Interesting discussion, as I've been looking for a new reel. I've mostly been looking at Bass Pro stuff because I love my Pro Qualifier 2 reels.

Scheels has/had the Tatula CT for 99.99 and that is hard to pass up.

I have both SLX, and Tatula reels.  Both are good, though in my opinion the SLX is a little smoother.

8 hours ago, jt7 said:

Yea, i already ordered the Lews.

In fairness, the Lews is a decent reel for the money. It is the first casting reel I ever bought and used for a year or two before moving on. It will get you started well. 

On 6/27/2025 at 8:09 PM, chubaka said:

If you're just starting baitcasting I would get the SLX. Like stated above internal brakes are fine.

Not sure I would agree with this.

 

For decades I have used the curados, chronarchs, metaniums, calcuttas, etc.

 

I prefer the curado H series reels. Great workhorse reel for constant use.

 

My issue is I get used to the brakes of the curado, and then try and use the SLX and find the brakes are lacking comparably.

 

For newbies I'd recommend moving up a little bit higher than the SLX which is pretty much bottom of the line for Shimano. Newbies might learn how to cast more easily using a reel with a little better braking system. At the top of this shimano reel curve would be the DC reels.

 

The SLX reel I have in my out box right now waiting for the line to be removed and put it up for sale. And the only reason is those brakes.

2 hours ago, FloridaFishinFool said:

Not sure I would agree with this.

 

For decades I have used the curados, chronarchs, metaniums, calcuttas, etc.

 

I prefer the curado H series reels. Great workhorse reel for constant use.

 

My issue is I get used to the brakes of the curado, and then try and use the SLX and find the brakes are lacking comparably.

 

For newbies I'd recommend moving up a little bit higher than the SLX which is pretty much bottom of the line for Shimano. Newbies might learn how to cast more easily using a reel with a little better braking system. At the top of this shimano reel curve would be the DC reels.

 

The SLX reel I have in my out box right now waiting for the line to be removed and put it up for sale. And the only reason is those brakes.

I’m not saying you’re wrong but I had the first generation SLX and as someone else pointed out I left 3 brakes on and 3 brakes off and I had zero issues with the brakes by just adjusting the tension knob to suit my lures fall rate. Conversely I’ve had zero issues on any of my Daiwa’s with the external brake adjustment either. I will add the Curado MGL brake system was the hardest for me personally to dial in but once I did last season I never touched them again.