SLX Baitcaster Showdown! (SLX Reel Guide)

[@CrackingBass]

Really like the idea of a series of reel guides comparing the models through lines from different brands! I picked up the SLX MGL 70 last winter, love the dang thing.

[@DEBOSFishing]

It's a great reel!

[@robertmay4103]

Thanks! You convinced me I do not need to buy another baitcasting reel. I thought I was missing out not having one of the Shimano SLX series. The reels I have work just fine for me with minimal backlash. Buying tackle is a sickness for me. You saved me $100-$200.

[@Oldbasshole]

You can never have enough tackle !!!

[@scottvermonter920]

The Mgl70 is my Favorite!!

[@travisla1217]

Good to hear, just ordered one the other day on sale from ALF!!

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Yes! ALF has leftie mgl70 for $99! Killer deal, bought 2

[@julianhung8768]

@@DavidBronstein1961 what is ALF?

[@DavidBronstein1961]

@@julianhung8768 American Legacy Fishing. Great site for new and used tackle. But that SLX sale is over.

[@BrockNessMonster1991]

@@julianhung8768- American Legacy Fishing

[@BPinney]

I have the SLX DC XT 71. Amazing little reel.

[@nicholasnehrbauer9441]

I have the MGL and I love it. I use 10 lbs floro on it for finesse jigs, flukes, jerk baits, wacky rigs, shakey heads. It’s on a 6’9” medium power fast action rod. It’s the first rod I pick up and take everywhere.

[@DavidBronstein1961]

What brand fluoro do you use?

[@HawkFishingandOutdoors]

If I could pick any reel that wasn't my Curado MGL, I'd pick the standard SLX because it's so incredibly light. I have bought like 6 of them over the last few years, only lost 2 in the lake so far! I'd recommend that reel to absolutely anyone. Good vidya my dude!

[@GFWoodchuck]

Only lost two? I've never lost any reels at all. Lol

[@randallmiller572]

I have all of them and the XT and 70 MGL are my favorites!

[@rvfishingyet]

Always welcome you reviewing an entire line in a brand. Curado is a great line and look forward to your video!

[@willtrax71]

Man I HAD an original SLX I got secondhand on your recommendation and you were 100% correct my friend, I loved that Reel and it was the smoothest Reel and easiest casting I think I’ve ever used and I’m trying to get another one before this Spring or the XT maybe. I’m glad to see you doing the Reel to Reels again.

[@cjsfishing1494]

Step up to the XT. You won’t regret it. The SVS Infinity brakes are much better

[@willtrax71]

@@cjsfishing1494 I really do want to get the XT and have that little more fine tuning.

[@PaytonHatfield86]

Also I would REALLY love this walkthru on the curado and diawa reels, too. I think there's a lot of confusion in naming conventions etc that make things harder than they have to be.

[@1ingigo2]

Me, too!

[@aggietommyjones]

I’ve never been into BFS any more than you have. Really it’s been just wanting to throw those sub 1/4oz cranks, jerkbaits, and small top waters. But that SLX BFS looks SLEEK. Shimano has to know they would kill it selling those. I’m willing to bet they’re on the way at some point in the next 2 years

[@keepinitsidwys]

Started off with the OG SLX and loved it, added bearing to replace the bushings and man is that a reel. So I bought a friend's very lightly used currado 70 2016 or 2017 model and have nothing but problems with it. Got if for jerkbaits, and light crank baits but every trip the drag come loose just from the house to the car to the water, even spot to spot so my eyes have been on the slx 70 mgl as a replacement and almost pulled the trigger after my last outing but glad I didn't now knowing there is a new model soon.

[@910Volcomsnow]

The slx was my very first baitcaster and I love it, still in rotation after 4 years! Since then I’ve added 1 more slx, 2 SLX A, and 6 SLX 71 mgl. The 71 mgl is my favorite, so light, smooth and cast a mile. Heck I even prefer the OG SLX over my JDM Scorpion DC.

[@Fisherman_83]

I remember when I bought my first Curado dc. Bought 2 of them a few years ago on Black Friday for 200 bucks a piece. Then bought the slx dc on sale for 150. Both models are great

[@xibfwmz]

Gotta say slx is one of best affordable reels our, can't go wrong with any if them, I personally love the dc xt 71

[@redbeard6606]

Man what a great walk through, Debo. I’ve been looking for a new reel leaning towards the Shimano or a Daiwa. Good info.

[@Kolb_FB]

Just picked up the slx 2023 version and I love it. I got it dialed in super quick. No problem casting in wind or anything. My first shimano I usually use lews. By far the best reel I have used and quickest and easiest to dial in.

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Thanks Debo for going over all the different models and features. Don’t own any of the SLX series. And Digitaka definitely sends there quickly!

[@benwilkey2060]

I have 3 of the SLX reels, one in each gear ratio with the 7.2:1 being the DC. I have enjoyed them all but the magnetic brakes on similarly priced Lews and Abu Garcia products are definitely friendlier overall. I use the DC on my frog rod, but the others have mostly been used for flipping applications where brakes play far less of a factor. I’d be snagging that 70 MGL at American Legacy right now if a 200 or a 300 sized reel wasn’t my top gear priority! Great summary on the whole lineup! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@SangamonOutdoors]

My man! I just bought the SLX, MGL 71 left handed!!! Planning on it being my small cranking reel

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

That's what I use mine for, it's great for cranking.

[@frankcornacchia8637]

I just picked up the SLX 8:2 on eBay for a really good price, look forward to getting it on the water this spring. I would love to see a video comparing some of the older Curados with the newer ones. Love the gear talk!

[@johngoss3997]

My first baitcaster was an SLX combo in large part thanks to your $99 reel review series a few years back

[@fishingfootballfishing1704]

The MGL 70 is the one I use the most but I have a few other slx and slx xt’s in different gear ratios and they all work well with how I have them set up. Would love to see a comparison of the Diawa line (I think I saw an older video you did awhile back?). Haven’t bought a Diawa baitcasting reel yet but they’re next. Keep the great content coming Debo!

[@trxole3983]

Just bought the SLX DC yesterday and I am in love with it. Whole different experience from using my regular SLX. Have some 20lb mono on it (usually run 25-30lb braid on my reels) and even with the mono it is a beast of a reel.

[@nedfest]

I have a DC that I bought last fall but haven't tried it yet. As a newish bait caster guy I would love to see a series on all the different brands. So far I love the my Tatula and my two quantum's get the job done.

[@parrothead5977]

I picked up a Scorpion last year. It’s so smooth I love it. $270 best real and most expensive in my line up. Funny the next smoothest and longest lasting reel I have is a Pinnacle from Walmart. I’ve had it for about 20 years it was $50. Crazy but it’s a work horse. Throw my larger swim baits on it.

[@dyingslowly666]

id love for you to break down more reels like this Lews for sure

[@Oldbasshole]

Agreed

[@DEBOSFishing]

I can definitely do that!

[@eng62ine]

I’m fortunate enough to have an SLX and a few Curado’s. I’d love to see a Curado lineup!

[@kalecastaneda]

Great video!! I started with the slx then went to the xt and I just got the slx mgl. I haven’t put line on the mgl yet but I’m excited to try it. Thanks again Debo!

[@ahastar1141]

When I was exclusively bank fishing my DC reel was my favorite. It was the longest caster and it was nice to be able to switch to different sized baits and not have to do a ton of adjustment . I had the scorpion so I didn’t get the beauiful dc sound, but still was and is my favorite. Might look at an slx to get another one

[@Cornelius798]

I love my SLX XT 151 HG, smooth casting. Paired up with TFO Professional 6' 6" medium heavy.

[@playajay31]

Love all my SLX's just picked up a Curado DC for this season !

[@AlwaysApproved]

had many slx reels. multiple standard slx150s, mgl, jdm slx dc. the slx mgl is by far my favorite. I put boca bearings in that thing and it will whip any bait (in my arsenal anyway) a country mile. have many more expensive reels from shimano and daiwa, and the mgl is my favorite reel that I own. have bad wrists and the comfort in hand is amazing. zero fatigue hours of fishing. shimano killed it on this one and I'm looking forward to the new mgl with the mgl 3 spool

[@mikem8502]

I’m a shimano fanboy. I own several Curados and several Scorpions and I also own the first SLX. It’s a fantastic little reel for the price and at $100 it can’t be beat.

[@awesomeozzycat9953]

Very informative Debo! Great walk through the lineup. I love the Slx-dc it's so easy. You just talked me into slx mgl 70. Thank you sir.

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

It's on sale for 100$ now

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Here’s my SLX journey: bought the DC because I was fairly new to baitcasting. Definitely helps with the learning curve. Once I had the hang of it, I bought a Curado MGL 70. Great reel. And I just bought a leftie SLX MGL 70 on ALF for $99. Killer deal. For beginners who can’t pony up the $200 for SLX DC, don’t sweat it: as Debo said, Daiwa reels are very easy to dial in. Tatula CT $150 a good option. If T-wing not your thing, you can save even more $ and go with Fuego. I have no experienced with the regular SLX but IMHO I would not recommend a baitcaster without an external adjustment knob to a noobie.

[@ErbsSpices]

I think the SLX XT is great value for the money. Would love to see the Curado review, 150 MGL has been my favorite reel yet.

[@richardblake4777]

Would love to see you do a Curado video. Thanks Debo.

[@joelavila3588]

Like always, Great educational video DEBO. I would like to see the breakdown on curado reels. Tight lines and til next time

[@victorsimonsen921]

have a couple of the first gen. slx like them alot like the six pin brakes closest thing to the old e curados that u can get now . i would like to see you do the curado line up. thanks for sharing.

[@garthokna7089]

I picked up a Scorpion 150DC XG last year. My Lew's and Abu's aren't even close to the quality of the Scorpion but having to order it from Japan I rarely bring it out, too worried about dropping it in the water. Really looking at getting a SLX DC so I can use it more often. I'm just over the river from you in Illinois, I like the DC for the windy days we get.

[@MoMan.88]

I have the SLX MGL 70 and the Curado 150 MGL love both!!

[@2873lonewolf]

Would enjoy a Curado video too. Could do a Daiwa CC80 to Elite or Zillion, whatever you have availability of reels for. If I had that available when I got back into fishing, it would have made a huge difference. Understanding what you get within a certain brands line.

[@DEBOSFishing]

Daiwa vid coming soon!

[@2873lonewolf]

@@DEBOSFishing Don't threaten me with a good time...ha ha

[@chrisrus53]

Minner spin!!!! While I prefer my Daiwa stuff, I have been pretty happy with my SLX XT. I do have to watch the drag pretty close. I think I need to replace the curved washers. Great comparison video. Would love to see a Tatula comparison. CT to Elite.

[@134rwa]

My first DC reel was the Curado, I really like this reel, but still considering the SLX DC.

[@PaytonHatfield86]

I really appreciate this walkthrough!

[@kirkblackadar7299]

Really enjoyed the Reel series rundown Debo. See ya Saturday bud

[@anthonyreeder8283]

My favorite Slx is the XT but it’s the only one I have time in with. I want to try the MGL! But I recently did get the Curado 150 MGL!

[@1ingigo2]

yes, would like to see your updated revamped vids. Beginner here.

[@losingbigfish9473]

Great video my favorite two that I have is the XT and I have a SLX 71 DC what is awesome can’t wait for the next video

[@oregonsmalljaw3732]

The funnest thing I have found for BFS is a T- rig Baby Rage Craw with 1/8 oz tungsten bullet weight. Pitch it around and hold on.

[@jimholliman2822]

Great video Debo. I didn't catch it until May 5. I needed your information about setting the spool tension on the SLX DC. Now I know why I'm having trouble with my brand new SLX XT DC. It's a 70 size reel. I'd hoped it would be a 150. Oh well. I only started bass fishing about a year ago. It's gone very poorly for me. I still living under the skunk. That's an interesting phrase being skunked. We didn't use it where I grew up in Wyoming and Montana. I've had a terrible time learning how to cast a bait casting reel. I hope this new reel helps me learn.

[@jessemaldonado9052]

Keep up the grate content Debo. Love product reviews, maybe you can go over different types of line for a video.

[@AlaconTV]

The SLX MGL becomes a monster with a new reel bearings, but even without I think it's one of the best reels for the money. After having most of these reels I've found that I like the size of the 150 slx over my curados.

[@jimmcculloch5825]

I would like to hear your comments on whether a different casting stroke is needed for BFS.

[@retflo2583]

Love the back to basics vids, good reminders and pick up a few tricks too. I have the SLX BFS, just love it.

[@veryangrydodo2376]

Is it worth it I’ve been wanting one

[@retflo2583]

@@veryangrydodo2376 Yep, very fun, works great

[@seanleau]

Yes, curado review please.

[@bobstigler]

yes more gear reviews

[@ephraim6095]

Hey DEBO, as always, great video. But I’d love to see a video on the Curado reels and Diawa reels. Maybe compare the two, or a deep dive into each.

[@robkiltie6481]

Would love to see your thoughts on the curado mgl70.

[@marcanzlovar72]

Debo, I have many SLXs, and only one SLX XT. I like the XT the best, but zero complaints. I want to try the MGL, and see what’s up with that, cause in ponds , I need the extra distance to cover water. I’m curious your thoughts on the Seviin bait caster. Thank you

[@jasonisham9948]

Have the slx xt on an slx rod. My first baitcaster was a daiwa exceler. Love the slx. Perfect for my do it all baitcaster.

[@jvfishingfever]

Great video Debo's! My line up started with the regular STX from there Curado 150 MGL, then STX 70 DC, then Curado BFS and finally STX 70 MGL. I really like them all but as far as the STX I would have to say the STX 70 DC! I would like to see the Curado line up and your take on them! Thanks for the videos!

[@Fether_outdoors]

I picked up a JDM slx dc 70 haven't played with it too much but looking forward to putting it through the tests!

[@denym7774]

Debo be careful I've heard when using mono or fluorocarbon on bfs spools it can deform the spool if it gets too tight. I try to use light braid to leader. By the way love your content keep up the good work.

[@andrewtremper8453]

Yes, please do a curado line up review 🙏🏻

[@brianlee9074]

Great review Debo. I have the slx DC and love it. Yes please to the Curado review. Thanks man. ✌️🎣

[@willtrax71]

You know I would like to see a more detailed Fluorocarbon Line Video. I was having sone horrible casting issues because I didn’t know that new Flouro should be stretched across the yard or wherever to take the memory out and once I did that it was amazing and I Love that P Line now.

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

After you spool it up, pull out the spool and run it under hot water. Helps to change memory from the packaging spool to the reels.

[@willtrax71]

@@tims_always_fishing7117 that seems easier than tying it to a fence post and walking it out and stretching lol

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

@wtrax7194 ya I figured I'd help you out asap lol

[@Jason-416]

Get some kVD line conditioner and that would help you as well

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

@@Jason-416 even adding actual hair conditioner to a cup of HOT water

[@pcheek68]

SLX DC was my first reel over $100, and it was worth it. Then I got a Curado mgl 70. Sweet reel. I was given a $99 SLX and in my opinion it lacks the Consistency of the $99 LFS.

[@pi55bier]

Hey Debo! Can you do a video on the Daiwa Tatula series? There's so many of em!

[@SJBassin]

Great video and honest opinion of them. I own the SLX DC and it is a well built reel, BUT, I find the DC part really unnecessary and would rather have had 2 of the original SLX reels for the same price. Also at the lake we call that DC sound the Dbag alert lol. And i'll let you figure out the why of that. SLX is a great reel for the price EXCEPT the DC imo. Thanks for the video and keep em coming.

[@ZzGHOSTzZ29]

That slx mgl is awesome I throw a 5gram jig with a little double tail grub on 12lb and I can spoil it cast amazing

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

Sweet dude! Love that SLX MGL best bang for your buck. Not bad for a hundred dollar reel. I haven’t tried the 21 SLX BFS but i do have the Curado BFS, and love it. I use 6lb 131 G-Core to a 4 or 5lb leader. I can bomb lures on that thing. Thanks Debo!

[@danielhedrick9917]

My favorite still is the comparison of reels at same price point, I still use that series, 100 price point. Would love to see updates to that, or comparing 125 or 150 or 200 cost reels or a 50 or 100 comparison series for spinning reels

[@DEBOSFishing]

I can definitely make those happen!

[@justgreg8270]

loved the comparisons, currently saving some of my tip money to get a "free" regular slx to replace my old bmag 1000 handmedown from probably the 80"s

[@nicksandrof9345]

I have several SLX 71 MGL’s and a few Curado MGL’s plus one Curado DC. Value wise it has to be the SLX 71, I can bomb lipless cranks on a glass rod. My least favorite is the DC but I’ll have to try not thumbing it. Thanks for that tip! I can backlash that real pretty badly.

[@wahfuls112]

I bought the original SLX when it first came out, trying to decide which SLX I want to buy. Great video, thanks for the info :) Tight Lines

[@mattadams3721]

I’ve got most of the SLX’s and some curado’s… the $99 Slx is my favorite of all of them. My father used my $99 Slx, and two weeks later he had replaced all of his current reels with the $99 slx

[@johnwis23]

Awesome video. Been waiting years for it lol.

[@loganshippell8961]

Debo, if possible could you do this same guide for the curado’s love my Slx xt and Dc but would love to get that next level reel. Thanks

[@yo-bass-cat4027]

Going to need to see the curado line up. I’ve got a couple Japan made ones and a couple green ones they are awesome also the new one has the mgl spool already in it at $200

[@stevesmith7164]

Good video Debo 🤛 my first 99 dollar baitcaster reel a Diawia exceler 😊

[@farrzmd3038]

I have 2 slx because they can’t be beat for $80 (sale price). I use them on my all purpose rods. My favorite in slx lineup is the 70 MGL. It’s an unbelievable reel that is a caster plus the smaller spool is nice for skipping jigs. It’s my go to everyday reel. …. SLX 70 MGL and the Curado 150 MGL are best two reels out there.

[@bidkid2020]

I just got my SLX DC 151 HG summer and it seems to be when you cast it. it don't seem to want to go out very far I have my brakes set when you push the button the lure will slowly fall to the floor it's like when I cast something is holding it back but I know the brake is not set incorrectly any help you give me would be greatly appreciated and yes I very much enjoyed your show sir look forward to your next video

[@DEBOSFishing]

I would loosen up the spool tension a tad. You may also need to switch settings on the side dial to see what works best with the line you're using.

[@NStone90]

I've only got two slxs, I enjoy the DC from crankbaits, but the mgl70 is probably the better option for it as well as jerkbaits.

[@paulbrownjr8676]

Just picked up the 70 mgl, could you get a review out on that one when you get a chance. Thanks Debo

[@Dj.fishing084]

Was thinking about getting an slx for my girlfriends first baitcaster. I wanted to get her the lfs because that's what I started with but he insisted it has to be blue or purple

[@gmanpeesquad]

This was exactly the video I needed! Thank you sir, want to make the investment but with all the variations its hard to navigate whats going to be the best for me

[@DaveWashburn]

Hey Debo, at the $99 price range I was torn between the SLX & the Tatula. Have heard nothing but good things about both. I went with the Tatula. Love it! The SLX will be next for me. These breakdowns are great. Excellent job👊

[@b.l4365]

For 99 bucks. You prob made the right decision. But if you add a bit more. You can prob get some way better. Like the Metanium 16. It’s around 140-170 dollars now. Great reel!

[@DaveWashburn]

@@b.l4365 thanks! I appreciate that.

[@NedRigNerd]

Never used Shimano. But I'm definitely thinking about getting the New SLX 70 that's coming out.

[@910Volcomsnow]

That’s why the 70mgl has been on sale. Was a steal at $112.99 and a week later they are at $99.99 over at American Legacy

[@jjgolden4230]

Bought one of the mgl 70s. Can't wait to try it.

[@markduffey]

I still don't have my SLX DC dialed in. A video on that would be awesome.

[@jnorman975]

Yes to curado video!

[@howardpfister9907]

I love the Shimano SLX DC reel 😊

[@alexroldan8971]

Please do a curado line up. I’d appreciate it. Keep up the good work 🤙🏼

[@andreaslarsson8960]

Great video, really good way to make it simple to compare the reels. A stx mgl it is!👍

[@All_is_Outdoors]

Great Video! Really appreciate your content! You always kill it!

[@jimmcculloch5825]

Thanks Debo. What rod were you using with the BFS?

[@Katts-N-bass]

I've never used a shimano before which one should I go for.

[@lstaples007]

So the SLX 70 DC XT is a Japan release but it is built on a smaller frame it has the MGL 3 spool and also has the ID5 latest DC tech for like $210