Introducing the MAX™ series low profile baitcast reels from Abu Garcia®. The vintage names; Pro MAX™, Silver MAX™, Black MAX™, And, here comes the new 2009 model Blue MAX™ too that bring back visions of hefty limits of largemouth bass and walleye. When a day of fishing meant pre-dawn cross lake excursions, weary arms and sunburn necks, topwater heart stopping excitement and the powerful Texas rig hook set, the MAX™ series of low profile baitcasters merit the names so linked with the best that fishing has to offer. No corners cut on these reels. Swedish engineering, MagTrax™ brakes, Duragear™ brass gears, 6.2:1 high speed retrieve, cam lock, ADS (anti-distortion) wiffle spool, instant anti-reverse, and the Abu Garcia® name that anglers around the world trust to meet their fishing needs.
Link to Our Amazon Store: Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Baitcast Reel (12-Pound/145-Yard)
Features
Four stainless steel ball bearings plus one roller bearing provide smooth operation
Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
Power Disk drag system gives smooth drag performance
Duragear brass gear for extended gear life
MagTrax brake system gives consistent brake pressure throughout the cast
Compact bent handle and star provide a more ergonomic design
Recessed reel foot allows for a more ergonomic reel design
Lightweight one piece graphite frame and graphite sideplates
Link to Our Amazon Store: Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Baitcast Reel (12-Pound/145-Yard)
Features
Four stainless steel ball bearings plus one roller bearing provide smooth operation
Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
Power Disk drag system gives smooth drag performance
Duragear brass gear for extended gear life
MagTrax brake system gives consistent brake pressure throughout the cast
Compact bent handle and star provide a more ergonomic design
Recessed reel foot allows for a more ergonomic reel design
Lightweight one piece graphite frame and graphite sideplates
Right-hand model (BMAX) features flipping switch Swedish engineered, low-profile Dependable, tough and ultra-smooth Four ball bearings plus one instant anti-reverse roller bearing MagTrax™ brake system Duragear™ brass gears Cam lock ADS (anti-distortion) waffle spool Powerful disc drag system Abu Garcia's Black Max Series Baitcast Reels offer the type of dependable performance and toughness that one would normally expect to only find in a reel costing two to three times more. Whipping up on the big boys is what these Black Max Series Baitcast Reels are all about, and Abu Garcia didn't cut any corners with these Swedish engineered Black Max low-profile reels. Designed with four ball bearings plus one instant anti-reverse roller bearing, MagTrax™ brake system, Duragear™ brass gears, cam lock, ADS (anti-distortion) waffle spool, 6.2:1 high-speed retrieve and a powerful disc drag system. Put your trust in the lightweight Black Max Series Baitcast Reels and you won’t be disappointed or overmatched!
Delivering all the performance and toughness of the Max line for under $50, the Abu Garcia Black Max Casting Reel is equipped with a 6.4:1 gear ratio and a super smooth 5 bearing system. Built around a lightweight, one-piece graphite frame and sideplates, it also comes equipped with a machined, double anodized Aluminum Spool, which provides added strength without adding excess weight. Duragear Brass Gearing also ensures extended gear life, and the Power Disk drag system delivers smooth performance throughout its range, while a MaxTrax Brake System offers complete cast control. Precision engineered with a smoother feel, increased performance, and a more compact design, the Abu Garcia Black Max Casting Reel does it all for a great price.
Equipped with a super smooth five stainless steel bearing system and a 6.4:1 gear ratio, the Abu Garcia Black Max Casting Reel delivers all the performance and toughness of the Max line for under $50.
Pros:
Ergonomic and durable Black Max reduced profile baitcast reel from Abu Garcia (Model quantity: BMAX2-L-1237078)
12-pound/145-yard mono spool capacity 30-pound/130-yard braid spool capability
6.four:1 gear ratio with 4 stainless steel ball bearings and a single roller bearing
Lightweight, one particular-piece graphite frame and sideplates
Designed for electrical power fishing and aggressive strategies
Delivering all the performance and toughness of the Max line for under $50, the Abu Garcia Black Max Casting Reel is equipped with a 6.4:1 gear ratio and a super smooth 5 bearing system. Built around a lightweight, one-piece graphite frame and sideplates, it also comes equipped with a machined, double anodized Aluminum Spool, which provides added strength without adding excess weight. Duragear Brass Gearing also ensures extended gear life, and the Power Disk drag system delivers smooth performance throughout its range, while a MaxTrax Brake System offers complete cast control. Precision engineered with a smoother feel, increased performance, and a more compact design, the Abu Garcia Black Max Casting Reel does it all for a great price.
Equipped with a super smooth five stainless steel bearing system and a 6.4:1 gear ratio, the Abu Garcia Black Max Casting Reel delivers all the performance and toughness of the Max line for under $50.
Pros:
Ergonomic and durable Black Max reduced profile baitcast reel from Abu Garcia (Model quantity: BMAX2-L-1237078)
12-pound/145-yard mono spool capacity 30-pound/130-yard braid spool capability
6.four:1 gear ratio with 4 stainless steel ball bearings and a single roller bearing
Lightweight, one particular-piece graphite frame and sideplates
Designed for electrical power fishing and aggressive strategies
About Abu Garcia
Serious anglers have counted on Abu Garcia to withstand their toughest tests for generations, thanks in part to the company's reputation for building solid products the first they're released, and continuing to improve and fine-tune them over time. The Swedish company's trademark dedication to designing and building superior fishing products has earned it the honor of being chosen "Purveyor to the Royal Swedish Court," a distinction bestowed upon a select group of manufacturers for consistently exceeding its highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
User Reviews:
1- Nice reel for the money ,July 8, 2011
By toquin from Micigan
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money
"Bought it for pond fishing because we had an extra bait casting pole with no reel. I have not not uesd bait casters in years but out of the box and 5 min later(3 bird nest) it all came back. Nice little reel, no bells and whistles"
2- Quality + Price = Putting fish in the boat ,July 2, 2011
By pappy66 from Toronto,Ontario, Canada
Advantages: Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money
"This is a great reel for the price. Load it up and go !
Smooth casting and with the right drag set will pull the big one out of heavy cover!"
3- Amazing ,June 18, 2011
By kjpwnsuall15 from Grand Rapids, MI
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money, Quality
"This was the best 50.00 bucks i ever spent. took me like half a hour to get used to it and the automatic stopper is really nice for beginners. Plus back lashes aren't even that bad and are really easy to fix. Over all a great buy i would recommend it to anyone."
4- Great reel for a Beginner ,June 8, 2011
By Shimano1 from Georgia
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money, Quality
"Beginners shouldn't be dropping big bucks for a reel, so this reel is great for a beginner. The reel itself is actually a really nice reel. If you take a few minutes to tune your reel with the line tension knob and magnetic breaks, the reel almost becomes backlash free, whether your using a heavy or light lure. The reel is very durable. I've dropped it few times on the driveway, and sometimes i throw it on the ground when i have a bite on my other rod, but the reel is still holding up great. The drag system on the reel is pretty good too, and the handle feels comfortable. I could fish with this reel all day with comfort. The Black Max is THE best reel for it's price range in my opinion. Another great reel form abu garcia"
Serious anglers have counted on Abu Garcia to withstand their toughest tests for generations, thanks in part to the company's reputation for building solid products the first they're released, and continuing to improve and fine-tune them over time. The Swedish company's trademark dedication to designing and building superior fishing products has earned it the honor of being chosen "Purveyor to the Royal Swedish Court," a distinction bestowed upon a select group of manufacturers for consistently exceeding its highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
User Reviews:
1- Nice reel for the money ,July 8, 2011
By toquin from Micigan
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money
"Bought it for pond fishing because we had an extra bait casting pole with no reel. I have not not uesd bait casters in years but out of the box and 5 min later(3 bird nest) it all came back. Nice little reel, no bells and whistles"
2- Quality + Price = Putting fish in the boat ,July 2, 2011
By pappy66 from Toronto,Ontario, Canada
Advantages: Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money
"This is a great reel for the price. Load it up and go !
Smooth casting and with the right drag set will pull the big one out of heavy cover!"
3- Amazing ,June 18, 2011
By kjpwnsuall15 from Grand Rapids, MI
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money, Quality
"This was the best 50.00 bucks i ever spent. took me like half a hour to get used to it and the automatic stopper is really nice for beginners. Plus back lashes aren't even that bad and are really easy to fix. Over all a great buy i would recommend it to anyone."
4- Great reel for a Beginner ,June 8, 2011
By Shimano1 from Georgia
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money, Quality
"Beginners shouldn't be dropping big bucks for a reel, so this reel is great for a beginner. The reel itself is actually a really nice reel. If you take a few minutes to tune your reel with the line tension knob and magnetic breaks, the reel almost becomes backlash free, whether your using a heavy or light lure. The reel is very durable. I've dropped it few times on the driveway, and sometimes i throw it on the ground when i have a bite on my other rod, but the reel is still holding up great. The drag system on the reel is pretty good too, and the handle feels comfortable. I could fish with this reel all day with comfort. The Black Max is THE best reel for it's price range in my opinion. Another great reel form abu garcia"
5- Great reel for the price. ,May 1, 2011
By Oldschooloutdoors
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money, Quality, light weight
"The Black Max left hand is one of the best reels i've bought here lately. Smooth magnetic breaking system, good strong drag and i love the larger line capacity. I've used it for bait fishing the bottom of a lake for channel catfish and caught fish, and throwing some jigs at bass. It's continued to tow fish in without a flaw yet. I use 12lb mono on a 6'6" MH shimano rod with a 1/4oz bait and can cast forever. It's a great reel and would suggest buying one, i'm planning on buying more myself."
6- Pretty Good ,April 1, 2011
By TheBassExpert from West Coast Of Central Florida
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money, Quality
Disadvantages: doesnt do well with 15lb braid
"this was my first baitcaster and it is amaizing the onl reason i give it a 4 is because its picky about what line it uses i put 15lb braid on mine and every other cast it birds nests very minorly but it didnt at all when i had 10lb mono but this reel is fast so you can pick up your lost line from fixing the birds nest really fast"
7- For the price.....Cant be beat ,March 23, 2011
By JustOneMoreCast from Big Bend FL
Advantages: Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money
"I have only had this reel for a couple months now and i love it. I didnt want to spend alot for my first baitcaster so i can just have one to learn on. this reel casts great and the drag is great so far. It just pulled in a six pounder last week with no problem. I hear that reels only last a year or so.Well for only 50 bucks a year is great and it will let me upgrade to a revo stx after this one. Great product for the price."
8- Waste of Money ,March 6, 2011
By CrenBass from TEXAS
Disadvantages: Performance, Durability, $50 for junk
"I actally own about 5 of these and i can tell you that i have never gotten more than a years use out of any of them. The worm gears wear out on every single one of them. Some wear out in 9 months, others 1 month after i buy it. I have several of their revos and love them but their low ends reels are junk. You can replace the gears for about 10 dollars but who wants to do that twice a season. The silver max isnt any better, just 10 more dollars down the drain!!!! They work good until you fish a big crankbait or catch a few fish and the reel can not handle the stress. If you own one of these and fish a lot just wait... YOU WILL SEE!!!"
9- great for first time flippers ,January 25, 2011
By lovett88 from Germantown, MD
Advantages: Ease of use, Performs well, Value for money, Quality
"I have used this reel alot this past year and overall I am pleased with what i got for my money. There are good and bad points with any reel, but for the cost I have more then got my money worth. I have found I cant cast as far as I have with some of my more expensive reels, but thats not why I got this...it was for the flipping feature. This is the first reel ive used for flipping and the feature on the reel works great to drop your bait into the heavy cover and not worry about having to spin the handle if you get a sudden strike."
10- Reel ,January 17, 2011
By 2004 from Mountain Home, Arkansas
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money, Quality
Disadvantages: Performance, Appearance, Durability
"I have used the reel several times sense, I purchansedit and it has worked fine, but I have one guession about the line guide it seems to be lose on the worm shaft tube. I checked the nut and it was tight. The guide can te moved from side to side with your fingers. this is my only concern with the reel. The perforance is great and will probly purchanse more if this is not a poblem.."
11- misinformation ,January 4, 2011
By lakeloganjimmy from Logan, Ohio
Advantages: left handed
Disadvantages: no flipping switch as advertised
"I ordered 2 Abu Garcia Black Max reels from the Christmas catalog. The photo and the narrative mentioned a flipping switch. Although I ordered these reels in left hand it made no mention of a difference. When I received my reels they had no flipping switch. I phoned in and also sent an E mail to Bass Pro advising of this. They did manage to change the online narrative. The flipping switch was a selling point for my purchase of these reels. I was really disappointed ."
12- I got this reel because I like abu and I thought it was a cheap reel that I wouldn't be very surprised with, but this is a very good reel and awsome for the price
From: Koty: Cedar Rapids, IA
13- I've owned the Black Max for about three years and I have not had one bit of trouble with it. However, I paid about half of what is being asked for the reel today. I guess I got a really good bargain. Great reel. Five stars!
From: Bill: Jakin, GA
14- Comments: I picked up the black max combo earlier this spring when I decided to get back into fishing. I've fished it all summer on local ponds and lakes and I don't have any real complaints. The drag can be a bit rough, but it's a 50 dollar reel so that's to be expected. I've fished a variety of baits with it and it handled them fine. I fish frogs a lot and the reel handled pulling a 6 pound bass out of some of the densest pads I've ever seen without any real issues, and I landed a 15 pound northern with it and the reel didn't falter. I've had no real issues with backlashes, but that's more of a skill thing than anything. The reel has a lot of plastic on the frame, so durability will probably be an issue eventually, but I didn't buy this thing with the intentions of passing it on to future generations. For 50 bucks the quality between different reels is likely hit or miss, so keep that in mind, but mine has been a fantastic reel for the money. It casts far, handles big fish, and looks pretty damn cool.
From: Alex: NY
15- Earlier in this fishing year, I bought a Quantum Antix Low Profile Baitcaster for Smallies, Large mouth,Walleye, and Pike. Best reel I ever had. Then one day the Drag system broke. Then i went to the store and I decided to Buy The Black Max Combo with the vengance 6'9 rod. First Time I used got a 7lb Smallie. Then I casted it out and The Right side of the reel, It fell off and into 20 feet of water. Next Day I bought another one and THAT broke. It is a reel that is worse than my 4 year old brothers spinning reel. Do Not buy this reel.
From: Kevin: MI
16- I have bought two of these reels. The first worked perfectly. The second was just a little scratchy but a few drops of Quantum Hot Sauce and it was smooth as the first. I own two Revo SX that I use solely for competitions and I love them and I would say if you can afford them make it your first choice, but for $50 you can't go wrong.
From: Skip: Guilford, CT
17- This is a VERY good reel for $50! It's easily worth $80! Very smooth, and casts very far! However, the drag is not as smooth as i'd like it to be, but most of the time i had it cranked down all the way. It doesn't feel as refined as higher end reels though which is to be expected and it probably wont last as long either. I didn't feel any flex while bringing in fish and it does come with quite a bit of features other reels in its class don't have. But hands down this is a great reel for anyone who is either a beginner with baitcasters or just the casual fisherman.
18- This reel is the best reel I ever had in my life so far.I had this reel for a couple of months now and i only had a couple of backlashes but the good thing is its very smooth and cheap and if you had to pick any other reel I would go with this one.
From: Trent: PA
19- I have a Revo SX and purchased a 6'6" Black Max Rod & Reel combo for my son and took it to a tournament I love it so I ordered me two in left hand retreive, My son hopes they get here soon so he can have his back. I deffinately reccomend this reel for the money.
From: Teddy: TN
20- I got this reel the other day and I would just like to say this is an awesome reel. I got this for a back up reel because I just wanted a cheap reel that would last me the spring season. I have this on my Abu Garcia Veritas 6'9'' MH action baitcasting rod and it is perfect. It is not the lightest reel but it isnt that heavy either. I have 12 pound flourocarbon on it and it works great for crankbaits, spinnerbaits and lipless cranks, just wish it would come in a slower gear ratio. I would for sure buy another. Great reel for $50.
From: Matt: MA
21- This reel is great for the money.. If you are looking for a cheap reel for Flipping & Pitching with heavy braid this reel will hold up.. I been field testing it for a full week.. I am using a abu garcia vendetta 7.6ft Heavy & black max LH reel with 50lbs tuf-line and this reel shows no signs of flex or gear feel.. Its smooth and has enough free spool to get the pitching you need from it... So at $49.99 I recommend this reel!
From: Sonny: East Wareham, MA
22- I have the older Black Max reel which was my first bait caster. I fished it almost everyday with occasional backlash but it was because of me just being in a rush. Otherwise I still use it today and everyone I showed how to use a bait caster used this reel too. I now have a four Revo SX's set up different and are flawless no matter how I flip, pitch or cast it. But I still cast out the Black Max and has never failed me in three years. I'm gonna get the new Black Max to add to my collection just to have another reel at a great price. Peace!
From: Cguila: Antioch, CA
23- I own an older black max. I've had it about 2 years. The only reason i'm writing this review is because Its in my opinion that whoever wrote the other two reviews are crazy. I abuse my reel. I've never taken it apart i've never applied oil and i've never greased anything on my reel. I fish dirty nasty rivers and creeks. Its not uncommon to see garbage float by or pull an oil can from the 50's out the river too. I've never even cleaned my reel. I use it from about march through mid december. I put at least a few hours a week on it. I'm sure it has no less than 200 hours on it right now. I've used it in 9 degree temperatures where ice cicles start on every eylet of my pole. I've used it in rivers that were more mud than water. As a matter fact I was using a bass pro shops bionic plus reel in that river I just mentioned and it gummed up the drive on the worm gear and it quit working. Sooo, time to break out my trusty abu black max. Which put in twice the work landing multiple 30 inch dogfish between the many 30 inch plus pike I hunt all year long. I've caught at least 10 38 inch esox on my abu black max. I can't say anything bad about it for the 50 dollars I spent on it 2 years ago. I love it so much that i'm planning on buying the new model to compare the two so I can figure out if I need to stock up on the old model before you can't find it. This reel is the best buy u can make on a low price low profile baitcasting reel.
From: Richard: Owosso, MI
Sources:
1- http://reviews.basspro.com
2- http://www.tacklewarehouse.com
By Oldschooloutdoors
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money, Quality, light weight
"The Black Max left hand is one of the best reels i've bought here lately. Smooth magnetic breaking system, good strong drag and i love the larger line capacity. I've used it for bait fishing the bottom of a lake for channel catfish and caught fish, and throwing some jigs at bass. It's continued to tow fish in without a flaw yet. I use 12lb mono on a 6'6" MH shimano rod with a 1/4oz bait and can cast forever. It's a great reel and would suggest buying one, i'm planning on buying more myself."
6- Pretty Good ,April 1, 2011
By TheBassExpert from West Coast Of Central Florida
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money, Quality
Disadvantages: doesnt do well with 15lb braid
"this was my first baitcaster and it is amaizing the onl reason i give it a 4 is because its picky about what line it uses i put 15lb braid on mine and every other cast it birds nests very minorly but it didnt at all when i had 10lb mono but this reel is fast so you can pick up your lost line from fixing the birds nest really fast"
7- For the price.....Cant be beat ,March 23, 2011
By JustOneMoreCast from Big Bend FL
Advantages: Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money
"I have only had this reel for a couple months now and i love it. I didnt want to spend alot for my first baitcaster so i can just have one to learn on. this reel casts great and the drag is great so far. It just pulled in a six pounder last week with no problem. I hear that reels only last a year or so.Well for only 50 bucks a year is great and it will let me upgrade to a revo stx after this one. Great product for the price."
8- Waste of Money ,March 6, 2011
By CrenBass from TEXAS
Disadvantages: Performance, Durability, $50 for junk
"I actally own about 5 of these and i can tell you that i have never gotten more than a years use out of any of them. The worm gears wear out on every single one of them. Some wear out in 9 months, others 1 month after i buy it. I have several of their revos and love them but their low ends reels are junk. You can replace the gears for about 10 dollars but who wants to do that twice a season. The silver max isnt any better, just 10 more dollars down the drain!!!! They work good until you fish a big crankbait or catch a few fish and the reel can not handle the stress. If you own one of these and fish a lot just wait... YOU WILL SEE!!!"
9- great for first time flippers ,January 25, 2011
By lovett88 from Germantown, MD
Advantages: Ease of use, Performs well, Value for money, Quality
"I have used this reel alot this past year and overall I am pleased with what i got for my money. There are good and bad points with any reel, but for the cost I have more then got my money worth. I have found I cant cast as far as I have with some of my more expensive reels, but thats not why I got this...it was for the flipping feature. This is the first reel ive used for flipping and the feature on the reel works great to drop your bait into the heavy cover and not worry about having to spin the handle if you get a sudden strike."
10- Reel ,January 17, 2011
By 2004 from Mountain Home, Arkansas
Advantages: Ease of use, Style/Design, Performs well, Value for money, Quality
Disadvantages: Performance, Appearance, Durability
"I have used the reel several times sense, I purchansedit and it has worked fine, but I have one guession about the line guide it seems to be lose on the worm shaft tube. I checked the nut and it was tight. The guide can te moved from side to side with your fingers. this is my only concern with the reel. The perforance is great and will probly purchanse more if this is not a poblem.."
11- misinformation ,January 4, 2011
By lakeloganjimmy from Logan, Ohio
Advantages: left handed
Disadvantages: no flipping switch as advertised
"I ordered 2 Abu Garcia Black Max reels from the Christmas catalog. The photo and the narrative mentioned a flipping switch. Although I ordered these reels in left hand it made no mention of a difference. When I received my reels they had no flipping switch. I phoned in and also sent an E mail to Bass Pro advising of this. They did manage to change the online narrative. The flipping switch was a selling point for my purchase of these reels. I was really disappointed ."
12- I got this reel because I like abu and I thought it was a cheap reel that I wouldn't be very surprised with, but this is a very good reel and awsome for the price
From: Koty: Cedar Rapids, IA
13- I've owned the Black Max for about three years and I have not had one bit of trouble with it. However, I paid about half of what is being asked for the reel today. I guess I got a really good bargain. Great reel. Five stars!
From: Bill: Jakin, GA
14- Comments: I picked up the black max combo earlier this spring when I decided to get back into fishing. I've fished it all summer on local ponds and lakes and I don't have any real complaints. The drag can be a bit rough, but it's a 50 dollar reel so that's to be expected. I've fished a variety of baits with it and it handled them fine. I fish frogs a lot and the reel handled pulling a 6 pound bass out of some of the densest pads I've ever seen without any real issues, and I landed a 15 pound northern with it and the reel didn't falter. I've had no real issues with backlashes, but that's more of a skill thing than anything. The reel has a lot of plastic on the frame, so durability will probably be an issue eventually, but I didn't buy this thing with the intentions of passing it on to future generations. For 50 bucks the quality between different reels is likely hit or miss, so keep that in mind, but mine has been a fantastic reel for the money. It casts far, handles big fish, and looks pretty damn cool.
From: Alex: NY
15- Earlier in this fishing year, I bought a Quantum Antix Low Profile Baitcaster for Smallies, Large mouth,Walleye, and Pike. Best reel I ever had. Then one day the Drag system broke. Then i went to the store and I decided to Buy The Black Max Combo with the vengance 6'9 rod. First Time I used got a 7lb Smallie. Then I casted it out and The Right side of the reel, It fell off and into 20 feet of water. Next Day I bought another one and THAT broke. It is a reel that is worse than my 4 year old brothers spinning reel. Do Not buy this reel.
From: Kevin: MI
16- I have bought two of these reels. The first worked perfectly. The second was just a little scratchy but a few drops of Quantum Hot Sauce and it was smooth as the first. I own two Revo SX that I use solely for competitions and I love them and I would say if you can afford them make it your first choice, but for $50 you can't go wrong.
From: Skip: Guilford, CT
17- This is a VERY good reel for $50! It's easily worth $80! Very smooth, and casts very far! However, the drag is not as smooth as i'd like it to be, but most of the time i had it cranked down all the way. It doesn't feel as refined as higher end reels though which is to be expected and it probably wont last as long either. I didn't feel any flex while bringing in fish and it does come with quite a bit of features other reels in its class don't have. But hands down this is a great reel for anyone who is either a beginner with baitcasters or just the casual fisherman.
18- This reel is the best reel I ever had in my life so far.I had this reel for a couple of months now and i only had a couple of backlashes but the good thing is its very smooth and cheap and if you had to pick any other reel I would go with this one.
From: Trent: PA
19- I have a Revo SX and purchased a 6'6" Black Max Rod & Reel combo for my son and took it to a tournament I love it so I ordered me two in left hand retreive, My son hopes they get here soon so he can have his back. I deffinately reccomend this reel for the money.
From: Teddy: TN
20- I got this reel the other day and I would just like to say this is an awesome reel. I got this for a back up reel because I just wanted a cheap reel that would last me the spring season. I have this on my Abu Garcia Veritas 6'9'' MH action baitcasting rod and it is perfect. It is not the lightest reel but it isnt that heavy either. I have 12 pound flourocarbon on it and it works great for crankbaits, spinnerbaits and lipless cranks, just wish it would come in a slower gear ratio. I would for sure buy another. Great reel for $50.
From: Matt: MA
21- This reel is great for the money.. If you are looking for a cheap reel for Flipping & Pitching with heavy braid this reel will hold up.. I been field testing it for a full week.. I am using a abu garcia vendetta 7.6ft Heavy & black max LH reel with 50lbs tuf-line and this reel shows no signs of flex or gear feel.. Its smooth and has enough free spool to get the pitching you need from it... So at $49.99 I recommend this reel!
From: Sonny: East Wareham, MA
22- I have the older Black Max reel which was my first bait caster. I fished it almost everyday with occasional backlash but it was because of me just being in a rush. Otherwise I still use it today and everyone I showed how to use a bait caster used this reel too. I now have a four Revo SX's set up different and are flawless no matter how I flip, pitch or cast it. But I still cast out the Black Max and has never failed me in three years. I'm gonna get the new Black Max to add to my collection just to have another reel at a great price. Peace!
From: Cguila: Antioch, CA
23- I own an older black max. I've had it about 2 years. The only reason i'm writing this review is because Its in my opinion that whoever wrote the other two reviews are crazy. I abuse my reel. I've never taken it apart i've never applied oil and i've never greased anything on my reel. I fish dirty nasty rivers and creeks. Its not uncommon to see garbage float by or pull an oil can from the 50's out the river too. I've never even cleaned my reel. I use it from about march through mid december. I put at least a few hours a week on it. I'm sure it has no less than 200 hours on it right now. I've used it in 9 degree temperatures where ice cicles start on every eylet of my pole. I've used it in rivers that were more mud than water. As a matter fact I was using a bass pro shops bionic plus reel in that river I just mentioned and it gummed up the drive on the worm gear and it quit working. Sooo, time to break out my trusty abu black max. Which put in twice the work landing multiple 30 inch dogfish between the many 30 inch plus pike I hunt all year long. I've caught at least 10 38 inch esox on my abu black max. I can't say anything bad about it for the 50 dollars I spent on it 2 years ago. I love it so much that i'm planning on buying the new model to compare the two so I can figure out if I need to stock up on the old model before you can't find it. This reel is the best buy u can make on a low price low profile baitcasting reel.
From: Richard: Owosso, MI
Sources:
1- http://reviews.basspro.com
2- http://www.tacklewarehouse.com