Abu Garcia Black Magic

[fisherman2014]

So I just purchased an Abu Garcia black magic baitcasting reel for around 50$ and I was wondering if it really is a good reel for the price. It is still in the mail so I haven't been able to try it out yet. I knew that Abu Garcia is a good brand so that's why I chose their black magic for my first baitcasting reel. Any thoughts or comments?

ps: I also got the left hand retrieve so I wouldn't have to do all that switching nonsense.

[Chaz Hickcox]

It's ok, I've been using one for the last year. Definitely not the best Abu Reel out there. I got it for flipping and pitching. Any real casting and it would be absolute junk. Not to mention I use my Revo's for that. If I had it to do again I would have just bought another Revo SX off of EBAY. For $30-$40 more you can get a quality used Revo that will be more versatile. Also, it's a Black Maxx

[breezy]

I've had one for two years and have honestly been pretty impressed with it for the price. Maybe I just haven't used it long enough for the graphite frame to begin to "loosen up" and other issues people describe...who knows. It's taken a beating, has never been cleaned or serviced and casts extremely well. I really expected it to be junk by this point and I'm surprised it's still working, much less working well. For $50 MSRP for a new casting reel I would say it's a good choice (one of the only choices).

That being said, would I prefer a slightly used higher end reel for just a bit more? Definitely. I think you're better off spending an extra $20-30 to get a used Revo, Citica, etc.

[Red]

I have a lefty black max as well. It has served me well. I actually haven't used it this season because it was replaced by a Revo and I haven't got another rod for it yet. It is definetly not a Revo, thats for sure. But I think for the price it is an excellent reel.

[fisherman2014]

Thanks guys, I really just got it because I want to learn how to cast better with a baitcasting reel, since this will be my first one. That's why I selected the cheapest I could find. Can't wait for it to get here!

[FL_Sharpshooter]

I use a RH one all the time, spooled with 12lb mono and bullet weighted for soft plastics. It's the reel that I learned to cast on, and moved up to a BPS PQ reel. Just remember to set the brake at about 6-7 and always adjust the tension knob for the proper weight you're throwing. Just don't try throwing super light stuff, because it is a little bit difficult. The thing that also made a big difference for me was the KVD L&L Conditioner, it's a huge help, especially for beginners. As stated in posts ahead of me, it's a good reel for the price, but doesn't compare to the other high end reels for sure.

[fisherman2014]

I've never heard of that conditioner FL_Sharpshooter, what does it do? Does it just keep the gears spinning nicely?

[deep]

I've never heard of that conditioner FL_Sharpshooter, what does it do? Does it just keep the gears spinning nicely?

Not really. You apply it to the line, it keeps it memory-free and castable.

[FL_Sharpshooter]

I've never heard of that conditioner FL_Sharpshooter, what does it do? Does it just keep the gears spinning nicely?

Not exactly, it just lubricates the line and allows it to release smoothly through the line guide. It will rub off over time, but 1 bottle of that stuff lasts a really long time. You apply it the first time and let it set 24hrs, in order to allow the product to first bond to your line. Then after that 1st time, you can use it whenever you feel it is necessary(if you notice you aren't casting as far, or your line feels dry). It doesn't leave any oiled residue on your line or reel either, it is water-based. I think you're thinking of a lubricant for internal parts or something. This product you just apply directly to the line.

Not really. You apply it to the line, it keeps it memory-free and castable.

Yup, exactly.

[Brandon Underwood]

Topic's a little old, but I have a Black Maxx too, and it was also my first baitcaster. About a month after I bought it, I bought a Quantum burst combo at a good deal, and I honestly can say that it is indeed a good learning reel, if you can cast it, you'll be able to cast a much nicer reel with ease. My Quantum is by no means a high end reel, but I feel it is a lot better quality (I only paid $84 for the combo with 7.0 burner gears and an IM8 graphite rod). i still use my black maxx, but not as much, and plan to replace it with a Revo sx.