Lever Drag Reel Choices?

Seafever

Seafever

Well-Known Member
Been looking around at lever-drag reels.

Had a look at the Avet MX......but the price (north of 275 bucks + Tax) was a little steep for me.

I get that they are good reels though.

Any others like that out there that are good but a little easier on the wallet?
 
not lever drag but look at the shimano takotas 600- 700 think there around the same price point though
 
2nd vote for the Shimano TLD20, plus if you keep your eyes open you can get deals on the 2 speed version.
Try ebay.
 
Bought an Avet MX in March , they are worth the $275.00.
The TLD are good reels but for an extra $100 the Avet is much superior.
8 SS bearings, 5.8-1 retrieve, anodized alum body.
 
Have a look at the Shimano Charter series of reels. I use one for inexperienced and younger Fisher persons to avoid knuckle damage. I use them on acid wound 9ft rods to eliminate the tendancy for the reel to want to twist.
 
I bought new TLD's last year and they didn't last me a month. I got new Avets this year and they really are worth the extra money.
 
I know it means a bit more money but if laying down the $$ for an Avet, I'd consider moving up to the JX/LX from the SX/MX series. MX has more than enough capacity for halibut and drag rating of 9lb strike/14lb full is also enough drag but moving up to the JX/LX series you get the same line capacity on the JX but with a narrower spool so less worry of line build up w/out the level wind and it is a big move up to the 15lb/20lb power for very similar size/weight and minimal extra cost.

Too bad our dollar has started to fall again because @ Charkbait.com you can get a JX loaded with braid for $249US including shipping. Thats about $320 right now with current exchange, if the dollar rebounds and you can get it spooled and delivered under $300 you won't be disappointed.

Cheers!

Ukee
 
Harbour Chandler
http://www.harbourchandler.ca/shop/fishing/reels/level-wind-reels/level-wind-avet/avet-mxl-5-8-1
AVET MXL 5.8:1
CATALOGUE ID #3361


shopping.png

Single Speed Model, Gear Ratio 5.8:1- Lever Drag control system with pre-set drag feature.

Colour
see details

ON SALE
Retail Price $353.99
OUR PRICE
$295.99 CAD
 
Fishtofino said:
I bought new TLD's last year and they didn't last me a month. I got new Avets this year and they really are worth the extra money.
Click to expand...


I heard that on those kind of reels (stardrag, lever drag) if you don't back the drag off after use and they sit for awhile, it will often fry a bearing....
 
I bought a penn squall lever drag last year... Seems really decent for the price (Paid less than $200). Comparable to the TLD, more modern design
 
scott craven said:
Bought an Avet MX in March , they are worth the $275.00.
The TLD are good reels but for an extra $100 the Avet is much superior.
8 SS bearings, 5.8-1 retrieve, anodized alum body.
Click to expand...

x2 for the Avet reels. I bought two of them a couple seasons ago and they are awesome. Save your pennies. I subscribe to the theory of "buy your last tool first".
 
Seafever said:
I heard that on those kind of reels (stardrag, lever drag) if you don't back the drag off after use and they sit for awhile, it will often fry a bearing....
Click to expand...
I've been using Level Winds all my life and have never heard that. However, you should always back off the drag on any reel you own before you put it away or you will permanently compress the drag washers, cork or whatever you have and end up with jerky drag. The Shimano Charter series have been used for 25+ years on the Great Lakes although the older ones seem a bit better. I like the Penn Squall as well as other Penns but I also have many Ambassadeurs that I love for trolling or jigging. As long as you stay away from "Bargain" reels you will probably end up with something that you will enjoy.
 
The Shimano Torium 14 in my opinion is the best bang for your buck. Silky smooth drag and incredible 6.2:1 retrieve rate, hold 360 yards of 50lb test, cast a freakin mile and are at a very palatable price - $259.99. They have them at the new Tackle Shack which is at the Pacific Playgrounds Marina in Black Creek. I have two of them and couldn't ask for more...check out some of the reviews, pretty much everywhere they are 5/5 stars. I often jig in 250-300' of water and let me tell you after switching to these with that 6.2:1 retrieve, I'll never go back. I think its about 40" of retrieve per crank.

http://reviews.cabelas.com/8815/317...eviews.htm?page=2&sort=submissionTime&dir=asc

Cheers,

Curtis
 
I use penn squalls for everything. Changed out my old 309s, for the new squalls, 15, 20, 40. Handled all BC species and many from around the world. Cant wait to try my new spin fisher, carnage and poppers on some trevally, tuna and dorado. Sorry been a penn guy for 40 years, never let me down, so can't comment on other brands. Did have a diawa? blow up on a fly in pike trip along time ago so will never buy diawa?. As for backing of the drag... do not believe any bearings will be hurt but do back of drags for long storage so drag washers are not under pressure. Good practice for all level winds.

HM
 
Seafever said:
I heard that on those kind of reels (stardrag, lever drag) if you don't back the drag off after use and they sit for awhile, it will often fry a bearing....
Click to expand...
Well you back the drags off when not in use to let the drag washers rest
 
I was talking with a guy that sells and uses Avets. He told me he wasn't too fussy about gear maintenance. He had an Avet that lasted 6 months and then it was pooched (bearing).
He told me the reason was because he never backed the drag off after use.

My interest in a lever drag would be for bottom fishing. The smaller the reel the better but it would have to hold a decent amount of line and be not too heavy.

I've had numerous old Penn stardrag levelwinds etc etc....

I notice on the older reels there are lube fittings all over them....but newer reels are often 'sealed" and don't have.

Always store mine with the drags completely loose.

I think a lever drag is less clumsier than a stardrag....
 
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