Bauer SLT Reel Review - Newest Saltwater Fly Reels in 2024
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The Bauer SLT is an interesting saltwater reel but I can't quite recommend it over similarly priced options on the market such as the Hatch Iconic or Shilton reels. Don't get me wrong, it's a cool reel. But this is a highly competitive segment, premium saltwater reels. It's just priced a bit too high compared with very worthy competitors. Many of you know that I am a big fan of several other top fly reel brands including Abel, Hatch, Shilton, Nautilus, and a few more. The new SLT series has tons of drag (double some competitors), plus it is very well-made in terms of sealing and build quality. The drag knob is smooth to turn, has a good amount of grip on it and is a great size as well. The reels will only be offered in two colors, blue and black, each with a silver accent.
The Bauer SLT is a really interesting new design from the team in Montana. But the competition at this level is serious.
Bauer reels are owned by Winston fly rods, or at any rate they are part of the same company. Winston already makes the best new saltwater fly rods so they wanted to go ahead and release a new saltwater fly reel too.
Winston rods are made in Montana. Where is this reel made? Well, it's a little more complicated. It is my understanding that they are machined and anodized in South Korea, and then final assembly and quality checks are performed here in the USA. Let me be clear that I don't think that impacts the quality in any way, but it is only fair to point out that other reels at this price point are entirely made in USA such as the Hatch Iconic or a Ross Evo R Saltwater reel (both cost less, too).
I briefly consulted with Winston/Bauer regarding these reels for the past couple of years as they developed and refined them (*unpaid, just providing feedback based on my experience - I still intend to be unbiased in this review). I don't know the extent to which my feedback was necessarily an influence but it was provided nonetheless. I was asked because I sell more saltwater fly reels than almost any other individual salesperson on the planet. So at minimum, I know what sells and what customers ask for every day.
*Keep this in mind as you do your research on rods, reels, etc: Most people writing fly gear "reviews" these days have never even used the product (maybe for a day) and definitely don't own one. I had these actual reels in my hands many months ago, long before any announcements about them. Bauer does not give me anything for free. I put my money where my mouth is, which is why people usually tend to like my reviews.
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