SLX A anyone have one? Thoughts?

[Randy Price]

Does anyone have the newer Shimano SLX A baitcaster and if so thoughts?  I'm torn between it and the Daiwa Tatula even though the Daiwa is $ 40.00 more.  Recommendations?

[zell_pop1]

I have one, basically the same as the original SLX if you have had one. Smooth casting reel for $100, if it was me I'd save the money unless you need the higher line capacity of the Daiwa.

[Randy Price]

Thanks @zell_pop1 for the reply.  No I do not need the higher line capacity.  I also preferred the way the SLX felt over the Tatula.  Glad to hear you're pleased with it.

[Dylan Sluis]

For 100 bucks you can't really go wrong with the slx. I had lots of issues with the old slx models. But they seem to have fixed everything in the slx a models. A daiwa tatula ct is also an amazing reel that I have and that I love. I prefer the tatula ct for more like moving baits, crankbaits, bladed Jigs, spinnerbaits, things like that. And I like the slx for more Flipping/frogging. So I'd base which reel you get off of that.

[MediumMouthBass]

I have the SLX and SLX A. I like the A alot more, even tho the changes are minimal.

It performs amazing for me on my 7' Lews TP1X MH rod throwing football jigs and spinnerbaits, simple braking system too. Casts jigs and spinnerbaits much farther than my Tatula CT, but for every other type of lure my Tatula CT casts much farther and also feels a bit smoother.

 

The SLX A isnt in the same category as the Tatula CT tho, its on par with the Fuego CT or Lews LFS....

If your budget is between $80-100 the SLX A will be great for you, but if you want a SLX reel on par or better than the Tatula and can afford the extra money look at the Shimano MGL 70 (last gen) on sale now between $100-125 at a few places (if they still have remaining stock of them) or the Shimano SLX XT (better braking system and a bit more refined, also has a better color/paint than the regular SLX, $130.

[Woody B]

I'm thinking there's too many SLX-something reels.  I've got a couple SLX-XT reels and I love them.  They've got 6 centrifigual brakes.  I normally keep one of two engaged.   I'll pop the cover off and engage more for skipping.   I've also got a Tatula, but I'm not sure what other letters or numbers go with it.(maybe SV-TW}   The brakes are way too aggressive.  They go to "20", I usually keep them between 2 and 5, and I still feel they rob distance at times.  I'm not bomb casting much anyway though.   I hate the position of the brake adjustment.  I accidently move it while palming the reel.  I'll be fishing along with the brakes on "3" then all of a sudden I'll make a cast that goes nowhere.  I'll look and the brakes will be on 15 or something.  I'm not a fan of the "wing" system either.  I have a habit of keeping my index finger under my line for feel.  This lifts the line out of the narrow section of the guide and makes a mess out of the spool.  I'm trying to get in the habit of keeping my finger over the line, instead of under it on all of my reels.  This would solve my wing problem.  

 

So, basically l love the SLX-XT.  (don't know what an "A" is)  The Tatula is a nice smooth reel.  IMHO it's excellent for short distance flipping, pitching, and other casting where distance isn't a major concern.  Turn the brakes up just a little and it's hard to backlash.  I think the wing is a decent feature.  Me and it are still getting used to each other.  

[zell_pop1]

2 hours ago, Woody B said:

I'm thinking there's too many SLX-something reels.  I've got a couple SLX-XT reels and I love them.  They've got 6 centrifigual brakes.  I normally keep one of two engaged.   I'll pop the cover off and engage more for skipping.   I've also got a Tatula, but I'm not sure what other letters or numbers go with it.(maybe SV-TW}   The brakes are way too aggressive.  They go to "20", I usually keep them between 2 and 5, and I still feel they rob distance at times.  I'm not bomb casting much anyway though.   I hate the position of the brake adjustment.  I accidently move it while palming the reel.  I'll be fishing along with the brakes on "3" then all of a sudden I'll make a cast that goes nowhere.  I'll look and the brakes will be on 15 or something.  I'm not a fan of the "wing" system either.  I have a habit of keeping my index finger under my line for feel.  This lifts the line out of the narrow section of the guide and makes a mess out of the spool.  I'm trying to get in the habit of keeping my finger over the line, instead of under it on all of my reels.  This would solve my wing problem.  

 

So, basically l love the SLX-XT.  (don't know what an "A" is)  The Tatula is a nice smooth reel.  IMHO it's excellent for short distance flipping, pitching, and other casting where distance isn't a major concern.  Turn the brakes up just a little and it's hard to backlash.  I think the wing is a decent feature.  Me and it are still getting used to each other.  

Well the SLX and Tatula both have alot of variations, so yeah it can be confusing, and the "A" is just the new version of the original $100 SLX. Personally I like the old style VBS brakes on it like Shimano has had for 20 years or more.

[TNBankFishing]

IMO the Tatula will be better. The hyper drive gearing alone makes it worth the premium. I own one Met, two Bantams, and six Zillions after not having a Daiwa reel two years ago. I sold nearly all my Shimano gear for Zillions last spring and haven’t looked back. If the Tat is 50 cents on the dollar to the Zillion it’s my pick 100%.