My Avet experiment---is over.

jeffr1269 · Sep-14-2009, 02:13 PM

I purchased an AVET SX 5.3:1 at the end of last season. I had heard good things but have always been loyal to another maker, (name not important here). I used it a few times last year, spooled with 20# test and liked it. This year would be the real test, as it would be a full season.

While at the islands, with a yellowtail on…. I realize that I can’t reel in. WTF! Look down and the handle is falling off. As I fumble to try and slow the spool down a bit… the line breaks and the nut that holds the handle on falls in the water. Inner parts fall on the floor of the boat. Crap!

I gather the parts and run to the local tackle shop. (The place where I purchased it is now closed) They don’t have the nut I need, but say, “Just call Avet. They will send another one ASAP”. I go to one more place and hear the same thing. Damn…I’m at least another week from getting the part.

Avet is in LA and I’m in San Diego. Cool…closer than I thought. I call and someone who seems very distracted and less than caring answers the phone. I tell her what happens and she says she’ll send the part. One week later I receive the package---WRONG PART. I call her back and she’s more rude than the first time. Says I need to view the schematic. She sends me the schematic in some designer format via email that I need to decipher and find a program to open it. I send her back the part number. Yes, it’s an ACORN NUT…not too technical. She confirms again that she’ll send it out. Two weeks go by…no package. I’ve now missed that reel for three trips.

I email one last time prior to my last trip...Now a month later. No response. I promised to post here with my experience. I had to go back to the shop and will now pay them to get a $2 nut. Hopefully they are treated better in the process.

I don’t know what my experience would be if I called SHIMANO…Because in 20 years I’ve never had a part fall off. I don’t know if she is the owner’s daughter and just doesn’t give a crap, or what…But DMV has nicer people.
Good Reel, Bad support, never again for me.

Jeff Robbins

GUERO · Sep-14-2009, 02:22 PM

just sayin

Capt. G · Sep-14-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GUERO

just sayin

Just say'n what, Mr. Corby?

KeyWest1 · Sep-14-2009, 02:28 PM

I love my avets but, I can agree with you on their phone presence, it leaves alot to be desired.

KeyWest1 · Sep-14-2009, 02:37 PM

Couldnt you have picked up a nut at a local hardware store?
I mean until you got a replacement from avet?

GUERO · Sep-14-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt. G

Just say'n what, Mr. Corby?

Im happy for Jeff in so many ways I cant formulate a sentence
nice hat BTW

DEEP_COLOR · Sep-14-2009, 03:03 PM

Sorry to hear about your mfg. ordeal...a far too common tale these days.

I was finally able to put my SX to the test last week. I fished IT as a top shotted #20 rig on a 2 day and FELL IN LOVE with it. No problems on the nicer grade of fish to #25.

KC Kevin · Sep-14-2009, 03:03 PM

Well it can, and does happen with Shimano also.

Buddy has that little screw that holds the handle in place fall out while fishing. No biggy. I live 5 min from the Irvine service center. So I took it in

ME, "I need this screw please".

SHIMANO
We don't have any.

ME "No way. How many reels use that same screw, like 16 right? "

SHIMANO. Sorry, we will mail you one.

My buddy gets it in the mail. A MONTH later.

Sign of the times. Customer service has fallen off and there's less inventory.

jeffr1269 · Sep-14-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeyWest1

Couldnt you have picked up a nut at a local hardware store?
I mean until you got a replacement from avet?

I did try Home Depot/Lowes but they didn't have the size. Thought about using a regular nut, but figured there was a good reason they use the acorn. Every additional attempt just added to the frustration...

stairman · Sep-14-2009, 03:20 PM

I've had an sx for three years and the thing preforms flawlessly.....do you work for someone in the industry...insert foreign manufacturer here..that payed you?

BloodyL · Sep-14-2009, 03:28 PM

I have five and do not have any of the issues I keeping hearing about?

**Smudge** · Sep-14-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stairman

I've had an sx for three years and the thing preforms flawlessly.....do you work for someone in the industry...insert foreign manufacturer here..that payed you?

I hope you're not serious... Avet, like all manufacturers have their occasional missteps. This one just turned a customer off of their product. He posted his entire experience in a logical, unheated and very objective format, and even refrained from overbearingly touting his own personal favorite manufacturer and this is the best kind of response you can come up with?