Blackmax turning handle without spool?

[Jeremy Lee]

Hey all,

 

I was cleaning out the spool bearings earlier on my Blackmax and noticed, with the spool out, that the handle doesn't engage and turn (you can force it but probably a bad idea). Is this normal for these reels? 

[PhishLI]

20 hours ago, Jeremy Lee said:

Hey all,

 

I was cleaning out the spool bearings earlier on my Blackmax and noticed, with the spool out, that the handle doesn't engage and turn (you can force it but probably a bad idea). Is this normal for these reels? 

The pinion in that reel is supported by the spool shaft, therefore only when the spool's installed. Without the spool installed it's pretty much flopping in the yoke. So turning the handle is a bad idea. Forcing it to turn is even worse. Don't do that.

[Spankey]

If I may ask how to you like the BM? Thinking about picking one up for my grandson. He can use any of my stuff but did see some half decent reviews on the combo. And pretty inexpensive. Thanks. 

[BrianMDTX]

1 hour ago, Spankey said:

If I may ask how to you like the BM? Thinking about picking one up for my grandson. He can use any of my stuff but did see some half decent reviews on the combo. And pretty inexpensive. Thanks. 

Spankey, I have two BM. One on a Daiwa Aird-X MF and the other on a Aird-X MHF. Now, I’m sure if I swapped them out with a pair of $200-$300 baitcasting reels I’d notice a difference. Smoother retrieve, smoother and more positive drag, better braking system, etc. The only “better” BC reel I have is a Daiwa Fuego CT. 

 

The only major difference I find between them is the Fuego was easier to adjust the spool tension. Tighten it up, loosen until the spool just starts to tick and have a tiny bit of play and it’s set. The BM’s need readjustment if you change from lighter to heavier baits, which takes all of twenty seconds. IMO, the BM performs pretty well considering its price point. Less than $50.00 for a baitcasting reel? That actually works decently? I’ve only had them a year or less so I cannot make claims on longevity, but I’ve experienced nothing so far to give me any worries. I’ve caught a decent number of 4 and 5 lb bass with them on baits as diverse as topwaters, spinnerbaits, jigs, Texas rig worms, weightless Senko TR and I cannot complain. One is spooled with 10 lb YZH and the other with 12 lb Big Game. I’m pleased with them so far. 

[BBuck]

1 hour ago, Spankey said:

If I may ask how to you like the BM? Thinking about picking one up for my grandson. He can use any of my stuff but did see some half decent reviews on the combo. And pretty inexpensive. Thanks. 

I agree with everything @BrianMDTX said. I've been using BM reels for years now and for the price, I think they can't be beat. They are workhorses. They are not top of the line and don't come with any bells and whistles, but they are reliable and get the job done at a fraction of the costs of other good reels. If you want to increase casting distance and smoothness of the reel, you could change out the bearings with something from spool speed bearings for another $20 or so. It does make a big difference and still keeps the reel under $80 or so. If I were to get any other reel, I'd probably go with Shimano SLX, which is usually right at $99.

[Deleted account]

3 hours ago, Spankey said:

If I may ask how to you like the BM? Thinking about picking one up for my grandson. He can use any of my stuff but did see some half decent reviews on the combo. And pretty inexpensive. Thanks. 

Black Max is a very good choice in a tight budget. 

[Spankey]

50 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

Black Max is a very good choice in a tight budget. 

It’s For a 12 year old. I really don’t care if he used my stuff while we are out but this may be a cheaper solution and a couple of years of a learning curve. I can’t say I’ve ever heard anything bad about them. 

[Jeremy Lee]

Are the spools on the Tatula interchangeable with the Fuego? Wondering which BFS spool is the right one for the Fuego

[MN Fisher]

5 minutes ago, Jeremy Lee said:

Are the spools on the Tatula interchangeable with the Fuego? Wondering which BFS spool is the right one for the Fuego

Frame, spool and main gearing on both is identical - so yes, the Tatula CT spools will fit the Fuego CT.

[Deleted account]

26 minutes ago, Jeremy Lee said:

Haha, I was watching THE REEL TEST review it on Youtube and it looked like it would be decent to get into it...  good rec on the Fuego though. I've been eyeing the Fuego for some time so maybe now is the time to get it. Is the Fuego better than the Revo X?

How'd we go from Black Max to Revo X?  But to answer your question, IMNSHO, yes.

[Jeremy Lee]

5 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

How'd we go from Black Max to Revo X?  But to answer your question, IMNSHO, yes.

lol - it's THE REEL TEST's fault. The BFS spool he reviews for the Revo X also fits the Black Max (and I think all other *Max reels for that matter). I just wanted to play around with the Bmax since I was always curious about it

[Spankey]

Coming from pretty much a Shimano guy I am putting a second Revo Winch on the water with me this year. Both paired with Abu Veritas Winch rods. I’m 110%+ satisfied with the feel and results with the first set up. Adding a MH to fish slightly deeper Crankbaits. 
 

I think MSRP is a bit high, I think everything is high, but buying them both on sale thru TW I’m liking the price. The moderate actions of the rods are definitely what I was looking for.