100# Rail Set-up: AVET HX / HXW Raptor or AVET EX 30/2?

[stoked4fishin]

I'm going on an 8 day trip this October, and will be investing in a 100# Rail set-up.  I'm pretty much set on the Calstar 770XH or 770XXH.  For the reel, I'm considering the AVET HX / HXW Raptor or AVET EX 30/2.  It seems both reels have the drag required, but the EX has more line capacity.  All input is welcome.
Thanks
Jeff

[garyal]

I would go with the 30 EX2. The HX Raptor will not handle this rod / line weight combination for long. You should also consider the Penn 30 VSX as this is another great reel for 100 lb line class rail rod. Bullet proof.

[conchydong]

If you are open to other options, a Makaira 20 SEA seems to be a very popular choice for fishing 100lb, topshots. 

[akfish]

Actually, I believe the HX Raptor has a higher drag rating that the EX 30/2. The Raptor has a higher high gear (%.4:1 vs. 3.2:1) and almost the same low gear (1.9:1 vs.2.0:1). The wide version holds lots a bit more line and is lighter in weight. But it costs more.

[Keta]

For 100# I would go with the 30, I use my HXJ Raptor for 60 and 80.

[akfish]

I made a typo: The HX Raptor has 5.4:1 and 1.9:1 gears. I was correct that it has a higher drag rating. And the two reels both hold 460 yards of 130# braid. The HX Raptor is great for big tuna jigging because of the fast gears.

[boon]

I had to go and google what a rail set-up was. What a curious concept.

[MarkT]

I'm tall so the rail isn't my friend!

[SoCalAngler]

IMO a Avet HX non Raptor is a 60 lb test reel max, better as a 50 lb test reel. Now the HXW Raptor would make a good picky bite reel fishing mid day with 80 to 100 lb toppers. Let me state this a 100 lb is pushing the reel a bit but if there is not true cows (200 plus lb tuna) around the Raptor HXW will make a fine reel for tuna 100 to 160 lbs. Now on a 8 day cow sized fish are not the norm but can be found sometimes. Like others have stated a 30 sized Penn VSX, Avet 30 EX, Accurate ATD 30, Okuma Makaira 20 and such are more towards my liking for a true 100 lb reel.

[stoked4fishin]

Yep Mark, you are tall!  See on the SOA in June!

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

[stoked4fishin]

Thanks SoCalAngler
I'm looking at an 8 day at The Rocks, so I'll be STOKED to get in to a 100#r!  I'm really wanting light weight, and that's why I'm so interested in the HX/HXW.  I've got 3 other AVET Raptors, and love 'em!

[stoked4fishin]

Based on my experience with AVET and the line capacity they claim, I think you actually get ~80% of what they indicate for a given # test.  Based on that, I would expect to be able to get 500yds of 100# Seaguar Threadlock on the HX Raptor.  Do you think that would be sufficient for YFT up to 150#s?

[bill19803]

500  yds  of  spectra   will  handle most  any   fish   you  encounter except a true   cow.. remember  largest  yft ever caught rod and reel was on a  30 wide international ii 

[MarkT]

I've done 10 dayers the last couple of years that leave at the end of Sept so fishing the first 8 days of Oct.  We haven't seen anything other than Wahoo over the low 30's during that time. Wahoo at the rocks, no YFT.  Most YFT have come from the Ridge.  I haven't needed anything over 50# although I had a Mak 16 Sea with 80#.  I left the 20 Sea at home.  Hoping for bigger this year!

I have SX, JX and HX Raptors.  I use the SX for 30#, JX for 50# and the HX for 50# too although I can switch it out to 60 or 80.  I have 500yds of 80# spectra with room for a good top shot.

[stoked4fishin]

Thanks Mark, that's all the input I need!
HX Raptor it is!  Now, just to get the $$$