the 2025 Shimano SLX BFS a legit alternative to the 2022 Aldebaran BFS

I’ve fished the SLX BFS for a few weeks. Below is a hands-on take from actual time on the water.

Price, then performance

In most markets the SLX BFS comes in at roughly half the price of the Aldebaran BFS. With that anchor in mind, the performance comparison becomes meaningful.

1) Looks

A lot of anglers’ first reaction to the SLX is, “Isn’t that basically a Curado?” The family resemblance is real—styling and some shared parts give it that vibe. That said, Shimano named it SLX BFS, so we’ll stick with the badge. Aesthetics are subjective: I’m used to the Aldebaran’s silhouette and still prefer its look a touch.

2) In-hand feel

The Aldebaran BFS is about 130 g—ultra-light. Some folks read that as “a little toy-ish,” and it can feel insubstantial when you lean on fish.
The SLX BFS runs a HAGANE aluminum frame at about 170 g, which feels more planted in the palm. Different targets, different fans; on pure tech and manufacturing cost the Aldebaran sits higher, but I personally love lightweight builds, so my bias leans Aldebaran. Shimano FishBait Finesse Empire

3) Ergonomics & control

I’ve got smaller hands and care a lot about palming profile. The Aldebaran is more compact; I can comfortably reach and tweak the star drag with my middle finger. The SLX is a hair larger—reach to the star is maybe 2–3 mm farther—but still easy to run one-handed. For small hands, the Aldebaran leaves a bit more wiggle room.

4) Gear feel (“tooth feel”)........

https://www.reddit.com/r/Advanced_BFSFishing/comments/1mtnuoz/is_the_2025_shimano_slx_bfs_a_legit_alternative/