Time to upgrade? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

CR Yaker · 05-15-2016, 11:09 AM

That makes 2 on the Avets. Nice tutorials online for ripping apart and cleaning/lube. I do it once a year, but really once you lube it correct the first time it can last longer. If you want to be setting your drag at 25lbs. I would go for a raptor with 38lbs of max drag, set the LEVER strike for 25lbs and your good to go. Obviously it's better not to max a reel out on the drag. The raptors are light and small footprint. I use a JX 6:3 raptor, weight 24oz. That MX would work also, a little lighter at 21oz.

Where's paradise going to be, Bob??

makobob · 05-16-2016, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CR Yaker

That makes 2 on the Avets. Nice tutorials online for ripping apart and cleaning/lube. I do it once a year, but really once you lube it correct the first time it can last longer. If you want to be setting your drag at 25lbs. I would go for a raptor with 38lbs of max drag, set the LEVER strike for 25lbs and your good to go. Obviously it's better not to max a reel out on the drag. The raptors are light and small footprint. I use a JX 6:3 raptor, weight 24oz. That MX would work also, a little lighter at 21oz.

Where's paradise going to be, Bob??

Mark, my paradise is just north of Gonzaga Bay BAJA

PescadorPete · 05-16-2016, 11:41 AM

If you want to go old school, the old ProGear 251 is about the same size as the Calcutta. Guts are Jigmaster so parts will be available forever. I replaced the stock 5:1 gears with Jigmaster 4:1. I think the Jigmaster 506HS 5:1 gears also fit. Replace the stock drags with a Jigmaster HT-100 drag stack. No anti-reverse bearing which always seems to fail in my Calcutta. It also has a spring loaded dog which is more reliable than the ambassador style in the 400.

If you want to drop some serious coin, the Penn TRQ-15 is also about the same size. The Fathom 15 is a less expensive alternative. They are 6:1 which is not the best for cranking power. You can change the TRQ-15 to 4.8:1 gears but that will set you back another $50. There are aftermarket lower speed gears for the Fathom.

I'm really surprised how long my 400 has lasted, given the number of times is has been underwater

.

05-15-2016, 11:09 AM	#1
CR Yaker Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Jaco, Costa Rica Posts: 119	That makes 2 on the Avets. Nice tutorials online for ripping apart and cleaning/lube. I do it once a year, but really once you lube it correct the first time it can last longer. If you want to be setting your drag at 25lbs. I would go for a raptor with 38lbs of max drag, set the LEVER strike for 25lbs and your good to go. Obviously it's better not to max a reel out on the drag. The raptors are light and small footprint. I use a JX 6:3 raptor, weight 24oz. That MX would work also, a little lighter at 21oz. Where's paradise going to be, Bob?? __________________ Fishing touring guide service Central Costa Rica. cryaker.com Mark Last edited by CR Yaker; 05-15-2016 at 12:43 PM.

05-16-2016, 11:41 AM	#3
PescadorPete Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Leucadia, CA Posts: 261	If you want to go old school, the old ProGear 251 is about the same size as the Calcutta. Guts are Jigmaster so parts will be available forever. I replaced the stock 5:1 gears with Jigmaster 4:1. I think the Jigmaster 506HS 5:1 gears also fit. Replace the stock drags with a Jigmaster HT-100 drag stack. No anti-reverse bearing which always seems to fail in my Calcutta. It also has a spring loaded dog which is more reliable than the ambassador style in the 400. If you want to drop some serious coin, the Penn TRQ-15 is also about the same size. The Fathom 15 is a less expensive alternative. They are 6:1 which is not the best for cranking power. You can change the TRQ-15 to 4.8:1 gears but that will set you back another $50. There are aftermarket lower speed gears for the Fathom. I'm really surprised how long my 400 has lasted, given the number of times is has been underwater .