SHIMANO SLX Baitcasting Reels review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	SHIMANO
Material	Other
Color	Multi
Item Weight	0.2 Kilograms

product features

This fits your .

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Compact, Rigid And Versatile
Has 3 Gear Ratios To Choose From
Has A Long Handle
Hagan Body Technology Provides Stiffness And Impact Resistance Virtually Eliminating Body Flexing

product description

The Shimano SLX Baitcasting Reels are Shimano's new casting reel offering in the North American market. With a price point just shy of triple digits, a list of advanced technologies and features that are bound to pique your curiosity, and a clean-cut, sleek exterior finish, the SLX is surely a reel Shimano's competitors are cowering in fear of this holiday shopping season. A true workhorse offered in all the most important bass fishing gear ratios (6.3:1, 7.2:1, and 8.2:1), the Shimano SLX Baitcasting Reel is capable of a wide range of bass fishing techniques, from flippin' and froggin', to deep crankin' and drop shotting. It has a 4-bearing system with 1 reverse bearing and a maximum of 12 lbs drag. It also boasts the magnetic Variable Brake Adjustment (VBS) system that virtually eliminates backlashes. Top top it all off it's got Shimano's Hagane body for strong performance without any tilting or warping despite a lightweight body. Available in 6.3:1, 7.2:1, and 8.2:1 gear ratios in both Left and Right Hand retrieve.

product details

Date First Available ‏ : ‎ November 9, 2018
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Shimano
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07KCNPV69

important information

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Questions about SHIMANO SLX Baitcasting Reels

is this left or right handed ?

Answer: The SLX150 is a right handed reel. The left handed version is the SLX151

Answer: Model 150 is for right hand retrieve and model 151 is for left hand. This is how shimano indicates right or left hand retrieve. So this model would be right hand.

Answer: right handed

Answer: Right handed. The SLX 151 is the left handed model.

Answer: Right

Answer: Click on model an pick one man

What is the ideal lure to throw on these reels?

Answer: It's more about the rod when selecting what lures you can use

Answer: Great for flipping jigs able to take up line quickly

Answer: Anything neyween 1/4 to 4oz

How many ball bearings

Answer: i believe its 3+1 but don't let that fool you they are in the right places its very smooth reel

Answer: Description says 4 bearings plus 1 reverse so it should be 5

What rod to buy with it

Answer: Shimano makes the slx rod that would go nicely with this, but you could really use any bait casting rod. The shimano convergence is good.

Answer: You might as well buy the SLX rod and reel combo for $130

Answer: Get the SLX casting rod if it's a gift it will match perfect. but you could easily get a Ugly Stik GX9 etc

Answer: Shimano SLX casting rod

Answer: That depends on what kind of fishing you plan on doing. In general most people start out using a 6.6 or 7 foot medium heavy with a fast tip.

Answer: Yes they also sell a left handed model

How many ball barrings are their

Answer:

Answer: There are 4 ball barrings

Answer: 3+1

I want lefthanded but do not see the option in post

Answer: They do have a left handed shimano slx

Seller: How do you select the gear ratio to order?

Answer: There should be a drop down box to choose. If there is not a drop down box then that seller only offers the gear ratio listed so if you want something different choose a different seller.

Is this right handle?

Answer: 150=handle in right side, 151=handle on left side

Answer: Yes

why is it they never put enough info in the description???

Answer: DON,T KNOW HOW MUCH MORE YOU NEED THEY TELL GEAR RATIO , LINE CAP, RIGHT OR LEFT WEIGHT OF REEL ,??? ASK ME WHAT YOU NEED , LAKE OKEECHOBBEE BASS WHISPER GUIDE SERVICE

Answer: Amazon or the seller needs to answer this question, not someone whom bought the reel!

Answer: It's a Shimano. Shimano is the best reel out there in my opinion

Is this considered a low profile reel

Answer: Yes.. it's small and very light.. I purchased an shimano SLX XT as well.. my next is an SLX DC.

Answer: Yes

Can you salt water fish with it

Answer: Yes

Is it considered a saltwater or freshwater reel?

Answer: Freshwater reel

Answer: Freshwater but it could be used in saltwater if washed after every use

Answer: freshwater

Answer: Both

Can I use this for Flounder?

Answer: Yes it would work well for flounder fishing though most people prefer to use spinning reels.

Answer: YES YOU CAN , HAS A VERY GOOD DRAG , AND FISHES GREAT WITH BRAIDED LINES , PLEASE RINSE WITH FRESH WATER WHEN DONE ,, LAKE OKEECHOBEE BASS WHISPER GUIDE SERVICE .COM

Answer: Yes

Where is this reel made?

Answer: Shimanos main manufacturing plants are in Malaysia, China and Singapore. I believe the reels are made in Malaysia. ---- 10-4 Tackle

What lures are ideal for this reel

Answer: I've fished with jigs and chatter baits...the reel is very smooth and can cast a mile

Answer: Anything from light to heavy

What is the gear ratio?

Answer: SLX150 6.3:1, SLX150HG 7.2:1, SLX150XG 8.2:1

What model is the 8:1 lh?

Answer: WHEN YOU GO TO ORDER IT , THERE IS 3MODEL CHECK THE 8.2.1 AND ALSO MAKE SURE RIGHT OR LEFT HANDED,, LAKE OKEECHOBEE BASS WHISPER GUIDE SERVICE

Which one is good for flounder, the 7.2 or 8.2?

Answer: Either would work well

What country is the reel made in

Answer: Japan

what size reel cover

Answer: SHIMANO MAKES NICE REEL COVERS THE MEDIUM ONES WORK GOOD

What is the gear ratio of the 151hg

Answer: HG: 7.2:1

Answer: 7.2:1

What pound drag does this reel have

Answer: About 12 lbs.

Answer: 12lbs

I need hand crank on right side while retrieving . 150 or 151 ?

Answer: 150=handle in right side

can this be used in saltwater?

Answer: I only use it in freshwater but I assume it could be used for saltwater fishing. I think the only issue could be if you drop it in the water.

Aisn : b07h4wr2m2 is this product a jp model?

Answer: I believe the reels are made in Malaysia

Answer: DON,T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS , GREAT REEL

Do you have only right Hand retrieval reels?

Answer: Yes

How do you adjust the breaking system on this reel? For someone relatively novice is backlash a major issue with this reel?

Answer: This model is very backlash prone.

Answer: There is a drag mechanism located between the reel and the cranking handle shaped like a star. That is you drag control.

Academy has its weight at 6.9 oz while Amazon at 300 g, which is 10.58g. Which one would be right??

Answer: 6.9 without line closer to 10 with line.

Answer: 6.9 sounds more accurate. More importantly it BACKLASHES like crazy.

Answer: 6.9 oz

Answer: I don’t know. Go to tackle warehouse or Shimano site. All I know it is very lite and is the best reel I’ve ever owned

Why is this $109 of it's $99 everywhere else?

What model is the 8:2:1 left hand ?

Answer: The 151s are all left-hand retrieve. Right-hand is designated by the 150s. Shimano always does this. So you want the 151XG. That is the Left Hand 8:2:1. Amazing reel for the money by the way.

Answer: Model SLX151XG is the Left hand 8.2:1 ratio Reel, Richard

Answer: SLX151XG

What rod can I pair it with for Flounder?

Answer: Nice Medium/light 7'.

What does 150hg mean?

Answer: HG stands for Hyper Glide a drivetrain

How easy is it to remove side cover and adjust pins while on water? Kayak friendly? (other mfg report plate flying off issues)

Answer: I had no issues with adjusting the side braking system and I don’t think there would be any issue while in the water. It is very easy.

Answer: It is very easy to open and adjust

Answer: Easy and stays in place...…...just remember to latch, as this one is not spring loaded.

Answer: It pivots on a rod. Doesnt come off. Works great.

Can you salt water fish with it?

Answer: If you're light line fishing, sure. But not really meant as a deep water rig.

Do you have this in left hand reel ??

Answer: No

What model is the right hand model?

Answer: The part number with 150 in it is right hand model. 151 denotes left hand model.

Answer: SLX 150 is right hand. Richard

Answer: Reel handle is on the right side.

Answer: The model numbers that end in a 1 signify left hand.

is the ratio of the one being sold 7.2 or 6.3?

Answer: 150 is 6.3 : 1

Answer: 8.2 extra high speed

How many ball bearings

Answer: i believe its 3+1 but don't let that fool you they are in the right places its very smooth reel

Answer: Description says 4 bearings plus 1 reverse so it should be 5

Shipping weight

Answer: 11 ounces

What does 150 XG mean

Answer: 150 is the size and means it's a right handed reel. 151 would be the same sized reel but left handed.

Answer: 150 is the size and XG stands for extra high gear.

Line capacity?

Answer: Nylon 14 pounds 90 yards

the MSRP on this reel is $99....why is your price $109?

Would this be a good first baitcaster for a 10 year old?

Answer: yes good reel casts and operates very well

Answer: I LOVE THIS REEL , VERY VERY GOOD REEL , LOL FOR THE MONEY, IF HE CAN CAST A BAITCASTER REEL THIS IS THE ONE , LAKE OKEECHOBEE BASS WHISPER GUIDE SERVICE , COME ON DOWN , I WILL TEACH HIM,,

Answer: Probably not for a first reel but yes if has some experience with baitcaster

Answer: I’d personally recommend a reel that has magnetic braking so that it’s easier to adjust. I love my shimano but it definitely was a learning curve with its centrifugal braking.

Answer: Yea its a decent one

Is this ok’ed for salt water?

Answer: you can use it ,BUT NOT A SALTWATER MODEL ,, PLEASE RISE GOOD FRESH WATER

Answer: You can technically use any reel for saltwater but you will need to make sure you give it a thorough wash afterwards. It is meant for freshwater fishing. For saltwater fishing I would recommend the 13 Fishing Concept Z.

Answer: No. This version of the slx is not rated for saltwater.

Answer: Yes stainless steel ball bearings

is this a right -handed rod?

Answer: Yes

What's hg stand for?

Answer: SHIMANO HG stands for Hyper Glide a speed drivetrain

Answer: Hi gear

How to tell if right or left handed

Answer: It's really what you find to be comfortable. I am right handed, but I use left handed reels. That way I can cast with my right and start reeling without having to switch hands.

Answer: What hand do you throw with? Many anglers use their right hand to throw with a 150 (right hand retrieve reels).

What pound line can this hold

Answer: Nylon - 10 pound 120 yards Braid 20 pound 150 yards

What is the maximum lb test line this reel can handle?

Answer: I use 65 lb braid for heavy cover and it casts like a dream. Baitcasters typically cast better with heavy line. I use 30 lb braid on all my other reels.

Answer: It will take 90 yards of 14lb test mono

Answer: I use from 12 to 40lbs of braid line

Answer: I used 14 to 17 lb

Answer: You could put whatever you want on it technically. You just start to loose yardage, but you don't need anything extreme. You probably won't be using this reel to catch sharks.

What does xg, and hg meen

Answer: Hg means high gear and xg is higher than

Product reviews of SHIMANO SLX Baitcasting Reels

Graham : Very much worth the money

Best reel for $100. Wanted a better reel than a black max or silver max and was willing to spend the money. Very glad I went with this. Very smooth and can use with any line.

Justin Truong : Great reel and great service.

Great real, was packaged very well.

Anon : Great reel for the price

For the price this reel is very smooth and it is very compact so simple for anyone to Palm and use. Great casting distance and for whatever reason I got no backlash while using it even though I do that quite often on my other reels seeing as how I'm newer to the baitcasting thing. Very impressed

Alex Nagy : Solid $100 price range option

The reel feels really smooth and I like the rubberized handles which feel have a higher quality feel. I have several Lews Tournament MB’s in my collection and I actually prefer this reel over those for $100 price point reels. I have a couple Corados and DC reels and the slx is not the same as them but for the price the quality is definitely there.

Amazon Customer : Worth the price!!!

For the money it’s worth it!!! Acts like it has DC, but for me it’s the next best thing.

Michael : Awesome!

A really good reel for a good price.

Steven p : Its fast

Its light weight and fast.

Peter : Almost as good as my Metanium DC and Antares DC Amazon

I have owned many baitcaster reels. What I have found is that the more you pay, the more you get. That statement doesn't work for all products.

I can cast this thing a mile, same as my Shimano Metanium DC. It's incredible, and for the price it's definitely worth it. Probably should be $250. The low profile is great, if you're hiking around and just nice.

The noticeable difference between this and my Antares ($500) or Metanium ($500) is the crank is slightly chunkier, and less smooth. I mean, it's a small difference.

Compared to a $70 silver max (very nice), or a $140 Lews combo (great) it absolutely blows it away. And I love my Lews. It's 20% better than a Daiwa Fuego FGCT100.

Honestly would easily play $250 for this. Shimano is just unbeatable quality.

Casting distance - A+
Crank smoothness - A-
Quality - A
Value - A+++

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Amazon Customer : Works great Great price

For the price it’s great. I own numerous high end reels but don’t like taking them in the salt water. This works flawlessly

christina winslett : No Durability

I bought this for my son for Christmas 6 months ago. He actually got to use it two times and the first big bass strips the gears. Its messed up.

Justin Truong : Great reel and great service.

Great real, was packaged very well.

Peter : Almost as good as my Metanium DC and Antares DC Amazon

Amazon Customer : High quality for the money

Smooth reel the pulls in a ton of line quickly. Good feel and fit in the hand.
Adjustable centrifugal brakes with large grip handles. Overall a great value.

Consumer : SLX 150 6.3 baitcasting reel

I have been fishing this reel since October 2020. The reel is smooth and very quite. It fades into the background when being used as it should. The 2 star rating comes from the discovery that instead of 25/26 inches per turn it retrieves 19. I was aware that the reel took longer that expected but I attributed it to longer casts. I decided to check it and found the subpar performance. I also ordered another SLX reel at a different gear ratio and found the same problem. So not a one off but an intentional attribute? While the reel has performed very well otherwise and I intend to continue to keep using it I can't overlook the issue.

Anthony Marcone : Great reel

Solid well casting reel. I’d buy again

L. Nguyen : Great

Iam sure it’s a great reel I returned it because I wanted the dc version

Phil Rossi : Quality

Best reel for the money.

CG : Smooth

Great reel. Smooth

Amazon Customer : Works great Great price

For the price it’s great. I own numerous high end reels but don’t like taking them in the salt water. This works flawlessly

D. Ratliff : The drag stopped working

The drag stopped working.

Gustavo : Best quality ever

I’m very happy with this

C. Hurdle : Decent Reel

Heard a lot of good things about this reel and decided to try it out for myself. So far it had been decent, time will tell how well it holds up.

Amazon Customer : Didn't work in a second time use.

Don't waste your money!!
I don't know if was a bad quality, or bad luck, or bad store to buy, but the conclusion is in the second use, didn't work.
Simple like that.

brian duckworth : love shimanos

very good reels

T. Exner : Great

Sweet reel

christina winslett : No Durability

I bought this for my son for Christmas 6 months ago. He actually got to use it two times and the first big bass strips the gears. Its messed up.

Chris Ennis : Great product

Love this reel!!!

Spencer J. Lazara : so far so good!

Shimano is always a solid product and this is a great bang fro your buck reel

Nathan : Impressive

Best baitcaster for 100 dollars

Trisha : Smooth

Very smooth.

Don Marable : Great reel and reasonable price

This is an excellent bait casting reel at a reasonable price. I had not used a bait casting reel in several years, and my first cast was excellent. I had on small backlash out of about 100 casts, and it was my fault. Buy this reel, it's all you will need.

Steven p : Its fast

Its light weight and fast.

Zane Horne : As expected

So far no issues and performing well. Light and durable. I clean and oil regularly.

JJ : Best quality!!!!!!

Excellent product. Love it.....

Don Marable : Great reel and reasonable price

C. Hurdle : Decent Reel

Heard a lot of good things about this reel and decided to try it out for myself. So far it had been decent, time will tell how well it holds up.

kenneth carnes : Great reels

I love the reels I've got 3 of them now cast great

Ryan : Great Value!

Great reel at a great price. Cast very smooth. I usually keep 2 brakes engaged and throw 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz crank baits on this setup. I have it paired with a Duckett Micro Magic Pro pole.

Peter : Almost as good as my Metanium DC and Antares DC Amazon

Zane Horne : As expected

So far no issues and performing well. Light and durable. I clean and oil regularly.

Fishinfool140 : ?

Already sounds like the bearing s are bad

Bryant Williams : Shimano and the craftsmanship

No backlash awesome performance

L. Nguyen : Great

Iam sure it’s a great reel I returned it because I wanted the dc version

Daye kondenar : Yesirrr

Just as expected thanks

Amazon Customer : Great reel

Extremely smooth casting, actually surprised me. No issues, would recommend it.

Ken Carroll : Nice reel. Very smooth

Works great already have a few largemouth on Fishbrain

Nicholas DeCrane : Best value in general

Best 100 reel out there, smooth, fast, durable, good looking, and casts a mile, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says, best 100 reel out there, bad reviews must have gotten defective products or don’t know how to use.

Mark : great reel

Great reel used for casting chatterbait and then casting and pitching jigs have not backlashed yet.Smooth on cast and retrieve.

Sandra Franklin : It is so smooth & quite when you reel it in.

It doesn’t make a sound.

Brogers0076 : Very impressed

Its freaking sweet I think I found my new favorite reel this is my first shimano reels and the first reel with frictional brakes instead of magnetic brakes the instructions were kinda choppy but it was 2am when I was playing with this thing but if the brakes are loose they are on and locked into place they off shimanio ships it with 3 brakes on

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