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

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.

Ron : Great light $100 class reel.

Smooth... it’s a Shimano... good drag, excellent for light fishing w/6-15 lb braid. Easy to adjust and learn.

Carl R. : Perfect price

It is Perfect for Bass fishing. I would recommend this to anyone it is not really expensive and will last forever if taken care of.

Catherine : Fantastic reel!!

I have fished this reel for over 2 months now I got to say how I love the reel. It’s got a good feel, is compact and has a nice low profile. It casts like a dream and has a great breaking system. Highly recommend to any to every level of angler.

Dimitri : GREAT REEL

I love my new reel. Starting to get a hang of the baitcaster because my entire life I have used spinner. This is a great reel to use and very simple to understand.

That Guy : Impossible to adjust

First, I do like this reel. After a year of fishing with it, and learning to use a baitcaster with it, I have formed opionons. First, it's smooth. A year of fishing and it's still smooth. I mostly Canoe & kayak fish in fresh water, but it gets wet, rained on, and all that. I clean it up, but so far the thing is still as smooth as the day it came in the mail.

Now the bad news. I wouldn't be buying another one. The spool brake cover is a terrible design. If you adjust your breaks, which you need to remove the spool cover to do so, getting the cover back on is worse that trying to put a cork back in a wine bottle with numb hands, just about impossible. So once you think you have it...you cast...Nope you didn't have it, the cover fell off, the spool half ejected from the reel and now you're back to fishing with your spinning rod and impressing the fish with your profanity. (Did you know fish laugh? Buy this reel and you'll hear them when your spool falls into the water.)

If you want a very well made, very smooth bait caster for one type of fishing, and you won't adjust it EVER, then this is a great reel. However if you switch lures, baits, or are in different fishing conditions, you'll spend more time trying to get the cover over the spool that you could be fishing.

Certainly don't buy this reel if it will be your first bait caster.

I wont be trashing the reel, and I won't be selling it. But it is getting less and less use now jsut because of how much of a pain in the ass it is to fish with and adjust.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the spool tensioner... pretend it's not there, because that's what your reel does.

The drag clicks, and yeah, so if you like that, great.
My initial impression was that I just messed up and the reel works fine. Sure it bird's nests when I mess up, but that's on me. But the more I get to know the reel the more I just don't like the design. Even when I'm having a good day, the wind is right, tension is set (? or not) , brakes are off, lure is correctly weighted... I can cast further with any of my other spinning reels.

Amazon Customer : Pretty slick

Nice small size, I don't know how it compares to a 70 sized reel. I give it four stars right now because I haven't fished it yet, it should hold up well to saltwater. The bearings are the sealed type that don't allow for removing the seal.

CG : Smooth

Great reel. Smooth

shawn benline : Great reel

Very light weight. Smooth. The reel cast well. So far it appears to be a great Reel without spending a few hundred dollars.

Autumn Starks : Quality reel

The nicest reel i own is the shimano casitis. I was disappointed when they got rid of it. I needed another reel that i could cast light lures. I can throw plastics as light as a 1/4 ounce with no trouble. If ur on a budget an want a very good reel this is it. Iv had this out about a dozen times an have no complaints.

George huffman : Quality for good price

Was looking for reasonably priced good brand reel to bass fish, read many good reviews before buying and thus far good deal well constructed for a 12 tournament year plus practice and fun fishing handling braid line very well, will catch em!

R. Wynieski : So far, so good.

I cannot attest to durability yet. So far it’s a sweet, smooth, & fast reel. So far from my practice casts, it doesn’t like 12 lb. with 1/4 oz lure, with less than 3 brakes on. I have it mounted on a 7 ft MH rod and I upgraded the felt drag washers with Carbon Tex ones.

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

Amazon Customer : Great reel

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

Amazon Customer : Great value

Great value.

Gustavo : Best quality ever

I’m very happy with this

Burgett : Excellent for price

Smooth gears excellent gear ratio.

George huffman : Quality for good price

fermin : Works great but needs larger spool!

I like how it looks and performs. But a little expensive. I use to catch pike ,bass, bowfin. In all very happy with my purchase ????

Grady Hines : Awewsome reel!!

Straight out of the box little to no adjustment ( just the spool speed for lure weight) worked and is still working perfectly

JR : Shimano all the way!

Love the feeling of being able to Palm it. Super comfortable and time will tell with durability..

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

Joejoe : First one

Had my friend set it up for me and show me how to dial it in for different weights. Works great occasionally I can get it in a birds nest but can fix easily.I bought another one yesterday

Shelby Scott : Don’t buy

Side button broke off in order to close side plate. Used reel 3 times in 4 months

Amazon Customer : Smooth

Ultra smooth

Ricky E Daughtry : no good (I would like to amend my earlier review of the Shimano SLX)

I have been throwing baitcasters since 1975. ( All Diawa) this thing is not worth the time to mess with . It only has one break setting. Do not buy (I have had a chance to actually fish with this reel and it is truly a well engineered reel with great precision and power. Pay no attention to my previous review. this is a very supreme reel that I would highly recommend.)

Amazon Customer : Great value

Great value.

Robert Norman : Very Nice Compact Bait Caster

Inexpensive, good Quality with smooth operation.

1 : great product

If you can spend a little more I would recommend to get the SLX DC, or the slx XT. Having the external tuning makes a big difference. At the time I got the slx it was priced at $80 so that was a really good price. I have a Curado I, with the external tuning and that is so much easier to adjust than having to open the frame to adjust. The reel is smooth, and the drag is okay. You may also look to see if you can get a deal on a combo with the rod and reel. I've seen some listed slx rod and slx reel for just a bit more money. No where near if you bought it separately.

Daye kondenar : Yesirrr

Just as expected thanks

Joejoe : First one

Had my friend set it up for me and show me how to dial it in for different weights. Works great occasionally I can get it in a birds nest but can fix easily.I bought another one yesterday

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.

T. Exner : Great

Sweet reel

Kenneth Duke : Great reel

Another great product from shimano

Dan C. Boston : Never had a problem like this! NOT HAPPY

What a mess. I loaded mono 17 lb for a base and leader. In between I loaded 15 lb braid. How did the braid end up wrapped around the clutch button. This happened twice. First time I had to cut the line. Haven't cut it yet. Going to send it back!

shawn benline : Great reel

Very light weight. Smooth. The reel cast well. So far it appears to be a great Reel without spending a few hundred dollars.

Amazon Customer : Great value

Great value.

Tony Robinson : Shimano slx

So far this reel has been great! Easy to palm (I have average sized hands). You would have to spend 80 more bucks to do better, and that would also be a shimano.

Timothy Y. : Great product.

Best reel for the money.

Zane Horne : As expected

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

Nicholas DeCrane : Best value in general

Matthew Marshall : Impressive!

Ordered the reel and the rod that goes with it. Very smooth casting and plenty of power to work with. They mailed the rod in a cvp pipe so it was well protected. I will definitely buy from these guys again I the future!

Corey Newby : Great value reel!

This reel is a great value for the money! I actually prefer it over the SHIMANO SLX DC which is $90 more. It casts better and you have better bait control. The DC system tends to stop the bait to much so when you are jigging it is difficult to maintain slack to let the bait drop instead of pull back.

Fishinfool140 : ?

Already sounds like the bearing s are bad

Ricky E Daughtry : no good (I would like to amend my earlier review of the Shimano SLX)

john : Not worth the money

Broke the first day

wolftrain : Great Reels, Lube Out of the Box

Phenomenal reels. I've purchased 3 now (and a few of the DC models). All 3 of mine have been VERY slow out of the box. Do yourself a favor and apply some lube to both ends of the spool before you even wind line onto it. They'll "break in" over time, but if you don't lube it before your first use, your first 2-3 fishing trips will be spent making 15 yard casts all day.

Once you get them up to speed though, these are extremely high performing reels for the price point. Admittedly I ONLY have Shimano reels so I can't compare this to a $100 offering from a competitor, but I'm so impressed with them that they are literally the only reels I'll buy (except for an occasional Curado when I really wanna treat myself.) Performance wise matches my Curados, Curados just look and feel like a better product to justify the price tag, but in terms of actual fishing capabilities, you can't really beat the SLX.

Amazon Customer : Smooth

Ultra smooth

kenneth carnes : Great reels

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

Bryant Williams : Shimano and the craftsmanship

No backlash awesome performance

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