Bauer SLT Reel Review - Newest Saltwater Fly Reels in 2024
Check out all the new Bauer SLT Reels
The Bauer SLT is an interesting saltwater reel but I can't honestly recommend it over similarly priced options on the market such as the Hatch Iconic or Shilton reels. Read my review. Keep in mind that because of my expertise, I was personally asked to consult on the SLT by the head of Bauer Reels for over 2 hours on the phone regarding my input and suggestions because I sell so many saltwater reels every year. I was also the first dealer to receive these new reels and I had a final prototype in hand 6 months before they came out. I really wanted these to be great. I am not paid by Bauer or anyone else for my reviews and I always give my honest opinions on products, as many of you know if you have been reading my reviews for years. The head of Bauer reels actually left the company not long after the release of these new reels. I do not know why and it may be unrelated.
In a few of the reels I received (my first order was probably the largest of any dealer) there was some rubbing between spool and frame under pressure, meaning with a good amount of tension on the backing. No issue when tested without backing/line, just turning the handle on a bare reel. So you can't tell without setting the reel up first. I do not know if this was an isolated issue but I didn't want to chance it. I set up and tested 3 different reels which had this issue and reported this back to the company. I should also note that I sold several reels to good customers who have yet to report an issue, but these reels were personally set up and checked by me. I then shipped all of my remaining reels back to Bauer and I have not asked for replacements due to my concerns. To be clear I do not doubt that Bauer would repair or correct any issue a customer had (excellent customer service fortunately) so if you want to buy one, don't let this discourage you, but I think all the info I have should be included since this is a review and I like to provide insight you can't get anywhere else.
*Do you know anyone who owns one or even a fly shop that stocks many of them? Did you buy one? Let us know your own feedback in the comments section!
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 overall. 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.
Be sure to support our independent fly shop and reviews by shopping with us: Bauer SLT
