I just recently started taking an interest in Accurate reels. Started off purchasing the Dauntless 600N 2 speed. Then they announced the Valiant 800 so I got rid of that. I ended up ordering an 800N 2 speed and a 600N single speed. The thing that attracts me about the Valiant line is the light weight. The thing that is starting to worry me is the ARB and no dogs.
I'd like to hear anyone's opinions on this as my order won't be placed until Monday. If adding dogs isn't too expensive and kill the weight savings I might just get that done on the order or should I just go with the Dauntless?
You can't just "add" dogs unless the reels are designed for that and from all I can understand, Accurate has not done that. For me, at least, I would be **very** worried about a 100# class reel with only an ARB. Remember that Accurate had quite a few problems with the ARB-only Boss reels. That said, if you keep the ARB clean and don't grease it, you might be OK. But for me, these new reels are a nonstarter.
Quote from: akfish on November 25, 2017, 01:53:38 PM
You can't just "add" dogs unless the reels are designed for that and from all I can understand, Accurate has not done that. For me, at least, I would be **very** worried about a 100# class reel with only an ARB. Remember that Accurate had quite a few problems with the ARB-only Boss reels. That said, if you keep the ARB clean and don't grease it, you might be OK. But for me, these new reels are a nonstarter.
I agree.
Quote from: akfish on November 25, 2017, 01:53:38 PM
You can't just "add" dogs unless the reels are designed for that and from all I can understand, Accurate has not done that. For me, at least, I would be **very** worried about a 100# class reel with only an ARB. Remember that Accurate had quite a few problems with the ARB-only Boss reels. That said, if you keep the ARB clean and don't grease it, you might be OK. But for me, these new reels are a nonstarter.
I've read somewhere that it can be done, just not 100%.
That's what I'm worried about because that's what I'll be targeting, 100lb+ tuna.
the 600NN is an interesting reel. it is possible to remove the brown nylon bushings, then press the AR bearing down to the bottom, and then press in a second AR bearing on top. now you have two 14x20x16 AR bearings, each providing 15 pounds of "anti-reverse" holding capacity. the jigging community demands "instant" anti-reverse, and this provides the greatest amount of anti-reverse "hold" of any reel on the market. no other reel will gives you this much "instant" anti-reverse holding power.
Personally, I prefer reels with both, ARBs and ARDs (spring loaded), like Shimano Trinidads that have been upgraded with spring loaded anti-reverse dogs. I like the non-slip of the handle, but if drag gets high, I know that the handle will not spin backwards on me.
Over on the Accurate Board, they are saying that they have washers to protect the ARB so that no salt can get in to corrode and cause the ARB to fail. I'm sure that helps, but gee, for a $700 reel rated for 130#, why not back up dogs???
Quote from: akfish on November 25, 2017, 08:07:39 PM
Over on the Accurate Board, they are saying that they have washers to protect the ARB so that no salt can get in to corrode and cause the ARB to fail. I'm sure that helps, but gee, for a $700 reel rated for 130#, why not back up dogs???
I agree!!!
I changed my order and went with the Dauntless 600 2 speed. If that 800 Valiant proves itself, I'll buy it at the Fred Hall Show. I did order the Valiant 600N single speed for my yo-yo rod. A whopping 54" of retrieve per crank.
Ive been through a bucket full of the Valient reels and was impressed on how they are built. Great looking lightweight reels.
I agree, the Valient reels are impressive. But Accurate is coming out with 800 and 1000 size Valients meant to be fished with 100# and 130# line. Those bigger reels, IMHO, need dogs!!
I have a DX2-400 with an ARB and dual dogs. My BV-300 has 2 ARB's. Both are rock solid.
If I need another 100# reel it'll be a Makaira, not a Valiant! When I'm going into combat I want a tank.
Makairas are great -- but do check out the new internationals. I'm more than impressed.
With only 36lb of drag (according to Accurate) I would call that a 80lb-class reel tops. My 65lb reels have more drag than that.
I think if they're fished within their capability and looked after it shouldn't be an issue.
Quote from: alantani on November 25, 2017, 05:58:41 PM
the 600NN is an interesting reel. now you have two 14x20x16 AR bearings, each providing 15 pounds of "anti-reverse" holding capacity. the jigging community demands "instant" anti-reverse, and this provides the greatest amount of anti-reverse "hold" of any reel on the market. no other reel will gives you this much "instant" anti-reverse holding power.
Now that is a good bit of info right there. Can these reels be pushed as hard as an Avet HXJ Raptor ? .... Jeff
now, i'm doing this from memory, so the numbers may be off a little, but they should be pretty close.
the narrow hxj raptor holds a unique niche in my opinion. it holds 300 yards of 80 pound braid and a 50 yard topshot of 50 or 60 pound mono or fluoro. it also has i think 47 inches per crank and can generate 20 pounds of drag at strike easily. i think that makes it the perfect reel for tossing jigs for yellowtail or wahoo, where speed is important. the non-raptor hxj will perform to this same level so you can save some money!
some guys have been using the standard width hx for 80 pound. i think it's a little light. i would rather see guys use a penn 16 or makaira 16 for 80 pound.
The HXJ Raptor is rated at 40# of drag at strike so it has plenty of drag for fishing 80# but is shy on capacity for fishing bait. The JX Raptor is rated at 28# at strike and I use it with a 50# top shot. The HXJ and JX are basically the same capacity with the HXJ being narrower/taller. I'd use the HXJ for yoyo and bombs and the JX for more general purposes.
My go to 80# reel is a Mak 16. but if I were going out for big BFT I'd consider bumping up my HX Raptor from 60# to 80#. It has 500yds of 80# spectra as backing. I think it'd do 80# fine on a BFT, they aren't as tough as YFT.
When I sold Avet reels, and that was years before the Raptors. I sold the standard HX reels as 50 lb topshot reels maybe 60 in a pinch. Remember the H in the HX name was said to stand for Hoo or wahoo when those reels first came out so they were never designed for heavy drag as it is not really needed for those fish.
I still have very good relationships with 4 different tackle shops and talk shop, applications, rigging and check out new gear at their locations. Oh yes and buy stuff from them also. I seems many are using the Raptor HXW's as 80-100 lb test topshot reels with great success. It makes a lot of sense to purchase one for these line tests for use as a light big tuna rig over bigger heavier 30 two speed reels IMO.
As far as the Valiant 800's are concerned I'm in the group to wait and see how they stand up before suggesting anyone purchase one but I'm that way with any brand new product that comes to market, not just fishing gear.
I also like to have dogs in my reels for anything over 30 lb test even if their are there as just backups to the ARB. Heck, my 30 lb go to reel has double dogs to backup its ARB. Will the dogs ever be needed to fish 10 lbs of drag? I don't know but I do like the piece of mind of having them in there.
Guys this is coming from one who doesnt have access to the fish you all do. After holding an HX Raptor & then hearing later that some were using them for 100 lb. line my original thought was these were people with deep pockets who fished them as throw aways.
Ive asked about them being used at this level here before. However at this time I think the verdict is in that they do fine for 80 lb. line. Thats not to say they do this on the same level as Penn 12 - 16 VSX or comparable Makaira. Dont see a reel with less mass doing so. Took me a bit of time to finally grasp this.
I've yet to meet or talk with any one who has used an HX Raptor fro 100 lb. line on a weekly bases as their go to reel. But I've spoke with a few that do use this reel at that level & have been happy.... Jeff
I certainly wouldn't use it as my go to 100# reel. I have a Mak 20 SEa for that! If you have an HX Raptor and nothing bigger and you're out for 100# fish could you use it for 100#? Sure. It's my go to reel for 60#.
Quote from: MarkT on November 29, 2017, 10:55:48 PM
I certainly wouldn't use it as my go to 100# reel. I have a Mak 20 SEa for that! If you have an HX Raptor and nothing bigger and you're out for 100# fish could you use it for 100#? Sure. It's my go to reel for 60#.
Yup, you were very clear with your prior post. I think it would make a great real for 80# line reel for my river fishing. My fish dont pull like your all's tuna do.... Jeff