Shimano SLX

[watty]

rod reel combo's very well priced but are they good durable reels and rods?

[new2BC4bass]

No one can answer that. They just came out not long ago. However, Shimano does have a reputation for durable reels.

[reelex]

We've had in the field for nearly a year now. NO issues whatsoever. Amazing lil reel for the money. Not a huge fan of the logoing but is a SOLID platform. Dan

[Morrow]

I have two for sell

[LgMouthGambler]

I have one currently, and have had it out on the water a few times. Once you replace all the bushings with bearings, and upgrade the spool bearings, it becomes quite the reel. The best things about it is the size, its soo tiny.

[watty]

Lgmouthgambler,
can you send me some pics and recommendations for bearings?

[MCS]

Just got this, sweet reel....even with bushings in the knobs its pretty smooth. Set of bearings from the gambler will be installed shortly but for the money this reel kills the equally priced Lews LFS I have. The shimano just feels better....I'll know more when I fish it...Hopefully tomorrow.

[LgMouthGambler]

Just got this, sweet reel....even with bushings in the knobs its pretty smooth. Set of bearings from the gambler will be installed shortly but for the money this reel kills the equally priced Lews LFS I have. The shimano just feels better....I'll know more when I fish it...Hopefully tomorrow.

I cant wait for you to give me some outside feedback on what you think after the bearings. I know it woke mine up, and its been a pleasure to fish. Its just stupid cheap, and soo much fun.

[somerdink]

I’m i interested in what size of the bearings are also because i will replace the bearings and use them for deep cranking, square bill and chatter baits since i don’t use them much

[LgMouthGambler]

I’m i interested in what size of the bearings are also because i will replace the bearings and use them for deep cranking, square bill and chatter baits since i don’t use them much

Which bearings?

[somerdink]

Spool and Knobs?

[kailor]

I JUST NOW posted a thread about the Shimano SLX reel and then saw this thread. I love mine...very small, casts far and hardly needed my thumb. I'll be getting more. That said, I purchased them from Cabela's and took each out of the box and gave them a turn. I went to the lake and one just didn't feel right so I took it back. I hope this helps.

[LgMouthGambler]

Spool and Knobs?

Spool: 3x10x4

Knobs: 4x7x2.5

[Papabear]

I can't comment on rods but really like the reels. I have one SLX 7.2 on my St Croix Avid and one 6.3 ratio on a St Croix Bass M action. Really nice compact reel which i like and can easily palm. I have several Green Curados and a few Citicas so hope they hold up as well as they have.

[MCS]

Well, bearing upgrade done....Damn this thing sings! I am throwing a 1/4 oz ima popper on a little 6'-6" allstar rod.....Effortless is all I can say and it goes. Sweet little reel for 99 bucks and with the bearing still under 150. The knob bearings were more noticeable than I thought they would be...But damn...Spool bearings are money. Thanks LMG and Hawgtech.

knobs.jpg bearing upgrade.jpg done.jpg

[watty]

Thank you all for your input.
I am pitching mine in the baement for another couple months.
Feels like a really nice combo..

[LgMouthGambler]

Just got finished changing spool bearings and swapping frame bushings for bearings on another SLX. Its just amazing the transformation.

[kailor]

IM sent to you, LgMouthGambler...

[kailor]

So...to do this upgrade, I'll replace 6 bushings with 6 bearings and I'll need:

4 knob bearings (4x7x 2.5) ...what name brand?
1 spool bearing (3x10x4)...Hawgtech
1 Level wind bearing
1 Drive shaft bearing

Is this correct?

[kercha83]

you guys are making me want to trade my last Lews (Super Duty G) for an SLX