching! 👊
Awesome Jim, there are not a lot of guys that are doing these in-depth reviews.. truly love how you break down everything! Keep Rockin my friend!! 👊💪 Oh, sweet reels too! 😎
Thank you brother! I enjoy making these types of videos! Hope all is well man! 👊💪
@@TackleJunky81 Absolutely buddy! Thank you Bro, all is well! Spending some quality time with my third son Noah.. we have one night a week that we devote a couple hours to him called "Noah night" 🙂 the older boys all have fishing with Dad but Noah is more into video games and drawing and watching movies.💪
@@fabfishing7422 That's awesome man! I hope you both have a fantastic evening! 👊💪
@@TackleJunky81 Thank you my Brother!! God bless you Becca and the boys.. y'all have a great night too!!
Can this reel be used in Saltwater if you rinse them off properly after use, and maintain them, constantly?. Im using a KastKing Royal Legend Elite 2 which i only use in Saltwater, and its been working decently for a year now. Again i constantly rinse it and lube it as well. PS Your video swayed me into purchasing the XT model just now. $120 Shipped on Ebay. Oh and I subscribed to your channel, a most definite. Very nice video brother, keep up the great quality informative videos.
Nice informative review, may have to pick up the xt soon!
Appreciate you watching!
U get it?
Great video man! I’m for sure gonna check the XT out for sure
You'll dig it! 👊
What do you recommend for a rod? I see you are using a Okuma TCS, but would you recommend anything else? Or is it solid?
Okuma TCS is a great choice and is hard to beat for the price.
what is the heaviest you can catch with either one? thanks in advance.
You can catch any size fish with either. Your drag, line and rod will play a roll in that as well.
Great video I’m gonna look into the XT for sure now
Thanks for explaining the differences in the reels most helpful
My pleasure and I appreciate you watching! 👊
Quick question: Which would you recommend, The Shimano SLX XT or Diawa Tatula CT? I'm looking to buy one of the two. Thank you for your time. Great videos man.
That's a tough one! I probably recommend the CT the most. Both are great casters and have a ton of control. If you have a smaller hand I'd go XT as it palms a bit better, but honestly you can't go wrong with either.
@TackleJunky81 Thanks for the advice, I couldn't help myself and ordered both reels.
@@josealfaro797 Good call! 👊
I know this video is not new but I just started watching it today. I also have a couple SLX reels on Okuma TCS rods. How funny. They were already set up before I saw this so I had to make a comment to note I am not the only one who thought they matched.
fishing with you kid warms my hear i just got my dad into fishing with me and we might go saltwater soon !
Appreciate you watching! 👊
I would use the slx for heavier baits like jigs and use the xt for lighter baits were you need to finetube the reel much more.
Heavier baits are often easier to throw and only needs a bit presence of a thumb on the spool while lighter lures often have a poor airodynamic which often makes the spool to backlash much more often.
Love my slx xt. Love the slx standard too. But love the fine tune. But I sure want to get my hands on the 200 m , but I mean is the slx xt good enough?
Thank you, I made my choice based on ur video!
My pleasure! 👊
Nice video. I have the SLX DC. Been looking at the XT maybe a 8.x ratio for a flipping rod. Anything else you recommend for that application in that price range?
Tatula CT is a solid reel as well.
Great info and breakdown as always
Thank you Greg!
Great Tips and Knowledge TJ. Cool Video!
Thank you Jim!
3 version of slx, normal one, xt and new one is with the mgl spool, im used to slx xt but man when the mgl come, i dont even bother the xt anymore, the slx mgl way more fun and have a longer casting distance thx to the small size and mgl spool....you should review that too man, btw nice catch!
I'll check it out. Appreciate you watching brother! 👊
Thanks for the great information. Just got a SLX XT after watching your video. Phenomenal reel. Great price too. Any recommendations for a really good pair of braid scissors? Thanks man.
Appreciate you watching buddy!
www.tacklewarehouse.com/Cuda_5_Mini_Snip/descpage-CMN.html
I have a little bit of an issue.So i have a Daiwa that was like $80. A couple 13 fishing reels. A SLX MGL....AND a Shimano SLX XT. I have all my other reels dialed nicely. I can cast any lure on just about any of them and with a little tuning on the spool knob , im golden. But this XT just always seems to give me trouble. Seems to backlash and tangle easier than any of my other rEEL. I even had all 4 pins inside engaged with the side break at 6 and it still wants to backlash.
Obviously i know how to cast, but man this is the only reel that doesnt this. The MGL is supposed to have the same braking as the XT. With my MGL i have 2 pins on and 2 pins off at about a 3 on the dial and it casts like a dream. Is it maybe because i have braid on the MGL and Fluorocarbon on the XT? That seems silly because tons of people us that line on this reel. Its just annoying that one of my more expensive reels is giving me such problems. One thing that may or may not have anything to do with it is for backing on the XT i have this really cheap mono that was extremely "loopy" when i was putting it on. Could that small amount of backing be messing up my spool when it seems like its pretty far from the end of the fluorocarbon?
I can't see the mono causing the backlash. How long has the fluorocarbon been on the reel? Have you ever conditioned it?
Australia isn't going to get the SLX MGL, or the BFS...
So just bought another new XT for $99 and save my golden oldies...
Good little reel and it's much better than the original SLX for the fact that the graphite is painted...
Great review Jim! You can't go wrong with either one, but if you're less experienced go with the XT. You can get a great deal at TW if you wait for the black Friday sale also. Keep up the great work buddy! 👍
Thank you Tim! Can't believe we're already talking about black Friday...crazy how fast this year flew by.
Nice video I have the slx dc and love it. I was thinking about getting the slx to upgrade some other reels. Now I have something to think about.
You'll dig em man!
I have a question for about boat cleaners. I bought the peregrine 250 sample pack. I was wondering what order should I be using the wax and etc. I was wondering if you had a video on it.
I bought the DC about 4 months ago and love it these seem great aswell
For sure!
I got a tatula because the slx “didn’t” have enough settings then I got a concept a, it can outcast 90% of the reels I’ve used and I usually always keep it on 2 or 3 I think all these setting are hyped up a bit much imo
great breakdown. does the tension knob on the XT click
Just picked up the SLX XT. What line are you running?
15lb fluorocarbon
Which do you think has the edge the Lews speed spool lfs or shimano slx because I’m debating which one I should get.
I personally haven't used the LFS, but I know many guys swear by that reel. I don't believe you can go wrong either way, but if it was me I'd go with the SLX. Karl's carries both which will save you a few bucks...link in description.
Good to know Shimano makes a great product thx TJ! 👊
Appreciate you watching Victor! 👊💪
The SLX is fine and no need for fine tuning. I run it with 2 breaks with no issues.
The XT will help you in the wind. I throw the keitech impact fat in 5.8 a lot and it’s not a light bait. If you throw into 10mph wind it will lash unless you make an adjustment. I have curados, revo rocket, ardent apex and lews tournament lps. All are good reels but the shimano’s are 10x more durable and easier to maintain. I am getting an slx xt to replace the apex grand and maybe the revo as snakeheads do a number on the gears. 16lb snakes are powerful and in the Lilly’s you need durability. Shimano will give you that but the xt is just a better reel no matter what weight bait you’re throwing.
I don't think there is a better reel then the slx in the $99 price range, I have two of them and a slx mgl , great reels for the money.
Both have brass gears. The SVS isn't dual brakes, its just an externally adjustable centrifugal brake. The SVS is what almost all the reels above the STX in the Shimano line up have. The exceptions are the DC and BFS reels.
Dual brakes are what some of the Lew's reels have with both centrifugal and magnetic brakes. No point in having both if either one is well designed. Shimano does centrifugal right. Daiwa does magnetic right.
@@helotaxi The bass pro reels that I use have dual braking which like you said they are magnetic and the XT is not, but in a sense it's the same principle. Appreciate you watching buddy!
I have both of the reels.good video 👊
Thank you Luis!
Can’t go wrong with Shimano.good video bud 👊
Thank you brother! 👊💪
I guess this is the reel that replaced the Citica? I heard they have a plastic reel seat.....which might be a concern for me. Have you heard of anyone having a problem with the seat cracking or breaking?
I haven't heard any issues with the reel at all.
I have 100 dollar budget and I saw a dealer who offers the slx xt for 100 dollars and the slx for 80 dollars. Should I buy the slx xt or rather the slx and put the rest of the money in a better line?
Can't go wrong with either. The SLX does toss lighter baits a bit better, so if that matters to you...
Okay thank you and great video btw
@@LLkgy113 No problem! Appreciate you watching! 👊
This video help me to decide
What is a good line to use with slx baitcaster?
SLX xt sorry
They made another slx it’s the slx mgl. It’s spool is designed for lighter baits and lighter line I think it’s a 70 size I can’t wait to try it out
I'll be checking that one out as well.
I lovd my slx xt its a beast I got it because I don't like internal breaks i tend to loose the plastic clips at some point.
Solid reel for sure!
Great comparison
Thanks man! 👊
@@TackleJunky81 hey man love your channel. I just bought an slx xt and my brakes sideplate wont open/pop up when the reel is on my rod but when i take it off it pops up fine. Any idea why? Thanks
I already know what one is better since I own both lol. But I'm still watching the vid. Just picked up the slx xt mgl 70 also.
Same here lol... I have all of them including the jdm models
Appreciate you watching Aaron! How do you like that 70?
@@marshall2294 Appreciate you watching man!
@@TackleJunky81 I like it so far. I bought it for throwing squarebills and small lures. It sure does cast very nice. In reviews people complain about the brakes but it sounds like they don't understand there's pins inside the reel. I like the whole slx line, they made high end features a lot more affordable. It definitely isn't an aldebaran but I think the slx is more bang for your buck
@@aarondavis8224 oh nice! I'll have to possibly pick that one up as well.
Can you do a video on wakebaits?
Is it a topwater crank or like a regular squarebill?
They usually dive right below the surface, but some will dive a tad deeper.
good review, I already have the slx its a great reel better then some of my $200 reels, thinking about getting the slx xt also now i already know im gonna love them both
Thank you! 👊
I have a couple XT reels. I think they casted better than my Curado DC I had.
I'm impressed with them as well.
TackleJunky81 yeah man, I had the same line and same lures on the same rods and my XT was casting better than the Curado DC.
Slx series are pretty damn slick 👌 😳
For sure! 👊💪
Nother lovely review thanks 👍
Thanks for watching buddy!
Excellent video. I need a new baitcaster!!
You'll dig it! 👊💪
I have the SLX DC, and the XT..... I love them!
Nice man!
Is it worth it upgrading from an XT to DC?
May have to try one.
You'll dig it man!
Picked up SLX, spooled with 30 lb PP, tied on 3/16 spinnerbait, went to my pond, and caught a 9.9. Unbeatable at it's price.
Heck yeah! 👊💪
I have the slx and the slx dc and I love them both!!! But i think ill get the xt for my 6'10 jerk bait rod with 10# floro
You'll dig it man!
What is your opinion on the SLX XT vs SLX DC?
Both great, but you'll get more control with the DC. Tackle Inc has them both in stock I believe...code TJ81 will save you 10%.
@@TackleJunky81 Thanks! I value your opinion
Before I even watch yes the xt is better. Not to mention the xt looks much better imo
👊💪
Just answered my question was gonna ask what rod
👊💪
i love my slx dc like it more than my curado dc even
Both are fantastic reels.
what about a smart thumb?
Whatever works for you.
Jumped straight to the slx xt myself. Is tough going back after fishing premium reels. It does make a good reel for heavy swimbaits though, which his how I purposed it. For the money it's solid. I will mention that I do wish shimano would migrate over to these low profile frames; not a fan of the Chronarchs, Antares and old Metaniums. The new Metanium20 would be nicer if it had a wider spool similar to the SLX XT. I prefer the thumb bar on the SLX XT as well. I could only dream of a premium SLX XT in the same vein as a Metanium20 or Antares; would be all over it. But...unfortunately as mentioned in one of the comments here Daiwa's magnetic braking if FARRRRRR superior than Shimano's SVS Infinity system. Yeah there's the DC, but if you want to save weight with one you'd need to buy the Metanium DC just to get under 7 oz.
I'm liking the Shimano reels that I've tried so far, but I do prefer most of my Daiwa reels over them...I haven't taken my Met20 out of the box yet though.
@@TackleJunky81 nothing will beat your Daiwa Steez A...you and I both know that.
@@HBeretta This is true, lol
@@TackleJunky81 I'm with you though...I like my shimano reels and rods. I still fish my slx xt and slx rod combo I bought when they launched; they're solid products. I like user feedback like these videos to help with the buying process. At the end of the day the fish don't care whether you're running a $500 reel or $50 reel, what's on the end of your line and whether or not it fools them is what counts.
@@HBeretta Well said brother! 👊💪
I just bought an SLX to replace a cheap reel i got and quickly hated an i think i will notice a difference pretty quickly.
You'll dig it man!
@@TackleJunky81 just got my SLX in the mail today then paired it with some 12lb mono and i absoutly love this reel it casts a mile and is as smooth as could be. I plan on buying another one after this one gives out.
Shamino reels are hard to beat at any price point.
I'm liking the Shimano reels that I've tried so far, but I'm more of a Daiwa guy.
Love my DC!
I love them as well!
Gotta have my tackle junky fix
Appreciate you Bubba!
Does anyone use Shimano rods? I love the reels but I prefer Falcon rods.
Have anybody used for salmon fishing ?
I literally just got the slx reel
You'll dig it man!
Good vid
Thank you Steve!
What about Tatula CT vs XT??
Hmm, that would be a toss up, but I'd give the edge to the CT. I prefer Daiwa's braking system and the TWS is hard to beat as well.
#TRB 🤜🏻🤛🏻
👊💪
The dc is ass for me that I fish everyday it exploded on me 3 times and I bent the handle just fishing
Wow!
TackleJunky81 yea and if u want I can give u my Instagram too show u a picture
So for me that thing is just aaa 250$for nothing
Love my slx xt. Love the slx standard too. But love the fine tune. But I sure want to get my hands on the 200 m , but I mean is the slx xt good enough?
Curado is probably built a tad better and that 200 will hold more line.