Avet SX Casting Reels Review

AVET SX 5.3:1 Reel - Drag fails, 2008-07-06
Reviewer: Harborseal

This was a gift for a friend. He took it out of the box, put his line on it and the drag fails no matter what. It has barely any drag no matter what he sets it at. The temperature here is in the 70's so it's not because it's cold. Lucky he tried it before he went on the fishing charter. I'll try the warranty and see what happens next. Will keep you posted!

Own 2 SXs and love them, 2008-04-30
Reviewer: fishr1989

I have one of the single speed 5:1 SX models as well as the new
6/4 two speed. these are the smoothest reels I have ever used,
and the lever drag is a great feature. I was able to fit 300 yards
of spectra on the 6/4 with room for an 80 yard topshot of 25lb
mono, and the first time I used it was able to get over 80 yards
with a 2oz popper and 8' rod. I plan on filling the 5:1 with
straight spectra, should hold about 350 yards and will use it for
bottom fishing.

these are fantastic reels, the newer models have 8 ball bearings
and an upgraded soft grip handle. There is no doubt in my mind
that you could catch a 100lb tuna on this reel if you filled it with
spectra.

Awesome Reel, 2007-03-15
Reviewer: Mr. Jackson

I have owned several TL's and Penn's, all of them are "BIG". When I got the Avet I was suprised at the small size and it's ability to hold a lot of line (spectra). I was very impressed until I hooked into a 40+ striped bass off of Virginia Beach. I got that fish in on the SX model faster than I would have ever imagined. I was blown away. The drag system is awesome. The freespool ability allows for infinite cast. I would recommend this real to anyone catching fish in the 30-70lbs class. The perfect rod for this can be a custom, but I match my reels with the Shimano Tavera and I love it.

Great reel, 2006-10-05
Reviewer: Anonymous

This is one of the best reels in its price range available great free spool and very powerful smooth drag. Many people dont like the backplay in the handle and would prefer antireverse instead of the dog system avet uses, I used to be the same way until my ABS bearing failed while fighitng a fish and my hand was broken as the handle ripped backwards.

baller on a budget?, 2005-02-17
Reviewer: Arvin Reyes

good:
good looks and probably the most easily acquireable lever drag of this size. if youre looking for a small lever drag reel, this may work for you. free spools forever. and with some practice (mostly getting used to how well it freespools) this reel can even be used for some good distance when surf fishing. also has great line capacity for its size, especially when using spectra or other superlines as a backing under a topshot of mono.

bad:
ive owned two of these reels. both with different handle designs. neither of them are comfortable. and the handle sticks out from the reel a little too far for my taste, making the cranking motion a little wobbly. reel foot is designed for bigger rods, so inshore type rods with bass-type trigger seats dont hold the reel very well. and it doesn't come with a reel clamp. backplay in the handle can get irritating, but i got used to it. i still feel that the reel should have an infinite anti reverse, though. i have also heard complaints about corrosion in the earlier models, so if you own one, you might want to open it up and check it out... just in case.

conclusion:
not one of the best reels i own, but it serves its purpose. and retailing for only $160, i guess you get what you pay for. but if you are looking for a small lever drag reel, and dont want to spend the same amount of money on a used TLD5, this may be your only option. but just in case, i also suggest that you get the reel clamp also, and even if you have a rod with a big enough reel seat to hold this reel in place. use it in conjunction with the reel seat. i bought one when they first came out. then i sold it. then i recently bought another. when i have the money, it will be replaced by an accurate BOSS 197.

Smooth caster, nice drag, but backplay..., 2005-02-16
Reviewer: Tom

Pros: casts really smooth! These reels are famous for their freespool spinning forever. Solid construction, looks great, and is small for its class. Also the lever drag is cool.

Cons: I can't stand the backplay on the handle! A reel of this price should have anti-reverse. Maybe they fixed this in the newer models? (Mine is a couple of years old). The clicker could be a bit louder but it's a minor issue. Another problem is that the reel foot doesn't fit well with many reel seats. I have 2 rods that match this reel and 1 is too loose and the other is a bit tight. The reel doesn't come with a rod clamp either.

Overall, I would recommend it if you don't pay full price for it.