avet sx5.1

Hello folks,

Does anyone own an avet sx5.1? I just picked up these new reel and I am trying
to set the drag before I take it out. The manual that came with it said I have to
set the drag at strike zone. Where is the strike zone? A little confusing here because I don't know where the strike zone is. The reel came with a free spool of
20# mono. The problem that came  was before even setting the drag, I
already got a bird nest. Are these models good or bad?

Thanks in advance
Jed

Jed, Avets are crap.  PM me and I'll send you an address where you can dispose of it for free. 

I think it's probably just a different style reel than you're used to.  With time and practice, I think you'll find that it's an excellent reel.

Brian

Jed look at the right sideplate (lever side) it should be labeled with strike and full. Most leverdrags are adjusted by pulling the lever back into freespool then turning the adjustment knob in for more or out for less drag. Then push the lever forward to the strike(1st position) and check the drag tension (pull line). If more adjustment is needed pull back lever again and tighten or loosen adjustment knob.

One of the best reels in terms of value, provided you maintain it well.  Did you get a manual with your reel?  If so, it describes how to set the drag at strike.  Over half the guys on this forum that I have fished with have sported an SX5.1... I own two myself. 

Keep the cheap mono on until you learn how to use your thumb to prevent bird's nests.  Once you can cast effectively, ditch the mono and switch to braid with a mono or flouro topshot.

Thanks fishshim and Backcountry for the help. I appreciate it very much. And very
funny Brian, QUIT picking on the new guy! JK

Jed

I'm  now a HUGE avet convert-- just landed a 58# pissed off roosterfish on mine.  Definitely maintain it-- there is a great tutorial on the maintanence by Guru Alan tani if you google "Avet SX maintanence." or go here: http://www.tackletour.com/menumaintenance.html

The side plate should say, Free, bait, strike, full... put it in "free" turn that knob, then slide it up to strike (you'll feel the notch).  Check the drag, then repeat until you get it just right.

I found that for hallies, etc that the setting seems to be about "8" on the side knob....check out alan's dicussion on the drag.

Thanks SteveS for the maintenance Avet website and also for your reply on how
to set the drag correctly. I greatly appreciate it.

Jed

Another high quality reel, but without the anodized bling (and thus about $75 less expensive) are the Newells...