The Slot Machine vs. TFO Pro S Combo [Pros & Cons]
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
Slot Machine VS. TFO Pro S Combo – what’s right for YOU?!
This video will explain the pros and cons of the two rod, reel, and line combos that are offered in our online tackle store.
So if you have a goal of catching more fish with lures this year, you’ll want to listen to this comparison video because both of these rods are excellent options for catching inshore slams with lures.
Slot Machine VS. TFO Pro S Combo [VIDEO]
Links To These Combos:
Fuego Upgrade
As mentioned in this video, the new Fuego is extremely impressive given that they did a big upgrade to it without moving its price up.
So if you need a new reel for medium power inshore fishing, then I highly recommend getting one of these new Fuego reels.
Click here to see the new Fuego LT reels
Conclusion
For those of us who strive to catch as many inshore slams as possible with lures, rod and reel selection is crucial.
The rod is by far the most important of all since it’s the primary factor in casting, feeling strikes, and setting the hook… all of which are critical to get right.
These two combos are both great options, so it just comes down to budget as well as how rough we are on our gear knowing that the higher modulus rods require more care.
Please use the comments section below if you have any questions.
Tight Lines!
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Thanks for the comparison
Great common sense approach to rod purchasing considerations after all the tech data and trials are concluded, “how hard are you on your gear”?
Thanks for making time to post the nice comment!
great infor
Great video. I have purchased 2 of the TFO combos and loved them so much I just bought 2 more TFO rods at member pricing to replace cheaper gear. I think I’ll break down and buy the slot machine combo because really want to try it out.
If you like the TFO Pro combo, you’re going to love the Slot Machine.
Awesome video Luke and if I did t have all the inshore equipment that I have purchased from y’all I’d be standing in line want to get one ….. Job well done
I’m waiting for the MH Slot Machine version to come out.
I’ve got both as well. I really like the Slot Machine, but I can almost get 2 of the TFOs for the price of one Slot Machine. So if you are on a budget, then TFO is still a good option and I have caught a lot of fish on them. I do like that the Slot Machines first guide does seem to be more positioned to let the line cast out more smoothly. I’m not sure how much this can affect my casting distance ( maybe a head to head comparison could be done Luke??). Both set ups are great and I do like that the Slot Machine is made in the USA as well.
I have done casting contests in the canal, and the slot machine beats the TFO Pro… I need to have a calm day when the videographer is available so I can get a formal test done on land where I can measure the exact difference.
I made it the mistake of making my first casts with my slot machine combo up to the mangrove. Due to it casting easier than I was accustomed the third cast went into the trees. When I pulled the bow of my Gheenoe into the mangrove to retrieve my lure, a limb brushed over the rub rail and down inside the boat where my rod was laying and broke 4” off the tip. It was laying with four other rods, but only the slot machine was fragile enough to break. I was highly disappointed. I later moved the tip to the broken end and have continued using it. I didn’t get to use it enough to know how much better it was as a complete rod.
So sorry to hear about the accident! We warrantee the Slot Machine regardless of how it broke, so just let us know if the 7’2″ version isn’t as good as you’d like. Given that shortened setup, it’ll surely act as a very good Medium Heavy rod for casting 3/8oz+ jigs around docks because its backbone is very strong while the tip is now a bit stronger due to missing the softer tip section.
Note: As for which rod broke, the one with the line out will always be the most likely one to break given that mangroves are shocking good at snagging lures and lines, and once it snags the line near a tip, mangroves will win that battle on any fast action rod.
You hit the nail on the head Luke, I’ve got & use them both. Your descriptions are 100% spot-on & although the TFO can handle any inshore fish, the Slot Machine performs like my old ’67 GTO did, PERFECTLY. I’m ordering the new Fuego 2500 now that it’s available. After seeing & handling it at ICast & speaking with the Daiwa rep, it’s an improvement on an already proven winner !!
Thanks for making time to post the nice comment George!
that’s great news on the Fuego & am glad you opted for it over the BGMQ. for whatever reason, each of the BGMQ reels I’ve purchased have an issue with the reverse technology component within the reel after about a year or so of fishing frequently; in fact, I am waiting on a reel to be repaired for this reason. I haven’t been fishing long enough with my Fuego 2500 but I love the way it casts and feels — so smooth and far!! keep up the great work, thank you
Sorry to hear about your issue with the BGMQ. Please keep me posted if you experience any issues with your 2023 Fuego reels… so far, it’s all been positive.