Avet Reels

Salty Walty · 12-27-2003, 09:03 PM

I have the green light to get some new toys. :grin: I was looking at the MLs. Does anybody have some firsthand testimonials or warnings. I saw them for a good $ on Charkbait. Anyother sugestions in the $200 range?
They will be used for tuna, sturgeon, salmon and halibut.

[ 12-27-2003, 10:08 PM: Message edited by: Salty Walty ]

Mark Mc · 12-27-2003, 09:46 PM

Hey Salty W., I bought a few Avets recently but have not used them yet on the water; only in the park. The casting ability is as advertized. Over on the Allcoast website, there are quite a few testimonials for Avets, all favorable that I have seen. As you probably know, this lever drag reel has a much larger drag surface area than the same size reel in a star drag (which is typical of lever drags). Here is a photo of the LX drag "washer":

The latest models have completely sealed bearings, which theoretically make for the most maintenance-free reel possible. The earlier "no clicker" model may not have the sealed bearing, but that's not a problem. It will just require an occasional few drops of oil (which can be a plus for the casting fanatics who like to use that "rocket oil").

BTW, on your model #, something fishy... from smallest to largest it goes sx, mx, lx/jx, ex.

Testimonials say the LX is the perfect 30 lb reel, or even 40.

Good luck with your purchase! - MArk

Reelentless · 12-28-2003, 10:33 AM

I am also in the market for a new reel. Everyone seems to think Avet is a great buy for the money. I just can't decide which model I want. For $180 the LX is a "reel" bargain. The EX is almost double the price, but its a 2 speed reel and holds more line. Not sure if I need that. Oh well, I have a few months to decide.

Salty Walty · 12-28-2003, 02:05 PM

Ooops! Thanks Mark I did mean the LX/JX.

Onokai · 12-28-2003, 03:49 PM

The lx clicker model has sealed bearings or at least the one my freind took apart. I have not taken my clickerless one apart yet, but will soon. Mark

ONOKAI

KeyWest · 12-28-2003, 04:30 PM

Great looking drag arrangement - same as the Penn's. I will have to look into one of these. I was contemplating a couple of 12LT's as my next two.

KeyWest · 12-28-2003, 04:41 PM

Any concerns over the gear ratios on these? The lowest gear ratio available on these are 4.1:1. The Penn's I have are:

30T - 3.5:1
16S - 4.5:1 and 2.0:1

2.0:1 seems slow, but 4.5:1 - tough to get a big tuna in - have to shift down. The 3.5:1 seems pretty good.

How does everyone feel about the 4.1:1 ratio?

KeyWest · 12-28-2003, 04:56 PM

OK, I ordered two of the Gold LX models. Price seems good, drags seem good - I hope I won't regret it (But then, I've dropped this much in a bar one night a couple of times) [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

Booja 1 · 12-28-2003, 11:26 PM

Shimano also has a terrific product in my opinion..Maybe a TLD 20 or 25, single speed with a lever drag..You can always bump up to a two speed if you think you need it,,drag system on a Shimano are incredibly smooth..
Salty, you mentioned green light for new toys meaning more than one toy,,heck, get a couple different reels and see what you think..Spending that much money,they will all be good, just depends on which one you prefer..........

Ragnar · 12-29-2003, 06:07 AM

Salty Walty,
For the money, I personally can't find a better made (in the USA) reel. I mean you put the drag on free spool and spin it hard with your thumb. The empty spool will spin for at least one full minute. I was impressed. But then again, when asked what is one of my favorite books? I respond with "coloring books, of course!"
I picked up one of their non-clicker Charkbait sale reels and spooled it with almost 350yds. of 80lbs tuffline XP.
The reason behind the reel for me was halibut, salmon trolling and plunking, tuna, and sturgeon.
I also have one of the two-speed Avets. Same thing, you can't even touch another reel of the same quality for the price. I love it. Of course it's not your average steelhead driftfishing reel, but has its place. I think that would be bringing in Charlie Tuna, Mr. Barndoor or Big Gators.
As for the drags on these reels..... You can tell big fish "NO! I don't think so" with authorita` (Cartman spelling).
Hope this helps.
Ragnar

Onokai · 12-29-2003, 12:22 PM

Key West

I got two last month and they seem to be super reels, My only complaint is no tuna nearby to test them with.I ordered one of those seeker rods (charkbait) the 865 with light aftco guides to go with those reels. Mark

ONOKAI

Salty Walty · 12-29-2003, 12:44 PM

Thanks for all the input. Now I'll just have to pick a color.

Onokai · 12-29-2003, 04:28 PM

Salty Wally, Mine are gold but all the colors are good. You will like these reels. Mark

ONOKAI

Salty Walty · 12-29-2003, 06:33 PM

Thanks Mark and all the others who lent advice. The price and what you get could not be beat. Went with the matte silver #30 mono on one and #80 tuf-line on the other and a big hug for Santa.

[ 12-29-2003, 07:34 PM: Message edited by: Salty Walty ]

KeyWest · 12-30-2003, 08:30 PM

Well, sounds as though I have lots of company in the purchase of these reels...

:smile: