Shimano SLX dependability

[The Rooster]

Yesterday I saw two different YouTube videos by two different guys saying that the SLX seems like it’s made more for light presentations than it is for heavier applications like fishing jigs in brush or casting large spinnerbaits or swimbaits. One guy even said the anti-reverse failed in his and Shimano stood behind it and made it right, but that experience convinced him that the SLX was too light for jig fishing for that reason. 

 

The first guy also had the same impression based on how it felt in hand, but his didn’t fail. However he recommended the Curado as a step up from the SLX for a more solid feeling reel. 

 

My question is, isn’t the Super Stopper bearing in these reels the exact same across the board? If it failed in the SLX, the Curado would be no better based on that alone. 
 

I’m asking because I think I’m gonna replace my baitcasters and was considering an SLX. But also was mildly interested in the Lew’s LFS, which the guy in the first video said was more solid than the SLX and was the one he would choose between the two for heavier applications. He saw the Lew’s as a heavy application reel where the SLX was for light duty. But he recommended the Curado for a reel that would do it all, both heavy and light.

[padlin]

I’ve only got one season on it but my SLX XT has seen nothing but jigs and spinner baits without issue. Might be like Amazon reviews, take em with a grain of salt.

 

That said I did pick up a Curado mgl this winter, wanted a 2nd baitcast setup so I wouldn’t have to keep retieing when going from jig to spinner bait and wanted to bump up a notch from the SLX. We’ll see if this novice can tell a difference once it warms up some.

 

[GReb]

I’ve seen the roller clutch bearing absolutely blown to pieces. The plastic hosing broke and when I took the side plate off roller pins went everywhere. 

[RAM3139]

Since I'm not an expert on reel design, I won't weigh in too much on how the design matches up to others.

 

I have had 2 of the original SLX in my regular rotation for 4 seasons I think.  They are general purpose reels for me and have seen a mix of spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, texas rigs, and frogs.  I haven't had any issues with them, and between frog fishing and the occasional pike and musky, I think I've given them a pretty good workout.

 

They don't feel as nice as my other reels (curado, zillion, older daiwa TDZs) but they have done everything I've asked of them.

[Craig P]

I "demoted" the two SLX's I have to salt duty about 4 years ago.   Anything that I upgrade that I cannot find another freshwater job for I dedicate to salt.

 

One I was using just a few days ago and it is still running top notch while throwing 1/2 Ounce underspins.  The other met it's demise 3 years ago bringing in a 100lb brown shark while fluke fishing.  I did use that one the following season for a couple of back bay striper trips but it just got way too rough and sloppy but to land that shark, yeah, I'll never question the strength of a $99 SLX, it's strong!

[Randy Price]

@Craig P, that's quite a testament to the durability of the SLX!!!!

[Standard]

I've had an SLX DC for a few years now.  Although it's not my most heavily used reel anymore, it's never let me down.  Only rebuilt it once and all the internals looked great.

[Bankbeater]

I purchased my SLX about 4 years ago.  I bought it to cast small 3/16 and 1/4 moving baits.  It's caught everything from bass to a 60 lb grass carp.  It still works great and I've never had any issues.

[The Rooster]

Thanks for the answers. I went ahead and ordered two Lew’s LFS reels though. Found a deal on Ebay for them that I couldn’t pass up. 28% off retail ($72 each) brand new in the box with free shipping. Tax and all I got two of them for $152. 

[keagbassr]

I've got 2 slx that are about 6-7 years I think. 1 on my 'do-all' rod and the other on my punch rig which sees some pretty hard hooksets. Haven't had any issues with either one.

[Bigbox99]

I've heard of the plastic side plates on Shimano reels cracking around the AR housing when used with locked down drags and swinging for the fences type hooksets.  It's rare but if you set the hook like a maniac with locked down drags day in and day out this failure could occur on the SLX and Curado (200K pictured).  An aluminum handle side plate would prevent this like on a Bantam or "armed housing concept" Daiwa.  I like aluminum handle side plates for quality of life reasons but a failure was never a concern until I saw this from two Curado 200ks on another site.  I don't know if this is a 200k unique failure or if this is indicative of this kind of use and material.  

[Bird]

 SLX is perhaps my most heavily used reel and for a reason, it has delivered year after year.

It's like a dog, man's best friend.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

The only SLX I have is a DC and its a tank.  Its been abused since I bought it, right after it came out, never deep cleaned either.

[MediumMouthBass]

Dont listen to anyone on here saying the SLX is a good reel and wont break, they obviously havent driven one over with a dump truck....

 

The SLX is like any reel on the market in its price point, it can and will break if treated poorly enough (just like a Daiwa or Lews). But the odds are slim, ive used my old SLX for frogging. And my new one for jigs, spinnerbaits, and other stuff near rocks and in grass, both still look and feel new like the day i bought them. However i will always refer to the LFS and Fuego CT (or 24 Tatula 100) for heavier duty budget reels, just something about them that feels like im holding a tank im my hands. But the SLX series can handle anything, except swimbaits. No SLX reel in the lineup for those, yet.

[DogBone_384]

9 hours ago, Bird said:

it has delivered year after year.

It's like a dog, man's best friend.

 

Does that mean my non-Shimano reels are like cats?

[Bird]

9 minutes ago, DogBone_384 said:

 

Does that mean my non-Shimano reels are like cats?

For the money 💰 

The SLX is the cat's meow 😁

[little giant]

I have 2. SLX 71 & SLX BFS.

71: no issues but I can definitely feel flex in the reel on a heavy fish. Lightweight sideplates and lack of pinion bearing may have something to do with it

BFS: Again, no issues but the shimano mag brake is a love/hate relationship. Mag brake on curado bfs is outstanding!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I’ve replaced a few SLX AR bearings but I get the impression they were worked really hard and not particularly well cared for. 

[ABU is overpriced]

I'd just grab the new Tatula on Ali or Japan and be done with it. To me they seem to have far surpassed the SLX and the Curado.

[DogBone_384]

11 hours ago, Bird said:

For the money 💰 

The SLX is the cat's meow 😁

I have two of each… Cats and JDM SLX DC’s

[Pumpkin Lizard]

On 3/20/2025 at 8:47 AM, The Rooster said:

Yesterday I saw two different YouTube videos by two different guys saying that the SLX seems like it’s made more for light presentations than it is for heavier applications like fishing jigs in brush or casting large spinnerbaits or swimbaits. One guy even said the anti-reverse failed in his and Shimano stood behind it and made it right, but that experience convinced him that the SLX was too light for jig fishing for that reason. 

 

The first guy also had the same impression based on how it felt in hand, but his didn’t fail. However he recommended the Curado as a step up from the SLX for a more solid feeling reel. 

 

My question is, isn’t the Super Stopper bearing in these reels the exact same across the board? If it failed in the SLX, the Curado would be no better based on that alone. 
 

I’m asking because I think I’m gonna replace my baitcasters and was considering an SLX. But also was mildly interested in the Lew’s LFS, which the guy in the first video said was more solid than the SLX and was the one he would choose between the two for heavier applications. He saw the Lew’s as a heavy application reel where the SLX was for light duty. But he recommended the Curado for a reel that would do it all, both heavy and light.

 

I only throw big stuff on mine.  I think I would just go up to the SLX XT in the future.  Truth in advertising, I am a Shimano fan.

[LCG]

On 3/20/2025 at 7:53 PM, The Rooster said:

Thanks for the answers. I went ahead and ordered two Lew’s LFS reels though. Found a deal on Ebay for them that I couldn’t pass up. 28% off retail ($72 each) brand new in the box with free shipping. Tax and all I got two of them for $152. 

I hope you enjoy your new Lew's LFS reels. I have two myself, in different gear ratios, and I like them a lot. I find them comfortable, solid, and reliable. 

[The Rooster]

On 3/22/2025 at 2:36 PM, LCG said:

I hope you enjoy your new Lew's LFS reels. I have two myself, in different gear ratios, and I like them a lot. I find them comfortable, solid, and reliable. 

They came in the mail apparently late yesterday evening and sat in the mailbox all night. This morning I decided to check the tracking number to see where they were at and it said they’d been delivered, 3 days early! So I ran to the mailbox at 5:30 am and got them out, and by 6:00 am I had line on both of them. My morning coffee sat cold on the end table beside me as I played with them. Man they’re smooth as glass when reeled. Nothing like the BPS Extremes they’re replacing.
 

It’s very obvious looking at them that the BPS Extreme is based on the Lew’s Speed Spool. Nearly identical body and handles except for the paint and the grips. But the two feel night and day different when reeling. I don’t understand, but I won’t question it again. Maybe it’s the P2 pinion bearing? Don’t know. My old Abu’s never had that and they were smooth. 
 

One thing that is different is along the bottom edge of the BPS Extremes handle sideplate the shape of it is more bulky and has a sharper corner that digs into my hand on a cast. My Abu’s didn’t have this. I thought I could get used to it but it was never pleasant, and with the gear grind in them too, the Extremes had to go. The Lew’s reel also doesn’t have the sharper edge. Much more comfortable to hold onto from what little I messed with them before leaving for work. I also noticed them being lighter weight, 7.1oz vs 7.4oz. It’s about 5/16oz different but I can definitely feel it.