Long-Term Review: Shimano SLX DC XT Reel - Pros, Cons, and Final Verdict

Hey there, welcome to my long-term review of the Shimano SLX DC XT Reel. In this video, I'll be sharing my experience, highlighting the pros and cons, and ultimately providing my final verdict on this highly anticipated reel.
Although Shimano doesn't explicitly market it as such, the SLX DC XT reel showcases remarkable performance, making it essentially a digitally controlled reel with the versatility of a BFS (Bait Finesse System) reel. After using it extensively for several months, I'm excited to provide you with an in-depth analysis.
Given that it's a Shimano product, renowned for their exceptional quality, it's no surprise that this reel boasts a solid build and impressive features. However, I must mention that currently, it's only available in the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market).
Now, the burning question: Does the Shimano SLX DC XT reel earn its place as one of my trusted go-to reels for regular fishing trips? Stick around as I share my thoughts and final verdict.
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My Reels:
‘22 Shimano Aldebaran BFS: amzn.to/3CCEdaZ
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‘22 Daiwa Silver Creek TW Custom: amzn.to/3ZB9ogG
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Tsurinoya Genius: s.click.aliexp...
Kingdom Micro Monster: s.click.aliexp...
Magnets for Dark Wolf Ultra Upgrade: ebay.us/RVsHKZ
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Majorcraft Finetail Glass FSG-B410UL (Shimreels - eBay): ebay.us/pGNBqF
Lemoren Windshadow: s.click.aliexp...
Obsession MojoBass: s.click.aliexp...
Obsession Trout Sensation: s.click.aliexp...
AceHawk Venom: s.click.aliexp...
Mavllos Delicacy: s.click.aliexp...
Kuying Teton TTC662L: s.click.aliexp...
Jenko Double Down BFS from Bait Finesse Empire: baitfinesseemp...
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Dynamic Lures HD Trout: amzn.to/3EJnIcL
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[@garylake998]

Thanks for the honest review. You do not trash a product, just explain why it is not for you yet still offering up the positives of the item.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Thanks - yeah I don't wanna trash anything - it is a good reel - for the right person.

[@fishinwithkatz]

I love this reel, it's my favorite reel I own. Same model slx dc 71 xt xg(I baught it off a Japanese website for 214$(taxes and shipping included) . It's on a Shimano Sellus 6'8" MH. (50$ rod), with 30 lb braid Berkley X5 (100 yards) . Initially I got this set up for mainly snakehead fishing, I have been using this for snakehead, bass, and striped bass. What amazes me is what I can throw on this set up even with 30 lb braid. From a weightless Texas 4/0 fluke, small/large frogs to a 1 oz top water baits. I've had this reel for about 2 months. Recently I've fully dialed in with it's capabilities even casting in windy conditions. Before I had it on setting 1,with the tension knob set on just enough for the lure to slowly fall or not even fall. After messing around I'm on setting 2, with the tension knob open to my lures just straight falling. It casts amazing. I do love it. Thank you for all you're reviews on this reel from when you got it, to this video!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Glad you love it. Definitely a great reel. Sounds like it fits your application perfectly.

[@provocation18]

Can this reel be fished with 50lbs braid? Or will i cast less distance than lets say a curado dc or slx dc because those reels hold more line?

[@ichphan]

I love the reel because it is able to use light lures and also heavy lures. Very versatile reel

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Totally agree! It is a very well rounded reel. If it had a clicking drag, I'd probably keep fishing it for specific applications.

[@johangermishuys308]

You can put in a drag clicker?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@johangermishuys308 Not that I've seen - couldn't;t find one for sale. but maybe...

[@muhammadfirdaus5739]

⁠@@johangermishuys308in my country they already do put in drag clicker.. yes it possible

[@provocation18]

I read somewhere that it has smaller teeth on gears. And that the gears is alluminium. I was planning to fish jigs in heavy cover with this reel but don't know if this reel is a smart choice for this. I also want to be able to spool 50lbs braid on the reel but don't know if the reel will hold enough line and if it will impact my casting performance.

[@timothythompson6549]

I chimed in on why I wasn't in love with my slx 151 dc on your first video. One thing I didn't bring up at the time because it's not an issue for me personally is the dc system does add weight and bulk compared to the same reel with a conventional braking system. I'm used to 400 size reels, so it's not something I really notice, but it is something to be aware of. Having a lot capacity is nice for 3 things that I can think of. First is you can use very heavy line. My 400 size reels have 80 lb test braid. Second is if you're making very long casts. Third is if you're targeting big, hard running fish. If none of those apply to your normal fishing, maybe it's not a relevant feature for you.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Thanks. It has a lot of merits for sure, just ultimately wasn't as fun to fish with BFS presentations as many other reels - for me at least. Great comment that will be helpful to others.

[@timothythompson6549]

@@AaronHuntFishing I'm sure it's a killer reel for more traditional bass lures. I bet it'll be a phenomenal jerkbait reel.

[@DrinkWetPoopFishing]

I got that reel a couple of months ago and just took it out fishing yesterday. I was throwing a double rigged weightless zoom supefluke and doubled up twice with stripers. I actually love this reel, but im not using it for BFS and i'm not strictly a BFS angler. I use it for weightless worms or plastic lures for bass fishing.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Sounds awesome for you. It is a good reel - just not as good for MY BFS applications as many others. Rock on, and keep doubling up! That sounds liek a blast!

[@Kelberi]

Aaron, thanks for your wonderful review. As for the silent drag, I think it is a plus point because all my existing shimano Exciting Drag aren't that exciting once I have compared them against those china after market ones. They sounded like good old spinning reels! 🤩 Those reels without any drag clicker mechanism are easier to fit those china ones!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Yeah, some folks like the reliability and slightly smoother pull of a non-clickign drag too - and with the extra spool capacity it's not that bad really.

[@Travis4Q2]

Maybe the problem is you're calling it a bfs reel and comparing it to bfs reels and that's not what it is. Shimano doesn't call it a bfs reel, it's just a 70 size dc reel. I use one on my 6'10" medium Expride for throwing jerkbaits and one on my 6'8" medium Triza for lightweight junk fishing and I love both of them. Its a phenomenal reel for performing the tasks it was designed for. I don't think we're going to see a true bfs reel with dc braking anytime soon; the braking system just isn't compatible with ultra lightweight baits...

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Actually Loongze just released a DC BFS reel... and otherwise I agree with you on all accounts.

[@victormendes6770]

haha loved the review, i just got my hands on this reel. It's going to be my first reel to get into the fishing world. i think it's going to be a very good general reel for me

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Incredible reel to start with. Have fun!

[@dragngt]

Thanks for the review. I’m really waiting for a true BFS DC to be released. Time will tell if that’s even a thing. But at least it would be fair to use it for BFS rather than try and get a non BFS reel to behave like a BFS reel.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Agreed. But with so many BFS reels that struggle below 2 grams out oft he box anyway , I'd be surprised if even a "true" BFS DC reel could do much better than this. If a shallow spool ever become available, I might try this one again.

[@iamalemontree]

Great video! What rod did ya use in the video and is it 20lbs braid brother?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I used that on the Shimano Expride BFS. 163ML Was the model. And it's been a while, but that was either 10 or 12 pound Daiwa J-braid. I Never use anything heavier on my finesse setups. These days I'd probably choose Sunline Siglon or Suffix 832 over the J-braid.

[@slcrow14]

Umm it's not a BFS reel. it's not marketed as a BFS reel! will it throw pretty lite baits? yeah, but that's not what its designed to do! don't judge it for something it's not specifically designed for! and don't listen to someone trying to judge it for something it's not designed to do because they clearly don't know what they're talking about.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Will do - not listening to folks who don't know what they're talking about. Like all those guys using Abu Garcia 1500 and 2500 reels for BFS. They must be complete idiots... 🙄 Who in their right mind would try to push the envelopes of product design in pursuit of fishing? That's Just crazy... I mean you might end up with something really special and game-changing. Worst case you could learn something. Wouldn't that suck? Thanks for your advice man. Just might make my 2024. Try nothing new, ignore guys that try new things and push the envelope. Don't test products to find their limits. Do what everyone else does... Probably should just go buy a bunch of spinning rods I guess and ignore BFS all together. Hmmm.. kinda sounds boring... probably not gonna happen. Because had I done that, then I wouldn't make videos like this where the Manufacturer - Shimano - is one of the top referrers of traffic. Clearly they and their fanbase have no issues with me pushing the limits of their reel. I also wouldn't have developed a truly unique line of made in the USA BFS rods with Kistler. But I will kind of ignore people who clearly don't know what they are talking about. Thanks for the comment.

[@MONGO573]

I use mine for frogging great reel I put 100 mm handle on it from Gomexus with some 50 pound power pro max Quattro and you’re good to go Palms awesomely but as far as a BFS type.of reel for me I would choose something else a little bit more lighter like a 50 or 30 size series reel but that’s just me

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Agreed. it's not the best BFS reel. And now there are a few BFS DC reel options - just not big brands.

[@MONGO573]

@@AaronHuntFishing yes they’re are coming out of China and Korea

[@KyoloFlash]

Hey there Aaron! I bought an SLX DC XT after seeing your prior video, but compared to the other shimano reels I have, after I press the thumb bar then as I reengage I get a very rough feeling as I crank. I suspect that the one I got had a poorly machine cut anti-reverse ratchet. Does your SLX DC xt have the same feel to the crank as you reengage the reel after pressing the thumb bar/casting?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

No - not at all. That does sound odd. Mine has been very solid. Depending on which shop you got it at, they may be willing to help you out. Not sure - never had an issue with any of the JDM reels.

[@KyoloFlash]

@AnglingwithAaron I discovered the problem. I dont know if it got through quality control. I have the 21 Scorpion DC that one uses a plastic Anti reverse ratchet, and I have a JDM SLX XT which uses a very smooth Anti reverse ratchet that seems to be made with aluminum. Both have a super tiny space where thr pawl assembly does not touch the ARR but even if it touches it is smooth becuase of the material. My SLX DC XT on the other hand, the ARR is made out of painted black rough metal and when you press the thumb bar, the pawl assembly rubs against it when you try to reengage the reel which causes the rough crank on reengage.

[@jrbassin6349]

Solid review

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Thanks. Appreciate the comment.

[@yez3737]

What’s the difference between xt and hg and witch should I get if I want a non bfs reel

[@AaronHuntFishing]

The XT is longer casting. The HG refers to the gear ratio of 7.2:1. It's available in both the SLX models. The XG would be an 8.2:1 gear ration, and one withour the extra two letters att he end would be a 6.2:1 gear ratio reel. I don't fish non-BFS gear, but my understanding is the SLX XT is much better than the normal SLX.

[@davehugill8565]

Hi Aaron do you know if you can buy a drag clicking kit for this reel?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I only knew of one guy who had made them custom for around $200 - and he never repsonded to my inquiries. So I'd say no...

[@joonasantikainen]

AliExpress is full with drag clicker kits also for SLX reels and there are some installing tutorials here in KZbin.

[@gregfield5213]

I got a clicker from Ali for about $12. Sounds great.

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Its not bfs, its just a 71.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Appreciate the comment.

[@jrbassin6349]

I’m buying an slx. Do you have any rod recommendations for bass fishing.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

BFS or regular? What weight ranges? Obviously I'm a fan a Kistler since I have a signature BFS line with them. Shimano Exprides are very good. I hear lots of good things about the Dobyns Sierra series.

[@fishinwithnik4385]

This vs the 2015 metanium dc what’s better

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Haven't tried the Metanium DC. Do you need the larger spool capacity? Probably Metanium. Do you throw below 3/8 oz consistently? Probably the SLX.

[@jebujex]

I have extra rod 3g-11g and im looking to buy new reel to it. How you think it would handle 5g-7g baits?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

ok on 5 grams, probably needs a little focused effort for consistency. 7grams was really good. I think there are other better options as an "extra" unless you just want to mess around with a DC reel.

[@jebujex]

@@AaronHuntFishing no need to be dc, thinking it just because it looks to be popular option 😊👍

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@jebujex I'd go with the regular SLX BFS then.

[@silenzioklze]

where in the specs of shimano SLX DC XT did I miss that this is a BFS reel?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

You Didn't - It's just BFS capable.

[@silenzioklze]

@@AaronHuntFishing I tried the SLX DC XT XG yesterday and today. This MGL III spool is amazing... fishing from shore is tricky, and this one allows me to cast extremely far compared to my curados (dc and non dc) 30lb powerpro braid line. 5/8oz frog. I like the reel, even with the smaller handles. It feels solid overall. Anyhow - to each with its own, thanks for the content!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@silenzioklze Awesome. Great to hear. It's possible the very light weight lines I used actually held it back a bit too, now that I think about it. But with a 5/8 oz lure - I'm sure it sails it pretty far!

[@steveking8548]

Can't you replace the star drag so it will have a clicking drag? Easy!!!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Two different things. It's not the drag adjustment - it's when a fish pulls line during a fight that the clicking really matters. Kind of like a spinning reel. Most true BFS reels these days include that feature. So it's an internal component that needs added, not just the star knob for adjusting.

[@spudwashington3880]

So they make the bfs reels DC? I didn’t know that

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Not technically - but this one is basically it in my opinion. There was also a Cardiff or Calcutta 50 DC once....

[@spudwashington3880]

@@AaronHuntFishing thanks for the reply, I just recently ordered the slx bfs reel , I’m thinking, well I don’t remember seeing a dc version . It’s supposed to be here sometime today. Never used a higher end bfs reel. So I’m somewhat excited. I’ve been using a BMC100 all summer . Hasn’t been horrible for 55 bucks . I decided I wanted an upgrade though. I’m not well versed in this type of baitcaster fishing .

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@spudwashington3880 my SLX BFS review just dropped today! Solid reel, maybe the best value in BFS.

[@Bassmaster12234]

I order the wind shadow rod what do you think I should pair it with

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Probably the dark wolf ultra or the micro monster. Micro monster would look nice. About the same reel... that was also the first rod I fished the SHimano Aldebaran on.

[@Bassmaster12234]

@@AaronHuntFishing what about a diawa alphas air tw , would have to add a drag clicker tho

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@Bassmaster12234 That would work. I'd personally buy the Shimano SLX BFS before the AATW - but I just wasn't an AATW fan.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@Bassmaster12234 But AATW can cast lighter... and with the windshadow that's important. Maybe check out the Haibo Arise air. I'll probably try it out in the fall myself.

[@Bassmaster12234]

@@AaronHuntFishing what’s the best one to fish a trout magnet on

[@AlmadenJeff]

Just got mine and it has a clicking drag. It came from a fast boat from Japan. So it's JDM source though.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Awesome! Factory, new with a clicker? or pre-owned?

[@AlmadenJeff]

New@@AaronHuntFishing

[@andersonbravo1842]

desde q vi este casting me gustaría mucho el diseño el sonido mi sueño es algún día tener un shimano slx DC es mi sueño saludos desde bucaramanga Colombia

[@AaronHuntFishing]

¡Te deseo éxito en la consecución de tu sueño!

[@letufamily]

I have one, but when you decided to giveaway your I will give you my address 😅 good review 👍

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Thank you. It's already been sold.

[@XxRAGE1xX]

how about donating that reel to a fellow fisherman that can't afford one. I'd be glad to take it. lol

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Unfortunately that doesn't pay the bills. ;) I might have to do a video about how i get most of my stuff practically for free. Just takes a little work. :)

[@XxRAGE1xX]

@Angling with Aaron it was worth a try. Lol Great video, by the way, really informative. You should definitely make a video like that. 👍

[@peterr3329]

What rod is that?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Expride 163-ML-BFS. The original from around 2013.

[@vTonnyy]

Can it handle big swim baits?!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

When i think "Big Swimbait" I'm in the 3-oz plus range. So I'd say no on that one.

[@jae-gw6tl]

😩 ...outta all those letters on it ..did u notice that none of them are *BFS* 😐 ...probably because ...it's NOT a bfs reel . Ya think??

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Curado BFS has BFS in the name and can cast about the same weight... without DC and with less line capcity.. . KK Zephyr and Valiant Eagle II... Considered BFS reels and about the same performance. Shimano Scorpion too. Whaddya think? 😩

[@jae-gw6tl]

@@AaronHuntFishing I think it shows just how impressive this NON-bfs reel really is ..seeing how it can hang with actual bfs reels at lightweight casting ..AND throws the baits it was actually intended to throw very well. Even tho all those u named are cheap bfs reels ...stil pretty impressive dont'cha think?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

One other note - how many Daiwa reels have BFS in the name? Does that mean none of them are BFS capable? How about the Loongze Airlite DC? Also no BFS in the name... or the Dark Wolf Ultra? or the Doviello Hicc50 Acura? How about the Haibo Arise Air? Or the Flight Feather? How about the PureLure Silver Feather? or the Ifishband Tendershoot? It's actually a very small percentage of BFS reels that use the term BFS. Your attempt at humor is crumbling... try again.

[@jae-gw6tl]

@@AaronHuntFishing 😩 not trying to offend u buddy...forgive my smugness. I'm just saying that reel isn't designed for bfs applications. That's all. Hence no bfs in it's name. The amazing breaking system combined with the fact it has a lighter spool than most in it's class is the reason it can throw such light baits. That's why there's an actual slx BFS reel ...and that's not it. 😅

[@jae-gw6tl]

@@AaronHuntFishing the reels that don't "use them term" bfs ..don't do so because ...wait for it ...that's NOT wat they're designed for.😅 They're called 'finesse reels'. BFS reels are called. ...wait for it. ...BFS REELS! AMAZING huh!?

[@Battshimself]

Just got one for $188!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Sweet Deal! Enjoy.