ive never had a baitcaster before. i usually use spinning rods. i tried casting this guy i knows baitcaster and i love it. i love how smooth it is. now i dont have much experience with these so i was thinking of getting the abu garcia black max. just dont know how good the combo actually is. i know it takes time getting used to and i will put up with it but i just wanna know peoples opinions on that setup. thanks

I have this combo along with the silvermax combos and like them a lot. Sure they aren't the best ones on the market but they work well enough for me.

I've had a Black Max reel for a couple of years and it's served me very well. IMHO, the best $50 reel out there.

Tom

My local Walmart carries them now. I liked the looks of the Black Max combo. Couldn't justify buying another outfit tho. Also leery that I wouldn't like it when compared to my other more costly outfits. Of course, the only way to know for sure is to try one. I bought the Tec Spec from Dick's Sporting Goods, and used it once. Not that it isn't a decent rod for the money, but I've got better. Since I don't get out often, I take my better gear with me. Fished several times a week like some of you lucky dogs, I'd experiment more.

I'd also check out the Pflueger Asaro Baitcast Reel. It is a $130 reel closing out for less than $50. Don't personally care for its color, but hey, performance first. Couple threads have listed a link to it.

Here is a link to it.

http://www.academy.c...9033&inv=online

Another possibility is the Mettle and Ethos from the same place. They both get very good reviews.

EDIT: Oops. Currently not available at that site. Check out the price at BPS. Had to add to cart to find out the price, so I didn't check.

the black max is a fine starter reel. Sure there are better values out there but you would not be dissapointed with the performance of this reel. I had mine for 3 years before handing it down to a fellow fisherman. And just as a side note i saw the new blackmax combo at Sportsman warehouse for $69.00 and thats a heck of a deal. DSG also has the black max paired with a vengence rod for $99 so couple of good options for that reel.

I tried one of my buddys black max. Personally i thought it was a peice of junk. Maybe you could find a Citica E series on e bay near ur price range.