Cheap reels..

[ChrisAW]

Well I got about $75 in gift cards for Christmas to my local Gander Mountain, and decided to buy a cheap reel for flipping and pitching, so I could use the Revo SX currently on my 7'6" rod for something it'd be better suited for, like on my Crankbait rod.

So I was looking at the Abu BlackMax, and the Gander GSX Tournament. Now being that I work at Gander, I actually could get either at the same price with our store brand discount. So I actually bought the GSX before I left today, but the bad thing is that we only had right hand retrieve and I'm left handed, and I just can't get used to it. I thought maybe I'd just return it and go for the Black Max which we have in left hand currently.

Now I'm probably going to catch crap here for even bothering with such inexpensive reels, but I'm not too worried about any of the features. I always thumb the spool on hook sets with my jig rod, and I never use it to cast except for maybe some shorter roll casts, so I doubt I'll have a problem with either so long as the gears don't strip.

Like I said, I'm just basicly trying to free up my SX to use with crankbaits, since I feel like its smoother casting ability is being wasted on a flip/pitch rod.

[BASSclary]

You cant wait to get a lefty GSX in? :-?

[ChrisAW]

Well for one, I think they are discontinued, But I'm also having a hard time finding if we ever had a lefty version. Not entirely sure.

I just thought I'd give righty a chance and see if I could get used to it so I wouldn't have to be chasing left hand reels But I just can't stand doing the cast/switch hands thing. So much easier for me to just start with lefty, so I'm really leaning to just exchanging it for a left hand BlackMax.

[SeanW]

I prefer a Revo S for flippin and pitching, you can get em for under $100 on sale(but I know nothing of Gander MTN). Ive got 7 leftys for sale. ;D All Curados though.

[Marty]

Now I'm probably going to catch crap here for even bothering with such inexpensive reels,

From whom and why? You don't have to apologize for using inexpensive equipment. I use Daiwa spinning reels for which I've paid less than $50. They hold line, they cast it, they retrieve it and have a smooth drag. They do everything I want them to do and never felt a need to go more expensive.

[ChrisAW]

Well I've never had a problem with inexpensive spinning reels, but I feel there's a bit more to bait casters and inexpensive reels have a hard time living up to the potential that higher-end models have.

I'm just looking for some feedback from anyone who's had a Black Max and how it's functioned as a flip/pitch reel for them, like if anyone's stripped the gears or drag becomes less effective.

[northern basser]

I hate to use a swearword, but Cabela's prodigy baitcaster is on sale for $59.99.  Its a nice reel, but I'm not sure what the drag pressure is?  It's made by Daiwa so it might be the 8.8lbs.

[Sam]

Chris, as said before, the fish have no idea of your rod, reel, line or bait.

If they see the bait and want to eat it they will. Otherwise you could be using a G. Loomis rod with a Shimano Core and still not catch anything.

It is technique and knowing what to throw and where.

Of course, the "cheap" reel may last one year or many years. It depends on how you take care of it and have it serviced.

Just food for thought.        

[Fishohio]

I bought a Black Max for my boy.(Just learning to throw a BC) I was very suprised at how well it casts.

Theres alot of plastic in that reel thow so for flippin and pitchin it's a gamble. The reel preforms well thow.

Just remember you get what you pay for.

Shimano has a New reel out for around 89$ ya might want to check out.

[Red]

I have had a Black Max for over two years now.  It is a great reel in my opinion, I can cast it just as far as my Revo S's.  It doesn't feel quite as solid as the Revo in your hand but for  flippin/pitchin reel I think it would be just fine.  Also, in my experience it takes a bit more time to get it dialed in for the bait you are using but it is not a big deal.  My eight year old nephew can cast it pretty well. I have beat the crap out of mine and it still works just fine.

Cliff

[ChrisAW]

I'm limited to whats in my store being it was giftcards. So it was a choice between a left hand BlackMax, or the right hand GSX since I could get it at the same price.

If I had the money I would for sure go for a Revo S, but I can't.

And I've always heard hooksets seem to be the biggest concern for a less expensive reel when fishing jigs. But like I said, I thumb the spool on the hookset, and I don't use any brakes in this situation. So short of needing a half decent drag just to reel in, I shouldn't really have any problems I think.

I guess I can just go ahead and get the BlackMax, and if I happen to come across enough cash within the return period, I'll just exchange for the Revo S. Not like I'll be fishing for atleast a couple months, so there shouldn't be any problem with that. 

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I have had a Black Max for over two years now. It is a great reel in my opinion, I can cast it just as far as my Revo S's. It doesn't feel quite as solid as the Revo in your hand but for flippin/pitchin reel I think it would be just fine. Also, in my experience it takes a bit more time to get it dialed in for the bait you are using but it is not a big deal. My eight year old nephew can cast it pretty well. I have beat the crap out of mine and it still works just fine.

Cliff

Red has said it perfectly. I have owned a black max going on my third year now. Never cared to do maintenance or worried about the abuse it took(which has been alot) and that thing just keeps on going. Still in my line-up as on of my go to rod right next to its more expensive counter parts.

[breezy]

I've had a Black Max for roughly a year and it's been a pretty good reel. Definitely feels cheaper compared to a Revo S...but then again it's less than half the price.

Haven't had any problems with it, decent drag and casting performance. My only complaint is it struggles when casting lighter baits (say <3/8oz). They also make a combo with the Black Max reel and an Abu Black Max rod for $60 (an extra $10 and you get a 6'6 MH rod).

[Shane J]

If you want to sell off your gift card, I have a lefty Silver Max I'd sell ya for $40 shipped. Used it for one season, and I just keep it around for a loaner reel, but it's just sitting in my closet doing nothing. That would get you a slightly better reel, and save you some money.

[Skeet22]

I prefer a Revo S for flippin and pitching, you can get em for under $100 on sale(but I know nothing of Gander MTN). Ive got 7 leftys for sale. ;D All Curados though.

I thought it was  just me but I could not get my SX dialed in like I wanted on my pitching rod. Its a dream casting spinners and cranks though. Bought a revo s for pitching and it is money...

Thinking about trying the Orra sx on another pitching rod..