Shimano SLX

[QuirkyCarp2000]

Would you say the Shimano SLX 150 is a good reel? One that you would recommend for the price? 

 

Also, what is the difference in the different models, like the MGL, XT, or the 150 A?

[Eric 26]

@QuirkyCarp2000 I had a standard (150) SLX that I sold off which I’m still regretting and just received my SLX MGL (70) sized spool from Japan. At the $99.00 price point I think it’s a fantastic deal. Search on You Tube and you’ll be hard pressed to find anything negative about them. If so inclined search Tackle Advisor for an in depth review or Debos Fishing for a slightly less informative but still great reel review.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The SLX is a good value. Model descriptions available on Shimano’s site

[Boomstick]

The SLX MGL 150 is a pretty solid reel. If you aren't using line thicker than 16lb flurocarbon, the SLX MGL 70 is worth the extra $50 - an amazingly good performing reel that bomb casts light lures with ease.

[QuirkyCarp2000]

What makes the SLX MGL 70 different from the regular one?

[Eric 26]

@QuirkyCarp2000 The spool is a smaller size (less line capacity) also MGL stands for mag light which means it’s lighter for a quicker start up and able to throw lighter lures. There’s a few more differences and  as I offered check You Tube for a more thorough explanation.

Edited November 9, 2023 by Eric 26
Wording

[Bankbeater]

I fish an SLX-150 with 10 lb line on it.  It casts a mile and it is very smooth.

[Eric 26]

@Boomstick I’m not trying to be ignorant but I don’t think Shimano makes a 150 size MGL in the SLX lineup. They do make a 150 MGL in the Curado and I believe higher lines. 

[ghost]

I have both the SLX MGL 70 and SLX XT 150 in ledt hand.

 

It's the same sized framed reels, just different spools. I can attest to this cuz I switched spools on both reel. The SLX XT 150 fit and works with the SLX MGL 70 spool. And same with the SLX MGL 70 fit and works with the SLX XT 150 spool.

 

Now with the regular SLX 150, I don't know if the spools are interchangeable, cuz I don't own the SLX 150. Also, the SLX 150 has 6 brake blocks and no external dial to fine tune like you can with the other SLX models mentioned. Also the SLX XT and SLX MGL 70 spools have 4 brake blocks and external dial.

 

BTW, both the SLX MGL 70 and SLX XT 150 are excellent reels in casting, retrieving and fighting fish.

 

 

 

[T2DM]

  On 11/8/2023 at 4:48 PM, QuirkyCarp2000 said:

Would you say the Shimano SLX 150 is a good reel? One that you would recommend for the price? 

 

Also, what is the difference in the different models, like the MGL, XT, or the 150 A?

Expand  

I don't own a SLX series reel; the lack of X-Ship in the SLX series is what makes me not want to own one based on my experience with the reel it replaced...The Casitas. I'm sure the SLX series is a fine reel and has the aluminum frame vs Casitas graphite frame, but I've been there done that...save or spend a little bit more money, skip the SLX line and go straight to the Curado line, better off in a long run.

 

Just a suggestion though.

[QuirkyCarp2000]

What about the Shimano Caius? Any experience with it and how does it compare to the SLX?

[zell_pop1]

SLX is a great reel at $99 or less for the original one(it's on sale in places) not sure how much if any better the new SLX A is but I am about to purchase one and find out .

[Aaron_H]

  On 11/9/2023 at 6:53 PM, QuirkyCarp2000 said:

What about the Shimano Caius? Any experience with it and how does it compare to the SLX?

Expand  

 

It's got more plastic than the SLX, and a graphite frame instead of aluminum, but I picked one up for my younger brother last year and it's a solid reel for moving baits; easy to dial in like the SLX and will sling a bait out there. Personally I would pay the extra $20 for the SLX A for the aluminum frame and silent tune, but if the Caius fits your budget it's a fine reel.

 

The SLX MGL is the sleeper of the series IMO. The MGL spool is no joke, and it's the only SLX model that comes with cross carbon drag. I have not experienced line capacity being an issue with the 70 size spool, either, but your mileage may vary on that. For 150 bucks, if I could go back I would have bought them for my lineup over my other SLX reels and my SLX DC.

[Eric 26]

@Aaron_H Having purchased both a SLX and most recently a SLX MGL see (bait monkey) thread I will agree that the MGL is a huge upgrade for the money. Although mine will not be used until next fishing season the in hand experience so far is blowing me away for the price of purchase. As a side note if I had seen the flea market forum or if I would have purchased the 6 speed from JPL I would be all over the SLX MGL being offered in the flea market.