50W 2-speeds - Shimano vs Avet

Big_John · Jun-16-2006, 07:05 AM

I'm about to pick up a pair of 2-speed 50 wides for bent-butt Blue Marlin fishing. I have a small center console so the reels will get a heavy dose of saltwater splash on them throughout the day. I take care of my stuff though and rinse and wipe reels down after each trip, I also store my equipment inside and out of the salt air and humidity.

I have narrowed down my choice to either the Avet EXW50/2 or the Tiagra 50 wide. The price is very close with the Tiagra being about $25 more. The drag specs are also very close on both reels. I have sat them down side-by-side and they are both nice but the Tiagra handle seems to have a little better feel to it. What say you?

Dos Locos · Jun-16-2006, 07:08 AM

Avet hands down....it kicked that ass of a big fish I recently caught with no probs whatsoever.

**sdangler** · Jun-16-2006, 07:13 AM

You'll save $$$ on maintenance over the life of the reels if you go with the Avet's. Tiagra's are good reels, but that Avet 50 Wide is sweeeeet...

Mark

captamb1 · Jun-16-2006, 07:21 AM

Shimano takes 10 weeks to service your reel!!! I am still with out mine Shimano.

Big_John · Jun-17-2006, 08:18 AM

Thanks very much for the feedback guys. I'm kinda remote out here in the South Pacific so I will be doing my own servicing of the reels no matter what brand I go with (so far so good on my Senators and Internationals).
No reels is maintenance-free but I guess for me it boils down to which one is more likely to take a licking and keep on ticking year after year?

Alan, are you listning? I read your excellent peice on the teardown of the Avet - great stuff indeed just like all your input

I seem to recall the major difference was sealed bearings (Tiagra) versus open bearings (Avet) and the Avet needing to be opened up before using. Not a huge deal I guess but my concern is all the water these reels are going to get splashed with since I have such a small boat.

JiGGZ · Jun-17-2006, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dos Locos

Avet hands down....it kicked that ass of a big fish I recently caught with no probs whatsoever.

yup-yup

Big_John · Jun-17-2006, 04:55 PM

WHY is the Avet the best "hands-down"?

My 9/0 Penn Senator has kicked the ass of many a big fish but that doesn't qualify it in the same class as either the Avet or Shimano.

doughnut · Jun-17-2006, 06:30 PM

Please

bradmaralbacore · Jun-17-2006, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_John

WHY is the Avet the best "hands-down"?

My 9/0 Penn Senator has kicked the ass of many a big fish but that doesn't qualify it in the same class as either the Avet or Shimano.

how do u like ur 9/0? ever had any problems?

Double Z · Jun-17-2006, 07:16 PM

Man, my 50W AVET has caught more big fish than I have. Hey Chris, thanks for reminding me FUCKER! Now all we need is for Ole to chime in and remind me how well the thing did on his 6 Yellow Fin Tuna up to 245lbs.

No issues so far but to add, mine is only 1 year old. It takes a lot to get me to spend money on a brand. Avet has my business until I get screwed. I even bought one for the wife. Looks like I might be getting another one for fathers day. Just to let you know, I'm also a big fan of Shimano and had great customer service but it was during the off season. I stay clear of any of their ocean stuff. Accurate did not show me anything worthy of a $400 reel on my last 3 trips to their shop. Good luck.

Big_John · Jun-18-2006, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradmaralbacore

how do u like ur 9/0? ever had any problems?

Love it (for medium-duty stuff) they aint high-tech but you can't beat a 9/0 Senator for a $150 reliable workhorse. They take lots of abuse and keep on ticking. Their drag is the weak point but if all you need is 20 something lbs, they're fine.

Big_John · Jun-19-2006, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzsdad

Man, my 50W AVET has caught more big fish than I have. Hey Chris, thanks for reminding me FUCKER! Now all we need is for Ole to chime in and remind me how well the thing did on his 6 Yellow Fin Tuna up to 245lbs.

No issues so far but to add, mine is only 1 year old. It takes a lot to get me to spend money on a brand. Avet has my business until I get screwed. I even bought one for the wife. Looks like I might be getting another one for fathers day. Just to let you know, I'm also a big fan of Shimano and had great customer service but it was during the off season. I stay clear of any of their ocean stuff. Accurate did not show me anything worthy of a $400 reel on my last 3 trips to their shop. Good luck.

Thanks for the feedback zz, I have no doubts the Avet is a high-quality reel. I wish more Tiagra guys could chime in with their experience though so I could head-to-head them. I'm not a West Coast guy and it seems Avet is the reel of choice over there. You ask some East Coast forums and they are all Tiagra. So, here I am caught in the middle, just trying to separate the "wheat from the chaff" so-to-speak. THANKS