AVET SX DRAG PROBLEMS???????

[captjohnny]

Broke down my 8 SX's ranging from the 1st run original to the new model never used. I greased all the drags, screw holes, etc etc etc per Alan's post on the subject.

I tested the drags before and after, both in the used and abused reels, and the brand new. The results were exactly the same in all reels.

MAX DRAG I saw was 8LBS at STRIKE and 9lbs at FULL, before losing freespool....???? I was under the impression that the reel was to put out 9 strike and 14 full.

Greasing the drags have done away with the "warm-up" surge that is required on the initial pull to get the spool moving, and is much smoother.

I am concerned about the lack of drag I am seeing. Once you get to around 5lbs strike 6 full, the handle gets more difficult to turn, and the lever gets much stiffer. Turning the knob just before losing free spool I get 9 MAX but the lever is almost ridiculously hard to move to full.

Questions: Is something I am doing totally wrong??
Drags are being checked directly off reel, not mounted on a rod.
Are the levers harder to push with increasing drag settings??
Are the handles supposed to get stiff at deeper drag settings?? I know that was an issue early on but I thought they fixed that????

Thanks in advance...

[AKSalmon]

What kind of drag grease did you use? If it wasn't specifically designed for drag washers, then you'll need to replace the drag washers. If you did use Shimano or Cal's drag grease, did you put it on and then try to wipe it all off? It's supposed to be very, very light. If not, you'll lose drag pressure.

[aguachico]

If you did use Shimano or Cal's drag grease, did you put it on and then try to wipe it all off? It's supposed to be very, very light. If not, you'll lose drag pressure

yup

[captjohnny]

I did use the Shimano grease and totally removed it per Alan's instructions. These results were also the same on the reels I have not greased, and on 1 reel straight out of the box. That's why i feel I am setting them wrong or something.

[Double Z]

I only have 2. A single and a two speed. Both now have 25lb flouro to 50lb hollow. I fish 7lbs of drag at strike and there is no handle pressure. The handle will move under it's own weight.

[Bukowski]

I wish my SX would make more drag also, without risking bearing problems or becoming hard to reel as you mentioned. The reel itself is so strong but that never comes into play since it has drag limitations. I have wondered what is the use of making it in two speed ? Isn't low gear for putting extra pressure on larger fish where your only getting a fraction of a handle crank as you attempt to pump him to the boat? Its hard to imagine being in a stalemate with a fish at nine pounds of drag. Anyway I have resorted to using a drag additive for larger Lingcod caught on straight tied 50 lbs Spiderline. It is called Thumbin' the Spool, no not Thumbin' the Gristle, thats something totally different, all though both are about timing and pressure. When a Ling gets pulled off the bottom after his initial surprise he often makes a violent charge back to the safety of his lair, before he does so you need to turn his head back towards the surface at all costs. Bang that little lever full up and if that don't stop him then its time to put that callus you got from lippin all those Bass to good use. You get the picture. Speaking of pictures I'll try to attach a couple. All joking aside I still love that little reel and would guess I have caught more fish on one then most anyone, and I could see my grandchildren still using it 30 years from now.

[aguachico]

WOW!

[sdangler]

Per Avet 9# max at strike with free spool...

Welcome to Avet Reels

I'm not sure that one should expect more drag out of this little reel. I mean move up to the MX if you want more drag. When you open one up you can see that there's not much more they can do to it to increase the drag as the lever gets so hard to move to/past strike.

Mark

[LAChamp]

I thought the SX and MX have the same drag ratings.

[sasman]

I think they need to put the drag on both sidesof the spool like the trex on their models. IMO it woud give the reel twice the drag and no side load on the berring and no pressure on the cranking ability on the wind.

[AKSalmon]

And it would cost twice as much to make!

[sdangler]

Originally Posted by sasman

I think they need to put the drag on both sidesof the spool like the trex on their models. IMO it woud give the reel twice the drag and no side load on the berring and no pressure on the cranking ability on the wind.

Buy an Accurate...

Mark