I'd look at the original SX for bottom fish/jigging tuna and then buy a separate reel that doubles for halibut and tuna trolling. I'm sure the G2s are great too, but the orginal SX and MXL have served me well.

 

LX is easily beefy enough for halibut and or tuna. Have used a two speed to pull up 70 lb butts from 500ft off Oregon, as well as for albacore up here and 100+ lb yellowfin on San Diego long range boats.

 

I have been using the LX 6/3 and like it alot . I recently picked up and HXW 5/2 and like it, a bit better. The down fall to the HXW is the weight and size of the reel. It's a work horse.

 

The originals are really just super reels that can't be beat for the price. I have a fleet of them and love them all. All I use for Halibut, Salmon and tuna.

 

I'm sold on picking up another MXJ for the backup/guest rod, but that got me looking at the bigger 2 speed reels for when the opportunity arises for Halibut and Tuna.

By "Halibut and Tuna" do you mean Halibut and Albacore, or perhaps do you day dream about heading to San Diego and catching Bigger Tuna? Intended use makes a significant difference in the recommendation.

Is the LX 6/3 beefy enough for 'butts?

Yes, especially the G2 which has more drag and better engineering.

Is there really that much difference between the originals and the G2 models? Fishermans has a sale going on with prices that can't be beat for an original model, but if the G2 is the bees knees I could find the extra $$ if that's the way to go.

Please dogs, help me spend some money!

Yes I would definitely spend the extra to upgrade to the G2 model. Here is a useful discussion on this topic:

https://www.bdoutdoors.com/forums/threads/the-new-avet-g2-series.640624/

 

By "Halibut and Tuna" do you mean Halibut and Albacore, or perhaps do you day dream about heading to San Diego and catching Bigger Tuna? Intended use makes a significant difference in the recommendation.



Yes, especially the G2 which has more drag and better engineering.





Yes I would definitely spend the extra to upgrade to the G2 model. Here is a useful discussion on this topic:

https://www.bdoutdoors.com/forums/threads/the-new-avet-g2-series.640624/

For now I'm talking OR/WA/AK water. I haven't ever gotten out for Albacore OR Halibut, I'm hoping to change that this year. Having some hardware hanging in the garage will nudge me to make the time.

I'll definitely look at the G2's. Thanks.

 

I have a fleet of the SX and SXJ Avets and they have been workhorses for tuna and bottom fish. I feel halibut need a different class of reel then tuna/bottom fish. Pair those Avets with some Shimano Trevala rods and you have a great setup for bottom fish and tuna.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

The G2 is just a stronger drag-the Raptor series has even more drag

 

I love the original sx

 

I have used a big Avet halibut reel if anyone wants at a decent price. Its a EXW 50/2 ( 2 speed). Can pm me for pics.

 

correction: its a PRO EXW 40/02

 

My :twocents: as one with a large collection of Avets in most sizes & models:

The reel that doubles (triples) for deep water halibut, deep water rockfish, and tuna trolling is the REGULAR, standard width HX 2 speed. That reel has plenty of drag; no need for the raptor. It has in my mind the perfect combination of gear ratios...2:1 in low and 5:1 in high. The low-low gear (and handle size) gives you great torque when you have a heavy load on. And the standard width does not twist like the wide version can.

Although the LX 2 speed is a great reel, the 3:1 low gear + handle length doesn't give me the torque I like.

As usual, a personal preference thing.

 

I've been an Avet guy for years and loved my original MXL models. Fished them hard in Baja for over 12 winters for dorado, wahoo, tuna, and yellow tail. They are tough reels that I can service myself.

The MXLs are now my trolling reels for albacore, and have SX G2 reels for bait and jigging. As others have said, the G2 models have an upgraded frame, higher drag settings, and a track for the lever drag, with a stop at strike.

If I was looking for a 30-40 size Avet for San Diego tuna, I'd look at the MXL 2 spd Raptor with cast control. It holds 550 yds of 50# braid and the drag is 21 strike and 31 full. It would work for bait and casting jigs etc.

 

I agree with Mark about the frame and handle on the HX-2 being what you want for halibut.

Youre bringing up 4 lbs of lead and maybe a big fish. Just lay it on the rail in low gear and wind in a steady but relaxed fashion.

I have Avets from SX through 30 wide.

The MX is great for flylining bait or jigging. But for a halibut rig, where the rod is likely beefy too, you'd be better off with the bigger frame of an HX:twocents:

I use an HXW for my primary halibut reel.

 

Thanks for all the great info fellas. I just ordered up a silver SXJ Raptor and a Trevala as my primary setup, I'll move the MXJ to guest/backup duty. When I head over to Fish Field to pick up the new rig I'll check out the HX's in person. So many options...

 

another fan of the SX, a great do it all reel. Inshore hali, BF, salmon, and tuna.....

I do have several other Avets, but really like this reel.

 

That's a great set up. I have 3 pairs of different Avets. I love them all. You also can't go wrong with the Trevala. I have 2 of those of my JXs to act as my tuna iron set up.