Shimano SLX DC Baitcasting Reel Product Review

If you’re the kind of angler searching for a reasonable and straightforward to use baitcasting reel, you’ll need to look towards the Shimano SLX line of reels. These are lightweight, durable, and perfect for beginners fascinated with diving into baitcasting.

This reel is a workhorse, and it enhances Shimano’s innovation to give anglers a dependable and performance-headed reel at a value that nearly anybody could bear. They have a smaller profile without lessening the line capacity.

Shimano’s SLX reel is a decent reel for any angler out there. Then Shimano released their new SLX reel into an SLX DC and offered it for $189. When they developed this improved version, many anglers were all hyped up.

Shimano SLX DC Product Review

The release of the Shimano SLX DC is the last and latest upgrade to the Shimano SLX, and it won an award for the best freshwater reel at ICAST 2019. This reel is the benchmark of performance in the fishing business. The essential feature that separates this reel is expanding a best-in-class Digital Control braking system, thus the DC in the name.

Product Information

The Shimano SLX DC Baitcasting Reel is low profile and constructed with a similar compact and adaptable pattern as the first SLX reel. This improved rendition features DC braking system innovation that allows you to fish an assortment of draws in all conditions while making slight adjustments following the actual reel.

It also features four external braking choices that improve performance depending on the fishing conditions and line type used. The computerized cast control system screens the speed of the spool a thousand times each second. It applies brake pressure when expected to stop backlash and advance the casting distance.
Besides, it is suited with molded grips and a long handle, giving anglers the way to maneuver their casting and fishing experience appropriately. There is additionally an extended handle that supports the cranking power.

Moreover, it has a 4+1 ball bearing that aids easy and effective retrieval. The maximum drag is at 11-12 lbs, in favor of an effective drag system that gives a superior fishing experience. Then, the line capacity is 10/120, 12/110, and 14/90. These alternatives give you a decision to pick what is most appropriate to your preferences.

Product Features

• • Low profile baitcasting reel
  • HAGANE Body design with high rigidity that virtually eliminates body flexing
  • I-DC4 Intelligent Digital Control braking system with a 4-setting adjustable brake dial
  • Super Free Spool eliminates friction on the spool shaft during casting
  • Shimano Stable Spool Design technology significantly reduces spool vibration
  • DSG Pro Tips

Different Model Specifications

Key Features

• • • HAGANE Body furnishes the reel’s body with its essential rigidity that can withstand impact, essentially eliminating body flexing. The result transforms the angler’s actions directly into cranking power, all the more impressive as smooth and adjusted winding.
    • Super Free Spool was created to dispense friction on the spool shaft when you cast. In standard baitcasting reels, when the grip bar is pushed down, the pinion gear is released and can drag the spool shaft making friction that can restrict the length of a cast. With Super Free Spool, the pinion gear is upheld by a ball bearing, so when the grip is separated in preparation for a cast, the pinion gear and spool shaft are kept in exact alignment. The outcome is zero friction upon the spool shaft.
    • Intelligent Digital Control Braking System gives different fishing encounters to anglers, paying little attention to the conditions and baits used. The DC braking system has four modes to set up. You can choose the external dial for Max Distance, Fluorocarbon, Braided/Monoline, and Skipping for you to place the bait at those hard-to-reach areas. You don’t have to change the reel regularly as you would on different reels without a DC braking system.
    • S3D Spool Technology allows an excellent thin wall aluminum spool that lessens spool vibration essentially and consequently permitting you to have a smooth casting and retrieval experience.

Good Things About the SLX DC

Construction/Durability

The SLX DC includes a similar quality form as the standard SLX and consists of the I-DC4 sealed cast control module.

Also, it can withstand the test of time. The Hagane body allows it to turn out to be solid and rigid. It is impact-resistant also. Subsequently, you can be guaranteed that this reel is made to last more despite the fishing conditions you are in. Overall the reel feels strong.

Performance

Casting performance is excellent not only in the max distance as well as regarding the simplicity of control.

A few reels work best with heavier baits yet would regularly build up specific issues with lighter lures. Nonetheless, with regards to SLX DC, you can cast with one or the other hefty or soft baits with no problems controlling the direction of your cast.

Price

While not as cheap as the overall price as the forcefully valued standard SLX reel, this is the most reasonable DC reel in the US. It is incredible to pay the premium to upgrade to this feature, especially if you haven’t tested the I-DC4 or DC system previously.

Design (Ergonomics)

The SLX DC does not have a palm as pleasant as the first DC with the giant non-handle side plate. However, the outer cast control adjustment is a decent upgrade. Sadly the reel weighs somewhat more.

Application

The SLX DC is a decent upgrade over the first SLX, and the expansion of the I-DC4 cast control system extends the scope of capacities on the two ends of the range, making this both a superior power fishing reel just as an improved skillful reel. This reel gives you a comfortable operation as it automatically adjusts depending on the situation – thanks to its Digital Control braking system.

Compact

Something else to cherish about this baitcasting reel is the way that it is compact. It has a smaller body yet can, in any case, hold an excellent line capacity. Unquestionably, this reel is an absolute necessity for anglers of all skill levels.

Points of Improvement

Manual or QR Code

The main thing you would do is check for a manual or QR Code that clarifies the Setting 1-4 implications and how to change the spool tensioner handle on a DC. You may take in the entirety of that information from Shimano-supported anglers making videos and Marketing people through verbal correspondence. You will not find much information in the card in the box. You genuinely need to look for it, which could prompt disappointment if you adjust the reel erroneously depending on experience with conventional reels.

Gears

You can determine the distinction in the gears from the Curado to the SLX. The SLX DC isn’t as smooth, and you can feel and sometimes hear it upon retrieval. It is a slight downside.

Side Plate

The side plate issue is unique with the SLX DC. When you open the side plate, there isn’t anything that holds it on, so making adjustments on the water, particularly in a kayak, can be hazardous. You might want to see around hinge or beetle wing built-in.

SLX DC Pros

• • • Casts very well
    • Lightweight
    • DC cast control innovation has never been more available
    • I-DC4 cast control is indeed proven and is a durable and simple to use system
    • Same strong feel as the first SLX
    • Even though a considerable jump over the standard SLX Series in price, this new SLX DC series is as yet an extraordinary worth when you think about the extra features and performance

SLX DC Cons

• • • Not as polished as other Shimano reels, including the Curado DC. The considerable distinction is the MicroModule gears and X-Ship
    • Drag is dependable; however not an upgrade from the first SLX

Final Verdict

The most important question is not whether the SLX DC is a decent reel, which it indeed is, particularly when you consider the affordable price point. There are two significant issues you ought to ask yourself while thinking about the SLX DC.

In the first place, regardless of whether the I-DC4 feature merits the $90 premium over the standard SLX reel? If you haven’t possessed a DC reel before, this is a simple yes. The innovation of that digital cast and the real perceptible control benefits it carries with it merits the cost of admission in itself.

Is this equivalent to the Curado DC? Firmly not. Notwithstanding, it is vital to note that if you need a freshwater reel that is reliable when you can’t bear the cost of backlashes, costs under $200, and can deal with the crush of seasons of fishing, the SLX DC is an incredible option.