You don't buy a Telsa with Autopilot to learn how to drive a car. It sure will make it easier at the beginning for people don't know how to drive, but eventually, just like everyone else, they still need a regular car to learn, or at least turn off the Autopilot function.  You can't turn off a DC brake, not with the 4 setting of a SLX DC; it'll always be there. 

2 hours ago, newapti5 said:

You don't buy a Telsa with Autopilot to learn how to drive a car. It sure will make it easier at the beginning for people don't know how to drive, but eventually, just like everyone else, they still need a regular car to learn, or at least turn off the Autopilot function.  You can't turn off a DC brake, not with the 4 setting of a SLX DC; it'll always be there. 

Wouldn’t buy a Tesla regardless. I get where you’re going though. Manual/auto would be a better comparison. Where as “D” would be equivalent to running your SLX DC on the 4 setting. The first three settings are more of a manual. You still need to use your thumb (or a clutch to finish the comparison). I agree with what others said casting technique is more important. I have backlashed my DC reels just as much as my regular Tatulas. DC isn’t a crutch in my opinion, but I think to learn a regular baitcaster first would be more important. I’ll take my DC out to the river and just cast just to hear the sound though ?

Well, after reading all of these great posts I decided to hedge my bets and get a new SLX DC reel with a very generous TW gift certificate from the family for Xmas and a slightly used regular SLX off eBay. DC going on a 4 power MH 6’ 9” Kistler Graphite (their newest rod line) for $99 sale (regular $150; I think Kistler’s sale, buying direct from them, ends 12/31?). SLX will go on a 5 power frog rod yet to be bought but probably a Dobyns 705 Mag heavy. As many of you noted, both reels will need me to develop an educated thumb to avoid backlashes so i don’t think I’ve confused things with getting both, but we shall see.

 

And the advice on proper casting as a way to avoid backlashes sounds spot-on, so if you see some crazy dude practicing roll and sidearm casting on a frozen baseball field in NJ, that might be me!
 

Thanks again for all the great feedback.