Originally Posted by Calvin
You talking about crushing that pinion bearing by having the drag cranked down while reeling?

Originally Posted by WDEA
Originally Posted by 358Norma_fan
Just curious why you say hard PASS on Avet?


Under heavy drag, lots of sideload pressure leading to bearing failure. I've had a fleet of Avet from SX single speeds to Raptors and 4/0, 30's, 50's.

The sideloading isn't as pronounced with the bigger reels but I've had a 30 flat lock up and unable to turn the handle at 30lbs of drag.

But there are MANY MANY Avet users out on the water and they are happy with the performance, just not for me.

IMO, the sturdiest open face reel out there for barn door 'buts up to granders; Shimano Tiagra.



Fishing heavy leader and heavy drag for YFT and BFT, side load on the pinion bearing is too much for it to handle. Granted you can change them out easy enough but not during mid-fight. Crank handle locks up even though the drag lever isn't at sunset.

Reels with thrust bearing (Okuma Makaira/Penn VISX) help side load under heavy drag.

Again, there are many many Avet users that are happy with their reels just I am not one.

Make mine a Okuma or Penn.

Last edited by WDEA; 10/16/21.