Josh Smith Posted February 8, 2015 Posted February 8, 2015 Hi Folks, I'm researching the Black Max reels. I had a Black Max 2. I hated it and traded it to someone on here for a 5000c (which I love!) Looking around, it looks like there were two other reels of the Black Max name. One is a round reel, looks like a 3500 or so size..? The next one, the Black Max "1", appears to be a standard low-profile of the late '90s or so. Some pics I'm seeing say "made in the USA." Can anyone tell me about these first two reels? Thanks, Josh Quote
BobP Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 I'm no expert but own a round Black Max of 70-80's vintage. Mine is a 3600 model. These are real workhorses, they're tough, and shared most of their design with the high end ProMax 3600 reels of the same era, which had more internal ball bearings. The Black Max casts really well, has a smooth retrieve, instant anti-reverse, and is a great value in the used reel market, usually going for less than $50 in most Ebay auctions. The Black Max had a very durable finish while the ProMax had very chip-prone light gray paint. The standard ratio on both reels was 5.4:1. I never tried any of the low profile Max reels that followed the round Max models but they seem to have gone down in quality and durability when they switched designs. Quote
fisherrw Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 I wouldn't get a black max. Get a shimano the lowest one. Quote
Josh Smith Posted February 9, 2015 Author Posted February 9, 2015 I wouldn't get a black max. Get a shimano the lowest one. No, that'd be the Corsair, which is junk (by all accounts). I've been looking at different Shimano reels to pick up, but I'm still doing my research. I have this thing for Abu Garcia and have a small collection which I fish. I'd like to add something smaller than a 5000 size to my collection and am exploring possibilities. I've never found a reel yet I like so much as a round Abu Garcia. Regards, Josh 1 Quote
hoosierhawghunter Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 Change from Abu to quantum. I did and didn't look back. Quote
SDoolittle Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 The old, round Black Max was a great reel. I have one that's probably about 20 years old, and it still works great. I can't comment on the low profile version because I've never used one, but I haven't heard many good reviews. Quote
hoosierhawghunter Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 I have a black max 2 and im waiting to meet someone I don't like and give it to them 1 Quote
BasshunterJGH Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 They're actually not all that bad. Better than the shimano corsair that's for sure. Quote
Brnnoser6983 Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 I have gone to only Abu Garcia's. I currently have a Pro, Silver, Cardinal, Ike Dude, and if my taxes come in Tuesday I will be purchasing a Toro Nacl. I have never been a fan of the large reels, and love my low profile bait casters. On your question. I think the one was an older version as you said. The black Mac was branded in the Smax 2 and is the "new" profile. Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted February 9, 2015 Super User Posted February 9, 2015 ..................... I'd like to add something smaller than a 5000 size to my collection and am exploring possibilities. I've never found a reel yet I like so much as a round Abu Garcia. You should consider a 1500C or 2500C. They're on eBay all the time. I got this 1500C for $77 shipped (it was a very good deal). It had a period aftermarket handle on it which I "corrected" by putting on a 1st gen Revo S handle. Quote
Super User *Hootie Posted February 9, 2015 Super User Posted February 9, 2015 I have a black max 2 and im waiting to meet someone I don't like and give it to them Just find someone who don't like you and you'll get rid of it faster...lol. Hootie 2 Quote
tholmes Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 The round Black Max was made in two sizes: the 3600 and the 1600. Both are fine reels,smooth, rugged and reliable. They were made in Sweden. I have one in the 3600 size, along with a ProMax 3600 which is essentially the same reel with a few more bearings. The only gripe I have with these reels is that they are just too small for my hands, especially the thumbar free-spool release. I also have one of the newer, made in China, low-profile Black Max reels and, while it isn't the quality of the Swedish-made Abu reels, is still a pretty good reel at its price point (~$50). If you want something a little more compact than the 5000 size reels, look at the 4600 reels. Same diameter as the 5000s but with a narrow spool. They fit my hands perfectly. Tom Quote
Super User ww2farmer Posted February 9, 2015 Super User Posted February 9, 2015 I'll take all unwanted black max 2 reels ....as long as they are left handed. I have several, and they are decent cheap reels.................but what do I know?? I only fish just about every day from March - Nov. and abuse the crap out of my gear and have yet to break one. 4 Quote
sprint61 Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 I agree with ww2farmer ill take them if you don't wabt them. There not a bad little reel at all, are they the best? No, but for the price you can find them on eBay for it's crazy not to try them. They may not last over a season if you fish hard but for $30 that's ok. 3 Quote
Josh Smith Posted February 9, 2015 Author Posted February 9, 2015 The BM2 isn't bad, I agree. It's just not a reel that works with my style of fishing. I grew up on centrifugal brakes and just can't seem to like magnetic brakes only. Goose, been considering the 1500 and 2500 sizes, too. I had heard good things about the round Black Max, and thought I might add it to my list of "wants". Regards, Josh Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 9, 2015 Super User Posted February 9, 2015 I have several, and they are decent cheap reels. Why settle for a "decent cheap reel" when you could buy a "gently used" GREAT reel for about the same price or just a few dollars more? I see Shimano Citica offered quite often in our Flea Market for $65-$75. Here is another that lists for about $90 new, but with a little effort might be found on the internet in the $60 range: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/Pinnacle-Producer-LTE-review.html Quote
Josh Smith Posted February 9, 2015 Author Posted February 9, 2015 You know, before I go getting too awful excited, this is a pic of my thumb on a modified 5000: Fat fingers, you know? Reckon a 1500, 2500, 3500/3600, or even a 4500/4600 would fit me? Regards, Josh Quote
Super User ww2farmer Posted February 9, 2015 Super User Posted February 9, 2015 Why settle for a "decent cheap reel" when you could buy a "gently used" GREAT reel for about the same price or just a few dollars more? I seen Shimano Citica offered quite often in our Flea Market for $65-$75. Here is another that Lists for about $90 new, but with a little effort might be found on the internet in the $60 range: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/Pinnacle-Producer-LTE-review.html I have my reasons. My results with my choices speak for themselves. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 9, 2015 Super User Posted February 9, 2015 I would NEVER question your results, they certainly speak for themselves. You are an accomplished fisherman and respected member here. Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted February 9, 2015 Super User Posted February 9, 2015 Reckon a 1500, 2500, 3500/3600, or even a 4500/4600 would fit me? Good question! Some quick measuring with a dial-caliper (and not running the caliper jaws all the way onto the metal to avoid scratching so these dimensions could be off by a bit) show these approximate widths for the spool, and the inside dimension between the frame plates: 5000: Spool - 1.12" / Frame - 1.42" 2500: Spool - 0.91" / Frame - 1.37" 1500: Spool - 0.72" / Frame - 1.19" Looks like you might be a "2500 kinda guy"... Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted February 9, 2015 Super User Posted February 9, 2015 No Black Max low profile, but have 3 of the 1600 round reels. Excellent reel for the money. Don't know how light they will cast, but they handled a small fluke with bare hook very well. Casting into a fairly strong wind was no problem. Quote
wnybassman Posted February 10, 2015 Posted February 10, 2015 The round Black Max was made in two sizes: the 3600 and the 1600. They made a 5600 as well. My first few were that size, then I discovered the smaller 3600, then I discovered the even smaller 1600. I still have and use about a dozen of the 1600 round reels. I'd still buy them, but they seemed to have gone from "cheap usable reels" to "expensive collectors item" on Ebay. Reels I could buy for $30 in near new condition have jumped to $70+ in most cases. Very solid reel in its time. Quote
BobP Posted February 10, 2015 Posted February 10, 2015 I bought ProMax 1600's and 3600's on Ebay for $50-80 3-5 years ago and a BM 3600 for $40. Prices do seem to have risen since then. Frankly, I can't tell much performance difference between the BM and the PM 3600. Both are tight, smooth, and strong. The BM looks a lot better than the scarred up PM's I find on Ebay - if that's an issue (not for me). Quote
tater555 Posted February 10, 2015 Posted February 10, 2015 I just got a black max 1600 round reel off fleabay and I love it. I tore it down before I ever casted it and cleaned it, and put in a set of blue brake blocks. That little reel will cast little tiny crankbaits better than any of my other reels! I haven't thrown anything else with it yet but I bet it will be awesome for weightless trick worms and flukes, especially if I could find a higher gear set to speed it up a little Quote
Super User Maxximus Redneckus Posted February 10, 2015 Super User Posted February 10, 2015 The low pro black max the 80s one isnt all that great has plastic side plates and the cast dial is a joke.i have 6 of the round black max reels and they are greta i use then often.i also have the s models and the pro maxs they all went to a 6000 size i only have one that size .You can find them on fleebay bay often .Dont be put off by the cosmetics like was said they really get rashed easy.But they are tanks as is the 1500,2500,4600,. Quote
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