I know, I know. Kast king doesn't compare to Shimano, and I may be answering this question in the first sentence. I have 7 new baitcast rods I need to outfit with some reels. Looking for a sub $100 option. The SLX is $99 bucks which fits well and still sticks with the Shimano brand (i've always been a Shimano guy). BUT the older Citica G models can be had used, in good condition, for 60-80 a piece. I'm sure I can find SLX around the same price used if I look around, but the Citica G's are fairly easy to find at this point. I own a Citica G, and while not nearly as nice as some of my others, it's a decent reel for the price. Then there comes Kast King and there aluminum framed baitcasters with 11 bearings for $60 bucks! They seem to be pretty well reviewed. I have one and it seems to perform fairly well, but we will see if it has the longevity of my Shimano's. Any thoughts? SLX, Citica G, or a Kast king?

You get what you pay for.

May I suggest searching up this thread 😉