2022 Shimano SLX DC XT 70

[Just_Bass]

After using these reels for awhile (right 6.2 and left 8.1). I can say this SLX DC XT 70 is pretty good. Modified 200i frame to be as comparable to Curado 70. The reel can cast 1/15 Ned lockz + TRD a good distance with no fussed even in the wind using 15lb 832 braid. It is also capable of heavier lure like 1/2oz chatter bait and cast further than Alphas SV TW. It is also cast further in all weight range compare to Metanium DC and Conquest DC100. I would say very comparable to my Curado 70 in distance but less headaches.

This reel should be in Curado class not SLX, because most components come from i series 1 pieces aluminum drag star, carbon drag plus MM gear, MGL3. Why SLX? Shimano using bushing for mainshaft and plastic anti reverse ratchet (see pix). The plus, this reel come with mainshaft support bearing (same as K series), and old style spring for spool tension (a lot of complaints with Curado 70 when spool tension become loose).
Originally 7+1 bearing but mine now are 10+1 after swapped out bushing for bearing on mainshaft and add another 1 bearing per knob (old 1 bushing 1 bearing).
Now time will tell if MM gear would make me disappointed as 4 of my old CU70, but so far it is a keeper for sure.

My casting setup, at dial 2 is very comparable to 2 on as old VBS but less puffing at dial 4 good in strong wind but requires a little bit of thumb at the end.

The clip of casting in strong wind with Ned rig, dial 4 PE mode.
https://youtube.com/shorts/iNxmuK7Eiy0?feature=share

[Slazmo]

There's HEG pre current stock, Semi Miro Module (Curado K) and true Micro Module (Conquest, Antares etc).

The Curado 70i was HEG in HG and XG gear and that's a issue on its own, if it came in PG I'm doubtful it would been as an issue as there would've been more meat where the gear teeth meet the bone of the main gear plate.

If the new Curado I 70 DC (SLX XT DC 70) has MM gears I'm betting there the Semi MM as the outer gearbox cover will be graphite composite or Ci4 or whatever non descript plastic went through the mold.

I did a good comparison photo a while back of all the different gears from HEG to semi-micro module to full micro module gears showing the distance between the teeth and the size difference.

[Just_Bass]

Still I’ve heard some complaints about 70MGL “k” gear gone bad as well. Some might come in and say they don’t have problem or just bearings (x-ship) issue. Believe me I did everything on my 70i before replacing with new gear to get it as smooth as before.