Hi Irvine,
The line has a head length of about 33' with a short belly and a series of multiple compound tapers to the front. The rear taper is also compounded and stepped allowing for sweet loops and fast shoots from rolls & Spey whilst still retaining stability on longer over head casts.
The SLX is not designed as a distance line, this was not even a thought during the design process. It is designed to fish well at common ranges, from 20' to 70' (although it is relatively easy to straighten at 100'+) in a range of situations from both over head and roll casts.
Superb on the river for short range accurate stuff, loads well at close range so superb for representing a team of traditionals dibbled back to boat or tube back out to fishing range with minimal false casting. The heavier weights are very happy to carry poly leaders and salmon flies from Spey casts or a team of lures for stillwaters. Great line also for making fast shoots when pitching dries to cruising rainbows on still waters.
Turnover is positive but very controllable, the line really likes tapered leaders and gives accurate predictable presentations when throwing at big Don lumps where potential shots are always limited.
I've put the samples in the hands of anglers of all abilities from relative novices to Master instructors and all the feedback has been very positive. The SLX has something to offer all levels of angler, advanced casters will be able to do some pretty clever stuff with it and thanks to the positive turnover, visible head and colour change, less advanced casters will get repeatable, predictable results every cast and good range with minimal effort.
Definitely my go to line in 2012
Video of KevinCheers
Ben