Ok - i've had my beloved Avet SX for a few weeks now, but didn't have a proper rod to put it on - was forced to relegate it to panfish duty on a 7ft ugly stick spinning rod....while i waited for my 1569 to arrive...It was nice, but I still wasn't too sure about the switch to conventional.....
Well, I chanced upon a deal to get a new Ocean Master Heavy for $80 and couldn't say no....It arrived this afternoon.
I unpacked it and promptly went out to the practice field with the OM Heavy, Avet, and an 8oz frog tongue in a tennis ball.
WOW! 
What a difference a real surf rod will make....I now know what all the fuss is about "once you go conventional you'll never go back"....just feels so nice...
I love the reel...love the rod... and absolutely cannot wait for the 1569 to arrive (although i'll have to beg my wife for a second avet then...)
I should have made the switch long ago...