80W - Fin-Nor Santiago or Avet EX?

[biggiesmalls]

What are people's opinions on the 80W Santiago for stud hunting from the beach? I don't know why I haven't considered them, I am going to call around and see if either of the tackle shops near me have one I can play with (preferably side by side with an EX). I really like the reviews I am seeing on the Fin-Nor Lethal spinners, so perhaps I could go to all Fin-Nor tackle one day. I am an Avet fanboy though, so it's going to be tough to break me from wanting to go to them! I would one day like all my reels to be from one company, plus all my rods from one company (or perhaps all the blanks from one company).

So, anyone use the Santiagos? How do they compare to an Avet?

Tight lines,
Drew

[Nasty Wendy]

I have never used an Avet 80W.  I can tell you that I own a Santiago 80W and if the opportunity presented itself to buy that reel again I would.  I wouldn't even consider not getting it.  It is a smooth as silk monster of a reel.  The Santiago reels are also underpromised.  They outperform all their advertised specifications.