BEST $99 Rod Battle! (Shimano vs Daiwa)

Today we're putting the Shimano SLX up against the Daiwa Tatula XT to see what the best $99 casting rod is.
IF YOU WANT TO SUPPORT DEBO'S FISHING, PLEASE CONSIDER USING THE LINKS BELOW!
Check out the Rods HERE:
Shimano SLX A Casting Rod - bit.ly/3QOcpbg
Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod - bit.ly/40yCXyE
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[@richardsousa2625]

Everyone wants to see the rods and reels but no one mentions Debos sick hat game

[@MaineStreamFishing]

Really next level bro!

[@jeremyduncan9165]

💯

[@austinhall485]

Getting home from a long miserable day and seeing that debo thumbnail makes all the days troubles melt away

[@jamesberg1664]

Loving all of the videos lately and it's helping pass the time until I can get back out! The passion and excitement of the topic really makes these fun and informative to watch.

[@XanderMap]

A $200-ish rod shootout would be cool! If you wanted to stick with the Shimano vs. Daiwa theme, you could compare the Zodias to the Tatula Elite. Other good ones would be the Magabass Levante, Dobyns Kaden (like you mentioned), Evergreen '23 Combat Stick, St.Croix Victory, and Phenix M1 Maybe pick a different technique for each comparison. So like, the Levante "Flatside Special" pitted against Evergreen's "Squarebill/Chatterbait" rod. Most companies focused their new rod releases in the $300-500 price range this year, but I feel like I haven't seen a lot of rod comparisons for the $150-250 range (for 2022-2023 releases), outside of your channel and a couple of others.

[@jvfishingfever]

Great video! Really like the head-to-head videos! Keep them coming!

[@brandonnutting56]

Awesome video Debo!!!! I’ve been looking at both rods and so glad to get your input of them . If you could do more videos like that’d be sweet

[@richardblake4777]

Another good video Debo, always enjoy equipment comparisons. Thank you.

[@losingbigfish9473]

Great video I wasn’t planning on buying some more rods but you’ve talked me into two more. I love the gear talk keep it up.

[@joelavila3588]

Just got my slx baitcasting reel. Now I need to pair it up with the slx rod. Thanks again for another great informative video DEBO....

[@Jerrod_Alonso222]

ayyyyeee, ive been waiting on the tatula xt rod review, only with a bonus of the slx rod review!

[@scottemory72]

I own both Daiwa and Shimano rods and reels, love both companies.

[@anthonyreeder8283]

Yes we would like to see all kinds of gear reviews that’s what I typically talk to you about but Debo Videos are awesome either way.

[@GigaDinker]

I have the original SLX 7’2” Heavy and a Tatula XT 7’ MH cranking rod. Love them both. Thanks for the great content!

[@dwayneredhair2681]

The comparison made me want to get both; I was looking at both rods. Great review and informative with Debo not leaning to a brand (Shimano reel on a Daiwa). Enjoyed the video as always.

[@rvfishingyet]

I get a lot out of these head to head. Would really appreciate comparing same general length, power, and action. Always fun videos Debo!

[@dabearsfan3533]

Awesome vidya Debo, glad to se ya back in the game, i know its hard with grown up life happening, I feel ya on that, but yer vids are somwhat therapeutic for me personly, so thanks for that, Anyway I'd like to see a Duckett rod vs Ark rod...or Duckette vs a favorite rod.

[@mikek3638]

Keep these type of videos coming!

[@Cornelius798]

My Tatula XT arrived, 7 foot medium fast action spinning. What a beautiful rod, balaces perfecly with my Revros 2500.

[@basslesschap346]

Big thumbs up for the awesome shirt Devon, I'm squating over my last buck in my icon photo !

[@samuellacroix1343]

Loves those head to head. Would love to see an slx vs tatula ct review

[@Klintong79]

Really enjoy the gear talk content. I’ve got an older SLX rod and truthfully it feels really heavy compared to like a Dobyns Fury. I may try the Daiwa and see how it feels. It really stinks that you can’t usually find these rods in most stores anymore and you have to order them and see how they feel. Even BPS’s selection of rods in my area is slim unless you want one of their Bass Pro brand rods.

[@devondadude420]

Thanks for the content Debo

[@chrisrus53]

Its gotta be good luck when a new videbo drops right as you head out to the garage to rig up for the weekend!!

[@rubenakacoolerlid2314]

I recently purchased a few Diawa Tatula reels on Debos recommendations and I love them

[@Cornelius798]

Nice review! Thanks.

[@CrackingBass]

GREAT viDebo, love the head to head gear reviews! It’s a shame the tatula XT doesn’t go sub 7’, I’d get both & mismatch them with the other’s reel to drive people crazy.

[@brianlee9074]

Thanks Debo. I have both as a spinning rod. Stradic/slx and a Tatula lt/xt for combos. Both are great combos, and a great value. ✌️😎🎣

[@josephtakach6073]

Thanks for another great video. I've been holding off on picking up SLX combo. The more I watch your videos I feel more confident that I'm going to like the SLX. Debo how about a 13 Fishing origin 01 baitcaster/ Abu Garcia Revo x low profile . Have a great weekend and happy Easter

[@TheLawncareVlog]

The Slx rod and reels are amazing!! Not only just for bass. The reel is very versatile in any conditions and different species. I recently used an slx dc for some float bobber fishing for northern steelhead and it worked amazingly!! 15° outside as well. Although my dad was using a tutula and it worked great as well

[@Hawksnest1022]

What about a comparison of entry level bait casting combos? Love the content

[@jachumba85]

Another great video, thanks Debo. I own both heavy versions of these and I can tell you that the tip heaviness gets more pronounced in the SLX as you move up... it is like a broomstick compared to the Diawa which feels more like a heavy rod should. In the MH versions, I do prefer the SLX for various bottom baits.

[@peterhing3608]

Great video Debo! I am a big fan of 13 Fishing Rods and would love to see what you think of the Fate Black, Omen Black 3/Meta, and/or Muse line of rods. Thanks

[@user-sp9hy8tq4j]

The reels are money but the rods are where they lack

[@kevingrandke6075]

I just picked up the 7'5" medium heavy and the SLX 150a so far I am loving the feel in hand. Reminds me of nothing I have used. Cant wait to get it on the water.

[@awesomeozzycat9953]

Great Video! I like both brands too. Both make quality. Zodias vs tatula elite. Would be a good watch. Megabass rods vs g loomis rods would be sick too.

[@PunchFishing]

Great vid!!

[@DEBOSFishing]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jordanstechtalk9772]

I got a few of the SLX rods recently. 7’ MH F and a 7’5” MH XF. I like them so far. I actually caught my PB on the 7’ one paired with a Curado DC. They feel a bit softer than the Lews rods I am more used to using.

[@SuicidaI_Tendencies]

I bought a tatula elite rod (silver one) for $230.00 8 months ago, love it so much I wanted a second tatula, and bought the same tatula in your video and love it as well. Caught a 5lb large mouth bass on it 2 weeks ago. It's paired with a stradic reel. Thinking of purchasing a 3rd tatula to keep as a third rod.

[@wesleyminnie1535]

Hey Debo, what’s your opinion on the 6’8” Daiwa Procyon medium fast spinning rod

[@v-man5469]

Hey Debo, You should check out and do a review on the FX Custom Xtreme Angler rods. They are available locally here at Fins & Feathers in IC.

[@yo-bass-cat4027]

Gear talk is my favorite thing to watch you talk about.

[@iLearnt-IT-on-You-Tubes]

I just got the Fenwick bass elite. I love it! Its exactly what i was looking for. Basically an extra medium. Took three tries to get one that wasnt damaged from TW but im glad i kept trying. That SLX was gonna be my next choice if the fenwick didn't work out.

[@bernicemcclendon574]

Yea i just got the curado casting rod heavy action 7'5" with the spiral rape for 99 dollars from American legacy fishing its a great combo for my curado 200dc

[@lexluthor8539]

Just picked up a Daiwa Aird X rod and paired it with a Lews Speed Spool. My first baitcaster, took it out today and made 50 or so casts without a single wind knot. Love it and sure can’t beat the price for the quality of both products!

[@JoshFlowers1995]

The aird x rods are nice . Definitely feels like a higher end rod. Love mine .

[@pacman_17]

I've been looking forward to this $99 rod review. The closeups of the guides, reel seat, weighting the rods was helpful. The balance point of the SLX is a bit disappointing. I think the balance point of the Tatula was omitted. The Tatula looks likes it has the basic Fuji or Fuji clone guides. Before the review, I was leaning towards the SLX but the Tatula seems to have the edge. Debo, your poor rod tips are scraping your ceiling. I got these rod tip protectors from Ali. They are a rod sleeve that protects the tip section.

[@joebee1459]

How do they compare to ark Lancer? Thought I saw you have used them at one point.

[@huskyfisherman1590]

I have both and I do throw heavier applications on SLX but both are really good. Well worth the money

[@DustinFox.]

That first cast in the video was pro. Also the St. Croix MoJo Bass rods are on sale around $99 very good rods love them

[@AverageTXAngler]

If you palm your reels I think you will prefer the Daiwa. I personally prefer the trigger down lower like the Daiwa, but I palm all of my reels and don't have any fingers below the trigger. I run into the same issue with rods but for the complete opposite reason. Typically the triggers are too high up for me and I can't palm the reel comfortably. This makes ordering new rods online tough if you've never had your hands on them 😂 Great video Debo!

[@kerryschallon8879]

I'd like to see a comparison between Falcon Bucoo and St.Croix Triumph series rods

[@NStone90]

Haven't tried a shimano rod, but from what I know of daiwa, they should be great for many years to come.

[@LookIDrum]

Just watching this for fun, but I will say I bought a 7'5" Heavy Fast SLX. I love the thing. It's SO LIGHT, has an amazing backbone, tosses frogs, jigs, 6-8" swimbaits with NO EFFORT and a country mile. Seriously. I was barely moving the rod and launching a 6" magdraft 150ft into wind.

[@roadrashr6]

I just got the tatula 8’ rod. I am very happy with it for the price.

[@farrzmd3038]

It’s funny how the reel seat can make a difference. I had the prior model slx and xt, liked the slx more only because of the trigger on the reel seat. Action/ sensitivity preferred the XT, but trigger really made it where I wasn’t grabbing the rod on a regular basis. Both are good rods for $99. ….. I wish rod companies would start their $99 rods at a 6’10” length and offer the 6’10” in a M, MH, and H. As a bank angler that length allows me to fit into smaller spaces and be able to use the rod to work various baits. Every rod I have that’s above the 6’10” it’s strictly for cast and retrieve only.

[@jnorman975]

Can you do a Bates hundo review?

[@parrothead5977]

Nice vid. I have a slx on the way in the mail 🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@josephdavidrodriguez]

How about a battle of the $100 reels - lews lfs vs slx?

[@victorsimonsen921]

like to see the head to head gear talk thanks for sharing

[@brian_SlingingHooks]

I've "tested" the SLX and observing that you get what you pay for, I have been very happy with the Daiwa XT. The concern of 7'0" for jerkbait should include the offset by the short handle. Pretty good for kayaks. I use an 7' MF XT for jerk but also for squarebills. It is a fast tip but I've not lost any due to that. I liked this rod so much I jumped on $67 sale at Karls for two HF versions. Now a HF with the XT short handle is a No Bueno. Not good for punching or small swimbaits due to the short handle. I keep one for bottom baits and another for flipping. I agree with the finish and sensitivity. Owning higher $ rods, I don't think you can get better value that the weight and sensitivity of the XT.

[@Xuch]

got the daiwa tatula cuz its pure black, looked sick

[@limpingfisherman1509]

I wanna get a Tatula. Nice looking rod.

[@brandonellingsworth3502]

What's that hat you've got on? I can't tell. It looks sharp though.

[@timtweet8149]

Looks good! However, did ya realize the SLX had a Diawa reel on it?

[@michaelhunter3128]

What do you think of the Dobyns Fury 733c in med heavy as a do it all rod. Thanks. Michael

[@DEBOSFishing]

That's and awesome rod for a lot of stuff!

[@user-sp9hy8tq4j]

Better rod than both of these

[@c.shoefish]

Both solid options. Id still choose a st croix bass x over either one of them though at that price point

[@pcheek68]

The balance thing you do is very important for walking 1/4 mile with 3 rods. Seriously. It makes a difference. A good combo balance lessens the chance that a treble hook finds your pants pocket/ leg. Distracted just a little, the combo pendulums away from the other two combos, and...

[@larry-of9kh]

I use both they are great rods to use

[@Mr.Higgs.]

Damn Debo, growing out that beard I see. Honestly I kind of wish you would have compared multiple variations instead of just a single comparison.

[@bradleecaldor6567]

WAIT how does the tatula balance???

[@ryancooperstone8981]

I use the SLX as my spinning rod and for the price really cant beat it! So light and durable

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

The first gen slx rod looks better imo. Wish they would have incorporated cork like the old exage.

[@JamFlexx]

Shimano glf has cork and is 100. I like the look a lot

[@rickyrodriguez9831]

My first casting rod was the tatula XT 7’3 heavy for topwater. It was a work horse but I never liked the handle. The trigger comes to a point and is a lt a radical angle so it hurts your finger when bombing a frog. I’m a daiwa fanboy for sure but hate that rod now!

[@colingordon5950]

I actually like both brands. I don't hate either. I probably lean Shimano overall, but who doesn't like Daiwa too?

[@alanrasmussen4097]

For a $100 I prefer my the old TP-1's and new TPX-1 Lews rods over the SLX. The SLX gives me a cramp in my hand, they lean in a corner retired now. I bought my first Daiwa product in 45 years, a Procyon AL. And if it doesn't suck I might have to check out their rods.

[@brendanbutkus2392]

Honestly really like my tatula xt, i got the 7'3" MHF

[@garylaney1333]

Got the hats, good match up, yea how about Dobbins Fury & St Croix Bass X.

[@user-sp9hy8tq4j]

Dobbins is a better rod in every aspect

[@TimHaunFishing]

I hate to say it but I'm not big on the Tatula XT. I love my Daiwa reels so I tried it but it just wasn't for me. I do like the SLX rods. But for $130 it's really hard to beat a Dobyns Fury or TFO TacticalBass

[@user-sp9hy8tq4j]

Correct! Once u hit 130-140$ dobins fury is king imo

[@910Volcomsnow]

Some guys are brand specific, some like to try everything. I know what I like and it’s Shimano!!😂

[@matthewotis3594]

Ive got a shimano reelbon a diawa rod😂. The rest are diawa reels though. The slx xt is just too good to pass up for the $.

[@910Volcomsnow]

@@matthewotis3594u like to live on the edge!!!😂

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

I do have other brands, but it's Shimano all day.

[@matthewotis3594]

@@tims_always_fishing7117 really can't miss with shimano. Or diawa.

[@matthewotis3594]

@@910Volcomsnow iits for sure a conversation starter. Not always a good conservation but...

[@eng62ine]

Love how you put the Daiwa reel on the Shimano rod at 7:51. That oughta generate some hate mail from the purists! 😂😂😂

[@austinhall485]

I've been on the hunt for a heavy spinning rod and can't find anything more than a medium heavy in the usual rod lines, anybody have suggestions on a spinning rod to throw 1oz-3oz twitching baits like jerkbaits?

[@TopWaterLord]

Zenaq makes incredible heavy duty spinning rods but they are extremely expensive. I own a couple of them in my opinion some of the best rods on the planet.

[@fatboifishing]

I really want to try that daiwa.

[@joshsawyer2622]

I just like the overall black look of the Tatula better.

[@jamesbarron1202]

I wish companies would make a series of baitcast rods without triggers. I’ve cut triggers off some annoying rods and sanded them down. Makes them way more comfortable. I think most rods are made for smaller hands. Triggers aren’t needed. I think I’ve seen Mud Hole Customs sell some triggerless handles.

[@danishdaniel785]

Do a load test

[@papajohnsy6659]

The slx has more specific actions , notably the 6'10 medium and the swimbait rods. For multipurpose fishing I prefer the tatula, especially the 7'0 mh f. That said I also prefer the ergonomics of the slx. I don't think one line is actually better, I think each line has rods that are better for specific things than the other.

[@clariidfisherman3702]

im a shimano fanboy but goddang is that tatula xt rod amazing. seriously light and sensitive

[@JamFlexx]

Damn i was looking for a 100 dollar rod all day, almost went with slx to match my new reel but i didnt want XF action. Got a mojo bass for 110 on a nice sale, coming from an ugly stik combo haha

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Big step up from the slx! Good find

[@JamFlexx]

​@tims_always_fishing7117 thanks, I'm excited ! They are selling out the old models on cabelas for 120, 10 dollar off coupon if you sign up for email and free express shipping for some reason.

[@jamesp2674]

I always need to fish a rod to have an opinion! So... I'm no help! 😂 never fished either of those!

[@davidkaufman7979]

Fear the beard

[@SMC4117]

I have a quiver of 13 Defy Black and Omen rods and for the price ( $69 ), they can’t be beat! I find myself leaving my higher end Saint Croix rods at home when I go fishing. 🎣

[@user-sp9hy8tq4j]

Shimano clarus for same price….,, 10x better rod

[@SMC4117]

@@user-sp9hy8tq4j Yes. I have a Clarus spinning rod… good rod! I’ve had it for years. I just handed it down to my daughter 🎣

[@baliton2006]

Tatula sv tw vs curado 150 mgl

[@iberianesox3668]

I have both, love them both! The curado bombs light baits with a wrist flick. The tatula lets me put light lures exactly where I want in closer quarters, it even makes skipping effortless... Both crazy smooth and comfortable in hand. Choose what you choose, can't go wrong!!

[@liamfoustino3637]

Been looking into both of these rods because I got some cabelas gift cards

[@distinctfishing]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@iberianesox3668]

I am really upset with my slx A rod. I own a 7' MH fast. Feels heavy in hand when paired with my slx reel, its balance point is way tooooo high. Sensitivity is far away from what I expected from Shimano... For moving baits it might be ok, but if you are looking for a bottom contact lure rod I wouldn't recommend it. In addition, I think the older version looked so much cleaner compared to the newer slx A models, but that's just my opinion

[@user-sp9hy8tq4j]

Try palming it

[@Imbekfo]

If your old rod feels better than your new one, get a similar one unless you wanna change

[@stevenelmer4791]

If you’re looking for a second opinion to break the tie I’ll be glad to help.

[@bobstigler]

yikes...I thought they were the same power...hard to compare now

[@Dolbee49277]

Daiwa all the way at all price points. Except the expired. That rod blows away everything in that 200-300 dollar range.

[@uonadtehrrocks]

I definatly HATE when companiese have 7'1" Med-heavy fast, 7'2" MH F, 7'3" and 7'4" and all say they are for different things... like wtf

[@Nep311]

It's pretty simple. People seem to like shorter rods for spinner baits jerk baits and maybe dropshot. People use different lengths for skipping baits. And the tendency for treble hooks is longer.

[@kevinsmith9142]

For a head to head to be all things equal, then the specs need to be the same. I’m not interested in comparisons if the specs aren’t the same. That’s not a true or proper comparison.

[@kevinkettler5336]

Wish it was tatula spinning vs Shimano spinning. Maybe zodius?