All categories/Fishing/Baitcasting Reels/Shimano/Shimano SLX DC
Shimano SLX DC

Shimano SLX DC

Based on 112 comments across 4 communities
TL;DR
A digitally braked baitcaster widely recommended to beginners for casting far with almost no backlash; the higher price versus the standard SLX is the main hesitation.
What 112 owners say
592 comments reviewed · scored on the 112 clearest verdicts
81%
Recommend
91 owners
10%
Neutral
11 owners
9%
Don't recommend
10 owners
Source
Breakdown
Score
N
Counted in the score
Reddit
81%
111
Independent blogsino affiliate links
100%
1
Reviewed, but not counted — and why
YouTubei
93%
30
Affiliate blogsipaid commission
100%
2
Affiliate blogs here say 100% recommend, while the owner-based score is 81%. They earn a commission on every sale — so we show them for transparency but never let them move the score.

The headline score reflects owners (Reddit, enthusiast forums), independent lab tests, and blogs with no affiliate links. YouTube and affiliate blogs are shown for perspective but kept out — hover the i for why.

Top quotes, sourced

592 reviewed · 144 shown
Sentiment
Community
Sort
YouTube▲ recommend

i got it and i have it completely open and it's fine

Reddit— neutral

I have a sub 100 dollar lews reel that casts almost as nice as my 200 dollar shimano slx dc

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I like it way way better than my Shimano SLX DC too! So buttery smooth I spread it on my toast. No bird nest even in high winds.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

The thing has lasted longer than my Shimano SLX DC.

YouTube▲ recommend

I've had no problems with it , caught monsters with it especially frogging

Reddit— neutral

I'm new to my baitcasting setup. got the shimano slx dc reel. the only backlash i've had on there was something similar. luckily i caught it pretty quick

YouTube— neutral

I have this reel, and haven't had any problems! But I will say, it won't cast any light lures far!

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

the Daiwa Fuego! It's my favorite reel and i own top end Tatulas and a Shimano SLX DC. I'd imagine it's the best $100 you can spend on a casting reel.

YouTube▲ recommend

Bruhhh these reels are fine

Reddit— neutral

I also have the shimano slx DC that casts a city mile and is better at skipping. However I do like the feel of the tatula a lot more and I feel like I have better control with it.

YouTube▲ recommend

I absolutely love mine. I can cast mine a country mile and have never had an issue with backlash.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I have both a shimano slx dc and a diawa tatula 100 and I will recommend the tatula ever single time. I got caught fishing in the rain once and it screwed up my dc braking for a good month or two.

Reddit— neutral

I run 30 Lb braid on my shimano SLX DC and I do get the occasional backlash. I want to say it’s my line because it’s some cheap Amazon line but jeez I never backlash with flouro.

YouTube▲ recommend

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

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I have two Shimano SLX DC reels and you’re basically paying $200 for a $100 reel. It’s just the regular SLX with a DC chip. The are not at all as durable as the Curado series.

YouTube▲ recommend

It’s great the reel had no problems

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I have a piscifun baitcaster reel and prefer it over my shimano slx dc, I call it my work horse.

Reddit— neutral

I have a Daiwa Tatula sv TW, a shimano slx dc and a lews speed spool military green from a 100 dollar combo and the lews holds up well against them.

Reddit— neutral

Shimano SLX DC works pretty much the same. I have other baitcasters that work just as well. I honestly just like the sound the dc’s make.

Reddit▲ recommend

I have my shimano slx dc paired with a TFO TFD power 1 (think mini musky rod) and the reel is pretty versatile, the rods rated for 1/2-2oz but I’m still throwing weightless and 1/4 lures.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I have 3 of them I use 1 daily even with a Shimano slx dc I prefer my monarch most times.

Reddit— neutral

The knot just keeps banging against the narrow level wind (using a shimano slx dc reel). I even had an alberto knot loosen itself once!!

Reddit▲ recommend

And before you ask. Yes. The DC is worth it. It's so satisfying to bomb baits on .

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

Got the Shimano slx DC and honestly I like my Bass Pro Johnny Morris Platinum alot more.

Showing 124 of 144