Black Max, Pro Max, Some Other?

[Crop9]

I have read all possible posts on these reels, along with many of the newer post on "Which reel to buy" and I am still not sure what to put on my rod. 

 

The rod in question is a Lightening Shock Rod, 6'9 or 6'6 (can't remember) MH. This was purchased simply because it was $7.00 from Wal-Mart. And each time I look at it, it seems lonely, so I want to get a reel to put on it, but I don't really have a need for it. 

 

To give some background, my "arsenal" currently consists of (any and all adjustments recommendations welcomed):

• 7' M Veritas 2.0 paired with a 6930 Pflueger President spinning rod
  • Primarily weightless t-rigs
• 6'9 M Cardinal Z combo
  • Primarily panfish 
• 6'9 MH Vendetta paired with a Pro Qualifier
  • Primarily jigs and chatterbaits 
• 6'6/6'9 MH Lightening Shock Rod with a Black Max 3
  • Spare - Technique? 

 

The current Lightening/Black Max is a great set up, definitely like it, but I am not 100% sold on adding another exact same setup. 

 

So, would you change anything on my current set ups? What reel should I add that perhaps plugs a hole in my current gear? 

 

I appreciate your help! 

[12poundbass]

Can't go wrong with another Black Max or Pro Max. Just pull the trigger, you won't be disappointed just like you weren't on the first one you bought. ?

[Clinton john]

I had a few black max reels when I first start getting into bass fishing and they were great, they just didn't last long, the thumb bar started sticking bad and then the gears just gave out.

 

My best bro has a pro max and it is a great reel as well and has held up fine for three years now, he likes it .

 

I run Lews reels now and can't say enough how good they are.

[Largemouth21]

I think pro max is pretty good, i have one.  This is going to be a little better though for about 20 more Abu Garcia REVO S

[fishnkamp]

I have to ask a couple of questions.  

 

What gear ratio does your current Shock rod have on it.  Would it fish baits like rattle traps and small crankbaits well?

Is there a second type of baits that would fish on that rod well but would do better with a fast retrieve reel.

 

For instance I use two different rods for my wake baits, small to mid sized cranks, and spinnerbaits. I prefer a 6.3-1 reel for this. I use a similar rod for chatterbaits, buzzbaits, burning a spinnerbait just under the surface and for throwing heavier big bladed spinnerbaits slow rolled on the bottom.   For these baits I prefer a 7.3-1 reel.

[Jar11591]

Don't overlook the Silver Max either. Even though it's a step under the Pro Max, I prefer my Silver Max over my Pro Max.

[adrenalnjunky]

Looking at your gear, I'm going to echo @fishnkamp - you seem down a dedicated cranking setup.  I own 2 of the step up from the Pro Max - the Orra SX - and right now you can find it for the $79 price point that the Pro Max normally sells for.  I think the main difference is that the Orra has an alloy frame. 

[wisconsin heat]

As far as budget baitcasters go, I have and would recommend 1. Shimano Caius (like it better than my Citica E) 2. Daiwa Laguna 3. Daiwa Aird. I have also used multiple generations of the black max and pro max, and I can say that I hands down would buy another Caius first and Laguna second. The Aird is also a ice reel, just not that much different than the Laguna. so I think there is more value with the Laguna.

 

If you want to spend $70 get a Caius

if not, a Laguna can be had for less than $50 new on the bay 

[bowhunter63]

Really like the Pro Max ,Heck of a reel for the money.

[12poundbass]

13 hours ago, Jar11591 said:

Don't overlook the Silver Max either. Even though it's a step under the Pro Max, I prefer my Silver Max over my Pro Max.

Goes to show you everyone's different. I prefer my Black Max over the silver and the pro over both.

[Crop9]

Thanks everyone for the responses. @adrenalnjunky & @fishnkamp I think you two are right, I may be down a setup, or two, or three. haha. 

I never really considered what I had, and many of the rods & reels I have I received from my wife; often times as a way of bribing me to overlook her expenditures ( I think the bait monkey includes the entire household ). Would a dedicated cranking setup be the next addition? Or is there a better alternative? I am a bank-bound angler right now, and have not really fished with shallow crankbaits yet. 

[NCBassAssassin]

A great reel for 60 bucks is the H20 Mettle, I was very pleased with mine until it became a victim of hitting wake too fast. It's a 6.3:1, a great all around gear ratio.

[J Francho]

In the budget realm, look at the KastKing Assassin.  I'm having a hard time finding fault with it.

[adrenalnjunky]

22 hours ago, NCBassAssassin said:

A great reel for 60 bucks is the H20 Mettle, I was very pleased with mine until it became a victim of hitting wake too fast. It's a 6.3:1, a great all around gear ratio.

 

Yeah, and if you can live with RealTree pattern - they're on sale for $29 @ Academy.

 

[Stasher1]

If anyone is interested in a Black Max, they're available for about $26 on Walmart's site right now if you select store pickup during the checkout process.

 

I need another reel like I need a hole in my head, but a new reel for $26...

[fishnkamp]

Hey Crop9  I did some checking and found your Black Max seems to only come in a 6.4-1 ratio. So now we know what that reel is.

The Berkley Lightning Shock rod you listed is a 6'6 MH fast action rod.  I would keep the Black Max on it and use it for jigs, texas rigs, and spinnerbaits. The 6.4 gear ratio is fine for that.

 

I prefer the 6'6" medium moderate  Lightning Shock rod for crankbaits, rattle traps etc. It has more bend down the blank.  That helps keep the fish buttoned on a treble hook bait.  

That being said, you already own thes rod, so lets play a game.  The Shock rods are built a little softer tipped by design since they are composite material.  This means all of them have a bit softer tip material so they can work properly with braid.  Try catching a few bass on a  shallow to mid depth diving crankbait, a 1/2 ounce rattle trap or Red Eye Shad, or a Pop R type top water chigger.  If you do not have any trouble keeping the fish hooked then fish that rod as your crankbait, squarebill, rattle trap rod.

 

I would then consider matching the "lonely" rod with an Abu Garcia Pro Max reel since they are 7-1. This would be good to throw your jigs, texas rigs as well as burn a spinnerbait, chatterbait, or buzzbait.  Lots of guys like the Pro Max reel. It should run you around $70 online. If you can afford afford to spend a little more then forget the Pro Max. I really would love to see you put a Daiwa Tatula CT 100HS on that rod instead. On Amazon you can get a Tatula CT  for around $100.  I know it sounds funny to put a top quality reel on a "cheap" rod but you are not putting it on a $7 rod, you are putting it on a $50. I fish two of the 6'6" medium moderate Shocks with those reels on them, and I love them. I have caught bass up to 5 pounds, stripers up to 16 pounds and blue cats up to 20 pounds using that combo. The Daiwa will amaze you with its buttery smooth operation and castability.