Shimano SLX Glass Rods

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

I bought the 7-4 MH glass SLX for chatterbaits and I think it’s the best glass rod at that price point. Wondering if anyone has any experience with the 7-2 or 7-0 glass models. I throw 3/8oz and 1/2oz Jackhammers 99% of the time and a 1/2oz is pretty much spot on. How do the 7-2 and 7-0 compare to the 7-4? I’d like something a little on the lighter side that might be better suited for a 3/8oz. I’ve also experimented with the Mini Max. I’ve only tried the 1/2oz model, but a slightly lighter rod would be great for these when you want to scale down your presentation. Thanks in advance for any input!

[DomQ]

7'4 glass rod is a fun rod to use. The SLX line of rods feel great. 

[HaydenS]

3 hours ago, DomQ said:

The SLX line of rods feel great.

Agreed, I’ve got the 7’2 H graphite SLX casting rod, for flippin and big swimbaits.  Great quality rod for the $89 I paid for it.  The 7’4 is probably a little stiffer than the 7, with a faster taper, so it might be better for getting a good hookset with a thicker chatterbait hooks.

My frog rod is a 7’6 MH, but is more like a heavy(Not an Shimano Rod).  My 7’ graphite rods  are noticeably less stiff than the 7’6.

So, I’d use the 7’4 for thicker hooks, and the 7’ for slimmer hooks, although either could do the job imo.  

 

Not sure if this helps at all, just my $.02.

[ATA]

Couple days ago I had question about glass rods(

), And at the end I purchased 7'2" SLX glass rod. I am sure it will be a good one according to reviews, Plus the price is very cheap.

[FishinBuck07]

I was hoping to hear some positives about these rods!  I plan on buying the 7'2" to throw medium diving cranks on this next season.  

[Fishin Dad]

On 1/10/2022 at 6:50 AM, Big_Easy_Bassin said:

I bought the 7-4 MH glass SLX for chatterbaits and I think it’s the best glass rod at that price point. Wondering if anyone has any experience with the 7-2 or 7-0 glass models. I throw 3/8oz and 1/2oz Jackhammers 99% of the time and a 1/2oz is pretty much spot on. How do the 7-2 and 7-0 compare to the 7-4? I’d like something a little on the lighter side that might be better suited for a 3/8oz. I’ve also experimented with the Mini Max. I’ve only tried the 1/2oz model, but a slightly lighter rod would be great for these when you want to scale down your presentation. Thanks in advance for any input!

Nice review!  I am also looking for another chatterbait rod.  This is on the list.  Is the rod a little to powerful for 1/2 oz. chatterbaits?  It is only rated for 3/8-3/4 which is not really very heavy.  A 1/2 oz. chatterbait with trailer is almost maxing that rating out.  Thanks for any info.

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

On 1/16/2022 at 2:27 PM, Fishin Dad said:

Nice review!  I am also looking for another chatterbait rod.  This is on the list.  Is the rod a little to powerful for 1/2 oz. chatterbaits?  It is only rated for 3/8-3/4 which is not really very heavy.  A 1/2 oz. chatterbait with trailer is almost maxing that rating out.  Thanks for any info.

Depends on what brand/series you’re throwing, but I’d say 1/2oz is perfect for the 7’4”. Never thrown a 3/4oz but I’ve thrown a 5/8oz and it handled it fine. I usually throw 3/8oz jackhammers with a razor shad for a trailer, but I will go to a 1/2oz occasionally. I find it’s actually a little too much for a 3/8oz in some situations, but I fish a lot of heavy grass so I like the extra power. I was thinking about getting the 7’2” just to see if it was a little lighter than the 7’4”. 

As far as glass rods go… you can’t beat the SLX for the price. If I can find them both in store and put my hands on them it would be great. If not I might just have to get both! ??‍♂️

On 1/12/2022 at 10:57 PM, HaydenS said:

Agreed, I’ve got the 7’2 H graphite SLX casting rod, for flippin and big swimbaits.  Great quality rod for the $89 I paid for it.  The 7’4 is probably a little stiffer than the 7, with a faster taper, so it might be better for getting a good hookset with a thicker chatterbait hooks.

My frog rod is a 7’6 MH, but is more like a heavy(Not an Shimano Rod).  My 7’ graphite rods  are noticeably less stiff than the 7’6.

So, I’d use the 7’4 for thicker hooks, and the 7’ for slimmer hooks, although either could do the job imo.  

 

Not sure if this helps at all, just my $.02.

I just looked back and the 7’ model is a medium power. Now I’m definitely getting both!

[WC53]

Has anyone tried the ML for small cranks? Rapala micro, Rebel Teeny, etc?

 

I see several ML Glass rods in lower rating, SLX, Curado, Rebellion, X9, but very few reviews and none n stock around me to look at.

 

Thanka

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

On 1/21/2022 at 2:15 PM, WC53 said:

Has anyone tried the ML for small cranks? Rapala micro, Rebel Teeny, etc?

 

I see several ML Glass rods in lower rating, SLX, Curado, Rebellion, X9, but very few reviews and none n stock around me to look at.

 

Thanka

A buddy of mine just got one from TW. He said it handled the Rapala Tiny OG and a Bandit 100 very well. 

[FishinBuck07]

I bought the 7'4 model the other day, it will launch a DT10 a mile and a 3XD quite a ways also, good thing because that is what I bought it for!  haha

[ironbjorn]

Not a comment on the glass, but I want to like the SLX rods but Shimano decided they should (mostly) all be Extra Fast. Weird. I don't get it.

 

[jigheadworm]

I have the 6'10 ml and it is great with 200 bandit size cranks

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

20 hours ago, FishinBuck07 said:

I bought the 7'4 model the other day, it will launch a DT10 a mile and a 3XD quite a ways also, good thing because that is what I bought it for!  haha

Going out this afternoon to do some pre-fishing for a tournament tomorrow. Haven’t really thrown cranks other than squarebills and shallow divers. Not really a popular technique down here in South Louisiana lol. But we just got hit with our second cold front in the past week and temps are in the low 30s, so I have a ton of rip rap that I plan on hitting. I picked up a couple DT8’s and DT10’s to try on this rod. My shallow cranking rod isn’t gonna cut it lol. 

[Mbirdsley]

I don’t own any slx rods.  However, when I see them  in the stores I pick them up and play around with them. I don’t know if I’m drawn to the color or what but, every one I’ve picked up I have been impressed with.  
 

I think the slx 7ft4 heavy rod is better than my st.croix Bass x 7ft4 heavy rod. 

[Chris186]

I am actually looking into getting one of these for throwing 3XDs and 5XDs. For those of you that have them, would you say medium or MH for those cranks?

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

10 hours ago, Chris186 said:

I am actually looking into getting one of these for throwing 3XDs and 5XDs. For those of you that have them, would you say medium or MH for those cranks?

I threw the DT8 and DT10 on the 7’4 today. Im pretty new to cranking anything deeper than 5ft, but it felt like way too much rod for both of them in my opinion. Again… I’m not a seasoned cranker by any means. 

I’m also new to glass for craning. I like a graphite cranking rod for squarebills, but I’m planning to try glass for those as well. The SLX was my first glass rod. Got it to try chatterbaits and fell in love with throwing them on glass. 

[WC53]

On 1/28/2022 at 4:17 PM, jigheadworm said:

I have the 6'10 ml and it is great with 200 bandit size cranks

Thanks! 200 bandit is 1/4 ounce I think.

 

I probably throw 3/16 the most down to an 1/8. How so you think the ML would do there.