Truth Reels vs Avet - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Iceman · 09-03-2017, 11:33 AM

OEX Mission Bay has a Seigler SG in a lefty now.

T-Rex · 09-08-2017, 09:42 AM

I'd definitely go with the Seigler SG.

I've got an older Release SG and 3 Avet SX. All are tough little reels, but as already pointed out, the SG has twice the drag pressure of the SX/SXJ. Makes a huge difference with big fish. My Avets also demand waaay too much cleaning, maintenance and bearing replacement. Maybe Avet has addressed the water intrusion issues with their newer reels, but in nearly 4 years, my Release SG hasn't needed anything and has had no issues whatsoever. I'm planning on replacing my Avets with another Seigler SG.

I've also got an Accurate Boss Fury 500 2-speed, but don't use it on the kayak -- only offshore. So far I like it a lot, but I haven't caught anything large enough to really put it to the test. It's been overkill for the small BFT, YT and dorado I've caught on it so far. Haven't used the smaller 400/400N, but I think I'd still go with the Seigler SG for the kayak.

ProfessorLongArms · 09-12-2017, 04:06 PM

I just got an SX with 2 speed and skipped the MC/Raptor/G2
I also fish a Shimano Trinidad, and am not the *best* with a Bait Caster.

One thing I immediately loved about the SX was how well the lever plays to avoid backlash... Everything I read in my research came back pretty positive, and I like that they're local in SoCal.

That said, I can imagine they do require more maintenance as, as on the site they suggest sending the reel in to them for 30 bucks annually (assuming you go out 20 times in a season) for cleaning/maintenance.

As far as the drag goes, we'll see. It does feel a tad light, and i'm planning to take it on a party boat next week for some YT, but bringing a couple of heavier old Penn reels just in case it's not enough.

Also- in case it helps, I spent a good bit of time talking to the owner of Johnny's in Pasadena yesterday about the reel.... Assuming I was looking for something I could take in my kayak with a 10-15lb leader, but also load with 300 yds of braided 40# and 30 of top shot to take out for yellowtail, he was pretty adamantly against me spending extra money on the G2 or the Raptor as a first reel. Of course... that could just be so I end up needing an upgrade sooner than later XD

09-03-2017, 11:33 AM	#1
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	OEX Mission Bay has a Seigler SG in a lefty now. __________________

09-08-2017, 09:42 AM	#2
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	I'd definitely go with the Seigler SG. I've got an older Release SG and 3 Avet SX. All are tough little reels, but as already pointed out, the SG has twice the drag pressure of the SX/SXJ. Makes a huge difference with big fish. My Avets also demand waaay too much cleaning, maintenance and bearing replacement. Maybe Avet has addressed the water intrusion issues with their newer reels, but in nearly 4 years, my Release SG hasn't needed anything and has had no issues whatsoever. I'm planning on replacing my Avets with another Seigler SG. I've also got an Accurate Boss Fury 500 2-speed, but don't use it on the kayak -- only offshore. So far I like it a lot, but I haven't caught anything large enough to really put it to the test. It's been overkill for the small BFT, YT and dorado I've caught on it so far. Haven't used the smaller 400/400N, but I think I'd still go with the Seigler SG for the kayak. __________________

09-12-2017, 04:06 PM	#3
ProfessorLongArms Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 401	Just bought an Avet and I'm a fan so far... will see how it holds up I just got an SX with 2 speed and skipped the MC/Raptor/G2 I also fish a Shimano Trinidad, and am not the best with a Bait Caster. One thing I immediately loved about the SX was how well the lever plays to avoid backlash... Everything I read in my research came back pretty positive, and I like that they're local in SoCal. That said, I can imagine they do require more maintenance as, as on the site they suggest sending the reel in to them for 30 bucks annually (assuming you go out 20 times in a season) for cleaning/maintenance. As far as the drag goes, we'll see. It does feel a tad light, and i'm planning to take it on a party boat next week for some YT, but bringing a couple of heavier old Penn reels just in case it's not enough. Also- in case it helps, I spent a good bit of time talking to the owner of Johnny's in Pasadena yesterday about the reel.... Assuming I was looking for something I could take in my kayak with a 10-15lb leader, but also load with 300 yds of braided 40# and 30 of top shot to take out for yellowtail, he was pretty adamantly against me spending extra money on the G2 or the Raptor as a first reel. Of course... that could just be so I end up needing an upgrade sooner than later XD Last edited by ProfessorLongArms; 09-12-2017 at 04:15 PM.