Company: Avet Reels Inc. · Address: 9687 Topanga Canyon Place, Chatsworth, CA 91311 · Phone: 818-576-9895 · Category: Lever drag jigging and slow pitch reels
Avet is one of the few reel makers that still designs, machines and assembles its reels in the US, in its factory in Chatsworth, California. It doesn’t sell a reel labelled “slow pitch.” What it does make is a family of narrow-spool “J” (jig) models that retailers and anglers use for slow pitch. The small SXJ is the most popular. All Avet jigging reels have a lever drag with a strike preset, and Avet makes true left-hand models, machined as mirror images of the right-hand reels.
This review covers the Avet J models that suit slow pitch, what the letters and numbers mean, prices, and where to buy in Florida.
Company overview
Avet was founded by brothers Harry and Sarkis Alajajyan, who emigrated from Armenia and first ran a machine shop making aerospace parts. Harry hand-machined the first Avet reel. Sources differ on the founding year: one says 1999, another 2002.
According to a May 2025 Alliance for American Manufacturing profile, Avet has about 26 employees and makes about 75 reels a day. It offers 32 models in about 1,450 variations. Everything is US-made except the small bearings, which are sourced from the Los Angeles area.
At a glance
| Made in | Chatsworth, California |
| Slow pitch models | SXJ (small), MXJ (medium), JX (large): narrow “J” spools |
| Drag | Lever drag with strike preset |
| Options | Magic Cast (MC), Raptor dual drag, true left hand |
| Price range | about $213 (SXJ G2) to $427 (Raptor Plus MC) |
| Warranty | 1 year (USA) |
Decoding Avet model names
- Size: SX (small), MX (medium), LX/JX (large), HX (huge), EX (extreme)
- “J”: a narrow jig spool. Avet says it makes line leveling easier and less frequent, makes the spool lighter for casting and reduces cranking wobble.
- Numbers: gear ratio. 5.3 = single speed 5.3:1. 6/4 = two-speed 6.3:1 / 3.8:1. 6/3 = two-speed 6.3:1 / 3:1.
- G2: the current second-generation standard model.
- Raptor: a patented dual direct-drive caliper drag that gives about twice the drag of the standard models and is optimized for braid.
- Raptor Plus: Raptor drag with a lower 3:1 low gear.
- MC (Magic Cast): an adjustable magnetic anti-backlash system. A magnet creates eddy currents in the aluminum spool, so braking rises with spool speed.
SX series: the slow pitch favorite
Avet’s official SX specs:
| Model | Speeds | Gear | Retrieve | Drag strike/full | Weight | Capacity (50 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SXJ 5.3 G2 | 1 | 5.3:1 | 30″ | 12 / 20 lb | 12 oz | 290 yd |
| SXJ 6/4 G2 | 2 | 6.3 / 3.8:1 | 36″ / 21″ | 12 / 20 lb | 15 oz | 290 yd |
| SXJ 6/4 Raptor | 2 | 6.3 / 3.8:1 | 36″ / 21″ | 17 / 26 lb | 16 oz | 290 yd |
| SXJ 6/3 Raptor Plus | 2 | 6.3 / 3:1 | 36″ / 16″ | 17 / 26 lb | 16 oz | 290 yd |
The non-J SX versions have a wider spool that holds 400 yd of 50 lb, and weigh 1–2 oz more.
Why the SXJ suits slow pitch:
– Light: 12–16 oz, easy to work all day
– Narrow spool: better line lay and less wobble when cranking
– Lever drag with strike preset: returns to the same strike setting every time, which matters on soft slow pitch rods
– 290 yd of 50 lb braid: far more with the thinner PE 2–3 used for slow pitch
UK retailer Rok Max describes the SXJ 6/4 as “excellent for slow pitch jigging,” thanks to its narrow spool and reduced crank wobble.
Images: Avet Reels
Which SXJ?
– SXJ 5.3 G2: simplest and lightest (12 oz); good for light to medium slow pitch.
– SXJ 6/4 G2: adds a low gear for winding big fish up from deep water.
– SXJ Raptor / Raptor Plus: 26 lb max drag for big amberjack and grouper, and a stronger low gear on the Raptor Plus.
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MX series: more capacity
| Model | Gear | Retrieve | Drag strike/full | Weight | Capacity (50 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MXJ 5.8 G2 | 5.8:1 | 38″ | 13 / 20 lb | 18 oz | 470 yd |
| MXJ 6/4 G2 | 6.3 / 3.8:1 | 41″ / 25″ | 13 / 20 lb | 19 oz | 470 yd |
| MXJ 6/4 Raptor | 6.3 / 3.8:1 | 41″ / 25″ | 21 / 31 lb | 21 oz | 470 yd |
| MXJ Raptor Plus | 6.3 / 3:1 | 41″ / 19″ | 21 / 31 lb | 21 oz | 470 yd |
FishUSA lists the MXJ Raptor with 6061-T6 aluminum, 9 shielded stainless bearings, a strike stop button and a one-piece frame, for jigging and bottom fishing.
Who it’s for: Deeper slow pitch with heavier braid, and bigger fish. At 18–21 oz, it’s heavier than most dedicated slow pitch reels.
JX series: heavy jigging
The JX (large narrow) is for heavy jigging rather than classic slow pitch: the JX 6.0 G2 weighs 20 oz with a 21/28 lb drag, and the JX 6/3 Raptor has 28/38 lb drag at 23 oz. The JX 3-speed Raptor Plus adds a 2:1 third gear. These suit big amberjack, deep wrecks and heavy speed jigging more than slow pitch.
Left hand and colors
Avet makes true left-hand models, machined as mirror images of the right-hand reels. That’s a real advantage for slow pitch, where many anglers wind with the left hand and work the rod with the right. Silver is stocked; other colors are special order for a $35 upcharge. J&H notes Raptor Plus left-hand reels come only in silver.
Prices (September 2026)
| Retailer | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tackle World (Paramus, NJ) | SXJ G2 single speed | from $213.99 |
| Tackle World | SX G2 MC | $292.99 |
| J&H Tackle | MXJ G2 6/4 | from $338.99 |
| J&H Tackle | Raptor Plus MC (SXJ, MXJ, JX and more) | $426.99 |
| Premier Tackle (Bradenton, FL) | SXJ 6/3 Raptor MC Plus | $426.99 |
| FishUSA | MXJ Raptor 2-speed | $374.99 |
| TackleDirect | MXJ 6/4 MC Raptor (black) | $414.99 |
Choosing an Avet for slow pitch
| Your fishing | Best Avet |
|---|---|
| Light to medium slow pitch, 150–250 g jigs | SXJ 5.3 G2 |
| Slow pitch with a low gear for big fish | SXJ 6/4 G2 |
| Big amberjack and grouper on slow pitch gear | SXJ Raptor Plus |
| Deep water, heavier braid | MXJ 6/4 G2 or Raptor |
| Heavy jigging and deep wrecks | JX 6/3 Raptor |
Magic Cast or not? For vertical slow pitch, you don’t need MC. Choose it if you also cast jigs or baits, since it reduces backlash.
Pair it with: a slow pitch rod rated for your jigs. See Temple Reef, Phenix and Blackfin.
Warranty and service
Avet’s warranty is one year from the date of purchase for defects in materials and workmanship, for USA customers (international buyers go through their dealer). It excludes abuse, poor maintenance, sand and salt damage, normal wear, bearings and exceeding drag or line limits. Contact Avet before shipping a reel. Avet also runs a maintenance program; see avetreels.net.
Care tips: rinse lightly with fresh water after each trip, back the drag off to free, and have the reel serviced each season if you fish often.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Designed, machined and assembled in California
- Narrow J spools suit slow pitch and reduce crank wobble
- Lever drag with a repeatable strike preset
- Light SXJ (12–16 oz)
- True left-hand models
- Raptor dual drag for big fish
- Wide choice of colors and options
Cons
- No model Avet markets specifically for slow pitch
- 1-year warranty
- MX and JX are heavy for all-day slow pitch
- Special colors and left-hand colors cost extra
- Retailer specs sometimes differ from Avet’s official figures
Avet vs. other slow pitch reels
| Reel | Weight | Max drag | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avet SXJ 5.3 G2 | 12 oz | 20 lb | from $213.99 |
| Avet SXJ Raptor Plus MC | 16 oz | 26 lb | $426.99 |
| Accurate BV-300-SPJ | 9.9 oz | 24 lb | $509.99 |
| PENN Fathom II 15XNLD2 | 18.7 oz | 33 lb | $369.95 |
| Okuma Cavalla CAV-5NS-TB | 16.4 oz | 24 lb | $269.99 |
Where to buy Avet reels
Florida
– Premier Tackle, 2539 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211 · 941-567-4030 · Mon–Sat 9–6 · premiertackle.com: SXJ Raptor Plus, LX and HX
– Stuart Angler Bait & Tackle, 4695 SE Dixie Hwy, Stuart, FL 34997 · 772-288-1219: Avet dealer
– Other Florida dealers on Avet’s list: Bay Park Fishing Station, Bett’s Fishing Center, Indian Rocks Tackle, Juno Bait, New Smyrna Outfitters, Reel Floridian Fishing and True Value of Boca Raton
– Miami Fishing Supply stocks the larger EX and T-RX Avets, not the jigging models
Online
– Avet · avetreels.net · [email protected]
– TackleDirect, FishUSA, J&H Tackle, Tackle World (Paramus, NJ · 201-587-0011)
– Fisherman’s Headquarters (Ship Bottom, NJ · 609-494-5739): special-orders any Avet combination
Buy online (Amazon)
Verdict
Avet’s SXJ is a light, simple, American-made lever drag reel that works very well for slow pitch, especially the SXJ 5.3 G2 at about $214 and the SXJ 6/4 G2 when you want a low gear. For big fish, the SXJ Raptor Plus adds a stronger drag and a 3:1 low gear. The warranty is short and Avet doesn’t design specifically for slow pitch, but its narrow spools, strike preset and true left-hand options make it a strong choice.
Deep-Drop.com rating: Build quality 5/5 · Value 4.5/5 · Slow pitch fit 4/5 · Warranty 3/5 · Florida availability 4/5
FAQ
Which Avet reel is best for slow pitch?
The SXJ, a small narrow-spool lever drag reel. The SXJ 5.3 G2 (12 oz, 20 lb drag) and SXJ 6/4 G2 (15 oz, two-speed) are the most popular.
What does the “J” mean on Avet reels?
A narrow jig spool, designed for easier line leveling, lighter weight and less cranking wobble.
Where are Avet reels made?
Designed, machined and assembled in Chatsworth, California.
Does Avet make left-handed reels?
Yes, true left-hand models machined as mirror images of the right-hand reels.
Specifications and prices were checked against avetreels.net, the Alliance for American Manufacturing (May 2025) and retailer listings (Premier Tackle, Tackle World, J&H Tackle, FishUSA, TackleDirect, Rok Max) on September 26, 2026.