Release Reel - SG

Started by Bryan Young, February 01, 2014, 09:09:08 AM

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Jon_Kol

Well, today my SG (the new and improved version, that is) was shipped - now I just have to wait a couple of weeks until it arrives here in Norway. The seller wrote me yesterday, and he sounded slightly dissapointed with the new handle solution that Release has put on the SG. I figured that I'll give it a go and see how it feels, and if it feels uncomfortable, I'll just have to look for a different handle/knob. My ideal solution would be a T-bar handle that would match the size of the reel, but I've been told that the T-bar handle is not made for left hand versions of this reel. Why, I have no idea.

Here's a pic of the new version, feel free to let me know what you guys think of it:


basto

#61
Looks OK to me. I would give it a good try out before changing it. You may find it`s good.
Basto
DAM Quick 3001      SHIMANO Spedmaster 3   Jigging Master PE5n

pullrachet

#62
In everyone's honest opinion is the Release SG/surf $50-100 superior to a comparable Avet (say MXL or MXL MC or whatever) as it's price would suggest? Let's say stock out of the box. My application would be casting braid from the shore; distance and casting forgiveness top priority.

Not sure if I want to wait for the new Release Surf, get an Avet,  or pick up a used Avet for half the Surf's cost.

We know both reels are capable but what does your extra $50-100 give you?

SoCalAngler

In a Release VS. Avet (non Raptor) you get a ARB as well as a dog in the 2014 Release reels as well as more drag pressure in reels around the same size. What you don't get is a stop from strike to full like the Avets have. This is a feature missing in the Release reel that I would like to see.

Personally I'm not a fan of round knob handle grips and Release went to a rubber style now vs. the machined aluminum one the had eariler. Also their T-bar style grip I'm not a fan of but others seem to like them, they just seem too big for their smaller reels for me.

pullrachet

cool thanks for the insight socalangler. But do you think its worth the $100 price difference?

The main thing going for Avet is that it's a tried and true, although that in itself shouldn't be reason to "settle". Release (no offense) keeps pushing back the Surf and couldn't even bring it to ICAST.

Not sure what I think about the lifetime warranty on the Release; it's not something i intend to exercise.

Jon_Kol

Just recieved my SG this morning. First impression is that it's quite the exciting reel, it looks great and the feel is promising - even though I have to get use to it not feeling like the Avet SX MC that I've used earlier. This reel will be matched with a 20-30lb rod for various sea fishing (not casting), now I just have to see what type of braid I'm gonna go for.

Really looking forward to testing it, and I hope that I'll get used to the handle. I'm used to the standard knob on the Avet SX and on my Avet LX 6/3 I have the T-bar handle, so this knob on the SX will probably take some time to get used to.

SoCalAngler

#66
Quote from: pullrachet on August 14, 2014, 07:24:23 AM
cool thanks for the insight socalangler. But do you think its worth the $100 price difference?

The main thing going for Avet is that it's a tried and true, although that in itself shouldn't be reason to "settle". Release (no offense) keeps pushing back the Surf and couldn't even bring it to ICAST.

Not sure what I think about the lifetime warranty on the Release; it's not something i intend to exercise.

Is it worth the extra $100? Well thats up to you to decide. I see people pay way too much for gear all the time. I'm not saying Release is charging too much, like some other manufactures do, but if your looking for the best bang for the buck Avet is hard to pass up.

A lifetime warranty is a nice feature if your hard on your gear by either pushing it to its limits often or by using your reels a long time between services. I do neither and I have some pretty old reels that don't have any problems and I still fish them.

I'm lucky enough that I can go to a tackle shop and play with both Release and Avet reels which I have and my last reel purchases was a SX and not a SG. This had more to do with the handles and the bigger frame on the SG than the price.

gstours

Great tutorial and photos Brian.      You donated a lot of your time to the cause.   Thanks for all.

Bryan Young

Thank Gary,

That reminds me, I need to get that reel spooled so that I can take it to Hawaii to try out.  Alan, I'll be calling to spool it up.
:D I talk with every part I send out and each reel I repair so that they perform at the top of their game. :D

Jeri

Hi guys,

Release vs Avet vs Cost??? Having fished at length with both in a distance surf fishing situation – I would have to come down on the side of the Release. But that said, they are both exceptional reels and certainly exceed the products from all the major manufacturers.

A lot of comments are available on this site regarding the design weakness of the Avets when they are overloaded in the drag settings and the resultant failures in the pinion gear bearing. These issues have both been addressed in the development of the Release reels, in that they have a by far greater drag potential for the same size reel, and have cured the problems of failures through good design – so when viewed from a  potential performance point of view, they have addressed this at design level.

The issues of handle shapes is always going to be emotive, I like the original 'T' shaped handle once I overcame the radical and seriously different design – very comfortable. I can see why some folks comment about the aluminium ball handle, and now they have evolved to a softer ball shaped handle. The fact that as a very new company they are prepared to test the market with different designs and challenge existing thinking is a creditable approach.

Personally, I haven't yet tested the star drag 'Surf' model, but again this is something of an adaptation to what the market is looking for. While I personally have absolutely no issues with using a lever drag reel in the surf – conventional think is that folks must use a start drag reel in the surf, rather than develop the surf anglers to the benefits of a lever drag.

Release also attend the spool bearing issue straight from the factory with ceramic bearings as standard, rather than fit cheaper stainless steel bearing. As well as fitting slightly larger, and perhaps more robust sizes on the spool, a factor that in surf fishing we have found as a weakness in the Avet.

Finally, there is the issue of location, and predominant fishing that is carried out between the East and West coasts. The now quite old design of the Avets is very suited to their original market that was to use nylon lines to cast very light baits from boats, and in this they succeeded very admirably. However, through changes in fishing materials folks are now using the same reels with braid and finding that they are failing because the original design parameters have been exceeded.

Release on the other hand are a much newer company, with their base on the East coast looking to supply a reel for the local fisheries, kayak, deep dropping and obviously big tuna as well as small game fishing – with braid. They have recognised the need for something more specialist for the surf angler, and have started down that road – is that because there is more surf angling on the East coast to the West?? Developing products for particular local markets is the right thing to do for all manufacturers – I build 1 piece 14' long surf rods for my clients based in Namibia, where we can transport such poles. While I recognise the need for a 3 piece, 14' long rod is much more suited to my clients that travel here from South Africa. Models according to markets.

So, at the end of the day, we do have to critically look at exactly what we require from a reel, as to the benefits of one particular model. For my personal use, the Release is tops, but I still have my old Avet in the tackle bag for 'back up'.

Just my humble opinion.

Cheers from sunny Africa,

Jeri

handi2

FYI the pinion bearing is 7x19x5. 
OCD Reel Service & Repair
Gulf Breeze, FL

Bryan Young

Well, Alan graciously spooled up my reel with 40# Hollow ProChallenger Braid and is ready for action.  :)  I hope to use it a few times in the early AM while I am in Hawaii.  Will post my success or flops when I get back.
:D I talk with every part I send out and each reel I repair so that they perform at the top of their game. :D

Jon_Kol

A quick question: Recieved a ReelX bottle today (1 fluid Oz), and I'd like to ask if there's any point in using this in the spool bearings of the SG reel, when I won't be using the reel for casting? I reckon it's better to use grease in them, regarding protection against corrosion etc? I'm not familiar with ReelX, this is the first time I've bought it.

Any input is much appreciated.

handi2

If you are going to take the bearings out and service them I would first apply the ReelX and then a light grease. You will have any corrosion covered and since you are not casting it will work just fine.

I assume you will be jigging and bottom fishing. That's what I do since I never learned to cast..
OCD Reel Service & Repair
Gulf Breeze, FL

Jon_Kol

Quote from: handi2 on August 29, 2014, 09:30:32 PM
If you are going to take the bearings out and service them I would first apply the ReelX and then a light grease. You will have any corrosion covered and since you are not casting it will work just fine.

I assume you will be jigging and bottom fishing. That's what I do since I never learned to cast..

Oh, great! I wasn't aware that both the ReelX and grease could be used together in bearings, thanks! I will be using it for bottom fishing, that's correct. I spooled it with 20lb Tuf-Line XP just the other day, and I'm really looking forward to giving it a try as soon as I've got the time to do so.