Lews Bb-1 Or Abu Pro Max

[Shoalamfishin]

I am weighing in on getting either a Lews BB-1 or an Abu Garcia Pro Max 3600. My dad has used a Pro Max for over 20 year now and the reel is in desperate need of some TLC, the knobs are worn to almost nothing and the handle has to turn a revolution or more sometimes to engage the drive (retrieve). I'm going to break it down and clean it up and see what I can do, but I'm considering getting him another reel to use. I have heard great things about the BB-1's but haven't been so fortunate as to get my hands on one. If i got a BB series reel I'd be looking  at one of the high speeds like a BB-1nh. I'd appreciate some of the always helpful opinions and advice from some of you in trying to compare these reels. or decide.

[Teal]

I havent bought a BB1 yet, but i have a tournament ss and several Lews Tourney Pros and i love them. I have handled a BB1 and it is very smooth. I like it alot. If you have to ask me, the Abu Pro Max is not even in the same class as the BB1.

You can save money on the BB1 by looking on E bay...and they are all NIB.

If it was me and my dad, i would seriously look at the BB1, Lews Tourney, or Lews Tourney PRO. But i would still strip the Pro Max down and fix/rebuild if you can, if nothing else for sentimental reasons.

[Capt.Bob]

The Lews WILL SPOIL you!! The BB1 is a great reel but I like the Tournament Pro and Team Pro, very lightweight reels with heavy duty construction. Only time will tell how long these jewels will last???? But they are what I have been using for Low Profile reels, and am very happy with my decision. 

[21farms]

FWIW, the pro max from many years ago are unrelated to ABU's current pro max line. i have both a pro max and a BB1. the pro max has a graphite frame and, after a couple hours of fishing, you'll know it...it gets a little loud as i think the frame flexes and the gears aren't perfectly aligned. the BB1 is really smooth and solid. when i bought it, lew's service manager (rick collins) told me it casts differently than the other lew's reels and that i should set the spool tension knob a little tighter than i'm used to. trust me, he's right   anyway, get the lew's.

[Shoalamfishin]

21farms, Thank you. First off you are absolutely right the old Max series reels (Pro Max, Black Max, etc.) were much different than the low profile reels today. As I said before I haven't had the chance to get my hands on an old BB-1 yet, but I have absolutely not doubt about their performance. I use a variety of newer Lew's reels and I have been impressed with every one that I've used; Capt. Bob your right they FLAT OUT spoil you. The old Pro Max has been good, never had any issues or problems until lately but I think its time to check into a old BB-1; if my dad doesn't like it I'll keep it. As far as I'm concerned Lew's is the way to go I just wanted to get some other opinions.