Which Bait Cast Reel : Daiwa Fuego CT vs. Shimano SLX ?

[ChrisD46]

Both above reels  are close in price - which one do you select and please list reasons why ?

[kayaking_kev]

Fuego has external brakes, but weighs about an ounce more. The SLX has internal only, but is lighter and is smaller in the hands. I'm not a big fan of internal brakes only, but I like the SLX size better. I also seem to personally cast the SLX easier.

 

The one time I would choose the Fuego, would be for a heavier rod such as a frog setup. But, I wouldn't ever buy another regular SLX again, I would much rather get a used SLX XT for less than $100 or even better a SLX MGL 70. *** usually has SLX XT in their Used section for under $100 and everything I've ever ordered used from them was in pretty much new condition. Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter to get 10% off, if you go that route.

 

I own a SLX DC, SLX MGL 70 & SLX XT, and the MGL 70 is my favorite. I sold my regular SLX and Fuego, but I'm most likely going to buy another Fuego this week for a Heavier rod I just built, so let me know if you find a good deal on one.

[Reel]

SLX.  I like the VBS system

[swhit140]

I'd choose a Tatula CT instead of the Fuego CT. It is a better overall reel compared to the Fuego in my opinion. If you look around enough you can find a good deal for the Tatula CT. I've used Daiwa & Shimano reels, but all I own now are Daiwa's, just personal preference. 

 

 

 

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, swhit140 said:

I'd choose a Tatula CT instead of the Fuego CT. It is a better overall reel compared to the Fuego in my opinion. If you look around enough you can find a good deal for the Tatula CT. I've used Daiwa & Shimano reels, but all I own now are Daiwa's, just personal preference. 

 

 

 

 

Slight problem with your choice of reels.  The handles are on the wrong side! 

[Hook2Jaw]

I own Fuego CTs and my brother owns SLXs, and they're both excellent reels.  I feel the SLX wins in a distance battle and the Fuego CT does a better job of controlling the cast.  I feel the Fuego CT is built tougher, but that's probably just opinion.  It feels like a more solid offering than the SLX.  On the flip side, the SLX palms exceptionally well -- so well, that as a Daiwa guy, it feels foreign to me.  The CT drag feels better, but the SLX feels like the smoother reel of the two.

 

Rather than offer you an answer, here are my thoughts about both reels.  I hope it helps you make your own informed decision. 

[Eric 26]

11 hours ago, kayaking_kev said:

Fuego has external brakes, but weighs about an ounce more. The SLX has internal only, but is lighter and is smaller in the hands. I'm not a big fan of internal brakes only, but I like the SLX size better. I also seem to personally cast the SLX easier.

 

The one time I would choose the Fuego, would be for a heavier rod such as a frog setup. But, I wouldn't ever buy another regular SLX again, I would much rather get a used SLX XT for less than $100 or even better a SLX MGL 70. *** usually has SLX XT in their Used section for under $100 and everything I've ever ordered used from them was in pretty much new condition. Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter to get 10% off, if you go that route.

 

I own a SLX DC, SLX MGL 70 & SLX XT, and the MGL 70 is my favorite. I sold my regular SLX and Fuego, but I'm most likely going to buy another Fuego this week for a Heavier rod I just built, so let me know if you find a good deal on one.

I agree with everything said. I own both  a Tatula CT & a SLX and find both extremely capable. If you’re someone who adjusts your brakes often or likes precision braking you will probably like the Fuego better. On the other hand the SLX is very comfortable and with the beetle wing side plate the SLX is easy enough to adjust.

[Bankc]

Fuego CT.  Nothing wrong with an SLX.  But I am of the opinion that the Magforce Z and Air Brake braking systems are the best ever invented for BC reels.  Then again, I fish in a lot of windy weather, so there's no such thing as a "set and forget" brake for me.  If the brake isn't externally adjustable, it's disqualified.  

 

Even the SVS Infinity isn't as nice as the Magforce Z, in my opinion.  But that's just my opinion.

[swhit140]

5 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

 

Slight problem with your choice of reels.  The handles are on the wrong side! 

Hey watch it! Unless I lose an arm I'm staying with what I use.?

[zell_pop1]

20 hours ago, Reel said:

SLX.  I like the VBS system

Me too it is what I am use to. I have a Fuego CT and Tatula CT also and I like them but prefer the SLX.

[ChrisD46]

On 1/13/2021 at 2:56 PM, Bankc said:

Fuego CT.  Nothing wrong with an SLX.  But I am of the opinion that the Magforce Z and Air Brake braking systems are the best ever invented for BC reels.  Then again, I fish in a lot of windy weather, so there's no such thing as a "set and forget" brake for me.  If the brake isn't externally adjustable, it's disqualified.  

 

Even the SVS Infinity isn't as nice as the Magforce Z, in my opinion.  But that's just my opinion.

*My conditions mirror yours , so I would prefer better control with less possibility of backlashing versus distance . I switched to Daiwa spinning reels and have been happy with the quality / features at that $140 and under price point so I would expect the same with either the Fuego CT or Tatula CT .

[Bluebasser86]

I have not used an SLX, or any Shimano baitcaster since the Curado I, but the Fuego CT is a great reel. I can cast them plenty far, rarely get any kind of backlash, and never have to mess with the brakes unless I really want to fine tune it to a certain bait.