Shimano SLX XT A Baitcasting Reels

This is a wonderful reel for the money. The spool control on the SLX DC is not perfect, so it still requires some manual breaking with the thumb. So do not think the DC technology on these reels is magic. However, the DC feature still greatly reduces the need for thumb breaking and that results in longer casts and a more forgiving baitcaster. (Meaning that even if iDC4 cannot avoid all birds nests and overruns by itself, it will still eliminate many of them.) This reel is typical Shimano quality. The handle is very comfortable. The retrieve is smooth. The drag is smooth. The fit and finish are great. A lot of people do not like the matte graphite finish, but I love it because I do not have to worry about scratches, scuffs, fingerprints, and all the other trials of fishing ruining a reel with a gloss finish. The best thing about this reel is that you just get to spend more time fishing. The DC technology helps to avoid birds nests and overruns. Less time maintaining a reel is more time casting. However, the DC technology also only needs to be set up once a day. You set the tension control knob, and that is it. You do not need to reset the reel every time you change a lure. You do not need to change the settings every time you turn to face a different direction because the wind is different. It just saves a lot of time throughout the day and results in more fishing. The only thing I would advise is that people who own this reel should purchase the Carbontex drag washers. The sheep shear drag washer that comes from the factory works great. However, the Carbontex washers are cheap, easy to swap, and are a great upgrade. It is not an upgrade that needs to be done right away, but I would advise all owners of this reel to do it sooner or later.

Great quality reel. Easy to cast. Great price.

Smooth like butter! No grinding or backlash so far, runs like it should. Very responsive!

Sweet reel - nice backlash control ....

The reel has an audible noise that is a whining noise but I guess if you are OK with that it should not matter. I have just gotten use to the smooth sound of my previous Shimano Curado reels and they do not make this noise. The reel cast very well and is very smooth. I choose the slower retrieve to help me slow down just a bit when fishing some baits that I wanted to slow roll. Other than the standard adjustments to set the drag and spool tension, this reel is very nice. I would buy this one again.

Great reel works great love the zinggggg and only sad thing is mine came with no grease for it in the box.

Ok, guys this is the most amazing BC reel I've ever used. Set the settings right and you'll have so much fun and confidence on you cast. I cast this into the wind with no problem. Great buy. I love this reel so much I bought 3 with different gear ratios to add to my fishing gear.

No more wind knots, no more bird nests, and every cast you make goes reeeeeeeeee!