Why does everyone love the Shimano SLX so much?

lacofdfireman · March 14, 2021, 12:28:37 PM

Can someone give me the lowdown as to why people love the Shimano SLX bait casting reel so much. I've been trying to do some research and take advantage of the BPS Spring sale to save a little money. I know their sale this year is weak compared to other years but from what I understand some companies never offer discounts so $15-25 off is a good deal if you have some trade ins.

So it seems everyone thinks the Shimano SLX is the best $100 reel. My question is this and just to let you know I'm new to all this and still learning so I love to hear everyone's opinion. It seems to me all the higher end reels have 8+ bearings. The SLX only has 4. Also most high end reels have a magnetic brake. The SLX only has a centrifugal brake so any time you wanna change it you have to remove the side cover to change it. Seems like a lot of work to me but maybe I'm wrong. I just don't understand why the SLX is rated higher than a Abu Garcia Revo X that has the Magnetic brakes and als has indexing (clicking) not really sure what it's called but when you rotate the drag or the spool tensioner it has a distinct click at each position moved. Supposedly that only comes on higher end reels. Or why the SLX is rated higher than a BPS Pro Qualifier 2 that has both external and internal brakes.

Please someone explain to me what I'm missing. BPS has both the Revo X and the BPS PQ2 on sale for $79. But I want to buy the best reels I can for sub $150 each. Looking to buy 3 reels. What's the best for my budget.

Would love someone to educate me on reels. Thx.

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Capt. BassinLou · March 14, 2021, 12:45:33 PM

I own a SLX, great reel, at a very good price point. My advice since you're new to bass fishing is to purchase a reel that falls with in your price point. Better yet, go to Bass pro and put your hands on the reels your interested in. I would take it a step further and match it to a rod your thinking about using, or close to it, if BPS doesn't carry the brand and see how it feels to YOU. What I like about the reel may not even come close to what you like. Take advantage of the Spring Classic and go check one out.

loomisguy · March 14, 2021, 01:06:52 PM

If you want the best reels under $ 150 I would go with the SLX or Tatula. Also check the sale price on the Curado. It's really that simple.
2 of those bearings are in the reel handles so no biggie.
The Revo's ,along with Lews and BPS reels are the same just rebranded.

loomisguy · March 14, 2021, 01:23:07 PM

Forgot to mention.. The VBS system on the shimano has a fine adjustment dial under the side of the reel..
I usually just turn on 1 or 2 of the brakes and get the rest on the adjustment on the dial if needed.
The Tatula uses Mag force which is dial on the side. There is really no need for dual braking, it just makes things more complicated then need be.
The best advice I could give anyone would be either casting or spinning you will never go wrong with Shimano or Daiwa

lacofdfireman · March 14, 2021, 02:51:44 PM

Quote from: loomisguy on March 14, 2021, 01:23:07 PM
Forgot to mention.. The VBS system on the shimano has a fine adjustment dial under the side of the reel..
I usually just turn on 1 or 2 of the brakes and get the rest on the adjustment on the dial if needed.
The Tatula uses Mag force which is dial on the side. There is really no need for dual braking, it just makes things more complicated then need be.
The best advice I could give anyone would be either casting or spinning you will never go wrong with Shimano or Daiwa

Thank you. I bought 3 of the Revo X reels last night at the BPS Spring sale. I may take them all back and buy Shimano. Tatulas are over $150 I believe. The SLX is only $99. But I think they have a SLX XT for $130. Not sure if it's worth the extra $30 over the SLX though.

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Smallie_Stalker · March 14, 2021, 02:59:14 PM

One thing to keep in mind is the number of bearings in a reel is not as important as where those bearings are placed.

Historically Shimano has often used less bearings in their reels but because of where they place them their reels are smoother casting and performing than others that have twice as many.

Also when some companies say eight bearings at least 2 or maybe even 4 of them are in the handle knobs. A nice little extra but doesn't really affect the performance of the reel itself. You could buy a higher end replacement handle for an SLX and up the bearing count according to this way of thinking.

Braking systems are a personal preference. I prefer centrifugal braking personally. But I also have reels with magnetic and dual braking. Each can have it's place.

Last thing I'm gonna mention is to remember that not all braking systems of the same type are created equal. Magnetic braking in particular on some companies reels make it impossible to get a truly free spool.

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loomisguy · March 14, 2021, 03:34:37 PM

Sent you a PM

apenland01 · March 14, 2021, 04:36:38 PM

Super simple reel to use. I've never adjusted anything except the tension knob on mine....

lacofdfireman · March 14, 2021, 10:08:05 PM

Quote from: loomisguy on March 14, 2021, 03:34:37 PM
Sent you a PM

Replied. Thank you.

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chrisD46 · March 29, 2021, 06:53:15 AM

The Shimano SLX appears nice for the price point - I went with Daiwa Fuego CT reels for near the same price which I like a lot . I believe to compare these two bait cast reels will end up with a great choice for you .

coldfront · March 29, 2021, 08:57:48 AM

Quote from: lacofdfireman on March 14, 2021, 02:51:44 PM

Thank you. I bought 3 of the Revo X reels last night at the BPS Spring sale. I may take them all back and buy Shimano. Tatulas are over $150 I believe. The SLX is only $99. But I think they have a SLX XT for $130. Not sure if it's worth the extra $30 over the SLX though.

like many, I am pretty 'brand loyal'. but having said that, my last few reel purchases have held up, stood the test of time and should take to my end of days as regards fishing.
my choice(s)? shimano curados and chronarchs. easy to clean. easy to tune. easy to palm. and it's just really possible that my stable of Curado 200e7's may sell for what I paid for them. if I were foolish enough to part with them.
there will be some on here who will share their views on some great 'other' brands. lots of good reels out there. but for parts availability, ease of use, dependability, I've settled where my decisions should be.