THANK YOU
FOR CHOSING A
SVIVLO REEL
We are excited to have earned your trust and offer you the world’s first baitcaster with the revolutionary CastGuard™ cast control system. We are confident that you will enjoy the reel’s unique features, which will allow you to spend more time fishing and enjoying the great outdoors.
Important information about
your new Svivlo reel
Get started with Svivlo Genesis ONE and Draken ONE
Even though the reel looks like a normal baitcaster on the surface, the handling is completely different than what you might expect. In fact it handles more like a spinning reel that that you pick up and use. In the section below you’ll find the most important information to get fishing in no time and keeping your reel in pristine condition.
Once you have put line on the spool, make sure that the spool tension knob is tightened just so that there’s no sideways gap on the spool.
Spool tension knob: Turning it clockwise reduces leeway. Tightening the spool tension too much might damage the reel.
Step 1: Check for spool axle gap (sideways movement). Press down the reel clutch and place you thumb on the spool.
Step 2. Adjust the spool tension knob until the spool moves sideways.
Step 3. Carefully tighten the spool tension knob until the gap is removed.
Do not over-tighten the spool tension.
There’s no need to tighten the spool tension more than instructed unless you’re a novice and are learning casting technique, or risk catching a branch. Tightening the spool tension brake will make CastGuard more aggressive and react quicker and shorten casting distance.
No need to adjust spool tension based on lure weight.
You might be used to adjusting the spool tension brake every time you change lure in order for it to drop slowly to the ground. Normally this reduces the risk for getting backlash specifically at the end of the cast.
After you put on a lure on Svivlo Genesis ONE or Draken ONE, you DO NOT have to make any adjustments to the spool tension brake. Not even after changing lure weight. CastGuard will take care of it all.
If you’re new to baitcasting, there are a few things you need to be aware of due to the design of a baitcaster.
You need to use a fluid motion and avoid stopping the rod mid cast. Follow the instructions below to get going in no time.
1. Press down the reel clutch and place the thumb on the spool. Pull back the rod to anywhere between 9 o’clock and 11 o’clock.
2. Start the casting motion and release the thumb between 12 o’clock and 1 o’clock.
3. Follow through with the casting motion to approximately 3 o’clock.
Do NOT stop the motion mid-cast or do any ‘jerky’ movement as this might cause backlash.
Enjoy effortless and super efficient fishing with your new Svivlo reel.
No thumbing required.
You might be used to put you thumb lightly against the spool when casting to avoid line overrun and backlash. You are also used to stop the spool with your thumb when the lure hits the water.
Casting in strong head wind or tackling wind gusts are usually very challenging and prone to easily create birds nests.
With a Svivlo reel, CastGuard™ takes care of all complexity allowing you to focus on casting, catching, and reeling.
Svivlo Genesis ONE – Important Parts
Side plate
Svivlo Genesis ONE side plate contains the CastGuard assembly and provides access to the spool. Use the switch to open the side plate.
Access switch
The switch is used to open the Genesis ONE side plate. Push it down to release the side plate, and push it up to lock the sideplate. Be careful when closing the side plate and make sure the axels are aligned.
Spool tension brake
The spool tension brake used to remove the slack on the spool axle. It can also be used to control the agressivness of CastGuard.
Clutch bar
The clutch is used to release the spool and allow it to feed out line. Press down the clutch and place the thumb on the spool before casting. Release the thumb as you cast to allow the line to feed out. The clutch will engage as soon as you turn the handle.
Drag brake
The drag brake is used to configure how much force is required to pull out the line. Adjust this prior to fishing so that the line does not snap off when you catch a fish.
Svivlo Draken ONE – Important Parts
Side plate
Svivlo Draken ONE side plate contains the CastGuard assembly and provides access to the spool. Use the switch to open the side plate.
Access switch
The switch is used to open the Draken ONE side plate. Push it forwards (towards the tip of the rod) to release the side plate, and push it backwards (towards your body) to lock the sideplate. Be very careful to not drop the sideplate as it becomes loose when opening. Also be careful when closing the side plate and make sure the axels are aligned.
Spool tension brake
The spool tension brake used to remove the slack on the spool axle. It can also be used to control the agressivness of CastGuard.
Clutch bar
The clutch is used to release the spool and allow it to feed out line. Press down the clutch and place the thumb on the spool before casting. Release the thumb as you cast to allow the line to feed out. The clutch will engage as soon as you turn the handle.
Drag brake
The drag brake is used to configure how much force is required to pull out the line. Adjust this prior to fishing so that the line does not snap off when you catch a fish.
Taking care of your Svivlo Reel
Important Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Svivlo Reel in Top Shape
At Svivlo, we love helping anglers get the most out of their gear. Our maintenance tips are here to support you in keeping your reels in great shape. That said, every fishing situation is different, and not all advice will apply to every reel or condition.
Please note: Svivlo can’t be held responsible for any damage or issues that may result from following these tips. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to reach out to a professional or contact our support team.
We want your reel to perform at its best—so when in doubt, give us a shout!
🛠️ Why maintenance matters
- Extends the life of your Svivlo reel.
- Prevents wear on CastGuard™ components.
- Ensures smooth spool control and casting performance.
- Protects against corrosion in saltwater environments.
- Maintains warranty eligibility (see https://svivlo.com/warranty)
🚿 Rinse and clean after each use
- Inspect your reel for any visible issues. If something seems off, contact your dealer or Svivlo Support.
- Tighten the spool tension cap and star drag.
- Rinse the reel gently using fresh drinking water – either under slow running water or with a spray bottle.
- Wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth, preferably microfiber, to remove dirt, sand, salt, or debris.
- Clean stubborn spots using a cotton swab or toothbrush with isopropyl alcohol.
- Loosen the spool tension knob to its recommended setting (see guide)
🧴 Monthly lubrication
- Apply reel oil to visible bearings and the worm gear. Use high-quality oil suitable for fishing reels (e.g., Super Lube), or ask your dealer.
- ⚠️ Avoid oiling the spool axle or CastGuard axle.
- Clean the pinion gear:
- Remove the side plate and gently take out the spool.
- Use a cotton swab to clean the pinion gear and any visible dirt.
- Inspect and clean the spool assembly.
- Do not lubricate the spool shaft
- Reassemble the spool and side plate, ensuring the spool axle aligns properly with the CastGuard axle.
- Re-adjust the spool tension knob to the recommended setting.
🧰 Professional Reel Service
Once a year—or more often depending on usage—we recommend sending your reel to a Svivlo Authorized Service Center for professional maintenance. This helps extend the life of your reel and ensures optimal performance.
Conclusion
A well-maintained Svivlo reel delivers backlash-free casts for years. Follow these five tips to keep your Genesis ONE or Draken ONE in peak condition. Got a maintenance hack? Share it in the comments! Check out more guides in our Learn section or shop our reels to experience CastGuard™.
This section will be populated with tips & trick using and maintaining your new Svivlo reel.
The CastGuard™ bedding procedure
Similar to running in brakes on a race car to get optimum performance, a Svivlo reel with CastGuard also need to be run in.
When turning the handle of the Svivlo reel, you may feel a non-fluid movement. This is normal and is because the CastGuard brake arm has to become compatible with the brake drum so that they fit together. This process, called bedding, usually takes 10-20 casts but the number can vary depending on cast distance, handle rotation speed and other parameters.
The bedding process creates a few micrometers thick layer of brass from the brake drum on the CastGuard brake arm. This process also removes imperfections that occurred during the manufacturing process and aligns the two surfaces into a near perfect geometric match.
