SEVIIN Reels: Durability Proven by Testing

[Glenn]

PARK FALLS, Wis. (November 2, 2023) – SEVIIN Reels aspires to deliver anglers with the most reliable and dependable reels available. We operate on a “Trust but Verify” basis with all our suppliers and partners. That means, in addition to the required performance testing data provided by our partners, we perform our own in-depth, torturous testing on every production run of reels to assure we are providing anglers with the most durable and reliable performance – hallmarks of the SEVIIN brand.
 
To this end, the SEVIIN Team has designed and built its very own testing laboratory inside the St. Croix Factory in Park Falls, Wisconsin. Here, purpose-engineered, custom testing equipment of our own design continuously performs 12 distinct tests on our GF Series baitcasting reels.
 
Specific individual tests include 1) temperature, 2) humidity/salt spray, 3) chemical resistance, 4) ultraviolet exposure, 5) dunk, 6) trip lifecycle, 7) gear endurance, 😎 drop, 9) line guide retention, 10) pinion engagement, 11) gear strength, and 12) drag performance.

 

 

 

SEVIIN GF Testing Spotlight – The Trip Lifecycle Test
 
The Trip Lifecycle Test consists of putting GF Series low-profile baitcasting reels through 200,000 cycles on a custom-engineered and precision-constructed instrument within our testing laboratory. A cycle consists of depressing and then releasing the thumb bar, then re-engaging the spool with a partial turn of the handle. Reels shall remain fully functional after Trip Lifecycle testing.
 
The Trip Lifecycle Test is just one of the rigorous testing protocols our GF reels must pass before making their way into anglers’ hands. Learn more at seviinreels.com.

[12poundbass]

200,000 cycles, that’s impressive! 

[garroyo130]

1 hour ago, 12poundbass said:

200,000 cycles, that’s impressive! 

[dodgeguy]

2 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

200,000 cycles, that’s impressive! 

That's one fishing trip for me !!!

[12poundbass]

1 hour ago, dodgeguy said:

That's one fishing trip for me !!!

Must be one long fishing trip!

[crypt]

10 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

That's one fishing trip for me !!!

me to!!!!!

[Hulkster]

St. Croix is pushing heavy marketing on these but I can't help but feel they might have missed the boat. 

 

for the same price, can you not get an SLX reel that has an aluminum frame, aluminum handle etc etc.? 

 

a whole lot of graphite on these?? Might have been better to try to include more metal and bump the price up a bit??

[12poundbass]

17 minutes ago, Hulkster said:

St. Croix is pushing heavy marketing on these but I can't help but feel they might have missed the boat. 

 

for the same price, can you not get an SLX reel that has an aluminum frame, aluminum handle etc etc.? 

 

a whole lot of graphite on these?? Might have been better to try to include more metal and bump the price up a bit??

What is the thought behind not wanting graphite? Is the concern with durability or is graphite looked at as an inferior material? I’ve yet to have an issue with any graphite reel I’ve used over the years. 

[garroyo130]

35 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

or is graphite looked at as an inferior material? 

 

Basically ... its 1000% looked at as an inferior material. Fishing is predominantly a male hobby. Men like tools. Reels are tools. Tools are made of metal. Toys are made of plastic. 

 

I've had an issue with a graphite bodied reel before although it was probably due more to it being a cheap reel than the graphite itself. Given the choice of crappy aluminum like these Ardents 

 

 

or good graphite, I'll take good graphite like the Seviin all day. But at the price point its at, its not going against crappy aluminum, its going against good aluminum and proven designs. 

[12poundbass]

1 minute ago, garroyo130 said:

Fishing is predominantly a male hobby. Men like tools. Reels are tools. Tools are made of metal. Toys are made of plastic

That’s what I figured. 

[garroyo130]

1 minute ago, 12poundbass said:

That’s what I figured. 

 

It doesn't make an ounce of sense, but I think many of us are just wired that way. 

[12poundbass]

3 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

 

It doesn't make an ounce of sense, but I think many of us are just wired that way. 

To each their own. 

[Basswhippa]

[redmeansdistortion]

Many of the newer graphite framed reels aren't as bad as many think.  Many years ago it was true that they'd flex under pressure but that was then.  Most budget reels use graphite and people will fish them for many years without issue.  Many of the guys I fish with use reels such as the Black Max, Pro Max, and various Lew's offerings with graphite frames and have landed some impressive fish with them and they still keep on going.

 

As for this particular reel, it's probably fine and does what one would expect from a $100 reel.  Are there others that are better at this price?  Most certainly, just as there are others that are not.  The vibe I'm getting from the Seviin is that it's a workhorse reel.  My only complaint is the marketing, it's way over the top unlike that of KastKing.  Honesty is the best policy, be up front with where it's made and don't give the impression that one is trying to polish a turd and the results will speak for themselves.  

[Glenn]

Got a good chuckle out of this thread.  At first, people were saying the reels were junk because they're made overseas.

 

Until they discovered virtually ALL reels are made overseas.

 

Then they tried to claim the quality MUST be bad because (insert whatever reason here).

 

Until the report above came out.

 

Now it's, "Well...um...it....ah....OH!  I know! The frame is made of GRAPHITE!  Ya...ya, THAT's the ticket." 

 

c'mon man!  Really?  REALLY?

 

 

 

That said, I get some folks really love (insert brand name) reels, so anything different could be perceived as a threat.  Hence the attempts at discrediting SEVIIN.

 

But SEVIIN is backed by St. Croix, and they don't play around.  They're known for quality and great customer service, and you can bet SEVIIN is built from the same mold.

 

Don't like them?  That's fine.  You don't have to.  Nobody is forcing you to change brands.  Fishing is supposed to be fun.  So go out and enjoy it with whatever gear you choose!

[12poundbass]

23 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

Many of the newer graphite framed reels aren't as bad as many think.  Many years ago it was true that they'd flex under pressure but that was then.  Most budget reels use graphite and people will fish them for many years without issue.  Many of the guys I fish with use reels such as the Black Max, Pro Max, and various Lew's offerings with graphite frames and have landed some impressive fish with them and they still keep on going.

 

As for this particular reel, it's probably fine and does what one would expect from a $100 reel.  Are there others that are better at this price?  Most certainly, just as there are others that are not.  The vibe I'm getting from the Seviin is that it's a workhorse reel.  My only complaint is the marketing, it's way over the top unlike that of KastKing.  Honesty is the best policy, be up front with where it's made and don't give the impression that one is trying to polish a turd and the results will speak for themselves.  

 

I’ve had great success with the Black Max and Pro Max over the years. The Silver Max I couldn’t get it out of my hands fast enough. 😂

 

Seviin is a new company. Yes it’s associated with St. Croix but they don’t have St. Croix plastered on them. They best way to get a new company off the ground is marketing. I (regretfully) watched Luke Dunkin’s pod cast with James Watson the other day. James Watson said he made his millions in real estate with “gorilla marketing” and said he wouldn’t have had he not. If you’re going to start a new company or release a new product you’re going to flood the market with advertising otherwise you’re going to fail. Plain and simple.
 

They haven’t hidden the fact they’re made in China… it says it right on the box. 

[MiceNReets]

Well he’s an aluminum frame from the Abu Garcia Revo X that’s within the same price range as the SEVIIN.  I think the new Revo X reels are graphite frame now?? Maybe that’s why??  I don’t remember how this happened it was a few years ago but I’m not rough on my gear.    Anyways maybe a graphite frame isn’t so bad these days??   

 

 

 

[Kirtley Howe]

I have a number of baitcasting reels. Some (the ones I first bought) are mostly plastic, and they are OK for lightweight use, but not very good overall. I have several that are graphite, and two that are aluminum framed. From a durability and functionality standpoint, I cannot tell the difference,. The graphite reels are a little lighter than the same sized aluminum reels, but not enough to make a difference to me. As to where they are made....I would prefer that anything I buy was American made, but the reality is that almost all reels are made in Asia these days, and they are often excellent quality. Of course you get what you pay for. A $30.00 reel is not going to perform as well as a $70.00 reel, and a $70.00 reel is not going to perform as well as a $150.00 reel...or at least the cheaper reels are not going to have all the features of an expensive reel. For my needs, almost any reel in the $50.00 to $70.00 range works fine for me, but I am not a tournament fisherman. I am sure a pro would find my equipment laughable, but it works for my needs. I doubt if I could tell the difference in function between a graphite frame reel and an aluminum frame reel of equal quality. 

[garroyo130]

5 minutes ago, MiceNReets said:

Well he’s an aluminum frame from the Abu Garcia Revo X that’s within the same price range as the SEVIIN.  I think the new Revo X reels are graphite frame now?? Maybe that’s why??  I don’t remember how this happened it was a few years ago but I’m not rough on my gear.    Anyways maybe a graphite frame isn’t so bad these days??   

 

 

 

 

Did the sideplate survive that?

[MiceNReets]

1 minute ago, garroyo130 said:

 

Did the sideplate survive that?

As a matter of fact.   The graphite side plates did survive.  Just the frame had to be replaced.  LoL.  

[12poundbass]

1 hour ago, Kirtley Howe said:

I am sure a pro would find my equipment laughable, but it works for my needs. I doubt if I could tell the difference in function between a graphite frame reel and an aluminum frame reel of equal quality

There’s a pro (I forget his name) who used dirt cheap reels (wasn’t sponsored by them either). Reels in the $30-60 price range if I remember correctly. What a pro uses has no bearing on what I use. They are paid to say the reel or equipment they’re using are the best they’ve used. The next year they sign with a different company and regurgitate the exact same thing they said the year before. 

[Darth-Baiter]

On 11/4/2023 at 3:56 AM, 12poundbass said:

200,000 cycles, that’s impressive! 

i call that a Thursday.  (lately) 

[Boogey Man]

On 11/5/2023 at 12:53 PM, 12poundbass said:

There’s a pro (I forget his name) who used dirt cheap reels (wasn’t sponsored by them either). Reels in the $30-60 price range if I remember correctly. What a pro uses has no bearing on what I use. They are paid to say the reel or equipment they’re using are the best they’ve used. The next year they sign with a different company and regurgitate the exact same thing they said the year before. 

 

Did you guys pay for your Seviin reels? Full price or discount?

[dodgeguy]

I used to be against composite frames. I have had them break on spinning reels and my buddy has had a few snap at the reel seat.This was all around 2003. I've since bought a couple of Lews custom Lite baitcaster with tanzo tech composite frames. They are supposed to be extremely hard. I've never felt them flex in the 2 seasons I've owned them . So based on that I think people should try the sevin reels if they are looking for a new brand. 

[12poundbass]

5 hours ago, Boogey Man said:

 

Did you guys pay for your Seviin reels? Full price or discount?

This should clear things up for you.