The Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Reel is a baitcasting reel that offers an ultra-low-profile design for better casting distance. The reel is lightweight and easy to use, with a solid graphite frame that makes it durable as well.
Abu Garcia’s patented power disc drag system provides smooth operation while minimizing inertia. It boasts a cast control system to increase casting distance and excellent ergonomics for comfort.
Here’s more about why you should consider this reel for your next adventure.
Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Reel
Reel Specifications
- 4+1 bearings
- 7.9 ounces
- Graphite side plates
- Right and left hand retrieve available
- 6.4:1 gear ratio
- 18lbs. max drag
- Mono spool capacity 12lbs./145yds
- 30lbs./130yds braid spool capacity
- Power disc drag system
- Duragear brass gear
- Single piece graphite frame
Low Profile Design
The Abu Garcia Black Max has a low-profile design that’s perfect for casting. Abu Garcia designed this reel with a lightweight graphite frame and low-profile side plates, which ensures the weight is distributed evenly to provide excellent balance on your rod.
The result? You can cast further distances without any arm fatigue or struggling to control the line tightly as you release it from your hand.
Powerful Drag System
Not so common, but the power disc drag system is designed to give you maximum power in a lightweight package. Abu Garcia knew that anglers would need the drag system to be powerful, but didn’t want it to weigh down their gear or take up too much space on your rod.
The Black Max Reel has a graphite disc that’s protected by silicon seals which allow for quiet operation.
Reliable Duragear Brass Gear
You will love how Abu Garcia’s Duragear brass gear is strong. This prolongs the life of your gear and reel in general. The manufacturer doesn’t ever sacrifice their quality for cost, and this is one of the reasons why they make such a durable reel.
What is Abu Garcia Black Max Gear Ratio?
These reels have a gear ratio of 6.4:1. This gear ratio is within the common range. You can catch large fish while still being able to control the reel. Anglers enjoy low-profile casting in different situations.
The Abu Garcia Black Max reels have a reliable drag. This, coupled with the graphite disc and seal, makes the reel quiet to use. You won’t be worried about your line breaking or other problems because of this feature.
Durable Machined Aluminum Spool
The manufacture went out and beyond to design a durable machined aluminum spool. This is a high-quality reel that will make your fishing experience worthwhile. Abu Garcia Black Max reels have nylon gears for reliability and accessibility.
Machining the spool makes it extremely lightweight and great for distance casting. Abu Garcia reels have a reasonable-sized spool that can hold more lines than other comparable models.
Innovative Line Management System
This feature makes it easier for you to change lines and put away your reel when not in use without any hassle from the drag system or parts sticking out, which could snag on things nearby.
The line capacity is at about 30lbs at 130 yards and the reel comes in both the right- and left-hand retrieve.
How much Line Does Abu Garcia Black Max Hold?
The reel holds about 145 yards at 12lbs for monofilament lines and 130 yards at 30lbs for braided lines.
What are the Best Lines for Abu Garcia Black Max?
Braided and monofilament lines work well with this reel. Remember to stick within the right maximum holding capacities. The brands will depend on your preference. But I have listed some below that have proven to work exceptionally.
Ergonomic Handle
Abu designs a compact handle assuming a bent position. This together with the star inclusion make it comfortable to hold for long periods. You will love its ergonomics if you aren’t a fan of fishing in gloves.
The Reel’s Applications
This has proven to be an awesome piece for bass fishing. But it’s also been utilized in freshwater fishing for walleye and other large saltwater fish. For the level of skill, this is a great one for novices and amateurs who are looking for a light and more durable reel.
Some pro fishermen carry it as a backup reel when they are on a professional fishing tour.
It is an entry-level reel if I can describe it in terms of affordability. It is cheap and a good idea for someone who wants to have an Abu and doesn’t want to spend too much money on it. If you are looking for great value, this one’s perfect!
Pros : What I like about this Reel
- Highly affordable
- Awesome for bass fishing
- A great one for some light saltwater adventures
- Powerful drag system
- Functional braking system
- Smooth operating spool
- Great ergonomics
- Available in left- and right-hand retrieve
Cons : The Downsides
- The limited warranty didn’t sit well with me. I wished there would have been a better offering for this.
Best Rods for Abu Garcia Black Max
Depending on the type of fishing you want to do, there are many rods available. A medium, Medium-light, or Medium-heavy rod might be perfect for your needs depending on preference and what kind of fish you’re looking to catch. There’s a lot of debate about which one is best. Some people say that you need the right rod in order for your cast to come off with maximum power and accuracy; others argue it doesn’t matter as long as the line goes into an area where fish live.”
Best Line for Abu Garcia Black Max
Different lines have different purposes to serve. If you are a beginner, mono may be your choice. For heavy lure casting, braid is the go-to line for many fishermen and women alike. And if you want to use a more sensitive and almost invisible line? Fluorocarbon has got that one covered!
Best Bait/ Lure for Abu Garcia Black Max
- Poppers
- Football Jigs
- spinnerbaits
- Senkos
- Texas rigs
- Top waters
- Buzz baits
- Spoons
What are the best alternatives to Abu Garcia Black Max?
Abu Garcia Black max is one of the most popular low-profile reels in the market. The other great Abu Garcia Max series are Pro Max and Silver Max, which both have their own unique features that appeal to different fishing enthusiasts. Want to know more about what each reel has? Check out our content on “Abu Garcia BlackMax vs ProMax VS Silvermax” for a comparison between these three models. If you prefer another model with similar qualities, then take a look at Revo SX or American Hero from Lews Fishing, they’re perfect for your needs too. You may also take the following great reels from the different companies into consideration.
- Daiwa Tatula CT Baitcast Reel
- KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Reel
- Pflueger President XT Low Profile Reel
- Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Abu Garcia Black Max a Good Reel?
Yes, this is a good reel. The Abu Garcia Black Max Reel is a powerful and smooth reel that offers great ergonomics. The Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Reel features a functional braking system for those much-needed moments to stop the fish in its tracks. I was really happy with how well it worked when fishing, especially when pulling some of my larger catches out of the water.
Is The Abu Garcia Black Max A Saltwater Reel?
Not exactly. It is mostly a freshwater reel. But, can be used for light saltwater applications. Remember to clean it well after exposure to saltwater.
Is The Abu Garcia Black Max Good For Catfishing?
Yes, Abu Garcia Black Max is a good entry-level reel for catfishing. Especially, if you are targeting smaller channel catfish.
Is Abu Garcia Black Max For Salmon?
Yes, this reel will be great for all salmon species from king to sockeye. It has also worked well for pike.
What Is The Difference Between Abu Garcia Black Max And Max X?
The main difference is that the Black Max is a baitcasting reel while the Max X is a spinning reel. Another difference comes in the bearing system where the former has a 4+1 while the latter has a 3+1 system.
Final Verdict : Is Abu Garcia Black Worth It?
What’s not to love about the Abu Garcia Black Max Reel? It has a graphite frame, aluminum spool, and stainless-steel ball bearings. The drag system is silky smooth so you can reel in your catch with ease.
And it’s got an easy-to-use mechanism that most fishermen love. If none of this makes sense to you (which would be understandable), we’ve provided some options you can assess and try out. But if any of these features sound appealing, then go ahead and get one today before they’re all gone!
