- $
| Reel Specs |
| Black Max |
| Bearings: 4BB+1RB Line Cap: 12/160 |
Comments: had six black max reels and anti reverse went out on all six within 25 to 50 hours fishing time.paid $50 for the first two and found four on clearance for$35.I love the reel and it works great for a while if you keep it clean and oil it, but it will wear out.If you plan on fishing more than 5 or 6 times a year, I would not recommend this reel,however,I believe it is a great starter reel.
Comments: this thing is trash! My friend brought his over to my house and he set the hook on a 13 inch fish and as soon as he did it reversed in him and made him get a huge backlash! The spool tension nob is also horrible. You have to turn it down like almost all the way to cast maybey 20 yards!! If you are looking for a cheap reel get the Diana strikeforce or the new shimano reel that is black and orange
.. ABU this isn't a good reel at all!!!
From: Jacob: Monroe, LA
Comments: Have had this reel for about 2 years now, worked good for about a year and half then all problems broke loose. The spool doesnt reel in right, backlashes constantly and gets dirty vveerrry easily and the funny part is i clean my reel after every trip! good reel for begginers but beware the future problems!
From: Garrett: Richmond, VA
Comments: I bought this reel as my reintroduction to baitcasters. It was great for the first couple of fishing trips I went on. But then the more I used it, the more it would birdnest. Finally it got to the point of regardless of what setup I used, or how tight the spool tension was, it still birdnest on every cast. Being unable to figure out the problem, I went out and bought a Daiwa Strikeforce for the same price. That fixed everything.
From: Eric: MI
Comments: I just started getting into baitcasters a few months ago and thought this would be a good start. IT WAS WORTH THE MONEY. It is a very great beginner reel and casts and reels in very smoothly. Every now and then i run into a backlash but im just a beginner and the backlashes are very easy to clear out and cast again. It can handle pretty heavy line and lures. You just have to LEARN how to handle a baitcaster. Many people think they can just cast these. You have to set it up properly for your lure your going to use. I've had it for a few months now and it works great. I would recommend this to anyone beginning to use baitcasting reels.
From: Drake: Canton, OH
Comments: I've been using this reel for about a season and a half now and i've been looking to retire it for a while. The drag is very inconsistent and while bouncing worms along the bottom the reel will engage in a free-spool if you don't thumb the spool and give a horrible backlash. It's so bad that even carrying the rod to the dock from my vehicle can cause this free spool/backlash. Also during hooksets if i don't thumb the spool it can spin back on me. The reel was ok when new, but the durability of components doesn't seem up to par. Also while any of these freak backlashes occur, sometime the line will get pushed between the side of the spool and the reel frame because the fit tolerance. This is even with 14lb fluoro line. I would reccomend that if you are at the very entry level of fishing with a baitcaster, this may be an option, but you could probably find a rod/reel setup from quantum or a store-bought combo that would work just as well or better for a comparable price. If you're on a budget and really get out on the water a lot, save a little more coin and buy something the next price level up. Quantum, Wright and Mcgill, and also abu-garcia make reels around $100. I'm hesitant to try another lower grade abu-garcia reel after this experience though. I hope this review helps someone.
From: Matt: Greenfield, MA
Comments: Bottom line is this: for the money you will not find a better casting reel. I fish at least 3 times a week, and most of the time with other anglers who spent big $ on the usual brands and makes (shimano, pflueger, etc). I had ay fewer birds nest than these $150 models, and I casted just as accurate and further. Now, I did practice and learn the systems on this reel first, and after understanding its functions, how to lube it after every use (hint), and rod setup, I have caught fish on it regularly. Ive used mono and fluoro and it worked just fine (12 lb min). So, for those of you out looking to save some cash and and try this reel, go for it. The other reviews you read may have some merit on some being lemons, but other problems I have read are simply because folks didnt take their time to LEARN how to properly use a baitcast. Their problems would probrably exsist if they had a $400 model.
From: Charles: SoCal
Comments: I bought this reel a while back, it lasted maybe 6 months tops it broke where the handle was popping every time I reeled in. It got worse until it finally broke where I had to put a lot of force into moving the handle and when I turned it the spool didn't turn. While it lasted it casted a good ways but if you casted it too hard you would have a backlash unclearable. I have had big fish take the drag out with the drag being set all the way up and they were able to get me into thick weeds and one even pulled all the line out other times the line was about to run out and I stopped it but the line snapped. The only thing I DID like about it was the side on and off switch so you could put it on and when u casted and let go of the release thing it stopped the spool I think it is a pretty cool feature. All this being said I did land my largest bass on this reel, but do yourselves a favor and only buy Shimano.
From: Ian: Longview, TX
Comments: i own like 15 rod and reel setups of higher and much higher quality, not a reel that i use as much as others but i do use it often and it has held up well for over a year, its an excellent reel and i would buy another one when this one needs to be retired. just dont expect it to perform like a $200 reel, i would say it performs better than other reels in the $100 range though.
From: Jim: Ft. Polk, LA
Comments: Was happy with this reel for about 1 season. At the end of the season the handle would spin backwards on it...Took it apart, but could not find any problems.
From: Robert: Davenport
Comments: Awesome, I landed a 42" bullred on it. This reel is a must have.
From: Corpus Christi, TX
Comments: I purchased this reel mid-season, and so far it has been worth every penny. For fifty bucks your not gunna find a better reel. Great for starters, like myself. I have had quite a few nice catches on this reel even though it's no three hundred dollar KVD reel either. If you maintain it properly and adjust it accordingly to the weight of your lures you should have no problems with backlashing. I noticed that many people complain about drag failing while setting the hook. I have never experienced any problems with that. Make sure you ALWAYS unwind your drag on all your reels to prevent damage to them. The magnetic braking system is like others have said, it works but it doesnt work miracles either. If you ask me preventing backlashes and birdsnests with this reel is all about setting the line tension. Great reel though, you get what you pay for, and I would recommend it to any rookie angler or weekend warrior!
From: Nathan: Crown Point, IN
Comments: great reel for the price landed many fish with it already and still working like new.
From: Ponce: Bellflower, CA
Comments: This is a good reel at a good price im 18 been fishing since i was two and will some one help me justify why i need to spend $200 on a reel when their are good reels for under $100 ! People who pay hundreds of dollars for rods and reels are crazy and they are the reason why good reels like Abu premier cost near $300 because people are dumb enough to by them . and rods i was wonderin through Gloomis rods give me a brake people. Dont get me wrong i love to fish for bass i like to have tech specific rods but at 100-200 a rod. I am a college student who enjoys fishing competitively, for fun, and to fill the freezer but with a job i can not afford any thing but the max reels or the quantum burst.
From: Dustin: Fairmount, IL
Comments: For the price, one of the beast reels I have ever used in the 65 years I have been fishing. Very easy to cast with 30 pound Braided line. It's as strong as any Bass fisherman would want. I have landed 10 pounders wit it.
From: Bud: San Antonio, TX
Comments: I bought this reel before ever reading the poor reviews on it. Glad I did not read them. Casts and retrieves like a dream. All lure types and weights too. I am use to the round type Ambassadors this casts much better. I can't imagine what a Revo cast like or performs if this is just a entry level reel.
From: Mark: Wilmington, DE
Comments: I have had this reel now for just over a year. I have occasionally ran into the problem of it seeming to strip on the hookset. It does however, throw spinnerbaits and buzzbaits quite well (only with mono or copolymer line though). This reel really does not cast well with braided fishing line. This was my first baitcaster and now I am looking to upgrade. I would say spend a little extra money and go with one of the BPS pro qualifiers for a good start. That said, I have managed to haul in quite a few fish with this reel (including a couple 4 lb. northerns). Overall though, a piece of crap. I would rather go with the Daiwa Exceller reel which is in the same price range.
From: Justin: Ames, IA
Comments: Well this reel is still kicking 8 months and some change later. I hear bad reports below but they seem a little silly to me, like setting the hook and the line spins freely? Or getting backlash when a fish is on? I am saving up for a revo premier because this reel is definitely not a cadillac but it works. I've caught tons of bass on it to date. The down sides so far for me is not the drag backlashing with a fish, but the drag seizing up altogether, had a three and a half pounder flip out of the water too many times last week because my drag was nonexistant. Before I fish in the morning I usually pull line out to see how tight my drag is set and it is has been seized every day before I "warm" it up. A few pulls on the line and it will work for my fishing trip. Definitely a grade of F with the drag. The magnetic brake works (I'm not saying fantastic but it does actually work), and if you have ten pound flouro or smaller line and do end up with a birdsnest, it will get stuck between the spool and frame. All in all if you have the money for a revo, obviously buy it, but if you don't you will still catch alot of fish on this reel...to be continued.
From: Terry: Lakeland, FL
Comments:I have two of these reels and they are horrible! I bought the second just before the first really started to fail. The drag fails and slips really bad on both reels about 20% of the time (get your thumb ready). For some reason I could never get the drag tight enough when it was really cold. They both grind and pop on the retreive. The newer gem has developed a problem where it engages the gears in mid cast; all you hear is a loud click and your jig goes flying. My advice? Buy something else!
From:Robert: Bakersfield, CA
Comments:I bought 2 of these reels last October. Not even a year and they both died on me. Just like the other comments here...when you set the hook on a fish the line spins freely on the spool and you're left with a huge birdsnest while the fish you just hooked gets free or waits for you to get done cutting your line to re-tie. I will never buy another ABU reel again, I'm going back to Shimano.
From:Bob: San Tan Valley, AZ
Comments: This reel is impossible to take apart, I have been trying to do so for like 3 months.
From:Tanner: Canada, B.C.
Comments:You may have read my review of this reel at the bottom of the page, 2 years in and 2 reels later I'd like to say that I was wrong. This reel isn't worth HALF its price tag. The first reel I bought randomly disengaged when I set the hook leaving me with nasty backlash and tons of missed fish. As always, TW came through and replaced the reel, unfortunately it only took another month or two before the same thing happened with the second reel. Do your self a favor and buy something from one of the Japanese companies or Pflueger, Abu Garcia makes some good stuff but this isn't it.
From:Mychal: San Diego, CA
Comments:Fantastic reel for the price. Got it about a year ago and it's still working great. I recommend this reel to anyone looking for a good priced baitcaster.
From:Roby:
Comments:I did not have the money for a Revo and I had to get this reel, but so far this reel has been amazing. It has great casting, a superb drag and I paired it with a Berkley amp 7 foot rod and 10 pound Spiderwire xxx supermono and it is the ultimate shallow cranking combo. If you don't have a lot of money, this is the reel for you.
From:
Comments:My wife bought this reel for me this Christmas. I've been fishing with it since it arrived three weeks ago, I couldn't wait Santa my apologies, and it is fantastic! I paired it up with an Okuma reflexion rod and it is a very light setup. I'm right handed but this is the first lefty reel I have ever purchased, kinda sick of switching hands between casts, that has never made sense to me anyways. Only six bass landed so far, and a 2 pounder was the biggest yet so I have yet to test it with a football or bigger sized largemouth. Overall no complaints what-so-ever and I can only imagine how nice the revo and other more exspensive abu reels must be.
From:Terry: Lakeland, FL
Comments:This reel is great for fishing just about anything! I've fished crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater, jigs, and swimbaits on it! Very durable and versatile. I've had one for over 6 months and still going strong! No backlashes! Good for a season. Recommend the Berkley cherrywood rod 7ft. MH action.
From:Ethan: Bluffton, SC
Comments:This is a great reel for $50. Easy to cast and great backlash control. Comes in a righty or lefty. This is great for someone who is starting out with a bait-caster or someone who has used one for years. Great buy!
From:Anthony: Vineland, NJ
Comments:Reel has been in use for over one year and no problems. Bass up to 10 lbs. Spinnerbaits, jigs and senkos.
From:Ted: Lake Arrowhead, CA
Comments:I've had the Black Max for less than a year and the level wind system (Worm Gear and Guide)is messed up. I have no receipt (It was a gift) and can't get warranty work done on it. I've never had a bait casting reel of any brand that had the level wind system mess up so fast.
From:Michael: Diberville, MS
Comments:This reel is garbage!!! I purchased two of these reels and they work great for about a month. After that, they started to sound like the gears were grinding and the spool wouldn't take up slack when you hook into a bigger fish! Great reel for a child or someone that fishes once a year!
From:Larry: Myrtle Beach, SC
Comments:This reel is unbelievably bad. When you go to set the hook, it will start to back reel.
From:Rico: Bentwood, CA
Comments:Casts a dream! But, the AR bearing didn't work, so I stripped to check if it was overgreased. The gears were dry, bearings dry, AR bearing over-greased. Cleaned the AR-bearing, oiled & works fine now. I greased the gears, so I hope that adds a couple years of life to the reel. Caution: do not over-loosen your drag for storage, keep some slight tension on it because the drag disks are sloppy and may easily slip over onto the edge of the gear if it's over-loose, and when you next tighten, you could mash your drag disks and ruin them. It does have every feeling & sound of a $50 plastic reel, but as long as it lasts, it ought to be perfect for its' duty.
From: Vancouver Island, BC
Comments:I purchased this reel around Christmas 2 years ago... Of course I fish very often and landed a number of huge bass ranging from under 1 to 12 pounds daily. Within 8 months the gears stripped out and the reel broke... I don't know if it was that the reel
From:Anonymous
Comments:This is an amazing reel at the price. I Recommend this reel to anyone on a budget or not on a budget. No idea how it will hold up over time but initially it was well worth the money, I would pay twice the price for what it has done so far.
From:Mychal: San Diego, CA
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