Shimano SLX vs. Lew's Speed Spool LFS - Comparative Reviews and Recommendations

Since starting this channel I've bought two $99 reels, the SLX and Speed Spool LFS. My goal was to use them while on the water and then try to decide which one may be considered "better" although we must understand that it all boils down to personal preference. Therefore, since I can't tell you which one you should buy if you're in the market for a new reel with a $99 budget, I wanted to use this clip to summarize my thoughts and overall practical impressions to help steer viewers towards which option may suit their needs better. In short, this clip is designed to be educational, not promotional.
Find Me Elsewhere:
Twitch: www.twitch.tv/yaboytee/
Instagram: yaboytee_fishing
Twitter: itsyaboytee
#shimanoslx #lewsspeedspool #baitcasterreviews

[@mannyjr8991]

Omg I’m so happy I found this video I couldn’t decide which one to get thank you for the video

[@bryangreen5913]

Great review! Answered a lot of questions I had over these two reels

[@landonjohnson8637]

This is a great video! I was having a hard time trying to decide between these 2 exact reels. And you just helped me decide witch one I’m getting. You just got a new sub. Keep up the good work!

[@yaboytee]

Aye! Thank you! Much appreciated and if anything I'm glad that I was able to help get you some information needed to make a decision. Enjoy your new reel!

[@mannyjr8991]

Same I was so happy when I saw this vidro

[@advertisingonly]

I’ve had both for 3 years. Both still work perfectly but the SLX has developed a loud gear noise on the retrieve. The SLX has a better braking system but seems to struggle more with light lures. My vote would go to the Lews and I’ve bought 2 more since. Also much prefer the ergonomics on the Lews.

[@yaboytee]

Thanks for watching and the feedback. I'm with you on the SLX noise. Mine has been getting noisier but still feels pretty good. My Lew's hasn't gave me any issues and is still smooth and quiet so I think my experience so far is similar to yours.

[@josephkenney5877]

Perfect explanation, I am in the process of deciding between these two exact reels and you explained techniques. I didn’t want to hear it from a pro who was sponsored but from someone with an honest opinion

[@yaboytee]

Appreciate you! Glad my clip could help, and for what it's worth, I'm still using both these reels in 2024 for the techniques I describe in this clip.

[@andrewsproull8579]

Thank you so much dude, this video helped A LOT. Im new to baitcasters and have heard good things about both reel, and this video helped me decide. You earned a new sub, and you deserve many more. Great review.

[@yaboytee]

Absolutely, you're very welcome for any insight I was able to provide. Appreciate the comment and sub!

[@takG6]

Fantastic video man! Thanks for the info. I have recently been messing around with swim baits (not massive ones that would require a larger reel) and have finally decided to look into getting a new combo for it. Been trying to decide between these two reels in particular. Think I’ll go with the Lews LFS.

[@yaboytee]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching and commenting. I agree with your decision and think you should be happy with the LFS for swimbaits.

[@gradyetoll3571]

Thanks really like the Lews slf and you really helped me make my decision

[@yaboytee]

That's awesome! Appreciate you watching and taking time to leave a comment. Good luck with the reel!

[@hookset-n-holdtheline6052]

Glad I found your channel you seriously deserve more subs

[@yaboytee]

Glad you're here! Much appreciate the viewership and kind words. It takes time to build an audience around here so we'll see how 2022 and beyond play out.

[@jamesyoung7382]

Great video. Have used both they are good reels. The SLX is a bit smaller like that. But the brakes on outside without opening is nicer on the FLS. Also think in wind the FLS seems to be better at not backlashing. But the SLX seems to cast a bit further. Great point on your conclusion. Both are great reels.

[@yaboytee]

Thank you! Much appreciate your insight and feedback and for watching. I'm pretty much right on board with your line of thinking so it's refreshing to know there are folks out there that can see the positives in both options.

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

Excellent answer I fish both and my experience as well

[@stevenpickard2715]

On all my reels with centrifugal brakes I like to wipe down the brake drum where the pins rub and then just take a q-tip with a drop or 2 of reel oil and rub it around the brake drum. That'll quiet it down. When it gets dry it'll get noisy. Hope that helps!

[@yaboytee]

That's what's up! Appreciate the tip!

[@stevenpickard2715]

@@yaboytee no problem! Just trying to help. I've had reels come dry from the factory and it's a night and day difference once you do that.

[@thomasvrugteveen7537]

These 2 reels were literally on my list lol 😆

[@Mike_The_Hog_A_Nator]

I just had to make this choice because my $70 H20 Ethos Worm Gear screwed up after 3 weeks of use. I got the Lew's paired with my 7'6" throwing Corkys for those Saltwater Spec's. It does a great job. I got the only one Academy had, the 7:5 gear ratio which is fine for top water & the twitch baits that I use.

[@yaboytee]

That's what's up! Hopefully it treats you well and you get some use out of it with them Specks. Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@07swbxrunner]

Good video. Both are really nice reels for the money. I went with the Lews because I was able to use a $20 off coupon on it.

[@russellkasprzyk4934]

How do you like the LFS after a year?

[@MF-Rell]

​@russellkasprzyk4934 If you haven't gotten one, get one. Or, get the Lew's custom tournament pro lfs. They're on sale for any 150 to 60. Can't beat it.

[@kimmoller7612]

Bearings are also sensitive to saltwater so a reel with bushing would be prefered in my opinion if you fish both fresh and saltwater so thats something yall should consider aswell, Great video!

[@yaboytee]

Y'all see this? Kim coming through with the extra insight and additional pointer to keep in mind. Catch me in the brackish tributaries running finesse jigs with the SLX.

[@bobthebass510]

@@yaboytee how the f*** you verified

[@ETuss713]

Slx xt is the best choice over these 2 reels. It is $130 instead of $100, but it a definate step above the base SLX and I believe the LFS.

[@yaboytee]

Yeah, I can see that. Little more $$ and you can get a more refined reel so I'm on board with that thinking. I guess the real point for this clip is looking at that $99 spot, but hell, even I went into a rant about paying more for better quality...so any way you slice it, these two here are great places to start and the options open up as the price point goes up as well. Appreciate you watching!

[@matthewotis3594]

Get a tatula for same price.

[@thequixoticangler3364]

Top Baitcaster reels under $100 1.Lew's LFS $99- the man in the range. Best overall reel. 2. Piscifun Phantom $70- Has dual brakes and high end features. 3. Kastking Megajaws $60-70 - The flagship reel for KK. Excellent drag. 4. 13 Fishing Origin $60-99 - Plenty of options and brake systems. Most comprehensive line of reels. 5. Shimano Caius/Bass Rise $80- Caius has internal brakes, BR is similar to the BPS tourney special. 6. BPS Pro Qualifier $99- the OG in the group. A Mercedes on a beer budget.

[@yaboytee]

Dropping knowledge! Any opinions on the Abu Revo X?

[@thequixoticangler3364]

@@yaboytee I knew I was forgetting 1. Ya it's probably the nicest reel you can buy at the price point. It's essentially the upgrade to the Black Max. The braking system is much better and the bearings are smooth as butter. Exceptional Value.

[@yaboytee]

@@thequixoticangler3364 Gotcha, I almost went with that one instead of the SLX and sort of wish I had at this point...but hey, live and learn. Appreciate your knowledge and response!

[@thequixoticangler3364]

@@yaboytee It's just not durable. The Slx works extremely well until it doesn't. Then it becomes a nightmare. My first "good reel". Live and learn as you say. The LFS is fire

[@thequixoticangler3364]

@@yaboytee I'll be watching all your vids. You earned a tackle pro's respect. Subbed.

[@MrDaron777]

Yoooooooo..... I wonder why SRAM does not make any reels. Never gonna buy any of a baitcaster, but I like the review, good job man.

[@yaboytee]

YO! Appreciate you holding it down in the comments. Bike companies out here doing the most, but if it means new technology in reels, I'm all for it.

[@goldentrucker7921]

I believe the lews is built better. Lfs on sale for $79.99. Probably the best reel out there for under a $100.

[@robertbrandywine]

I have a Lew's Speed Spool LFS, a Daiwa Tatula CT100HS, a Shimano 2021 Scorpion DC 150HG, and a Shimano 2015 Metanium DC HG. Frankly the Speed Spool seems as good as all my more expensive reels.

[@yaboytee]

Appreciate the feedback. I'm with you, I think the quality/performance gap has closed in on the mid range to even some high range reels. We all know prices have gone up in recent years and may not slow down any time soon, so if anything it's nice to know we can spend $100 and not be missing out on $200 performance. Obviously there's exceptions, but either way, options are nice.

[@fredsgonefishing8802]

Just purchased one today hope its somewhat smooth as my Quatum Smoke S3 PT. Thank you good video!!! 🇨🇦

[@shawnbeck2303]

Nothing is better than Quantum's Smoke PT S3 baitcaster reel. I have the KVD model in 7 to 3 to 1 ratio. Easy set up. It casts far and is a very smooth. I am buying another one for $99.00 for my 62 birthday. September 6th 2022. This reel goes for $200.00 normally. I like the Smoke S3 HD too. It has the same features. But a 200 size spool in the 100 size reel. The HD doesn't have as many ball bearings as the KVD Smoke. But is build to last! Hope that helps you out. Shawn.

[@ktulu310]

Just bought the Lews since it’s on sale for 75 right now

[@yaboytee]

@@ktulu310 That's what's up! Enjoy it!

[@matthewotis3594]

I love my slx. Better brakes. Casts better. Farther. But my lfs is holding up better than my slx. Slx is NOISY and Geary . Lfs is smoother and quieter than slx. Love them both. Haven't fished either in a while though. And slx is xt. Burnt cranks and raps with slx and flip figs with lfs. If you've need numbers to get your brakes right oh well. Hard for me to choose. Lfs feels stronger but slx has it on brakes. Can burn cranks with the smaller handles though. More used to 90 plus mm handles for few years now. If I had to get another one I'd buy a tatula. Can find them in same price as slx and lfs and better than curado and that micro gear BS. Destroyed 1 already. Lfs and slx xt still running good. But now I'm all diawa.with a few Lew's. To each their own. Can't lose either way but buy a tatula. They everywhere. I'd buy a

[@Nova-lz2yz]

For $10 more you could have had a Daiwa Fuego CT which is better overall than either an LFS or SLX and in recent months the BPS inshore reel is $99 which is an improved Pro Qualifier reel(very similar to an LFS) with some salt protection.

[@yaboytee]

I'm with the suggestion and appreciate the feedback. But of course spending more than $99 means we're no longer comparing $99 reels. BPS reels have been in my collection over the years, and most have been great, so I do appreciate that insight about the PQ.

[@Nova-lz2yz]

Ya Fuego is $109 so above your cut line but you bring up the Curado as an overall solution which is a $179 reel way above your cut line.

[@yaboytee]

@@Nova-lz2yz Amen; also explained my reasoning for mentioning it as I found both qualities I liked in each of these all within one reel versus having to choose between two depending on the job at hand. Followed up from my previous first impressions clip for the LFS when I mentioned I was going to buy another of which I liked more...as I said in this clip.

[@thequixoticangler3364]

Question. Upon looking inside both reels, which did you feel was better made?

[@yaboytee]

Man, that's tough to pinpoint since I feel like they're very different from a design and production perspective. As far as build quality, I really think the LFS was more mechanically refined but maybe because it's similar to other reels I've owned...whereas the SLX was my first Shimano casting reel and so everything about it was new in my mind, if that makes sense. I feel way more comfortable opening up the LFS for general maintenance and upkeep but that's more a reflection on me than the reels and their how they're made. I've bricked reels before when I was younger because I didn't give a shit and thought I didn't need a schematic to put them back together...and got humbled quickly.

[@thequixoticangler3364]

@@yaboytee I have 2 paperweights. 1 is an Abu 5600 bcx and the other is a Lew's Xfinity. 0-2 on reels to start. Batting 1.000 ever since. The Curado you have should look extremely different from the SLX. My primary complaint on the SLX is very simple. It's got wayyyy too much plastic on the inside. The no.1 cause of fatal failure on it is the plastic internal gears warping from friction. Until they fix this, a $10 fix, I'll avoid the SLX. To me it was an unnecessary money grab. You build yourself up to Shimano. They need to stick to making Ferraris, Lew's, a Shimano offshoot, has em covered below $180

[@robertbrandywine]

Definitely the LFS. It has a brass ratchet wheel. The SLX has a plastic one. I think, also, that the SLX has a plastic worm gear whereas the one on the LFS is the traditional metal.

[@thequixoticangler3364]

@@robertbrandywine yup. The slx is a toy reel. Extremely cheap.

[@jjbassing9044]

IMO Shimanos budget gear in the last few years has taken a serious downward spiral, SLX, Casitas, Sienna. I have two spin reels, a Shimano Sienna, and a Walmart Granite Outdoors. Both about $30. Ive had the granite outdoors reel for 5 years, the Shimano for about 3 months. If i handed you both reels, and told you how long i had them, but didnt specify which one was which, you would guess the shimano was 5 years old 100% of the time. lt just broke down FAST. So much noise, the spool sticks when reeling, horrible noises. Lews makes reels at a certain price point, and the LFS is not a budget reel to them where the SLX is to Shimano. And i whole heartedly believe that shows.

[@yaboytee]

Hey! That's some great insight and I appreciate you watching and sharing your feedback. I see where you're coming from...that's a legit point there about Lew's hitting the price point and SLX being the budget option. I'm slowly on a quest to figure out the budget gear options that still perform well for the weekend anglers out there, so I appreciate the added perspective.

[@jello8094]

Spinning daiwa legalis lt 4000 dc ...baitcasting daiwa tatula 100 xs ...if you need bigger & badder on the baitcasting side I'd go with a zillion ...but if you want a budget workhorse lews classic pro 55$ in the clamshell had 1 for almost 7 yrs never skipped a beat take care of it & it'll take care of you

[@thequixoticangler3364]

I work on reels and the slx is garbage internally. Not designed to last. Under $100 the Shimano Bass Rise or Caius is better. The Lew's Tournament MP LFS is a beast and only $20 more.

[@yaboytee]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@MF-Rell]

Yes, it is. I have one 6.8:1 on a 7'3 "heavy action, and I haven't lost 1 bass with. 40lb braid and 21lb Japanese copoly leader. Can't beat it.

[@thequixoticangler3364]

@@MF-Rell the MP? Ya I have the 5.6:1. My cranking horse. I also throw big swimbaits and ARigs with it. An excellent reel.

[@Cornelius798]

I'm disappointed with my SLX, I have the brakes off and the tension knob so loose that it wants to fall off. I've tried light line and casting distance isn't close to what I want even with a 7 foot medium action rod. My other Shimano reels work great maybe I bought a lemon?

[@yaboytee]

That definitely sounds like somethings going on with the internals. Have you opened it up to check and see if anything might be loose or otherwise not positioned correctly? Maybe pull the spool out and make sure the spool shaft itself isn't bent or fowled up in some way. The lemon factor is always a possibility but my understanding is Shimano takes quality control seriously so I'd hope they wouldn't let a dud leave the factory, but you never know.

[@Cornelius798]

@@yaboytee Thanks, I'll pull the spool out and give it a look. I agree, Shimano does take pride in their products I've used my reels and rod for many years never had a problem.

[@Cornelius798]

@@yaboytee Damn, I'm getting old I had all four brakes on!

[@yaboytee]

@@Cornelius798 Oh dang! Well, hey, could have been much more complex of an issue so that's a win in my book!

[@Cornelius798]

Thanks for the help I subscribed to your channel...tight lines!

[@hankstamper5525]

I love my lews

[@naanaa6843]

सर इसको खरीदने के लिए डायरेक्ट आपसे संपर्क हो सकता है क्या हम इंडिया से हैं ठीक है

[@davidalley7270]

Some of my Slx reels are noisy as hell, some are not. It's weird....

[@yaboytee]

I've been referring to mine as Helen Keller's Alarm Clock recently. In an endearing manner, of course.

[@knottywoodoutdoors4932]

Gosh now amazon gets $200 from me instead of $99 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@yaboytee]

Oh dang! It can definitely be like that sometimes...

[@russellkasprzyk4934]

Team Lews!

[@russellshepley3176]

Lews LFS all day !

[@Ddejejjfnjfjrjejmf]

Hi

[@thomasm9139]

Even the more expensive Shimano Tranx is noisy.

[@Tightt88]

Shimano is overrated. Especially with their spinning reels.

[@jackyang828]

video to long fell asleep

[@yaboytee]

This you? - 😴

[@michaelc.arnold8692]

You never did pick a reel.....total jibber jabber

[@yaboytee]

I still own and use both? And mentioned in this clip I use them for different purposes. Spend your money as you please. Please pay attention and/or kindly don't watch or comment on my content.

[@michaelc.arnold8692]

@@yaboytee the title implied that you where going to choose one....and you did not do that....like I said a lot of jibber jabber

[@yaboytee]

Can't please everybody, I guess. Have a good one, Mike. Don't forget to Like and Subscribe. Tell your friends.

[@MF-Rell]

I have an Slx XT, a LFS speed spool. And a Tournament MP. The XT is on a 6'9 medium F/A. LFS speed spool on 7'0 MH and the MP on 7'3 H. They all have their place but if I had to get one I'd get the Lew's tournament Pro LFS speed spool. They're on sale on BPS and they're a hair under an ounce lighter than the LFS speed spool. 🫡

[@yaboytee]

That's what's up! Appreciate the feedback.