Avet reel frames are precision machined from marine-grade aluminum in 1 continuous piece, and have stainless steel parts, but do need *common sense* reel maintenance. The reels are compact and light weight, yet capable of landing large fish.

I asked 2 customers to share their long-term experience, and end with my story of what happens if you don’t clean them for 2 years straight. While the 3 of us are kayak fishermen, the reels would also do well from shore or on boats.

Lawrence – Oahu kayak fisherman

The Avet LX Raptor is my favorite kayaking conventional reel. In my opinion, the size is just right and not too bulky. My setup line capacity holds 2000′ (667 yd) of 65 pound power pro Depth-Hunter braid and 25′ yards of 50 pound fluorocarbon leader line. The drag is very precise and the lever drag makes it a highlight to swing into fight drag. The 2 speed option is great, I normally fish with the high speed retrieve, however battling a 118 pound Marlin, and stubborn ulua, the low gear made the fight much easier. I’ve self service the LX Raptor with no problems. In summary, I definitely recommend the Avet LX Raptor to any kayak fisherman.

Oahu kayak fisherman who has been using 2 LX Raptors for 3 years:

This is just my personal opinion, but the LX, HX and HXW Raptor 2-speeds, partnered with custom Rainshadow acid wrap rods are hands down, the best reels for offshore kayak fishing because of their size, weight, and line capacity. The Raptors are easy to self-service, and I have replaced bearings after hard use.

Scott – How I abused my MX Raptor and regretted it:

Sadly, I am the example of how not to take care of your Avet reel. I have been using the smallest Raptor, the SX Raptor, and when I clean it after a year’s use, there’s usually very little salt crystals and corrosion. I started using the next size up, the MX Raptor about 2 years ago. I’d take it out on my kayak with my other reels and almost never use it because I didn’t put out a live bait. It got splashed on and I just rinsed it off, but I kept the drag pretty tight, and it turns out, the drag assembly didn’t have a chance to air out.

I recently felt the drag “binding” and when I opened the reel up, there was salt and some corrosion under the drag lever and stack.

The drag washer was actually rusting because the drag plate had been stuck on it for so long. The binding I was feeling when cranking the reel was actually the rust particles on the drag washer!

I cleaned the plate and washer off with Corrosion Block and the binding sensation went away, but am ordering replacements for them. The corrosion came off the other parts after cleaning with Corrosion Block, so my negligence didn’t have lasting effect.

Lesson learned: Back off your drag after washing the reel down, and open it up and clean it if you dunk it badly. At the minimum, service it once a year and it will last forever.

If you’re interested in ordering an Avet reel, please contact me through the Contact Page. Shipping the reels from California are increasingly more expensive so we try to order in bulk. Mahalo.