Not sure what to title this post!

[joelhains]

So I've got a Lews Tournament MB I bought earlier this year and a Daiwa Tatula that is a few years old. These are my main, "go to", everyday reels. I've been happy with them. They cast really well the drags are smooth and once I get them set up for whatever I'm throwing I don't have to mess with them again. A friend of mine who is a first time baitcast user bought himself a new Abu Garcia Black Max and asked me to teach him how to use it. After casting it a few times I was quite impressed with how it felt compared to my everyday reels that both cost twice a much. It was smoother than either my Daiwa or my Lews. It didn't cast as far but it felt tighter. I've owned Abu reels (Various low end Revos) in the past and decided I didn't like them and wouldn't buy any more. So the Cheap Black Max surprised me. The tolerances feel like they are better. Over time Both my Lews and Daiwa feel like they have loosened up a bit. They both make a little noise now both when casting and reeling. The noise doesn't effect the performance just kind of gets on my nerves.  I'm not really asking anything with this thread. Just expressing some thoughts that have been going around in my head. I have no plans to get rid of my Daiwa or my beloved Lews and buy a couple Black maxx's. 

[new2BC4bass]

Try that Black Max again in a few years and report back.  None of my reels get used a lot....even my favorite ones....because I don't get out nearly as much as I'd like.  Having said that a used Revo STX (Gen 1) was among the first reels I bought.  I spooled it with 40# braid and it made the trip to Florida every year until this year.  Didn't make the trip this year not because it isn't as good as at first but because I have other reels I wanted to take.  It was (and still is) the reel I use in lily pads and heavy weeds.

No complaints yet.  It also happens to cast very well.  Very well.  Some of my longest casts were made with it.

I suggest sending your reels to DVT.  He gives a discount to members.  Be sure to mention any problem you are having with the reels...such as noise on the retrieve or that they feel loose.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Deep cleaning and lubrication will likely help those used reels. 

[fishnkamp]

DVT is right. I suggest you pick one of your reels. Send it in to DVT. Have him clean it and maybe supertune it for you. You will be amazed how some good old maintenance and some TLC can change your mind. I suggested you send one in at a time so when the first one comes back you can give it a real world comparison to your other reel. I think you will be sending the other reel out almost immediately.

[smalljaw67]

You may not want to hear this but I'll explain what is going on. Your "go to" every day reels are broke in and you are use to the feel of them, the black max you aren't, that explains why it feels lighter than your Lews even though it is actually heavier. The same with how smooth it feels in comparison, it is because you aren't use to it, the best way to find out about this reel is to fish it for an hour and then pick up one of you other reels. The Tatula is heavier but it will have a much more solid feel, and the Lews will feel a lot lighter and both reels will be smoother feeling as well. I'm not knocking the Black Max, it is a no nonsense inexpensive reel that is actually one of the better performing inexpensive reels out there but when you fish with it and then fish with a reel with an aluminum frame you'll realize the difference really fast.