Avet LX Raptor Drag Curve

[SonyCbad]

Purchased an LX Raptor last year and only fished it a few times. So far this yr, have landed some yellowtail and YFT up to 30 pounds, so haven't gotten close to pushing this reel to the limit. Love the feel of the reel, good free spool , cranking power, and drag feels nice.

I mainly fish Penn Fathom/Torque, but on my Avet noticed that as soon as I press the button to move it past strike, it significantly increases the drag to the point where it's almost buttoned down tight. For testing, I have it set around 10 pounds at strike and as soon as I past Strike, I can hardly pull out line. Not sure if this is normal as I do not own any other Avets. Any input is greatly appreciated (thinking of sending it into Avet for service soon).

My Penns seem to have gradual/consistent progression in drag pressure once you go from Strike to Full (Or in Penn's terms from Full to Sunset). Strange my Avet has such a steep jump in drag pressure past strike. I imagine something is wrong with it (or perhaps I am doing something wrong), but figure I'd start here before sending in. Appreciate all the help.

 

[hucklongfin]

10# should be hard to pull out by hand… that’s one way to know that you’re at 10#. Not sure why you need to go to full on a 30# YT With an LX Raptor. I fish my JX Raptor at 17# at strike w/50#.

 

[SonyCbad]

Not sure what the exact drag pressure on it is now (I didnt measure), but I go from being able to pull it easily by hand (similar setting as if I am fishing 30 pound test) to almost buttoned down as soon as it is moved slightly past strike. This is my question - is this normal for this reel to increase in drag pressure so much as soon as it passes Strike? I have other 2 speed reels that do not do this.

Understood, I do not need to go past strike at the above mentioned setting for a 30 pound fish (it was just an example I used). However I use this reel for 40, 50, 60 pound topshots (I intend to use this for up to 100 pound fish, just havent had the chance yet on this setup )... if my drag is set too light and in the event I need to go slightly past Strike, my concern is that the jump will be too steep and go from say 15 pounds to almost button downed after one click past Strike.

 

[hucklongfin]

Check the progression beyond strike with a scale so you’ll know.

 

[SonyCbad]

Not sure why you need exact numbers in my examples provided, but will do it later to provide some data points for your reference.

At the current setting, it goes from easily pullable by hand at strike, to almost buttoned down (barely pullable by hand) at just one click past Strike.

Just looking to see if this is normal or if service is needed

 

[ripped]

The beauty of a lever drag reel is the ability to adjust your drag to achieve repeatable results. The first thing anyone with a lever drag reel should get is a drag scale. It would be nice if reel manufacturers would standardize their drag curves but it’s like hooks… everyone has their own idea. With a scale, you can calibrate your drag curve and mark your side plate at different settings. Once done, it doesn’t mater what line you put on your reel as long as you set strike at 33%. If you wanted to dial your reel for a gradual drag curve you could have your reel blueprinted but that’s not for evergone.

 

[Cubeye]

Purchased an LX Raptor last year and only fished it a few times. So far this yr, have landed some yellowtail and YFT up to 30 pounds, so haven't gotten close to pushing this reel to the limit. Love the feel of the reel, good free spool , cranking power, and drag feels nice.

I mainly fish Penn Fathom/Torque, but on my Avet noticed that as soon as I press the button to move it past strike, it significantly increases the drag to the point where it's almost buttoned down tight. For testing, I have it set around 10 pounds at strike and as soon as I past Strike, I can hardly pull out line. Not sure if this is normal as I do not own any other Avets. Any input is greatly appreciated (thinking of sending it into Avet for service soon).

My Penns seem to have gradual/consistent progression in drag pressure once you go from Strike to Full (Or in Penn's terms from Full to Sunset). Strange my Avet has such a steep jump in drag pressure past strike. I imagine something is wrong with it (or perhaps I am doing something wrong), but figure I'd start here before sending in. Appreciate all the help.

Yes,
This is normal. My reels do the same thing.
They have a very steep drag curve, and there does not seem to be a solution to the problem.

Hope someone has a solution.

 

[mullet]

Not sure why you need exact numbers in my examples provided, but will do it later to provide some data points for your reference.

At the current setting, it goes from easily pullable by hand at strike, to almost buttoned down (barely pullable by hand) at just one click past Strike.

Just looking to see if this is normal or if service is needed

Everybody has different "Pullabilities" hard to say what yours are . You really need to get a scale you will be surprised at the difference between pullable and actual .

 

[HUlmr]

It is completely normal once you go past the strike position. What is important to remember is that if you are using the reel within it's designed limits, you have nothing to fear going past strike...just don't attempt to do it while the fish is running hot or the line will part every time! I have 5 Avet Raptors and they will definitely kill bigger fish than you would believe they are capable of. Always set your drag with a quality scale and don't be afraid to pull hard!!! Tight lines and smiles to you.

One last thought...think of going past strike as a reserve chute to be used when all hell breaks loose and everything else has failed!!!

 

[SonyCbad]

Thanks everyone for your input. Glad to hear this is normal.

Have been using the scale and the Avet indeed is a sharper jump from strike to just past strike, than on other reels.

For example 5 pounds to 10 pounds on the Avet, versus 5 pounds to 7 or 8 pounds with other brands, similar sizes.

 

[Guywithbentrod 818]

Thanks everyone for your input. Glad to hear this is normal.

Have been using the scale and the Avet indeed is a sharper jump from strike to just past strike, than on other reels.

For example 5 pounds to 10 pounds on the Avet, versus 5 pounds to 7 or 8 pounds with other brands, similar sizes.

Saw this on bottom of another avet post.
Late reply
I can adjust mine for guppies. This knob is how.

Only adjust when in free spool.
Crank it a few click backwards and when reel is in gear drag settings on lever can be lowered. Crank higher in free spool and when in gear you will have increased your drag strengths on the lever.
I was told reel damage can occur if you rotate while in gear.
So what that means is you have more steps to your drag check moment.
Let me know if that helps or I misunderstood


No Bananas please!

 

[R & R]

Put a South Florida cam in it, available form Avet. It has a more gradual drag curve.