Hi all! I'm hoping to get some insights on the raptor series of the Avet reels. I've already owned a JX 6/3 MC and I love it. Right now I'm shifting to deep sea jigging and we're heading to the South China Sea offshore Miri in Sarawak, Malaysia. From the words of friends I gathered info that I need at least 330yards of 40-50lb line with around 12-20lb drag. While the JX is already suitable for the trip, because it's my first trip of such technical fishing I wanted something lighter than the JX I already owned so I'm looking at the SX Raptor because of it's huge drag for a small reel. Or maybe the MXJ Raptor? It's also a good point to bring extra reels right?
Question is I've read so many opinions on the unreliable pinion bearing on the Avet reels that when you exceed the recommended drag poundage, the bearing breaks.
Q1: Do they use different bearing on the Raptor series compared to the normal series? Because it looks like the drag on the SX Raptor is almost double compared to the SX alone.
Q2: Will it be safe if I stay within the designed drag rating?
Q3: Correct me if I'm wrong, but the drag rating says when it's free spool right? So that means if I pretension the cam to the point just before it loses free spool I would achieve the drag stated by Avet?
I'm yet to open up my JX to lube all the bearings and parts but will do so soon thanks to the many great tutorials here.
Show me some love, I'm all ears!
The Raptor reels have a different drag system so it is very, very rare to have a problem with the pinion bearing. If it were me, I'd stick with a JX Raptor, not an SX or MX, because of line capacity. Once you use up half your line -- as you will with an SX -- the drag increases dramatically. The JX Raptor is a versatile and, in my opinion, very light to fish.
The maximum drag ratings on Avet reels are estimated such that you still have free spool. But personally, I would be reluctant to push a standard JX to 20#; that's not a problem with a JX Raptor.
Thanks, I actually made a comparison of the gears my friends are using in the Spinning class and they all weigh just about the same as the JX 6/3 I have, so the only way around it is I have to shape up to build the stamina for the 4-day trip.
If however, the SX or MXJ Raptor version is sufficient line-capacity wise would you still advise getting the JX Raptor instead?
Thanks again for your thought, I sure would love to hear more from the people here. I'm not very experienced but I really like the Avet reels so I'm narrowing my search just for this brand.
I've a Raptor HX that have yet to touch water. Reason which is that it have only one dog. I've since stick to my good old Penn int'l.
Thanks Nuvole, now that you said that I took a look at Penn Torque 2 speeds. The reel that fits my wanting is the TRQ25NLD2...that reel does look pretty sweet and its got comparable stopping power with the JX Raptor, only it is $60 more than the Avet. It is a sound advice though about the double dog...
A question to you Alan since you see a lot of reels, and to the other Avet users: Have anyone busted their single dog mechanism on your Avet reels? Just curious, your answers may help me decide between the JX or the Torque.
Cheers!
I personally have not had one reel in for service were the dog was damaged or needed replacing.
Quote from: Bryan Young on July 11, 2013, 07:32:38 PM
I personally have not had one reel in for service were the dog was damaged or needed replacing.
Though many will point out flaws in the Avets, their one shining star that no one denies is their bulletproof AR system. The other shining star is that they provide purple as an optional color. Purple disturbs people. Alan is always shaking his head when I service my purple Avet and purple ProGear ???
Quote from: Bryan Young on July 11, 2013, 07:32:38 PM
I personally have not had one reel in for service were the dog was damaged or needed replacing.
Thanks for the info mate, I now have more confident with the single dog and will use it for my next offshore trip instead of my 16vsx.
Quote from: jonathan.han on July 12, 2013, 08:17:50 AM
Quote from: Bryan Young on July 11, 2013, 07:32:38 PM
I personally have not had one reel in for service were the dog was damaged or needed replacing.
Though many will point out flaws in the Avets, their one shining star that no one denies is their bulletproof AR system. The other shining star is that they provide purple as an optional color. Purple disturbs people. Alan is always shaking his head when I service my purple Avet and purple ProGear ???
Jonathan, it's because your purple reels are faded and looks pink or lavenderish color. It's hard to look manly fishing with those colors. ;D
Quote from: mahfudzmn on July 11, 2013, 06:35:33 PM
Thanks Nuvole, now that you said that I took a look at Penn Torque 2 speeds. The reel that fits my wanting is the TRQ25NLD2...that reel does look pretty sweet and its got comparable stopping power with the JX Raptor, only it is $60 more than the Avet. It is a sound advice though about the double dog...
A question to you Alan since you see a lot of reels, and to the other Avet users: Have anyone busted their single dog mechanism on your Avet reels? Just curious, your answers may help me decide between the JX or the Torque.
Cheers!
Depending on your purpose mate, if you are casting then Avet with some cast control will cut down bird nest.
For bottom fishing or trolling(esp. trolling), I always prefer reel with two dogs.
I've serviced hundreds of Avets, and have yet to have one come in with a failed anti-reverse. That is, not since they reworked the anti-reverse and did away with the original LX. That reel did have serious AR problems. The AR being used in the HX and smaller Avets is unique as far as I can tell.
Quote from: akfish on July 12, 2013, 06:03:46 PM
I've serviced hundreds of Avets, and have yet to have one come in with a failed anti-reverse. That is, not since they reworked the anti-reverse and did away with the original LX. That reel did have serious AR problems. The AR being used in the HX and smaller Avets is unique as far as I can tell.
The old AR system was just a catcher's mitt for rust and would corrode those bearing that supported the driveshaft. Came up with all kinds of ways to get those bearings out. I just apply surgical brute force to them now.
Quote from: Bryan Young on July 12, 2013, 04:04:47 PM
Quote from: jonathan.han on July 12, 2013, 08:17:50 AM
Quote from: Bryan Young on July 11, 2013, 07:32:38 PM
I personally have not had one reel in for service were the dog was damaged or needed replacing.
Though many will point out flaws in the Avets, their one shining star that no one denies is their bulletproof AR system. The other shining star is that they provide purple as an optional color. Purple disturbs people. Alan is always shaking his head when I service my purple Avet and purple ProGear ???
Jonathan, it's because your purple reels are faded and looks pink or lavenderish color. It's hard to look manly fishing with those colors. ;D
The Avet looks pink, the ProGear is not pink! It's still as robust a purple as the day it was made. Really wish Avet would step up their anodizing so that it would help me save face. It's getting light pink now :( I may just take Krylon to it at this point. I really don't want to buy a new one just because of the fading. I guess I need to replace it for something else. I guess that's why Avet came out with pink. I wonder what color that'll fade into. The salt has just eroded the anodizing away except when I get inside. I used to put Rain-X on my reels, but that became a tedious task to do all the time, so it faded pretty bad now.
Jonathan, I wanted to get a purple one too but not after people said it fades to pink! Probably will choose gunmetal or blue.
Thanks for the assurance on the AR system and thanks for the great info! I'm definitely buying the JX Raptor once the trip in September is confirmed.
Jon, if it's not much to ask for could you please upload a photo of your purple turn pink avet?
Quote from: mahfudzmn on July 13, 2013, 07:58:07 PM
Jon, if it's not much to ask for could you please upload a photo of your purple turn pink avet?
I don't like to publicly humiliate myself. Keep in mind that this reels has been with me for about 5 years. Since then, it has accumulated over 500 days on the water. I don't know how much you intend to use your reel, but you really shouldn't see this in your use. I have a serious problem. I have fishing dependency issues. Currently, I have a few reels at Alan's house since they have been abused since I serviced them last year and a Revo Inshore that I neglected for 2 years. Don't tell anyone, but I fished it for 2 years out of the box! We can't all practice what we preach since the last thing I feel like doing is working on my own reels. But, overall they are in great shape.
As Alan always tells me, "The cobbler's children have no shoes." I allow a lot more neglect to occur to my reels since someone is not expecting pristine work but me. I will get a photo for you in the next few days since I am removing the bottom paint from my boat and will have to apply a barrier epoxy and bottom paint.
Quote from: jonathan.han on July 14, 2013, 01:36:28 AM
Quote from: mahfudzmn on July 13, 2013, 07:58:07 PM
Jon, if it's not much to ask for could you please upload a photo of your purple turn pink avet?
As Alan always tells me, "The cobbler's children have no shoes." I allow a lot more neglect to occur to my reels since someone is not expecting pristine work but me. I will get a photo for you in the next few days since I am removing the bottom paint from my boat and will have to apply a barrier epoxy and bottom paint.
Ain't that the fact. I haven't touched my reels in 5 years, but don't fish anywhere near as much as Jonathan.
Quote from: jonathan.han on July 14, 2013, 01:36:28 AM
Quote from: mahfudzmn on July 13, 2013, 07:58:07 PM
Jon, if it's not much to ask for could you please upload a photo of your purple turn pink avet?
As Alan always tells me, "The cobbler's children have no shoes." I allow a lot more neglect to occur to my reels since someone is not expecting pristine work but me. I will get a photo for you in the next few days since I am removing the bottom paint from my boat and will have to apply a barrier epoxy and bottom paint.
that, and "doctors make the worst patients."
Here are the pictures of the "pink" Avet SX:
I have had the reel since 2009 and it has seen about 300-400 days on the ocean. It has had more than a dozen bearings replaced and the "sacrificial anode" (aka the pinion bearing). Just finished servicing it. So, since the last overhaul last July, it only had a bad pinion and the two bearings supporting the handle were a little rough. I've been using a mixture of Corrosion-X and TSI for the spool bearings; just a dab of CX. So, my Pinkerton is ready, for some more fish..
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p133/jon8han/2013-08-05_16-22-06_60_zpsf2cbe8dd.jpg) (http://s127.photobucket.com/user/jon8han/media/2013-08-05_16-22-06_60_zpsf2cbe8dd.jpg.html)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p133/jon8han/2013-08-05_18-10-21_944_zpsfbee1f91.jpg) (http://s127.photobucket.com/user/jon8han/media/2013-08-05_18-10-21_944_zpsfbee1f91.jpg.html)
Quote from: akfish on July 12, 2013, 06:03:46 PM
I've serviced hundreds of Avets, and have yet to have one come in with a failed anti-reverse. That is, not since they reworked the anti-reverse and did away with the original LX. That reel did have serious AR problems. The AR being used in the HX and smaller Avets is unique as far as I can tell.
Hello gents,
I may have an original LX two-speed. I had no idea they changed anything in the design. So, what was the original problem with the AR, how do I determine if my LX has the issue, what's the fix and if Avet had/has a recall for this problem? If there's a link to this issue please post.
Thanx,
Leo
Hi All,
We have been slling and servicing Avets here in Namibia since 2006, and they have all been used and abused on the beach and in the surf, LX and MXL, and we have nver had an issue with any anti-reverse system. They are great reels, and if you don't exceed the recommended drag loading they work just fine.
Hope that helps.
Cheers from sunny Africa.
Jeri
Jonathan,
I wouldn't care if my reel was pink with purple polka-dots. As long as it reels the Beast I'm fishing for. Maybe you could put a Breast Cancer awareness sticker or something on it and say it was a special edition. ;)
Any of you guys fish with an EXW-80 2 speed? I know this reel is a beast. big and heavy.
Quote from: Jeri on October 01, 2013, 06:52:03 PM
we have nver had an issue with any anti-reverse system.
I've seen salt and other crud forced into the reels by rinsing them with a high pressure hose, this crud will build up around the AR dog causing the AR to fail.
Quote from: LTM on October 01, 2013, 06:22:09 PM
Hello gents,
I may have an original LX two-speed. I had no idea they changed anything in the design. So, what was the original problem with the AR, how do I determine if my LX has the issue, what's the fix and if Avet had/has a recall for this problem? If there's a link to this issue please post.
Thanx,
Leo
i think the original design was a spring acuated dog or dogs and then change it to a silent one and my mxj sometimes misses because of this silent AR design (reason why i bought the makairas se). oh how i wished the spring actuated dogs are still available new. hard to find used ones.
If I had an avet besides my one it would be a purple hxw raptor, I tear up fragile stuff to easy though
A HXJ Raptor is on my wish list.
mine are the JX raptor, because of the bigger spool bearings, the EX 30-2 and the T-Rex 50. ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)
Quote from: Shark Hunter on October 01, 2013, 08:29:04 PM
Jonathan,
I wouldn't care if my reel was pink with purple polka-dots. As long as it reels the Beast I'm fishing for. Maybe you could put a Breast Cancer awareness sticker or something on it and say it was a special edition. ;)
Honestly, I like the fact that it just keeps getting demasculinated while it just keeps doing what it was designed for. :D
who cares about what other people think!!!! :D :D :D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: jonathan.han on October 03, 2013, 09:50:15 AM
Quote from: Shark Hunter on October 01, 2013, 08:29:04 PM
Jonathan,
I wouldn't care if my reel was pink with purple polka-dots. As long as it reels the Beast I'm fishing for. Maybe you could put a Breast Cancer awareness sticker or something on it and say it was a special edition. ;)
Honestly, I like the fact that it just keeps getting demasculinated while it just keeps doing what it was designed for. :D
-10 man card points ;D
I have the Raptor Jx 6/3 and I vertical jig. Good little reel, but the single speed Maxel 08 is a lot cheaper, lighter and better suited to vertical jigging if you do not want to tire easily.
Good luck.