The Shimano SLX HG Casting Reel Review

Shimano SLX 151 HG  – Buy From FishUSA

I discovered the Shimano SLX years ago through a buyer’s guide and took their word that it would feel like a higher-quality reel for the price. I opened the box and held it out ran my fingers over the side plate, opened it, and studied the brake system, then closed it, and thought “That’s a different brake system.” But I’ll get more into the Variable Break System (VBS) in a bit. This reel dominates as a budget-friendly reel despite my initial insecurity. Shimano delivers an affordable price point and a seriously high-quality feel to it. I’ve been fishing the SLX primarily on a flipping and pitching rod, but it takes control as a casting reel.

Side Plate & Variable Brake System (VBS)

Shimano SLX 151 HG  – Buy From FishUSA

I’ve read that earlier models didn’t have an attached side plate. I couldn’t imagine the frustration of dropping it in a tournament! But the SLX HG has an attached side plate made of graphite that pops open and swings away. You have to fully loosen the tension knob to open it, which I found a little annoying. But the idea is to set the brakes, then leave it and not think about it. I rarely find myself readjusting the pins when making a lure change. However, this system may put some guys off if they’ve never used it before especially if you’re used to the standard exterior break dial. Out of the box, three of the six brake pins are down and three are up. This is a good starting place for most. I released one pin and cast the  Rapala DT-6 in 3/8 oz pretty well without thumbing the spool a lot.

Shimano SLX Handle & Grips

The handle is 90 MM which gives me good leverage and power when fishing heavy cover. It comes with Power Grip L  handles with a unique shape that molds to your finger and thumb – great when fishing long hours on the water, and they have a rubber feel rather than a hard plastic. The thumb bar loads and releases smoothly with no staging or hangups – just a smooth click-down and release. The overall body of the reel is smooth aluminum and has a smaller profile than The Shimano Curado. It fits nicely in the palm of your hand and feels great in hand on long days.

Drag System & Casting

The star drag adjustment wheel has a nice click action, which I prefer. However, the tension doesn’t.  The max drag can handle 12 lbs of drag. I’ve set the hook hard in grass and around boat docks and wood and haven’t had any drag slips. You’ll feel quite a bit of power from the SLX and good torque. It’s a great power fishing reel when you are fishing your spinnerbaits, Colorado spinners, and chatter baits.  The SLX casts well with all three brake pins on and rarely leads to back lashes. I like that it’s quiet, too. You don’t get a lot of Zipping or humming as the line takes off.

Final Thoughts

The Shimano SLX 151 HG is a game-changer in affordable fishing and I’d recommend it to anyone on a budget. You’re getting a lot out of it for a $99 reel including an easy to palm, aluminum frame, comfortable grips and a larger handle for leverage – perfect for power fishing. The quality of the SLX is a step up for its price point and you’ll notice this as you first pull it from the box. The only issue I had with it was the Variable Brake System and having to open and close the side plate. But As I mentioned, you should only have to adjust your brakes once unless you switch to a much heavier or lighter lure weight.