I own a few of the regular SLX reels and am trying to figure out the differences between these two models. I thought the main difference was that the DC had external brake controls but I see a dial on the side of the XT so does it have it too? I guess I am trying to figure out the differences between these 3 reels and what features they all have so I can determine if I can justify buying the next model or next model up.

SLX is plain Jane 150 size reel with no add on just like old VBS system, 6 centrifugal brake system. 

SLX XT is SLX with add on fine tune adjustment. You set 4 centrifugal brakes inside then adjust external dial depend on lure weight/shape and wind condition. This feature most benefit for light weight lure on in windy condition.

SLX DC, I would say totally different from both. Shimano just borrowed the SLX name as to be fit in the lower end class than Curado. This reel uses different frame than those SLX (just a tad wider) and also different brake system. The DC stand for Digital Control braking system. The dial you see is setting according to how much you want digital to come in help. DC 4 have 4 setting, 1 free control (the least control and need a lot more thumb), 2 PE (braid) less control and still need thumb before lure slowing down, 3 FC (fluorocarbon) good in windy condition don’t need much thumb only stop spool when lure hit water and last super control for when you skipping or cast with no thumb need (supposedly).

To confuse you even more, and you will hear more about it is SLX MGL JDM (Japan version). This is the same as SLX XT (same frame) but got treatment with special MGL spool with line capacity 70 (hold a little bit less line than 150). This reel supposes to be good for light weight lure (1/4oz and lower).

1 hour ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

SLX is plain Jane 150 size reel with no add on just like old VBS system, 6 centrifugal brake system. 

SLX XT is SLX with add on fine tune adjustment. You set 4 centrifugal brakes inside then adjust external dial depend on lure weight/shape and wind condition. This feature most benefit for light weight lure on in windy condition.

SLX DC, I would say totally different from both. Shimano just borrowed the SLX name as to be fit in the lower end class than Curado. This reel uses different frame than those SLX (just a tad wider) and also different brake system. The DC stand for Digital Control braking system. The dial you see is setting according to how much you want digital to come in help. DC 4 have 4 setting, 1 free control (the least control and need a lot more thumb), 2 PE (braid) less control and still need thumb before lure slowing down, 3 FC (fluorocarbon) good in windy condition don’t need much thumb only stop spool when lure hit water and last super control for when you skipping or cast with no thumb need (supposedly).

To confuse you even more, and you will hear more about it is SLX MGL JDM (Japan version). This is the same as SLX XT (same frame) but got treatment with special MGL spool with line capacity 70 (hold a little bit less line than 150). This reel supposes to be good for light weight lure (1/4oz and lower).

Excellent info! In your opinion is there enough difference in the SLX vs XT model to justify the $30 difference? Sounds like you are saying the DC is a major step up in quality and features. The DC is probably out of my price range for now, just trying to figure out if the XT is worth the upgrade for 3 or 4 reels or not.

That is a tough answer.

First of all the DC is not really a major step up just different brake system, the internal part is still in the class of SLX. It might be good for some but not all.

 

SLX XT worth it, again is for some but not for me for sure. I only use SLX for heavier lure like 3/8 jig or fat Ika which I don’t see the need of fine tune adjustment. The SLX by itself is excellent casting already. But don’t believe me much, I advocated myself not to buy SLX MGL but I have one coming this Thursday lol.

 

On the other hand if you spend a few more bucks and get the K, you should see some upgrade.

4 minutes ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

That is a tough answer.

First of all the DC is not really a major step up just different brake system, the internal part is still in the class of SLX. It might be good for some but not all.

 

SLX XT worth it, again is for some but not for me for sure. I only use SLX for heavier lure like 3/8 jig or fat Ika which I don’t see the need of fine tune adjustment. The SLX by itself is excellent casting already. But don’t believe me much, I advocated myself not to buy SLX MGL but I have one coming this Thursday lol.

Now explain that model to me! I am trying to decide if for my "main" rod just to get another normal SLX or step it up to a different SLX or even jump into the higher end Shimanos which I am still trying to figure out all the different models of them LOL

Look above, I cannot comment more since I won’t have the reel until this Thursday.

10 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

Look above, I cannot comment more since I won’t have the reel until this Thursday.

Oh I certainly understand you can't comment on how good it works but the design, what is the difference technically between it and these other models. I assume it is superior components or design?

13 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

 

To confuse you even more, and you will hear more about it, is SLX MGL JDM (Japan version). This is the same as SLX XT (same frame, bearing count and internal) but got treatment with special MGL spool with line capacity of 70 size (hold a little bit less line than 150). This reel supposes to be good for light weight lure (1/4oz and lower).

^^^^

Added, MGL spool is lighter than regular spool with, in theory, should be able to cast light lure better. Smaller capacity 70 size spool hold less line, thus make total spool weight even lighter when filled.

Normally ppl will use this type reel for finesse technique, to be able to cast lighter lure, like Ned rig, weightless worm, 1/4oz lures or such. I use mine 50- 70 size (total of 6 reels) for everything from 1/8oz lures all the way to 1oz topwater lure. The disadvantage of smaller spool is you cannot use too big diameter of a line unless you go with braid. I only get about 80-90yds of .013” diameter line (14lb FC line)

Paul,

     If your good with your thumb and not trying to throw dinner plate sized spinner baits long distances into the wind or skipping under docks. You probably don't need the forgiveness of the SLX DC reel. Also the DC reel will probably not cast quite as far as a non-DC reel. I'd suspect (I have a lot of experience with Shimano reels) that the JDM SLX MGL with the 70 size spool will be a heck of a lot nicer reel then the SLX XT model. Because of it's smaller size spool and frame it will palm better, it will use less line to fill and cast lighter lures better. With the MGL gearing it should smoother and give you better feel on your bottom contact baits. IMHO the JDM SLX MGL will be overall a much more pleasurable reel to use. 

FM  

The lightest thing I'd probably throw on it would be a trick worm or something. I've just got a little change burning a hole in my wallet and looking for a higher end Shimano reel. I could do something a tad bigger than the SLX if I had too. Just looking for something butter smooth, plenty of power, casts a mile and will last a long time. Just looking for recommendations as I know there are a lot of Shimano fan boys on here.

I'm assuming it is a dollar or two over your budget, but I get the impression from what I've read so far about the Tatula Elite is that its casting distance is superb.  At its price the reel should have decent longevity as well.

 

LargeMouthGambler tuned his SLX and stated that he is very impressed with the reel.  You could consider an SLX XT and put the money you would have spent on a DC into getting it tuned.

21 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I'm assuming it is a dollar or two over your budget, but I get the impression from what I've read so far about the Tatula Elite is that its casting distance is superb.  At its price the reel should have decent longevity as well.

 

LargeMouthGambler tuned his SLX and stated that he is very impressed with the reel.  You could consider an SLX XT and put the money you would have spent on a DC into getting it tuned.

The guy posted he likes to stay with Shimano so please stop converting ppl into Daiwa lol. 

 By tuning SLX, if I remembered correctly he only replaced main-shaft bushing with bearing or may be carbon drag washer, and so do I, except washer. I don’t really see any difference before and after. Btw the SLX XT already come with mainshaft bearing. 

44 minutes ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

The guy posted he likes to stay with Shimano so please stop converting ppl into Daiwa lol. 

 By tuning SLX, if I remembered correctly he only replaced main-shaft bushing with bearing or may be carbon drag washer, and so do I, except washer. I don’t really see any difference before and after. Btw the SLX XT already come with mainshaft bearing. 

Yeah.  I was being a little sarcastic when I mentioned the Daiwa.    Lots of times people suggest something way above the OP's posted budget.  Or suggest a brand he isn't interested in.  Doesn't do the OP any good. 

 

Only Shimano I've had tuned was a Curado 51E.  I also have a stock one (cleaned by DVT).  I don't see enough difference for me to notice.  Which surprised me as I thought I'd see a good difference based on a few posts I've read on tuned Shimanos.  I have noticed a before and after difference on my Daiwas.  Oops.  Sorry about the Daiwa mention again. 

25 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

 

Only Shimano I've had tuned was a Curado 51E.  I also have a stock one (cleaned by DVT).  I don't see enough difference for me to notice.  Which surprised me as I thought I'd see a good difference based on a few posts I've read on tuned Shimanos.  I have noticed a before and after difference on my Daiwas.  Oops.  Sorry about the Daiwa mention again. 

On another word, shimano is good even in stock form no need to do anything else ?. Come to think about it, I added hedgehog BFS air bearing to Alphas Air and carbon drag washer plus micro bearing to pixy, but don’t need anything to all shimanos.

Not bad for SLX MGL, at least it got those of Japanese bearing where you can only find in JDM reel.

All the info you need is here.  My opinion, short and sweet:

 

SLX XT is worth the extra $30.

 

The DC reels are like a specialized tool.  Unless it becomes the norm (and it might) I don't see a need to have all DC reels.  One for skipping, and one for light lures in wind and you should be set.  

 

I am more than pleased with my Curado Ks which are about the same price as the SLX DC.

I now may be considering a Curado DC, provided TW has it 20% on Black Friday LOL

That SLX MGL looks slick, just might be my 1st JDM reel!