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Posts: 175
Location: Tonka, MN | I want to get a low geared LEFT handed reel for a DECENT price. Just wondering if anyone uses AVET reels. Any opions on these? Any other reels I should consider with these specs? |
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| Avets are great reels. I run a high speed (JX-MC 6.0:1) Avet for big blades and it's awesome. What type of lures are you planning on using this reel for? |
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Posts: 175
Location: Tonka, MN | Any big baits, but primarily blades. |
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| The only baits I throw with my Avet are big blades. I have tried to throw pounders and big cranks with it, but the constant ripping and reeling of slack line does not work very well with the absence of a level-wind. If you want a low gear-ratio reel for blades and other big baits, I don't think an Avet is the best option for you. When I want to slow down my blades, throw pounders or big cranks, I use a Calcutta 401TE. You may also want to look at an Abu 7001i. But remember, with these lower gear-ratio reels, you will be sacrificing speed, which is critical when it comes to big blades. |
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Posts: 175
Location: Tonka, MN | I was just saying. I have other set up for rubbers and such. So yes, only blades. |
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Posts: 480
| I have the Avet MXL 5.8 left set up for big blades. If I had to do over again I would get the MXJ for the smaller spool. Super nice reel for burning blades effortlessly. Sweet drag and made in the US, under $200. |
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| Oh, then heck yea get an Avet. Both the JX-MC 6.0 (46"/crank) or the MXJ 5.8 (38"/crank) that Capt bigfish mentioned are great options. Although, I would advise you to get an MC (Master Cast) model, as these have a magnetic cast control. This will make it much easier to cast big blades without a levelwind. These are not low gear-ratio models, but like Capt bigfish said, burning blades with a lot of speed is basically effortless. |
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Posts: 175
Location: Tonka, MN | My assumption that for a smaller spooled reel, that would be the SX model and it would be in a smaller profile? You think this would be a noticable difference in pull with that?
Definatley will be getting the MC cast control.
My mistake on the low-gear. |
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Posts: 1284
Location: WI | Do they backlash a lot like a Saltist? |
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| You gotta be a little careful. I use more of a long, smooth casting motion vs. a hard whip. You will sacrifice a little casting distance without having a levelwind. |
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| For us Lefty's a Trinidad is out of the question so I've been considering an Avet reel for burning blades but my question for you Avet owners is: do you find the reel to be pretty heavy compared to a TE or standard round reel? How is the weight with the reels on a Muskie Rod? It seems that these reels could be tiring of your throwing blades all day. Do you find the weight of the reel to be a problem? |
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Posts: 133
| The Avet SX is only 14 ounces. An all day affair with the reel is no problem. I have the SX for the reason's mentioned above. Smaller profile, easy to throw, fast retrieve and durable. Wtihin two casts you'll be able to master the non-level wind system. |
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| My AVET JX is 20 oz. So, about the same size as a 700TE, but much bigger than a 400TE. But I'm 6'4'' with large hands so it is still easy to palm all day. |
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Posts: 380
Location: Michigan | I have the Avet MXL w/ Magnetic Cast Control in a lefty. The reel is built incredibly well. It is a pretty heavy reel, but when paired with a rod suited for double 10's, it is not too heavy. The diameter is rather large, and it is difficult to palm for long periods, and I have long fingers/big hands.
I though the lack of level wind would be a problem, but it really isn't. The line lays on the reel ptreety good without having to "guide" the line at all. The lever drag takes some getting used to, and I would much prefer a thumbar. You can adapt, but it just doen't seem natural having never used one previously.
It is a little difficult to adjust the cast control to get it just right for the weight of the lure you are throwing. As an example, I feel like when throwing a cowgirl, the cast control settings are either slightly to much or slightly too little control. In turn, you casting distance i hindered, or the spool spins too easily and you really have to watch thumb pressure to prevent backlashes.
I will say that once the bait hits the water, and you get the lever engaged, you can really smoke a bait...
I am considering purchasing the SX with Mag Cast control to get the smaller reel size. However, the gear ratio is 5.3:1 compared to 5.8:1 on the MXL. I want the speed, so also thinking obout the 2 speed SX.
Does anyone have/use the SX single or 2 speed? |
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Posts: 1023
| I have the sx with MC. It is very comfortable and cranks in big blades quite easily - way easier than standard muskie reels.
It does backcast a little easier so I just step down the power of my cast a bit and lose that few extra feet. Run 100 pound on it for sure!!
I am happy with the purchase - but I think it is the best lefty choice for big blades. It can do other applications but my other reels are better for rubber, cranks...
Very well built and solid reels!!!!!!!
Landry |
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Posts: 374
Location: Bemidji | I have had the MXJ's and the Sx's. If you are going to throw double 10s and 13s then go with the MXJ and make sure it is magged. I bought my first one in 2006 and have not had any break. The SX is very small and easy to cast all day long. The MXJ is larger and does not cast the small baits as well as the SX. There is only a $10 difference between the two reels. You can also buy custom color Avets at Cabbage Key. Make sure the reel that you buy is magged.
Here's a link to the custom ones at Cabbage:
http://www.cabbagekeyrodandreel.com/CustomAvetreels.html
Here's a link to their full line of Avets:
http://www.cabbagekeyrodandreel.com/AvetReels.html
They are cheaper here than other places that I have found. |
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Posts: 374
Location: Bemidji | Chasin50 - 2/6/2011 8:51 AM
I am considering purchasing the SX with Mag Cast control to get the smaller reel size. However, the gear ratio is 5.3:1 compared to 5.8:1 on the MXL. I want the speed, so also thinking obout the 2 speed SX.
Does anyone have/use the SX single or 2 speed?
I had a 2 speed SX that I used for years and loved it. I could use the lower gear for slow rolling bucktails at night and the higher gear for burning baits during the day. I sold it to buy the new Raptor SX 2 speed. I also have a magged SX single speed. I dont notice a difference in speed between the two reels. The 2 speed is considerably more price wise. |
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Posts: 175
Location: Tonka, MN | What would be a good size comparison for reels found in stores in MN (i.e. Saltist, Calcutta, Abu, etc) to the SX and MX since I'd most likely be ordering this? Or does anyone know where they might actually sell these in the metro MN? |
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Posts: 374
Location: Bemidji | SX is comparable to a Trinidad 14 in size. The Avet might be a little smaller.
The MXJ is smaller than the Tinidad 16N and has a little wider spool.
As far as I know there arent any places in the cities that has these. Not sure on that though.
Cabbage is going to be the cheapest place to buy one. |
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Posts: 32
| While 2 speeds are being talked about in here, lemme throw this in [not to hijack]
What gear do you guys like using for big blades? I know lower is easier on the retrieve, but you gotta burn faster.
On the other hand with a higher gear, it's harder on the retrieve and gearing itself, while you still get the speed.
Q to you guys then; what do you figure is the 'best' in your opinion gear for big blades weighing on those two points presented above? (im excited to use my saltist two speed, I just dont think the 3.1 gear will be fast enough on the retrieve) |
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Posts: 540
Location: MN | You'll have to crank like crazy with 3:1 gears. That ratio was is intended for pulling huge fish from deep water or super hard fighting fish I can't think of a situation in Muskie fishing when you'd ever need a gear that low. I also wouldn't worry about the strain on the high gears my saltist and Trinidads haven't missed a beat in 2 years of heavy blade burning and dawg ripping. |
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Posts: 175
Location: Tonka, MN | Do any of you think it would be worth it to fork up the extra $100 bucks to get the 2-speed reel? With different gear ratios, I figure it would pay off for the slow rolling and burning with bucktails? The other set up I currently use are equipped with a Curado and a Luna.
And starting off this post I wanted something that wasn't too expensive, guess muskie fishing is getting the best of my wallet yet again.... |
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Posts: 480
| The Avet is 2 speed is 2 reels for the price of 1 and a half. Go for it. The high speed for bucktails in the summer and low ear for pounders in the fall. Cast between trolling runs to keep the partners happy. |
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Posts: 560
| How does this reel work without a level-wind? I have never used a reel like this but am interested in finding out more about them. Is the drag adjustable, and what is a rod clamp? |
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Posts: 79
| I have been reading the posts on the Avet reels and thought a picture might help for some. So far Avet is the only company that I know of that makes high speed lefty reels. The reel pictured is an Avet MXL with what I think is called magnetic cast control. I use the reel on a 9' XH tackle industries rod. I cast baby Glittertails to rad dogs to double 12s and even occasionally a larger creation yet. Reels without level winds do not work well for jerk baits or light pulling baits. The following are some of my feelings reguarding my Avet:
1. I rest my thumb inside the reel and that makes it fairly ergo dynamic for me.
2. I set the magnetic cast control on the reel between 3 and 4 for best results.
3. The reel engage system has four settings, Free, livebait drag, fighting setting, and nearly locked down. I have used my Avet enough hours that I am comfortable flipping between the four settings while fighting a fish that hits boatside or in the 8. With the position of the engage system on the left side I do not need to worry about switching hands to perform these moves.
4. I use 80lbs suffix and the pile on the reel which can be seen from the photo tends to run in the middle. With all non level wind reels there is some need to watch how the line comes on occasionaly.
What I don't like is unless I have a heavy lure on, the cast distance is a bit shorter than what I can achieve with a level wind reel such as a saltist. If Avets had some level wind options I doubt I would own any other brands, they are good. I only use the Avet for high speed reeling in baits. For any other type of retrieve their are better options. One other thing I don't like is the noise of the reel. If you want a quiet operating reel this is not the reel for you.
(reel pics 001 for web.jpg)
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 reel pics 001 for web.jpg (39KB - 1609 downloads)
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Posts: 540
Location: deephaven mn | Daiwa makes a high speed reel for leftys it is called the SALTIGA. It is comparable to a Trinidad in performance and price. Started using one last year and it works great. Just another option. |
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| This is not true. Not having a level wind increases the casting distance because there is no resistance from the level wind. I have an Avet JX raptor & MXL 2 speed reel. I can send a 4oz lead 350' with a 7' rod. If you setup the magnets properly you can whip anything full force and it will not backlash. The trick I learned was do not touch the spool until the bait hits the water all you need to do then is stop the spool. If you try to apply breaking pressure with your thumb during the cast it will backlash. |
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| I have both a JX raptor and MXL 2 speed. I am not sure how I fished without a 2 speed option for so long. When I pull a double 10 in on low gear you would think there is not even a lure on because it is so easy to crank. |
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Posts: 380
Location: Michigan | I just got my MXJ, and I think I'm going to like it. Same diameter as the MXL, but a little narrower. Now the questions is do I dell the MXL, or keep them both??? They really are a fine piece of machinery... |
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Posts: 158
| I had a couple questions about these reels. Is the engage/disengage lever the same lever as the drag? Does it engage with a turn of the handle UNLIKE the Daiwa Saltist? One other question....How does the size compare to a Classic Abu 6500 or even the 7000 series?
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