SLX vs Fuego CT for Frogging

[garroyo130]

Looking to set up a combo to throw into the thicker stuff. Which reel would be better suited for frogging/pitching/flipping?

All input appreciated. 

[MN Fisher]

You'll get people who say one, others who'll say the other.

 

One thing mostly common - FAST reel.

 

I use a Fuego CT in the 8.1:1 ratio.

[garroyo130]

Aside from a fast reel, anything else to look for/consider?

[MN Fisher]

Metal frame

SLX advertises as "Hagane" - which means 'steel' in Japanese...though I think it's probably aluminum for the weight

Fuego has an aluminum frame.

 

Any other metal-frame reels with a high IPT (inches of line retrieved per turn of the handle) - high gear ratio doesn't always give a high IPT

 

SLX - 8.2:1 ratio - 32IPT

Fuego - 8.1:1 ratio - 33.9IPT

 

Oh - in a pinch I could probably use my Pflueger President...7.3:1 ratio but 31IPT...but it's a 'plastic' frame reel, so probably not.

[johnD.]

I'm gonna say fuego , for the higher bearing count on the crankshaft. I had both , still own the fuego.

[garroyo130]

5 minutes ago, johnD. said:

I'm gonna say fuego , for the higher bearing count on the crankshaft. I had both , still own the fuego.

What made you ditch the SLX? 

[johnD.]

3 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

What made you ditch the SLX? 

I used it for flipping and it didn't last. Fuego and Tatulas are still going strong.

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, johnD. said:

Fuego and Tatulas are still going strong.

Since at their core, the Fuego CT and the Tatula CT are the same reel...I don't doubt it.

[johnD.]

1 minute ago, MN Fisher said:

Since at their core, the Fuego CT and the Tatula CT are the same reel...I don't doubt it.

Exactly.

[garroyo130]

5 minutes ago, johnD. said:

I used it for flipping and it didn't last. Fuego and Tatulas are still going strong.

Did the gears strip? What exactly happened? I havent heard of issues with SLX so I'm curious what to look out for. 

[johnD.]

7 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Did the gears strip? What exactly happened? I havent heard of issues with SLX so I'm curious what to look out for. 

Gears got rough , the reel was not smooth after a couple of months.

[swhit140]

I have 5 of the Fuego CT reels and have been very happy with mine. You can go 7:3:1 or 8:1:1, take your pick. 

[zell_pop1]

I have both a Fuego ct and a SLX. Both are great but I would pick the Fuego for the heavier line/lures for Froggin, and i would go 7.3-1 for gear ratio.

[ww2farmer]

1 hour ago, johnD. said:

I'm gonna say fuego , for the higher bearing count on the crankshaft. I had both , still own the fuego.

Same here. The SLX just didn't "do-it" for me. I'm sure it's a fine reel. I used mine for one full season, and sold it. I still have, and am buying more Fuego CT's

[kayaking_kev]

I have the SLX, SLX XT, SLX DC, but the Fuego CT is the one I bought in 8.1.1 gear ratio for frogging. I like the Fuego's external braking control better than the internal on the regular SLX and the handle does turn a lot more freely on the Fuego.

[Hammer 4]

8: 1...Diawa Fuego..Great reel.

[PourMyOwn]

I also own both and the Fuego is a better reel at the end of year 2 than the SLX was after 3 months. 

[garroyo130]

Wow ... Thanks to all of you for the insight. Everything seemed to tell me that the SLX and Fuego were basically equals but this thread has really shed some light on things. Maybe its time to ****** up some Fuegos while theyre still available. 

[Dangerfield]

I prefer the Fuego over the Tatula. I don't care for the shiny finish or the bearings in the handle. I bought both at the same time and the spinning the knobs is the same on both reels. (bearings v. bushings.)

 

I'll be buying Fuegos only going forward, super cheap reel that's deserves that underrate title.

[redmeansdistortion]

I just sold a few of my Ambassadeurs and replaced them with Fuegos.  I got one each in the 6.3, 7.3, and 8.1 ratios.  I still have plenty of cash left from the sale of my Abus so now I may go rod shopping next.  Am I turning into a Daiwa fanboy?  

[garroyo130]

3 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

I just sold a few of my Ambassadeurs and replaced them with Fuegos.  I got one each in the 6.3, 7.3, and 8.1 ratios.  I still have plenty of cash left from the sale of my Abus so now I may go rod shopping next.  Am I turning into a Daiwa fanboy?  

You don't have any 5.5:1 fuegos? ?

[MN Fisher]

6 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

Am I turning into a Daiwa fanboy?  

I'm halfway there - 2 Fuegos, a President and a Supreme are my current BC lineup

2 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

You don't have any 5.5:1 fuegos? 

I don't know if I'd want a 5-speed reel...though if I wanted to try it again, I've got my old Ambassaduer 500R sitting around...5.3:1

[redmeansdistortion]

2 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I don't know if I'd want a 5-speed reel...though if I wanted to try it again, I've got my old Ambassaduer 500R sitting around...5.3:1

The 6.3 Fuego brings in the same amount of line per turn as a 5.3 Ambassadeur, about 26".

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

The 6.3 Fuego brings in the same amount of line per turn as a 5.3 Ambassadeur, about 26".

You talking a near 30 year old 500R, or a newer Ambassaduer?

[Tizi]

I love my Fuegos.  I also have a few SLX reels, but not for frogging.  For frogging, I use the Fuego CT in 8.1:1.  Another option is the Tatula 100 or 150.