Thoughts on reels

Oh...I sort of implied it, but I am not sure why you would want a MX over an SX unless you are consistently fishing BIG fish like over 100 lbs.  MX weighs almost 50% more.  The single speed is geared 5.8:1 instead of an avet sx 5.3:1 making for harder cranking.  Drag is the same. 

When I Started searching for big halibut, I went and bought a Shimano lever drag TLD 20.  That thing was WAY too big.  But it does make for easier cranking and if fish ever wanted tot ry and spool me, I think I have 800 yards of braid on it.  lol.  No need for anything like that.  But the only time I thought an vet sx might not handle it was in Kodiak when I broke off three or four times in 50 to 100 ft of water.  Remaining line got a little short.  But other than that, I personally don't think you need anything larger than an SX unless you are in need of a specific feature of the larger reel.

Thanks for the input Rudy! Are you referring to the crank or the handle? Because they actually offer a few different options. The SG now comes standard with a smaller handle unless you specify.

Thanks for the input Rudy! Are you referring to the crank or the handle? Because they actually offer a few different options. The SG now comes standard with a smaller handle unless you specify.

It's seems like the extra long crank with a BIG handle.  In about a third of the range of the arm, you have to free spool and move the arm, otherwise it just gets in the way.  My one, so far, pet peeve about the release.  Works great when you have a fish on though.  So maybe I shouldn't complain. 

Sounds like you've got the Mag handle. The smaller one is half that size, and there's also an ergonomic grip that fits like a glove for really hard cranking

Sounds like you've got the Mag handle. The smaller one is half that size, and there's also an ergonomic grip that fits like a glove for really hard cranking

I think I have the ergo grip.  Works great when fighting a fish.  gets in the way the other 99.9% of the time.  So I will call it a draw.  lol.

Oh...I sort of implied it, but I am not sure why you would want a MX over an SX unless you are consistently fishing BIG fish like over 100 lbs.  MX weighs almost 50% more.  The single speed is geared 5.8:1 instead of an avet sx 5.3:1 making for harder cranking.  Drag is the same. 

About the only reason I would pick an MX over an SX is in a mono-only application.  Think live bait albacore on a charter boat.

-Allen

Haha, not quite Rich. Allen's the man when it come's to about all things fishing. We're just comparing two quality products.

I'm enjoying the discussion, that's all.. I sort of did the same thing a few years back when there was a nice long discussion regarding the leverage generated by rod length.. I sit back, shut up and learn.

Avet SX single and two speed we're my reel of choice.  SUPER reels except they need too much TLC,  Leave them out over night or two after salt and they bind up.  The SX has no issue landing large halibut and my opinion is shallow water halibut I target are harder on reels than deep water due to the fact they run harder.

That's my major beef with the SX's too.  I have to clean them (I have 3 of them) way too often (at least twice a season if not more).  And even with that, I've had to replace more bearings on them than all my other reels combined,  IMO, They just leak too much salt water to the insides.  I keep a spare set of spool bearings on hand at all times.  There are 3 of them and they are $5 each.  Bearings #14 and #17 are more likely to go out than #7.  And while you're at it, stock those little #15 spool spring washers which are soooo easy to lose.

-Allen