I’ve been using the little powerhouse Avet SX Raptor for 5 years and self serviced it twice. It was fairly easy to do and I didn’t see much corrosion until the reel started to bind recently. When I took it apart I found rust in all the bearings and despite cleaning and oiling the bearings from the outside, the bearings kept spewing rust.

Decided to mail it to Avet in California for cleaning and parts replacement. It cost $14 to ship it via USPS Ground to Chatsworth, CA. The Basic Service for the SX Raptor cost $44 and I included a check for that amount. Avet called me when they received the reel, to ask for my credit card to cover additional costs and shipping. 13 days later, Avet called to ask how I wanted the reel shipped back but since they called at 5:30am (8:30am their time), I missed that call and by the time I called back, they had shipped the reel via USPS Priority for $24.25. I received my reel 3 business days later.

The reel felt brand new, and looked almost brand new also except for a slightly gummy handle ball.

Avet included the corroded bearings and washers to show what they replaced. Man, were they in bad shape.

So with shipping both ways, and the $44 Service with no additional charge for parts, it cost $82.25 to get the reel back fully repaired. I think it was worth it considering this was the first service I paid for in 5 years, but I definitely will clean the reel more frequently to prolong the need for such a major repair.

If you’re interested in ordering an Avet Reel please contact me and I can try to put a bulk order together to minimize the shipping cost. Mahalo!