tldr; The best $99 baitcasting reel with digital brakes (DC version) that prevents backlash, recommended as the sweet spot for accuracy and reliability
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Best praise vs top criticism for Shimano SLX
“It was a good fight. Caught on a Johnson silver minnow weedless spoon and a BassX/Shimano SLX combo. I had been messing around with my ultralight combo just before in the same area and decided to switch up and got it on the 3rd cast. It hit the lure like it was mad at it.”
“Get a Shimano, Daiwa or Lews, don't buy a premade combo, get them separately. A LEWS speed spool LFS and a LEWS KVD rod used to be about $210, apparently with the new model they jacked the price up $40 for the reel, it used to be $100, they are still selling the old models at some shops. For Shimano reels and SLX is their $100 option, spend a bit more for an SLX XT ($130) and you get a more durable reel with some external breaks. Daiwa does not offer much below $100 that's worth it, but the Daiwa Tatula CT is a great reel for $130, it's on sale for $100 at sheels right now. Daiwa Tatula XT rods are also a great rod at $100.”
46 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 2/24/2026