PRIOR TO SELECTING ANY ALVEY REEL ALWAYS CHECK THE FOLLOWING:

• What kind of fishing am I going to do? (eg. surf, estuary, rock etc.)
• What size rod do I need to match my new reel?
• Do I want direct wind or a drag operation?
• Do I need a lightweight graphite reel or stainless steel back?

ALSO REMEMBER TO CHECK THAT YOUR ROD CORRECTLY SUITS AN ALVEY...

• Does it have a low winch fitting?
• Is the first runner set approximately half way up the rod?



PLAIN REEL (THE ‘A’ and ‘B’ SERIES)
‘A’ – Stainless steel backplate
‘B’ – Graphite backplate

This series of reels is the ultimate in simplicity of construction, with an absolute minimum of wearing parts. Consequently, like all Alvey reels, they are reliable and efficient in all conditions. ‘A’ and ‘B’ series reels do not incorporate a star drag action. As the fish makes his run, even line tension is maintained by the angler removing their fingers from the winding handles, and placing them under the reel, against the line still contained in the spool well. Quick reflex and awareness of the intentions of the hooked fish prevents loss of control, or injury from the reversing handles. Not all anglers desire a fast, free running spool, so the centre spindle fittings are designed so that they can be adjusted to any desired pressure. As the winding handles are attached to the spool, the retrieve is direct and powerful. The skilful angler knows just how much power can be applied to the line size being used, and has the ability to control the fish.


THE DRAG REEL (THE ‘C’ and ‘BC’ SERIES)
‘C’ – Stainless steel backplate
‘BC’ – Graphite backplate

• Non-reversing star drag and lever drag

‘C’ or ‘BC’ type drag reel is the best reel for any angler who wants to handle big fish with ease. The multi-plate friction clutch of the Alvey drag reel gives a wide range of tension settings, which do not vary during the battle with the fish. The drag control star nut, or lever, is easily accessible if adjustment is necessary while the fish is being played. With the drag engaged, the handles lock in a stationary position as the spool continues to give line to the running fish, but are ever ready to rewind when the fish allows it. Once the drag is set, you should never lose a fish, for even if caught with the non-reversing pawl disengaged, the even tension and slipping spool action are still applied and will assist to control the fish.

ONE WAY DRAG (THE ‘E’ OR ‘BE’ SERIES)
‘E’ – Stainless steel backplate
‘BE’ – Graphite backplate

• Positive wind star drag

The ‘E’ or ‘BE’ model reel is especially designed for the rock angler, but is equally effective for any surf fishing. It has an adjustable star drag to keep a steady safe strain on the line when playing a big fish. The handles are fixed to the spool, but can be wound forward to apply extra pressure to a fish or can be released at any time without losing control of the fish. When washing a big fish up with a wave onto a rocky ledge, the direct wind holds the weight of the fish as the wave recedes. When winching a fish up a cliff, the direct wind overrides the drag and will not let the fish slip back into the water and possibly cut the line on the rocks. A good fish in the bag will often compensate for the little extra cost when buying a reel.


REEL PROFILES



REEL BACKINGS





To make it easy for you to work out which Alvey reel suits which rod, we have used similar model numbers for the rods and reels that go together.

Rod	Purpose	Material	Length	Line Class
Rod 400	Junior/Beginner	Solid glass-2 Piece	1.5m (5’)	3kg
Rod 450*	Freshwater/Estuary	Hollow glass-2 Piece	1.8m (6’)	3kg
Rod 500*	General Purpose	Hollow glass-2 Piece	2.1m (7’)	3kg
Rod 550*	General Purpose	Hollow glass-2 Piece	2.7m (9’)	3kg
Rod 600*	Estuary/Light Surf	Hollow glass-2 Piece	3.2m (10’6”)	5kg
Rod 625L*	Estuary/Light Surf	Superior Hollow Glass, Hi Quality fittings-2 Piece	3.6m (12”)	5kg
Rod 650*	Surf	Hollow glass-2 Piece	3.9m (13’)	7kg
Rod 655	Boat	Solid glass-1 Piece	1.6m (5’6”)	15kg
Rod 625*	Surf	Superior Hollow Glass, Hi Quality fittings-2 Piece	3.6m (12’)	7kg
Rod 6500*	Surf	Superior Hollow Glass, Hi Quality fittings-2 Piece	4.1m (13’6”)	7kg
Rod 925	Boat	Solid Glass-1 Piece	1.6m (5’6”)	24kg
*Open Runner fitted

Example: ROD600 will match with any reel in the 600 series ie 600B, 600BCXL, 625B etc.


Alvey reels require rods which are correctly set up in order to attain maximum efficiency from your reel.

The following points must be noted when purchasing a rod to suit your reel:
• Low winch fitting (about 15 to 20cm from the end of rod).
• To avoid restricting the line coils when casting, your first runner must be half way up the rod.
• An open runner centres line and takes tension off your finger when winding in.