originally posted on shopkarls.com
First, I didn't buy this reel from Karl's, but I wish I had. Great price. This is the third shimano dc reel that I've owned and, by far, the cheapest but it's just as smooth as my 16 Antares...and way cheaper (and newer). If you're looking to try out the future of reels....get it. Only downside, and this isn't really a downside if you haven't owned other DC's, is you don't get as much of the DC "zzzzzzzzzzz" when casting like my scorpion and Antares. Overall, I love this reel.
originally posted on Academy Sports + Outdoors
I am an avid female fisherman and received this reel as a birthday present a little over a year ago. I initially loved it because it would pull in the big boys with ease and had minimal backlash. BUT, without warning it quit reeling then casting. I take good care of my equipment especially when we pay $200.00 give or take for a reel. It was a big disappointment because it was the first Shimano that I owned and now this will be my last. My husband’s cheaper competitor combo is still working like a charm. I was so embarrassed because I bragged on the Shimano and ended up eating those words. I just expected the Shimano to last longer.
originally posted on Academy Sports + Outdoors
I was looking into replacing an old baitcaster which was used strictly for weightless flukes (Concept z) I thought the concept z was the best but apparently not. I was only able to cast flukes without backlash but that was it.I needed something to cast weightless flukes far and accurately. I'm still amazed how good the Slx xt is. I been casting ned rigs (3/8 oz) and jerk baits, it casts better than my finesse spinning set up and that's saying something.I'm using the Slx xt with a medium 6'6" casting rod with 10lbs mono. I wouldn't try casting anything smaller than 3/8. I was thinking about getting the Slx MGL 70 for small lures but when I tried them with the xt I decided not to.
| Ball Bearings | 4+1 |
| Ball Type | A-RB 4 Ball; 1 Roller |
| Drag | 12 Pounds |
| Drag Style | Star Drag |
| Gear Ratios | 8.2:1 |
First, I didn't buy this reel from Karl's, but I wish I had. Great price. This is the third shimano dc reel that I've owned and, by far, the cheapest but it's just as smooth as my 16 Antares...and way cheaper (and newer). If you're looking to try out the future of reels....get it. Only downside, and this isn't really a downside if you haven't owned other DC's, is you don't get as much of the DC "zzzzzzzzzzz" when casting like my scorpion and Antares. Overall, I love this reel.
I am an avid female fisherman and received this reel as a birthday present a little over a year ago. I initially loved it because it would pull in the big boys with ease and had minimal backlash. BUT, without warning it quit reeling then casting. I take good care of my equipment especially when we pay $200.00 give or take for a reel. It was a big disappointment because it was the first Shimano that I owned and now this will be my last. My husband’s cheaper competitor combo is still working like a charm. I was so embarrassed because I bragged on the Shimano and ended up eating those words. I just expected the Shimano to last longer.
I was looking into replacing an old baitcaster which was used strictly for weightless flukes (Concept z) I thought the concept z was the best but apparently not. I was only able to cast flukes without backlash but that was it.I needed something to cast weightless flukes far and accurately. I'm still amazed how good the Slx xt is. I been casting ned rigs (3/8 oz) and jerk baits, it casts better than my finesse spinning set up and that's saying something.I'm using the Slx xt with a medium 6'6" casting rod with 10lbs mono. I wouldn't try casting anything smaller than 3/8. I was thinking about getting the Slx MGL 70 for small lures but when I tried them with the xt I decided not to.
I was excited to try this after doing alot of research on different baitcast reels that claimed to eliminate/reduce backlash with their brand proprietary braking systems. This is quite an expensive reel and with that I had very high expectations that unfortunately were not met. I put this reel to the test with different size/weight lures and I had multiple backlashes that I felt shouldnt have occurred with a 199 dollar reel.I will say I did cast better and had more successful casts with this reel but I just didnt feel the price justified the purchase. It does feel like a quality built reel. I did end up returning this reel as it did not meet my expectations.
I own three Curado DC and purchased the SLX DC for my 8 year old son. He's wanting to be like Daddy and his big brother and use a baitcaster so I got him this and a Carbonlite 2.0 M for him for Christmas. I strung it up yesterday and cast it in the yard while he was out. It casts like a DC should. Once you get it adjusted right it is awesome...line comes off smoothly and the brake adjustment is great...especially if it is windy. This is a great way to introduce yourself to the DC platform without spending as much as a Curado DC. I prefer the Curado DC as it feels a bit smoother but you can't go wrong with the SLX DC.
Let me start by saying that this is a Solid Reel, Now I have to be Honest I kind of expected a little bit better "Casting Distance" than I was getting. Before anyone says anything, I have fished Baitcasters for a little over 20 years so it has nothing to do with user error. I have the external brakes set on 1 & I have thrown both 30lb. & 50lb. Braid on it and I'm just not really getting any Distance on my cast so my next solution is to try & throw Flouro on it. When I bought the Reel I completely broke it down & oiled it to make sure I was getting Peak Performance out of it. I own the Lew's Tournament Pro lfs & it throws much much much further and quite a bit smoother & both reels are around the same price so if anyone has any suggestions on how to get the DC ... MoreLet me start by saying that this is a Solid Reel, Now I have to be Honest I kind of expected a little bit better "Casting Distance" than I was getting. Before anyone says anything, I have fished Baitcasters for a little over 20 years so it has nothing to do with user error. I have the external brakes set on 1 & I have thrown both 30lb. & 50lb. Braid on it and I'm just not really getting any Distance on my cast so my next solution is to try & throw Flouro on it. When I bought the Reel I completely broke it down & oiled it to make sure I was getting Peak Performance out of it. I own the Lew's Tournament Pro lfs & it throws much much much further and quite a bit smoother & both reels are around the same price so if anyone has any suggestions on how to get the DC running close to the Tournament Pro I'm willing to try anything??? P.S. I'm not knocking Shimano, I love my Curado DC & Metanium but, for the Price & Performance I feel like Lews is kind of taking over...
This is an example of a company giving you more than you pay for. This reel is amazing for the price. Smooth casting, brake system, 7.2:1 ratio, Hagane body....it's really a lot of reel for the price. I matched mine to a Fenwick rod and will be using it for crankbaits, but really with that gear ratio it's the perfect all-around reel. I have purchased a second one to use with finesse baits. It fits comfortably in my hand and just plain performs cast after cast after cast. Buy one and be happy! #sweepstakes
This is my first baitcaster, so my review may be of interest to anyone new to the reel type or thinking of making the leap. I watched more than a few video, about baitcasters in general and the slx dc in particular. I recommend you do the same, as there is a wealth of information out there which will make your first experience more likely to be a positive one.The reel performed very well, even with my lack of experience and clumsy thumb work. Not a single birdsnest, and only a couple of mild fluffs which were easily straightened out. I did adjust the spool tension knob to allow for a slow drop of the lure/bait, as opposed to Shimanos instructions (which were to adjust the spool so that side to side motion has *just* been eliminated). I adjusted it everytime I ... MoreThis is my first baitcaster, so my review may be of interest to anyone new to the reel type or thinking of making the leap. I watched more than a few video, about baitcasters in general and the slx dc in particular. I recommend you do the same, as there is a wealth of information out there which will make your first experience more likely to be a positive one.The reel performed very well, even with my lack of experience and clumsy thumb work. Not a single birdsnest, and only a couple of mild fluffs which were easily straightened out. I did adjust the spool tension knob to allow for a slow drop of the lure/bait, as opposed to Shimanos instructions (which were to adjust the spool so that side to side motion has *just* been eliminated). I adjusted it everytime I switched out lures…and recommend you do the same. I started at level 4 braking on the setting dial (for beginners and windy conditions) and quickly switched over to setting 2, as the casting distance was pretty brutal with #4. I was really heaving it by the end of my first session, and the only thumb work I did was at the end of the cast just before the lure hit the water. With lures around 1/2 ounce or so and on setting #2 (for braid), I was able to get decent distance…although nowhere near my usual spinning reel distance (using the same rod specs, of course). I assume that with more practice, and a better casting technique, that it will gradually improve. All in all, I think this is a good way for a novice to enter the world of baitcasting and would recommend it to anyone looking to do so. Just keep in mind that, without the proper settings and understanding, this reel will birdsnest…so spend the time to educate yourself first if necessary.Now that I have had my first taste of DC baitcasting…I will take the next step up (JDM Scorpion, with the DC 5 system, as compared to the slx DC 4) and see how it compares.
Bought this reel in the 8: retrieve speed back before summer. I've used it all season now. The first thing I noticed is how far I could bomb my frog. Had 65lb x9 on and it's basically well rope, very thick line. After using it for frogging I switched it over to a buzzbait rod with 40lb power pro V2. It fired that 3\8oz buzzer very nicely. I enjoy the tuff black matte finish and the no frills look. For the money the reel is a gem. I am def looking into buying more dc style reels. If I had to mention a negative it would probably be that a few times when I was frogging and needed to horse a fish out of the pads or slop, I would notice the reel got hard to turn and made a sort of a dull grinding sound for a few turns then it was fine. I think it was from me trying to ... MoreBought this reel in the 8: retrieve speed back before summer. I've used it all season now. The first thing I noticed is how far I could bomb my frog. Had 65lb x9 on and it's basically well rope, very thick line. After using it for frogging I switched it over to a buzzbait rod with 40lb power pro V2. It fired that 3\8oz buzzer very nicely. I enjoy the tuff black matte finish and the no frills look. For the money the reel is a gem. I am def looking into buying more dc style reels. If I had to mention a negative it would probably be that a few times when I was frogging and needed to horse a fish out of the pads or slop, I would notice the reel got hard to turn and made a sort of a dull grinding sound for a few turns then it was fine. I think it was from me trying to force the reel against the drag but I'm not certain. Most times it would work as it should. I know the drag rating is relatively low and people have complained in other reviews. I am going to explore that grinding a little more before purchasing another dc. Even the$500dc reels have the same drag so it is what it is. Overall very very happy with the reel and would buy it over again for sure!
It casts farther than my reel that has custom ceramic bearings that I installed. Barely any effort to make a long cast. I set the lure weight knob so that when you release the bail the lure slowly falls, when it touches the ground the spool stops quickly. Set the brakes to 4, to make practice casts, then lowed brakes to 3 and it casts so far, why go any lower and risk a backlash. The casting distance on 3 exceeds my expectations and barely requires any thumbing at end of cast, sometimes not at all. It's great if your experienced with baitcasters and lose your touch after not casting in a while or a beginner. Try it, why would you ever want to go back to pins or magnets for braking.
| Ball Bearings | 4+1 |
| Ball Type | A-RB 4 Ball; 1 Roller |
| Drag | 12 Pounds |
| Drag Style | Star Drag |
| Gear Ratios | 8.2:1 |
The Shimano SLX DC puts unparalleled casting performance within every angler's reach! Step up to the next level of high-performance bait casting. Built on the same compact, rigid and versatile platform as the popular SLX bait casting reel, the SLX DC incorporates Shimano's unique DC Braking technology. This digital braking system utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times per second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash and maximize distance. Anglers of all skill levels will appreciate less thumbing and trouble-free casting in all conditions. With three gear ratios and a long powerful handle, SLX DC is ready for maximum tournament performance.
The Shimano SLX DC puts unparalleled casting performance within every angler's reach! Step up to the next level of high-performance bait casting. Built on the same compact, rigid and versatile platform as the popular SLX bait casting reel, the SLX DC incorporates Shimano's unique DC Braking technology. This digital braking system utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times per second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash and maximize distance. Anglers of all skill levels will appreciate less thumbing and trouble-free casting in all conditions. With three gear ratios and a long powerful handle, SLX DC is ready for maximum tournament performance.
The Shimano SLX DC puts unparalleled casting performance within every angler's reach! Step up to the next level of high-performance bait casting. Built on the same compact, rigid and versatile platform as the popular SLX bait casting reel, the SLX DC incorporates Shimano's unique DC Braking technology. This digital braking system utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times per second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash and maximize distance. Anglers of all skill levels will appreciate less thumbing and trouble-free casting in all conditions. With three gear ratios and a long powerful handle, SLX DC is ready for maximum tournament performance.
The Shimano SLX DC puts unparalleled casting performance within every angler's reach! Step up to the next level of high-performance bait casting. Built on the same compact, rigid and versatile platform as the popular SLX bait casting reel, the SLX DC incorporates Shimano's unique DC Braking technology. This digital braking system utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times per second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash and maximize distance. Anglers of all skill levels will appreciate less thumbing and trouble-free casting in all conditions. With three gear ratios and a long powerful handle, SLX DC is ready for maximum tournament performance.
