Needing Shimano SLX comparible

[Mickey98]

What baitcaster reel would be a good comparison to the Shimano SLX 150? As in size wise and reliability? I don't want anything bigger as I don't have big hands. I really like my Shimano and it's "almost" non-backlashing but want to explore other options. And I am on a budget so less than $150 would be great. I also have an Abu Revo that I use and like. Due to location, I have to order off of the internet so I can't really know how big the reels are, etc. I am thinking about getting a Daiwa but not sure what model or size. Thanks!

[Columbia Craw]

Reels right to left:

 

SLX 70MGL

SLX 70DC

Scorpian (70)

2024 Tatula 100

 

Top SLX150

Bottom Tatula 100

 

All fit your budget.  The Tatula 70 SV is similar size and the Tatula  Elite as well but will creep over your budget.  You can find Curado MGL over seas at your budget if you shop hard. 

 

Edited March 10, 2024 by Columbia Craw
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[Columbia Craw]

Uh try left to right.  Duh!

[zell_pop1]

Tatula 100, same weight as the standard SLX and on sale at BPS so in your price range.

[CaughtMeABiggun]

I would also look at the 13 fishing Origin C. Aluminum frame 99 dollar reel. Can find it on sale a lot of the times for 69.99 on Amazon. I have two and I have a SLX. I find them comparable. 

[LCG]

I purchased two lew's Speed Spool LFS reels last year. Really like them so far, no issues, smooth, comfortable, good braking, easy to use. Ordered both of them off Amazon.

[Mickey98]

On 3/10/2024 at 8:28 AM, zell_pop1 said:

Tatula 100, same weight as the standard SLX and on sale at BPS so in your price range.

So should I be concerned if the reel is a SV TW or CT or just plain ole Tatula 100??

On 3/10/2024 at 7:30 PM, LCG said:

I purchased two lew's Speed Spool LFS reels last year. Really like them so far, no issues, smooth, comfortable, good braking, easy to use. Ordered both of them off Amazon.

I think I must have gotten a defective Lews with the one I had, never ever was able to get it zeroed in and work correctly so I literally gave it away. I have considered the Lews KVD reel but considered is as far as I've gotten.

On 3/10/2024 at 10:53 AM, CaughtMeABiggun said:

I would also look at the 13 fishing Origin C. Aluminum frame 99 dollar reel. Can find it on sale a lot of the times for 69.99 on Amazon. I have two and I have a SLX. I find them comparable. 

I've heard quite a few good things about the 13 fishing brand but have never used one.

On 3/9/2024 at 11:41 PM, Columbia Craw said:

Reels right to left:

 

SLX 70MGL

SLX 70DC

Scorpian (70)

2024 Tatula 100

 

Top SLX150

Bottom Tatula 100

 

All fit your budget.  The Tatula 70 SV is similar size and the Tatula  Elite as well but will creep over your budget.  You can find Curado MGL over seas at your budget if you shop hard. 

 

Nice set up! As I had asked, does the SV TW or CT make a difference? So what is the difference in the Tatula 70 mgl and the tatula 100? I'm guessing spool size but anything else? 

[Columbia Craw]

There is no Tatula 70 MGL.

[FrnkNsteen]

7 hours ago, Mickey98 said:

As I had asked, does the SV TW or CT make a difference? So what is the difference in the Tatula 70 mgl and the tatula 100? I'm guessing spool size but anything else? 

Daiwa can get a little confusing with all their different models. Let me see if I can help.

 

The Fuego and Tatula CT are slightly larger and built on the CT frame along with the older Tatula SV TW from 2017. The main differences are the Fuego has a round line guide while the Tatula CT and Tatula SV TW have the "T-wing" that is supposed to help with casting due to less line binding as it goes through the guide.

 

Some time after that the came out with the smaller Tatula 100 which also has the T-wing system and the Tatula SV TW 103 came out in 2020 with the same smaller body as the 100. The SV reels have what I believe to be a shallower, lighter spool to help make casting easier and more controlled and have built a reputation for being very controllable for skipping.

 

They also just came out with a new Tatula 100 that has some new features and copies the gearing of the higher end reels to improve smoothness.

 

I would suggest holding the different models to see the differences, as there is a significant difference between the CT frames and the newer models. I happen to have both styles and don't really have a preference.... They are just different.

[osummerer23]

On 3/10/2024 at 8:30 PM, LCG said:

I purchased two lew's Speed Spool LFS reels last year. Really like them so far, no issues, smooth, comfortable, good braking, easy to use. Ordered both of them off Amazon.

I think these are OK for getting into bait casters, but they use a graphite frame. They flex and feel squishy. It's 1000% worth upgrading to the next line of reels that use an aluminum frame. 

[LCG]

9 hours ago, osummerer23 said:

I think these are OK for getting into bait casters, but they use a graphite frame. They flex and feel squishy. It's 1000% worth upgrading to the next line of reels that use an aluminum frame. 

I believe the Speed Spool LFS has an aluminum frame and graphite side plates. I find they compare well with other brands, including Shimano and Daiwa. I have fought some decent pike and smallies with the speed spool lfs and didn't feel any flex in the reels. 

[osummerer23]

14 hours ago, LCG said:

I believe the Speed Spool LFS has an aluminum frame and graphite side plates. I find they compare well with other brands, including Shimano and Daiwa. I have fought some decent pike and smallies with the speed spool lfs and didn't feel any flex in the reels. 

They used to sell a combo at cabelas, $99 lews laser speed stick and speed spool LFS. The one I still have in the garage is plastic frame. Maybe the combo one's came with graphite frame or they have since updated. It was very noticeable the frame was weak. 

[Bigbox99]

3 hours ago, osummerer23 said:

They used to sell a combo at cabelas, $99 lews laser speed stick and speed spool LFS. The one I still have in the garage is plastic frame. Maybe the combo one's came with graphite frame or they have since updated. It was very noticeable the frame was weak. 

Avoid those combo reels like the plague.  They often make extra cheap reels and rods unique to the combo pairing that are extra hot garbage and they charge way too much.  I always check these out in store it they are all some tip heavy wigly enormously heavy rod with a plastic reel mounted to it for $178.  

[osummerer23]

On 3/13/2024 at 11:43 AM, Bigbox99 said:

Avoid those combo reels like the plague.  They often make extra cheap reels and rods unique to the combo pairing that are extra hot garbage and they charge way too much.  I always check these out in store it they are all some tip heavy wigly enormously heavy rod with a plastic reel mounted to it for $178.  

Now I do, but 10 years ago, it fit the budget. And honestly, still have one on my deck when i'm out fishing. Works fine, just a bit beat up. I throw a spinnerbait or chatterbait on it. 

[Mickey98]

I ended up going with a Daiwa SV TW 103. It is really really smooth and small enough for my hand. A bit more than I thought I would spend but as of right now, I'm really happy with it.

[Boomstick]

On 3/25/2024 at 10:14 PM, Mickey98 said:

I ended up going with a Daiwa SV TW 103. It is really really smooth and small enough for my hand. A bit more than I thought I would spend but as of right now, I'm really happy with it.

Great reel. It doesn't cast as far as the Shimano, but you'll have better control for things like skipping and pitching or just short targeted casts.

[Bdnoble84]

On 3/12/2024 at 4:48 PM, LCG said:

I believe the Speed Spool LFS has an aluminum frame and graphite side plates. I find they compare well with other brands, including Shimano and Daiwa. I have fought some decent pike and smallies with the speed spool lfs and didn't feel any flex in the reels. 

I have gad 2 speed spools that functioned great until i took them apart to oil them. The knock on them is the bearings arent sealed so they need to be maintained. Atleast thats my understanding. They also dont work if you lose pieces or dont put em together correctly. 🤦‍♂️