No Levelwind

lake creek charlie · 02-22-2007, 07:41 AM

Just bought A AVET LX. Does not having a level wind make this reel harder to use for butts?

WP · 02-22-2007, 07:46 AM

Not really, takes a little getting used to but, it has less exposed parts to cause weakness or to catch your fingers or gear (don't ask how I know this, as I look at my finger)
Dave

CURADO KID · 02-22-2007, 07:53 AM

I thought the same thing when i got mine but after you hook into that first flatty, you forget all about it! Really, its no problem getting use to. It took me one trip.

Hanapa'a Time · 02-22-2007, 08:25 AM

Like mentioned above, not at all. Train your thumb and your good to go. Besides no levelwind makes a better tuna reel too, just my

crabbait · 02-22-2007, 08:43 AM

Initially, you do have to remember to keep the line level on the reel. You only have to forget once and have the line build up until it hits the frame to learn that keeping the line level is not just a good idea. In no time you won't even think about it.

Bendman · 02-22-2007, 08:44 AM

Like mentioned, once you get used to it you'll like it better. Plus as an added bonus your less likely to get pulled out of the boat by a fish.

It's kinda embarrassing.

Tinman · 02-22-2007, 08:50 AM

The way I look at it, levelwind mechanisms are like training wheels. Once you learn to do without them, you will never want to go back.

Something Good · 02-22-2007, 09:16 AM

I prefer a level wind for hali's and salmon from the boat. Just a little less work I have to do. I use my non level winds for live bait and casting. Once you get used to them it's no problem.

ron m · 02-22-2007, 11:39 AM

If you've used levelwinds exclusively (except spinning reels), then it may take a little while to get used to it. But once you do, it will become automatic. Use the thumb of the hand with which you're holding the reel, you'll get so that you rarely have to look at the reel while you are reeling in your line, lure, or fish. Using both levelwind and non-levelwind reels is what causes me to catch my finger in the reel when I use a levelwind! I hold the two types of reels differently and am mostly in the habit of using non-levelwind reels.
ron m

Pilar · 02-22-2007, 12:14 PM

No level wind = no problem.

Get your finger pinched one time picking out a backlash err, emm professional overrun ... Don't ask me how I know this.

Threemuch · 02-22-2007, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilar

No level wind = no problem.

Get your finger pinched one time picking out a backlash err, emm professional overrun ... Don't ask me how I know this.

I am a guy who likes to grab the front of the reel, so I know what John is talking about. Try this on a level wind with a big fish, and you will pay. Nothing is worse than loosing a big fish and crushing your finger at the same time. I even went so far as to remove the level wind from all my Penn GTIs.

BigB72 · 02-22-2007, 03:29 PM

seems like everyone i've met up here loves level winds. every boat i get on has them. got on a charter boat in charleston with my own gear and guys commented on it not being level wind, like i was going to have problems because of it. growing up in southern california i can't remember ever seeing anyone use a level wind. if i could use a reel without a level wind at age ten, i'm sure you'll be able to get used to yours quickly.
don't wory about it. you have an avet. nicest reels out imo.

Bendman · 02-22-2007, 08:01 PM

Many, many people have gone years without ever having much of a problem with levelwinds. Where I met my major mayday is when the line was not pealing off at the same point as the guide on the reel. The reel pinned and in the drink I went. I could have let go but I didn't cause I didn't want to lose. I thought the line would break but it didn't. The level wind is probably going to work great 9 times out 10 ten but when it doesn't it's going to be on 'THE FISH', the big dog, the one you DONT want to get away.

Having said that I still use them, a lot, just not for the big dogs.

Maverick Maxcat · 02-22-2007, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bendman

The reel pinned and in the drink I went.

I'd pay to watch that!!

Fish Mode · 02-23-2007, 02:32 AM

Me too! I don't care who you are!

Something Good · 02-23-2007, 04:11 AM

That's too funny pete.

I almost had that happen to a 12 year old kid on an oversize sturgeon.

Robalo Bill · 02-23-2007, 03:17 PM

When I started it was level wind.......very hard to get over. But I finally lost my training wheels...go conventional..none of the top end reels are level wind. Go figure.

crabbait · 02-23-2007, 03:26 PM

You will know you have made the transition to saltwater when you find yourself guiding line by hand onto your ABU 6500/Calcutta 400. As one of us sez, don't ask me how I know this...

fyshndad · 02-23-2007, 03:52 PM

Levelwinds are just one more thing to break or wear out

My non-levelwind reels out last the others by two or three times before needing servicing or repairs

Like Robalo said the TOP end better quality reels do not have levelwinds

StickFish · 02-23-2007, 04:52 PM

I spent an hour getting grit out of one of my 5501 Abu while I was upgrading the drags to carbon fiber - I almost left that part off - finally found the last bit of sand caught up in the gear - not sure how that reel got so much sand in it - but I guess it was the bad old road to Miller Lake

fishkisser · 02-23-2007, 07:21 PM

Cut my teeth on Penn Jigmasters and Squidders . Ah the good Ol' days when reels were tools and not gadgets ... After a while it will be second nature to lay the line on the spool . Good luck on the Flatties...

Fishkisser

lake creek charlie · 02-24-2007, 08:16 AM

Thanks everyone! I got the reel from fed ex, and im impressed!!!Cant wait to hook into a hali and let the games begin