Abu Max reels

[Jake P]

I am looking for a cheap but decent BC reel and rod since money is short. I remember a while ago some talk about the Max line and hearing good things, anyone fish these?

[flippin and pitchin]

The Max series ( and Black Max ) are decent budget reels.  You should be able to find them for about 40 bucks.  They won't handle light baits all that well but 3/16 up should work. Check your local Wal Mart for clearance reels as well.  You might find a hot clearance  deal on a Revo S or a moderate price Pinnacle for the price point you are looking for.  Good luck !!

[BobP]

You can get round Pro Max 3600 reels on Ebay for $40-50, Pro Max 1600's for $50-75 depending on external condition.  They are all metal, 8 ball bearings and were sold in the late 60's - early 70's for $169 (a very premium reel of that era).  Cast great, hard to backlash, and retrieve smooth but usually need a good cleaning and lube when you get one.  Parts are still available from Abu or from other parts vendors.  The Black Max reels have fewer bearings and go for under $50 but are still workhorse reels.  The Pro Max is the better reel but had a silver paint finish that scratched easily and quickly looked ratty.  The Black Max model had a very durable black finish that usually still looks great.  I would stick with the round Max reels from that period.  Abu built some later low profile Pro and Black Max reels that didn't have the same high quality.

[Ojurb]

i have a silver max reel, got it from walmart on sale for $40, i think they are normally $60,

i fished with it a couple of times, and then a found a great deal on a revo s and got it.

the reel is good, the magnetic braking system isnt that great but the reel over all is a good one, currently im using mine in the cranking rod.

[bwell]

I have a silver max I bought with a berkley lighting rod combo for my first casting setup and it still use it today.  The reel will cast a crankbait a mile no problem.  I think it needs a good cleaning because for some reason in the middle of the cast the spool will just speed up for no reason and backlash.  But over all its a decent really for what you pay.

[wisconsin heat]

i have 2 black maxes, i bought these before they came with a flippin switch, and well they cost like 40-50 or something, i have had a few problems with one of the reels but it was fixed shortly, they dont cast as far as i'd like them to. but they are cheap and they get the job done.

[OnTheHunt]

Maybe this is just personal preference. I have a low pro silvermax. Cheap reel. Casts everthing perfectly. I also have a Daiwa Zillion. And I like my silvermax better. The silvermax is alot more quiet. And casts just as good as the Zillion. It may be due to the fact that I am partial Abu Garcia. Not sure. People say I am out of my mind. BUT... We are all entitled our own opinion.