Opinions on lever drag conventionals.

[Rob Rockcrawler]

Right now im using an abu and like it. i have noticed that many reels out nowadays are lever drags, avet, newell. I really like the looks of the avet reels but have no experience with lever drags. How is the conversion from a push button like an abu to something like an avet? Do any of you guys own the SX5.1? It looks like a sweet reel? Just looking on some input. Thanks a lot.

[Iwannakeeper]

My next convent is going to be an Avet.

It has been recommended to me, and I have gotten a few test cast in.

I really like the reel.

-IWK

[reelecstasy]

I like the avet and have heard you are gonna wanna mag it as it is fast as all hell outta the box, but I have spoken to a few people that have steered me away from the lever drags.. Something about when you make an adjustment on the drag you need to adjust something else as well? 2 adjustments to make one...
I love my push button personally
Quantum Cabo pt......

[Steve K]

I just bought two Avets, the sx and lx, and I plan on using them on a boat. I went with the lever drag reels because I plan on using them mainly for trolling. With the lever drag you can set your strike drag and then back off on the lever for just enough drag for trolling. I like to set a lighter drag for when the fish strikes and then the move the lever up to the strike drag setting when fighting the fish. You can only adjust the drag knob setting when the reel is in freespool. I think this is what reelecstacy was referring too.

[Saltheart]

Great concept and definitely nice for a boat as steve describes. haven't seen one yet I would surfcast with. Too bad , the idea is sound , IMO , nobody has put it to good use on a surfcasting reel.

[Gotofish]

I just got an SX about a week ago. Mags are a definate because like Reelecstasy said, its fast as hell out of the box. To mag it, I epoxy'd a couple thin washers in there and then the mags will stick to them. I started with 5 3/4"x1/16" mags and am now down to three. Thats the good thing about doing it this way, it's easy to add or subtract the mags as they aren't glued in.

Adjusting the drag isn't bad like Steve K said. You put the reel in freespool, set the strike where you want and then cast. Only has to be done once. Once I cast, I then slide the lever drag up about halfway to strike which gives a starting point to fight the fish. So far, all I've gotten is schoolies so this hasn't been tested by a cow yet. All in all, I like the reel and will use it with different rods for both surf and boat.

[likwid]

Leverdrags are quicker to stop/turn big fish with (vs star drag) IMO.
User preference really.

[MakoMike]

GOTOFISH,
You epoxied iron washers to an aluminum reel?

[Gotofish]

No, they were galvanized steel. Then I covered them with CorrosionX.