penn VS Avet

[irish lines]

What is everyones opinion on a 50 lb class reel for trolling BFT in the MA/NH/ME area, Avet 50w or Penn 50VSW?

Thanks in advance

[Green Machine]

There have been many threads on this subject and this often leads to a ton of opinions. Personally, I have Penn reels, Avet's and Shimanos and I think they all make excellent products.

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. It's really personal preference. They are both excellent reels. For 50 W class and similar reels we have fished penns forever and they have always performed. However I have started using several of the smaller Avet reels up to their EXW 4/0's and I absolutely love them. Usually get more drag then a similar Penn with better freespool and a lighter reel... but will they hold up well over time?

One thing you might consider is which one comes with some local knowledge in your area... i.e. do you know someone who can service both brands? With equal proficiency? For this reason... on bigger reels I still like to buy Penn. In my area (Jersey shore, northern) there aren't a lot of guys that carry Avet, and I don't know who really knows how to service them right. On the other hand, the dealers here have all been carrying penn reels forever and there are many options for getting them professionally serviced without having them sent away.

May want to move this to the tackle box section...

[LuckyLady]

As said its a personal preference. I don't like the feel of avet and some say that the drags break down really quick and easy. Penn I have used some and they work well. My fav is Shimano and that is my preference and what I use.

[George@Melton]

both are great products, the only real difference is that the Avet is going to hold more Drag right out of the box. I've fished avets exclusively the past two seasons on the big trophy yellowfin and they have preformed flawlessly.

[WhiteMarlin]

Shimano Tiagra....

[Jared D]

Shimano Tiagra....

I agree with this. In my opinion, its the best bang for the buck. I liked the older penns, but the new V series isnt as solid in my opinion. Tiagras rock!

That being said, I do have an Avet 4/0... things I like about it are strong drag (fished it for three years, and caught numerous large sharks, wahoo, and Mahi on it. I have never had a single reel malfunction with it, or drag issue, and I use the drag at a setting much higher than recommended. (28#s strike, 34#S FULL) It has a super smooth feel to it when reeling, and the free spool on it is amazingly balanced.

Things I dont like about it. It has an all stop button. I have never done it, but I fear one day someone will be grabbing it from the rod holder and accidently hit it, instantly locking the reel (it puts a pin through the spool). I also dont like the way the clicker is on it. You turn the handle, and it pops off. Big PITA to remember when your adjusting baits in a spread during chaos.
I also dont like the constant noise it makes when your reeling. Just me being a pain, but it irritates me when fighting a fish for 1-2 hours.

In summary, I would say the only fear I had when I bought it was that it was so PRECISELY manufactured that it would jam, break, or warp. In the past 3 years, I have tortured that reel many times over what it was ever designed for, and to date, not one issue. Nor has it had one service. They are really solid IMO.

[GALAZIO]

I just jump in...introduce then to Thunder & Lightening and wrasslem' to the surface.

[shoefish]

Irish Lines welcome to SFC! Where do you fish out of?

I know it wasn't in your consideration group but I have to throw in my vote for an Accurate 50W. It's much more expensive, but it'll handle quite a fish (not that the others won't). Got a giant on mine last year.

Again, welcome, and I hope you stick around- it'll be good to get some other local knowledge going.

[George@Melton]

Irish Lines welcome to SFC! Where do you fish out of?

I know it wasn't in your consideration group but I have to throw in my vote for an Accurate 50W. It's much more expensive, but it'll handle quite a fish (not that the others won't). Got a giant on mine last year.

Again, welcome, and I hope you stick around- it'll be good to get some other local knowledge going.

im going to second this motion, im currently trading in all my avets on accurates.

[ocalex]

I have a full set of avets and am waiting on the 80s, in 2 years of fishing i have not had a problem with them. the 50s donot have the stop button that the 4/0s have and they also do not have the automatic clicker that the 4/0s have. that being said they are not potential problems like Jared said but the clicker on the 50w is a pain to get to and turn off so if u use clickers that could be enough to send you over to penn.