Any Abu Garcia "Max" users?

[djflats58]

I picked up a couple of the Abu Garcia Pro Max reels. I know the Revo and Orra reels are "better" reels but at this time I'm not in a position to get them. I've had guys say to cough up the extra $20 or so but like I said I can't right now. Anyway I'd like to know if anyone uses or used any of the Max reels?  I've read a lot of good reviews. The negatives were mainly about the graphite frames..flexing. I haven't had a chance to use the Pro Max yet but they do feel good. So if anyone has used any of the Max series your input is appreciated.   I don't fish tournaments anymore. If I would it would only be one or two a year. I usually fish 3-5 times a month, whatever the crazy weather of Missouri allows. Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[KDW96]

I have 3 of the promax reels. They are nice reels,and will serve you well. I wouldnt be to concered about flexing of the frame. A properly set drag, which should be used anyway,will make flexing nill. I would usem !

[EricTheAngler]

I like the pro max reels. I have a revo but I can only tell a difference in the drag quality between the two. 

[djflats58]

It's good to hear your positive opinions on the Max. I'm looking at 2 more of the PM3's..new in box on eBay...that would give me 4. I looked at the Black and Silver also but I may just stick to the Pro model. Thanks for the input guys! 

[lecisnith]

I've got a pro and a black max.  I've had the black going on three years and it's caught a lot of nice fish.  Really like the pro, too, but I got it toward the end of last season and didn't have much chance to use it.  I did, though, just get a Daiwa Exceler from Monster.  $60 discounted from $100, plus you get a free Huk long-sleeve shirt, which retails for, like, $40-50.  Best deal I've had in a long time.  The Exceler fits my Bucoo perfectly and $55 for an aluminum framed reel is pretty sweet.

[Ersteman]

I've used black max, silver max, and pro max.  Very happy with them.  No issues whatsoever.  I've flipped and pitched with the silver max and pro max and have set major hooksets with them.  There was no "flex" felt from me.

[ethan-333]

i had a black max gave to me and used it for white bass and sauger fishing mainly. i can cast it mile and havent had any major issues yet and ive had it almost 3 years. if i had to buy another i would feel confident going to a tournament with a black max

[Felix77]

I have a pro and silver .... Love them.  

[Bruce424]

I got the promax 3. I like it. It's actually feels nice and smooth reeling and casting. Drag is a Lil choppy. If I take care of it it should last a long time.

[djflats58]

I took the Max reels out to a small fishing lake today just to see how they feel. They cast great including the Black Max. By tightening the spool tension and cranking down the brake I was able to skip a jig too. The next test is to catch some bass and see how they perform. 

[Basspro3106]

I have two spinning revos and two casting revos the cheapest of the revos family. I use them quite often tournament fishing but I always carry my black max bait caster with a Berkeley lighting rod. And always catch the most fish on this cheap set up I mainly use it for cranking so I would say the max family reels are good.

[djflats58]

I always used the Ambassador 4600's for years...started using them back in the late 80's. I just wanted to try something different. 

[Hookem Hank]

I have a Silver Max that I bought four seasons ago and I have had no problems with it and have caught allot of fish with it!

[djflats58]

Hank...sounds like you've had pretty good luck with them. Four seasons is a good test. Thanks for the info! 

[Hookem Hank]

No problem, Abu is a great company! Good luck and stay safe.

[deadadrift89]

I've got 4 "Silver" bought 3yrs. ago fish 1-2 times a week and no problems. I take them apart twice a year for maintenance. 

[djflats58]

On February 4, 2016 at 10:03 AM, Ersteman said:

I've used black max, silver max, and pro max.  Very happy with them.  No issues whatsoever.  I've flipped and pitched with the silver max and pro max and have set major hooksets with them.  There was no "flex" felt from me.

How did you like the Black Max? 

[Ersteman]

Performed well for me. No issues. Wasn't the furthest casting reel, nor the smoothest, but it was great as one of my first baitcasting reels. I caught 1-2 pounders with it.

[djflats58]

To those that use the Black Max. Have you had any problems with the reel seating to the rod? I tried mine on a Lightning Rod Shock and also a Loomis. Never did really get a good seat on either one. I caught a 1 1/2 pounder on it and felt the reel slide on the rod seat. A bigger bass and I believe I'd have lost the reel.