Tackle Tips | Article submitted by Norm Rodewald | March 27, 2026
Understanding Avet reels.
There has been some confusion on Avet reels and the meaning of G2. The original Avet reel line, now often referred to as classic consisted of the SX, MX, JX, LX, ANS HX. These also had variants, a narrow version with the designator J and a wide version designated W. The normal method for rating a reel is to describe it by the maximum test line, with the maximum being approximately 3 times the free spool maximum drag. If the maximum free spool drag is 10 lbs, maximum line weight is 30 and reel is a 30 lb class reel. It is important to remember a well-engineered reel will have a sturdy frame and bearings appropriate to the line class. Many users put heavier line on and for bigger fish, pushed the lever from strike toward full. This put a lot of extra pressure on the drags and bearings.
The SX and Mx were pairs, small frame, large frame, as were the JX and LX. The SX and MX classic series had a free spool maximum drag of 9 lbs. They were 25-30 lb. class reels. The JX and LX had 13 lbs. so were 40 lb class reels. The HX at 17-19 lbs. was a 60 lb. class reel.
Avet released a second generation, retaining the old model designations, referred to G2. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH TWO SPEED! The G2 upped the drag specifications and beefed up the overall reel internals to accommodate the higher loads. The SX free spool maximum drag is now 12 lbs. and the MX is 13. Both are now 40 lb. class reels. The JX and LX have a free spool maximum drag of 21lbs. and are 60 lb. class reels. The HX free spool maximum drag is now 21 or 22 lbs, depending on narrow or wide, and is still a 60 lb. class reel. Each of these have Raptor variants with much higher drag capability and in general push the line class up 30 lbs.
A note about the SXJ. As a rule, for saltwater reels, the spectra backing should be at least 50 lbs. The reason is the thinner lines will cut into itself when a bigger fish begins ripping off line. The SXJ narrower spool lets you use something like 30 lb. backing. For an inshore reel targeting calico bass in the kelp or slow pitch jigging, the SXJ with 30 lb. spectra backing makes an easy to cast, light weight reel with enough backbone to handle cutting through kelp or pulling on a school bluefin on a slow pitch jig.
