
( Brand: Savage Gear ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: AV-500B ), ( Part Type: Reel ), ( Reeltype: Spinning Reel ), ( UPC: 739998401055 )
The **Savage Gear AV-500B Okuma Avenger Spinning Reel** is a high-performance, budget-friendly fishing reel that delivers professional-grade craftsmanship and reliability without the premium price tag. Engineered with Okuma s legendary durability and Savage Gear s innovative design, this 5-bearing spinning reel is built to tackle everything from light freshwater panfish to medium saltwater species, making it a versatile choice for anglers of all skill levels. The **AV-500B** features Okuma s renowned **Avenger** series technology, which combines a **high-modulus carbon fiber drag system** with a **sealed, oil-lubricated gear system** to ensure smooth, consistent drag performance even under heavy pressure. The **6.5:1 gear ratio** strikes an ideal balance, providing fast line retrieval for quick hooksets while maintaining enough power to handle strong, fighting fish without excessive strain. With a **6-pound line capacity** and a **maximum drag setting of 6 pounds**, this reel is perfectly suited for anglers targeting species like walleye, pike, bass, or even small saltwater fish like trout or flounder, offering just the right amount of resistance to prevent line breakage while allowing for a clean, controlled fight.
The **5-bearing system** including a **high-speed ball-bearing guide system** minimizes friction and wear, ensuring long-lasting performance and effortless casting. The **Okuma Avenger s sealed drag system** is resistant to water, dust, and corrosion, making it ideal for both freshwater and light saltwater applications where exposure to the elements is inevitable. The **carbon fiber drag washboard** provides a progressive, smooth drag curve, allowing anglers to fine-tune resistance for different fishing scenarios, whether they re fighting a stubborn bass or slowly reeling in a tired walleye. The **high-modulus carbon fiber spool** is lightweight yet incredibly strong, reducing fatigue during long fishing sessions while maintaining structural integrity. Additionally, the **ABEC-5 precision bearings** and **stainless steel components** contribute to the reel s overall durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of frequent use without losing performance.
Designed with **ergonomic efficiency in mind**, the **AV-500B** features a **low-profile, compact frame** that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, reducing hand fatigue during extended fishing trips. The **smooth, one-hand retrieval system** allows for quick line management, while the **anti-reverse bail** ensures the line stays securely on the spool when not in use. The **corrosion-resistant finish** and **sealed drag system** make this reel a reliable companion for anglers who fish in brackish or saltwater environments, though it s best suited for light to moderate saltwater applications rather than heavy-duty offshore fishing. Whether you re casting from a dock, a kayak, or a pier, the **AV-500B** offers the perfect blend of **affordability, durability, and performance**, making it an excellent choice for anglers who demand quality without the high-end price of premium reels. With its **6-pound line capacity** and **6-pound max drag**, this reel strikes the ideal balance for a wide range of freshwater and light saltwater fishing scenarios, ensuring a fun, frustration-free experience on every trip.
The Savage Gear AV-500B (Okuma Avenger) is a mid-range spinning reel known for its performance in freshwater fishing, particularly for species like bass, panfish, and light saltwater applications. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros:**1. **Reliable and Durable Construction**
The AV-500B features a high-quality aluminum frame and a sealed drag system, which helps protect against corrosion and wear. The drag is smooth and consistent, making it suitable for fighting moderate-sized fish. The reel is built to last with proper maintenance, especially for freshwater use.
2. **Good Line Capacity**
With a line capacity of 65/6 lb (monofilament), this reel can handle a variety of freshwater fishing scenarios, including light to moderate bass fishing, panfish, and even some light saltwater species like trout or small shad. The capacity is sufficient for most anglers who don t target extremely large fish regularly.
3. **Smooth and Responsive Drag**
The AV-500B s drag system is one of its strongest features. It provides a progressive drag curve that is smooth and adjustable, allowing anglers to fine-tune it for different fishing conditions. This is particularly useful when fighting fish that put up a fight, as the drag helps prevent line breakage.
4. **Affordable Price Point**
Compared to high-end spinning reels, the AV-500B offers excellent value for money. It doesn t have the premium features of reels costing $200 or more, but it delivers solid performance without breaking the bank. This makes it a great option for budget-conscious anglers who still want a reliable reel.
5. **Lightweight and Easy to Handle**
The reel weighs around 10 12 ounces, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. Its lightweight design reduces fatigue, especially during long fishing sessions or when casting frequently.
6. **Versatile for Different Rod Combinations**
The AV-500B is compatible with a wide range of spinning rods, from lightweight panfish setups to medium-heavy bass rods. Its versatility makes it a good all-around reel for anglers who don t want to invest in multiple reels for different applications.
7. **Decent Bearings and Sealed Components**
The reel includes sealed bearings and a sealed drag system, which helps protect against water and debris. While it may not have the same number of bearings as a high-end reel, the sealed design ensures longevity in freshwater environments.
8. **Good for Beginners and Intermediate Anglers**
If you're new to fishing or looking for a reliable reel to upgrade from a basic model, the AV-500B is an excellent choice. Its simplicity and performance make it easy to use and maintain.
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### **Cons:**1. **Limited Saltwater Suitability**
While the AV-500B can handle light saltwater fishing (e.g., trout, small shad, or occasional surf fishing), it is not designed for heavy saltwater use. Saltwater environments are more corrosive, and the reel lacks some of the corrosion-resistant features found in dedicated saltwater reels (e.g., stainless steel components, more robust seals). Over time, exposure to saltwater can degrade the reel s performance.
2. **Basic Build Quality Compared to Premium Reels**
The AV-500B is not a high-end reel, and its build quality reflects that. It lacks some of the premium features found in reels like the Okuma Avenger Pro or Shimano SLX, such as a larger line capacity, more bearings, or a more refined drag system. If you're targeting large fish (e.g., big bass, pike, or saltwater species like snook or redfish), you may find the reel s limitations frustrating.
3. **Line Capacity Could Be Better for Some Applications**
The 65/6 lb line capacity is adequate for most freshwater fishing but may feel limiting if you frequently fish for larger species or use heavier line (e.g., 8 10 lb braid). If you plan to upgrade to braided line later, you may need to replace the reel or accept that the line capacity will be reduced.
4. **No Built-in Line Counter**
The AV-500B does not come with a built-in line counter, which can be inconvenient if you re trying to measure out line precisely for casting or matching your line to the rod s recommended length. Some anglers prefer reels with this feature for better control.
5. **Drag Adjustment Can Be Fiddly**
While the drag is smooth, the adjustment mechanism can be a bit finicky. Some anglers may find it difficult to fine-tune the drag to their exact preference, especially when making small adjustments in the field.
6. **No Anti-Reverse Mechanism**
The AV-500B does not have an anti-reverse mechanism, which means that if the reel is allowed to spin freely (e.g., when the rod is dropped or the fish is too strong), the spool can turn backward. This can lead to line tangles or confusion if you re not paying attention. While this isn t a dealbreaker, it s something to be mindful of during use.
7. **Limited Customization Options**
Unlike some higher-end reels, the AV-500B offers few customization options. You can t easily upgrade components like the drag washers or bearings, and the reel s design is more standardized. If you re looking for a reel that can be modified for specific needs, you may need to look elsewhere.
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### **Conclusion:**The Savage Gear AV-500B (Okuma Avenger) is a well-rounded, budget-friendly spinning reel that excels in freshwater fishing scenarios. It offers a good balance of durability, smooth drag, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for beginners, intermediate anglers, and those who prioritize reliability over premium features. The reel s sealed drag and aluminum frame ensure it can handle regular use without frequent maintenance issues, and its lightweight design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods.
However, the AV-500B is not without limitations. Its freshwater-focused design means it s not ideal for heavy saltwater fishing, and its line capacity may feel restrictive if you plan to target larger fish or use braided line. Additionally, the lack of a line counter, anti-reverse mechanism, and limited customization options are minor drawbacks for some anglers.
If you re primarily fishing for bass, panfish, or light saltwater species in freshwater, the AV-500B is a solid and cost-effective choice. It won t compete with high-end reels in terms of performance or customization, but it delivers reliable service for the price.
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### **Recommendation:** **Buy the Savage Gear AV-500B if:**- You re a beginner or intermediate angler looking for a reliable, affordable spinning reel for freshwater fishing.
- Your primary target species are bass, panfish, or light freshwater species (e.g., trout, crappie, bluegill).
- You prioritize smooth drag, durability, and ease of use over premium features like large line capacity or customization options.
- You don t plan to fish heavily in saltwater or target extremely large fish regularly.
- You want a versatile reel that can pair with a variety of spinning rods without breaking the bank.
**Consider an alternative if:**- You frequently fish in saltwater or target larger species (e.g., big bass, pike, or saltwater predators like snook or redfish). In this case, a dedicated saltwater reel (e.g., Okuma Avenger Pro, Shimano SLX, or Daiwa Crossfire) or a higher-end freshwater reel with a larger line capacity would be better.
- You want a reel with a larger line capacity (e.g., 70/8 lb or more) to accommodate braided line or heavier monofilament.
- You prefer reels with additional features like a line counter, anti-reverse mechanism, or more bearings for smoother performance.
- You re willing to invest in a premium reel and don t mind paying more for advanced features and build quality.
**Final Verdict:**For most freshwater anglers on a budget, the Savage Gear AV-500B is a smart purchase. It s a reliable, well-built reel that will serve you well for years with proper care. If your fishing needs are more specialized (e.g., heavy saltwater or big freshwater species), however, you may want to look at more advanced options.
Buyer pays the Return Shipping Cost. This Sale is For, Okuma AV-500B Avenger Spinning Reel 5BB 65/6lb line MaxDrag 6lb Gear ratio 5.0-1. Some items may not qualify for World Wide shipping because of package size. New in Package.
Avenger spinning reels are backed by a 1-year limited warranty. Any other means of Communication will not be read. HDG Oversized plus High-Density Gearing.