I had similar problems when I first started using my Alvey. Must wind on line first up so no wind twist is stored up, must use swivels more then one is perferable.

I have 30pd mono approv 0.5 dia  (can't remember what brand) I try not to make rig setup to long as in from top swivel to sinker or bait. Don't try to over cast as I've found to much line pulling out real quick gets caught up through eyes. I also use Alvey mainly for set baits not to much for cast and retrieve (tailor) fishing. It those work quite well for cast and retrieve fishing. Keep a constant tension on line when retrieving line so no loose sections.  I have heard other people use Braid (on this site) can't tell you anything good or bad about braid on alveys but will warn you about cutting ta fingers if you don't wear a glove.   Good luck and experiment with a few different options

As Wes said, they can be tricky to use at first. Constant tension on the line is a must. Add an extra swivel to your rig's and i always use a sinker with a swivel as well.

I use Berkly Big Game but the Suffix should be fine. I know some guy's use braid but i have seen Alvey spools broken or egg shaped due to the braid being wound on with too much preasure . Braid has no stretch and will compress down on the spool making it distort out of shape.

Also i think if you are getting problems with mono twisting and looping braid would propally be more of a nightmare to deal with when tangled .

Cheers Grant .

I gave up on them with these sorts of hassels that seem to happen when its dark but they are a sturdy reel and plenty swear by them.

at the end of a fishing session cast your rig down the beach as far as you can. Then cut the rig off and reel your line back on holding some tension with your fingers so it goes on tight.  This gets rid of all the line twist you have accumulated that session.

On the alvey website it shows a swivel set up they recommend to reduce line twist which is well woth a look.

In your case the reason the line flew off is that it wasnt under enough tension or there may be too much line on your reel.

Also worth noting I have seen a couple of alveys have there spools explode if the line is wound on with massive tension say when fighting a game fish

Like using any new reel (or technology for that matter!) you should read the user guide if you haven't already. Alvey do list specific do's & don'ts there. You haven't mentioned whether the rod you have used has a line guide clip found at the top of the front/top grip - these are essential for line control on your alvey as you use your finger to direct the line evenly across the spool under tension - this will help when casting the next cast! It's the little things that you have/haven't got on your rod set up which will make the Alvey a pleasure or ultimately a pain to use.

I have 2 650C Alveys that I have used since 1990 almost without fail as first choice for big fish fishing from the shore. I use 11kg line - 22-25lb.with a really good high quality swivel at the end of the main line used attached to the terminal rig- this will slow a lot of the line twist. Both mine are fitted up to Low mount rods which is great for a balanced outfit and makes line control easy sp. with the line guide clip I mentioned earlier. The C model has has the clutch & ratchet and when fishing a surf beach there is hardly a better sound for a patient angler when the drag goes off and the ratchet click takes on the proportions of an air raid siren sounding scream!

Yep, as Perry is saying, you need an open runner, this assists in putting some pressure on the line so it goes back onto the reel reasonably tight. Read all about it here.

http://www.surfcasters.iinet.net.au/UsingAlveyReels.html

Chees

Dale