Lever Drag Reel Choices?

[LowTide]

In some cases bearings don't last because they aren't sealed and they aren't stainless or better. A lot of these level winds are intended for Great Lakes anglers who use them exclusively for trolling. Salt water can cause issues for some reels, especially if they aren't maintained. I have quite a few ambassadeurs which have stainless bearings and I like them for jigging or trolling but there are many others.

 

[Bows Up]

Have a pair of TLD 25's that were made in Japan. Bigger than what you want but I found them used for $75 each. You will want to upgrade the handles if you go the TLD route. Used for halibut, I have been happy with them.

Suspect where the drag gets left on full is because you put it on full to rinse them off and then forget to take the drag off completely once the reel has dried. Keeps the repair shops happy, though.

 

[Franko Manini]

I didn't know about Truth Reels until recently. I'll be taking a close look at them for a third rod setup I have in mind. Me likey lifetime warranties.

 

[Salted]

I have am MXL (with the cast option) and it's proved to be a good reel so far. If I could do it over, I'd get another MXL, or JX, or Truth SX (Trotac carries Truth). While I was learning about the AVETs I'd read "99% maintenance-free". That appealed to me, as I wanted a low maintenance bullet proof reel. That's not exactly what I ended up with. It's been good and durable, but *expect* to pull it apart and clean/lube it regularly - I seem to recall a recommendation to service it every 10 (!) outings. You can actually abuse it much more than that, but it does require care. Check out Alan Tani's website for DIY service instructions if you go AVET.

 

[spring fever]

I have am MXL (with the cast option) and it's proved to be a good reel so far. If I could do it over, I'd get another MXL, or JX, or Truth SX (Trotac carries Truth). While I was learning about the AVETs I'd read "99% maintenance-free". That appealed to me, as I wanted a low maintenance bullet proof reel. That's not exactly what I ended up with. It's been good and durable, but *expect* to pull it apart and clean/lube it regularly - I seem to recall a recommendation to service it every 10 (!) outings. You can actually abuse it much more than that, but it does require care. Check out Alan Tani's website for DIY service instructions if you go AVET.

You can send your Avet back to the factory for maintenance and they will change all bearings -lube etc for a flat fee of 44.U.S. I had it done when I couldn't find a local shop.

 

[Downchild]

I didn't know about Truth Reels until recently. I'll be taking a close look at them for a third rod setup I have in mind. Me likey lifetime warranties.

They are really good folks down there.
They defiantly look after their customers too.
Great service.