$150 lite LEFTY Saltwater Reel Recomendations?

garyk · 09-11-2005, 10:12 AM

I need to replace a stolen reel - Diawa Sealine-X 50HV, 3 bearing, 4.9:1 ratio, nonlevelwind. About 4 years ago we bought it for ~$130 at FMS.

We use this reel for small Baja tuna, small dorado, and keeper sturgeon.

Spending a maximum of $150, what reels similar to this one do you like or think are the best value? Needs to be available in a LEFT-hand crank model. I don't stay up-to-date with this class of reel at all, so I'm really looking forward to your recomendations. Thanks!

cody · 09-11-2005, 10:44 AM

I have a 321 penn and I really like it. I got it for about 90 bucks. They make bigger sizes too but this one is awesome for sturgeon. CODY

Chesapeake · 09-11-2005, 10:59 AM

Hard to beat what you had. I would recomend getting the same thing again. They still make and sell the same and simmilar models in the $130 price range. They just have a little more plastic on them than they used to but still very good reels.

Reelentless · 09-11-2005, 11:48 AM

Avet.

5 Salt · 09-11-2005, 01:42 PM

Shimano Tekota 500LC or 600LC.

On ebay or in the local store there are plenty to be had at 149.00 new in the box. LC = Line Counter model. You can get them with out line counters for less $$ if you prefer. I own 5, not counting the one I left on the bottom of the Santiam River

Great crank ratio, sweet progressive drag, line counter, and plush crank handle. Once you own a couple of these you wonder why you ever considered a lessor reel. I own a couple of $450.00 Accurate reels that are not as smooth as the Tekota.

Good luck

greenbuttskunk · 09-11-2005, 05:38 PM

for a 150. Avet or a tekota.

luguando · 09-11-2005, 07:18 PM

Avet

jet · 09-11-2005, 07:50 PM

I have a Tekota 500 (wish I would have bought the 500 lc)and it is the smoothest reals that I own. I use it for Sturgeon fishing and it takes lots of abuse.

Jet~~~

garyk · 09-11-2005, 08:19 PM

Thanks. I had forgot to mention that the reel needs to be available in left-hand crank. I think that knocks out Tekota unless they've just released a lefty model?

Crashin' Bait · 09-11-2005, 10:24 PM

Do one of these reels fit your requirements?

Daiwa Sealine X reels

OOPS! Didn't catch the "left-hand retrieve" requirement.

garyk · 09-12-2005, 09:17 AM

bump

Dr Strangelove · 09-12-2005, 10:53 AM

I had a new Penn 321 with the levelwind removed on my recent albacore trip blow the antireverse cog on the 3rd fish. My Avet MXL 2sp had no problems at all. And they're both lefties. I'm going to buy a lefty SX for ocean salmon/rockfish and a lefty JX two speed for bigger albacore and halibut. I have a bunch of righty graphite saltwater reels and penns that will be in the classifieds soon.

Thumper · 09-12-2005, 11:25 AM

Gary --- We have been hearing about a left-handed Tekota for about a year. It is supposedly the 600 size. You might want to check with Shimano.

09-12-2005, 02:40 PM

Avet JX

crabbait · 09-12-2005, 04:32 PM

With a $150 cutoff, all the Avets are out. The SX goes for $160 but it is a micro compared to the Daiwa.

Keta has it right for comparative size with the JX, but a single speed JX goes for $230. Of the Avets I have (JX, LX, EX) none of them cast worth a darn. The machined spool is super smooth so they spin forever, and heavy so they spin forever. You really have to stuff a thumb to get them to stop spinning!

09-12-2005, 05:03 PM

QUCH

The last 2 JX's I got were $160, I should have bought more.

garyk · 09-12-2005, 08:33 PM

Thanks. I almost pulled the trigger on a SX this afternoon.

I might have to step up to the JX and see how it is to lay out over $200 for a reel. (What's it feel like, c'mon be honest!)

Hanapa'a Time · 09-12-2005, 09:31 PM

It's not that bad, I have 3 Avets all two speeds and "need" one more to complete my arsenal :grin:

Riverkeeper · 09-12-2005, 09:54 PM

I talked to some shimano people this spring about the lefty Tekota rumors. They are just that...rumors. :depressed:

greenbuttskunk · 09-12-2005, 09:58 PM

I heard from a guy who knew a guy who was a rep for Bigfoot.
He told me the hairy dude was left-handed. :grin:

09-13-2005, 06:37 AM

The JX reel has very little drag on the spool and will backlash like you have never seen unless you can cast well. The drags are a bit rough at first (carbon fiber) but after a short break in they are smooth. Avet service is very good.

The SX is a bit small for what you need but will work for salmon and Mackinaw. They are considered 20lb Class reels but mine is spooled with 200yds of 20lb Spectra w/15lb topshot.

The MX has had some problems with the reel base mounting screws but if you don't try to make it what it isn't (it's a solid 20lb class reel) they are problem free.

The JX/LX is a good reel for Albacore and other light saltwater fish (30-40lb Class). I have had no problems with any of the 3 JX's I have, one is a JX 2 Speed.

The EX and EXW are real good middle weight (50-60lb class) reels, I use both of mine, 2 Speed, for halibut and have had no problems.

garyk · 09-13-2005, 08:41 AM

Thanks Keta, I appreciate your insight.

Sounds like the JX is about right. I don't anticipate doing much if any casting, rather using it almost exclusively as a trolling reel, so the backlash shouldn't be an issue.

Does anybody north of Salem stock Avet? I don't recall seeing them at FMS?

09-13-2005, 08:42 AM

I can't post a link but a PM is on the way.

Riverkeeper · 09-13-2005, 08:47 AM

I am under the impression that none of these Avets are level wind, right?

I talked to them about a month ago, and they have drawings for a level wind salmon sized reel to be available in right or left. They hope to have it available by christmas time.

09-13-2005, 08:54 AM

As of now Avet makes no levelwind reels.