Super User Tuckahoe Joe Posted February 27, 2014 Super User Posted February 27, 2014 I'm trying to decide on a reel for my new setup. It's going to pretty much primarily be a setup for flippin/pitchin jigs. I'm on a budget and really like my BlackMax so I'm looking at either the SilverMax or ProMax. The ProMax has the higher gear ratio which I understand is important when jig fishing but the SilverMax has a flippin' switch which seems intriguing/useful. Which would you choose in this situation? Quote
mjseverson24 Posted February 27, 2014 Posted February 27, 2014 If I had to choose between those two reels I would get the pro max, that being said They are a graphite frame and sideplates, with a small handle. These combinations make it tough to really have confidence in any kind of cover other than sand... Personally for the 80.00 price of the pro max I would look at the BPS pro qualifier on sale, the skeet reese reel for like 50 ish, quantum accurist off an auction site, something like this might be better for you, a used citica G or E is also a great buy for 80 if you can find one... Hope this helps you some, good luck... Mitch 1 Quote
Lip 'em! Posted February 27, 2014 Posted February 27, 2014 Promax out of these two no question. I had a silvermax for only a few trips before the flippin switch messed up. If I were you I would drop just a little extra cash if possible and get an Lews speed spool or BPS PQ. If you really want an abu, the orra sx is a decent reel for just a few more bucks. Any of these will last much longer than the silvermax. 1 Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted February 27, 2014 Posted February 27, 2014 Flipping switches are gimmicky IMO. They tend to be a weak link mechanically too especially on entry level reels. Mitch has the right idea above: a clearance model or PQ on sale is a much bigger bang for your buck. 1 Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted February 27, 2014 Super User Posted February 27, 2014 It seems like every sporting good store has reels on sale right now. I've seen Curado G's going for $89, BPS has their reel trade in going on, shop around and look for a good deal on a better reel. To me, when you have a very tight budget, buying something that will last is even more important. Find a reel with an aluminum frame that has parts available, it should serve you better for longer than the reels you mentioned. Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted February 27, 2014 Super User Posted February 27, 2014 Between those two ... for Flippin and Pitchin go with the ProMax! The higher gear ratio will allow you to bring in that much more line when you get bit on a jig or weighted t-rig setup. I have both and love them as well. Bought two Orra's and an ambassadeur. Abu has been good to me. By the way I also own a BPS Pro Qualifier and if you were torn to pick between the two I would have to go with BPS qualifier as well. Got mine on sale. Quote
Super User MCS Posted February 27, 2014 Super User Posted February 27, 2014 Cabelas has some decent reals on sale. If you want an alum frame for what you want to do with the reel. checkout their website. Daiwa exceler for 50 bucks, some of their prodigy reels too. Quote
Super User ww2farmer Posted February 27, 2014 Super User Posted February 27, 2014 Check the bay.............I just picked up two current model Daiwa Exceler's for $70 each with free shipping...a 6.3:1 and a 7.3:1. The guy I bought them from had several in both LH and RH. I have not used them yet but they have an aluminum frame so they are already a better choice than either of those Abu's. Graphite frames are fine for spinning reels, but I have never had one hold up to any "normal" use on a casting reel more than a year or two.........and really how much money are you saving if you have to replace them that often? I have yet to ware out an alum. frame reel, and when they do need service I am glad to do it, because I know, for the most part, they will last,and I'll get my $$ worth out of any service/repair work I have done on them. 1 Quote
travis23 Posted February 27, 2014 Posted February 27, 2014 I bought the promax last year and it has had a cpl small issues (thumb bar sticks) and the drag has messed up a couple of times. Then fixes itself. I would recommend it to someone on a budget, it has caught lots of fish. Just don't try throwing light lures with it. Quote
ZB85 Posted February 27, 2014 Posted February 27, 2014 Ive owned both and the thumb bar sticks on both. If you have the $80 to get a promax I would try and get a Pro Qualifier or a Lews Speed Spool on sale. Quote
Super User Tuckahoe Joe Posted February 27, 2014 Author Super User Posted February 27, 2014 The Pro Qualifier seems to be a common denominator here and its a nice thought but I have a $60 gift card for Dick's that I'm going to be putting toward it so that's out. I might try and save up a couple more bucks and look at some of these other options though. Quote
Super User MCS Posted February 28, 2014 Super User Posted February 28, 2014 Hey joe I got a $10 off 50 in store I would be more than happy to mail it up to you. It is from the $5 cards the Boy Scouts are selling(shameless plug) Quote
Super User Tuckahoe Joe Posted February 28, 2014 Author Super User Posted February 28, 2014 Hey joe I got a $10 off 50 in store I would be more than happy to mail it up to you. It is from the $5 cards the Boy Scouts are selling(shameless plug) I'd appreciate that. I'll shoot you a PM. Quote
bass1980 Posted February 28, 2014 Posted February 28, 2014 Call Dicks and see if they are going to have a Curado G on clearance any time soon. The one here had it at $89 three weeks ago. That would be a way better reel than those to Abu's you mentioned, even with it being a G. My first baitcast was a promax. It was ok, but nothing to rave about. Quote
Super User ww2farmer Posted February 28, 2014 Super User Posted February 28, 2014 Well if Dicks is the place it has to be from, I was just at a Dicks today............and they had Citica G's on clearance for $69. All they had left, in LH was the display reel or I would have come home with one. IMHO that's a much better option than a Pro or Silver Max 1 Quote
martintheduck Posted February 28, 2014 Posted February 28, 2014 Stay away from all sub$100 Abu Garcias. I've had all three and had problems with each. Get another brand, for sure. Quote
bass1980 Posted February 28, 2014 Posted February 28, 2014 Gander mountain has them on sale too. Quote
Super User lmbfisherman Posted February 28, 2014 Super User Posted February 28, 2014 Well if Dicks is the place it has to be from, I was just at a Dicks today............and they had Citica G's on clearance for $69. All they had left, in LH was the display reel or I would have come home with one. IMHO that's a much better option than a Pro or Silver Max This is the best option if you can get it at that price! Quote
jsc4324 Posted February 28, 2014 Posted February 28, 2014 What about the orra sx2. Dicks has them online and it's an aluminum frame which will be better then the graphite. I have not used the orra sx 2 however have the orra winch and it's a great reel. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.