Daiwa baitcast's are the majority in my lineup.

I'm interested in the JDM Shimano SLX XT DC which has the i-DC5. It's the same DC brake system that only come with the domestic higher-end Metanium DC. 

 

Anyone have any experiences with the SLX XT DC? If you own any Daiwa's, could you chime in and give me a comparison.

I don’t have experience with that specific reel but I have used the SLX and Curado DC reels (both I-DC4). I have plenty of Daiwas and I prefer them for spool control over Shimano DC. The DCs are more tame than MGLs but not as tame as SV Daiwas imo.

I have the SLX DC XT and the Metanium DC both JDM, but I don't have any Daiwa reels to compare them to, but the SLX DC XT is the best value DC reel available with i-DC5 unit IMO.

 

I customized mine; it doesn't look like the same reel anymore😁

 

 

 

38 minutes ago, T2DM said:

I have the SLX DC XT and the Metanium DC both JDM, but I don't have any Daiwa reels to compare them to, but the SLX DC XT is the best value DC reel available with i-DC5 unit IMO.

 

I customized mine; it doesn't look like the same reel anymore😁

 

 

 

I was thinking so👌

1 hour ago, T2DM said:

I have the SLX DC XT and the Metanium DC both JDM, but I don't have any Daiwa reels to compare them to, but the SLX DC XT is the best value DC reel available with i-DC5 unit IMO.

 

I customized mine; it doesn't look like the same reel anymore😁

 

 

 

they’re such a fun reel and overlooked I find because of the SLX.   They shouldn’t even be an SLX lol

9 hours ago, MiceNReets said:

they’re such a fun reel and overlooked I find because of the SLX.   They shouldn’t even be an SLX lol

Yep! Shimano should've called it the 21 Scorpion 70/71 DC!

6 hours ago, T2DM said:

Yep! Shimano should've called it the 21 Scorpion 70/71 DC!

I agree.  But then this hidden gem would be everywhere   Lol

 

On 5/4/2025 at 7:13 AM, MiceNReets said:

I agree.  But then this hidden gem would be everywhere   Lol

 

Too bad I don't need any more reels. 

On 5/3/2025 at 11:33 AM, MiceNReets said:

they’re such a fun reel and overlooked I find because of the SLX.   They shouldn’t even be an SLX lol

I received it and ran it for couple days. I have to say this really is a "hidden gem" as mentioned by miceandreets. 

1. Line selection in cover for finer tuning

2. Brake dial with 5 settings that is easily accessible when need to adjust on the fly

3. Compact body and spool size enough for close range and distance.

4. Ability to cast into the so called BFS weight range.

So it comes down to the great aspect of line management and versatility. The exact features the 24' Daiwa Tatula SV TWS 100 was made for. Only that it's 100% mechanical without the audible noise. Both reels are missing one critical feature that would put these reels into a stellar level. Drag clicker... Having a drag clicker sure makes a huge difference especially in the competition setting. One doesn't know how much it means until your'e hooked up and fighting with feel, sight, and sound. It sure does help. Usually it's standard in high end reels but now the lower end 13Fishing, and Bates now incorporate drag clickers. 

 

You can buy clickers for pretty much any reel you want on Aliexpress.  They're cheap as long as there isn't a $57 shipping fee.  If there is then you may want to wait until after the trade battle ends or see of US based sellers are selling on eBay or something.