Well i said to myself over the winter that i was DONE with spinning reels. Took me long enough to make the change over to a baitcaster but i did. I heard this was a pretty good reel for someone like me who was just starting out with one. Was wondering if anyone has one or used one in the past. How do you like it?

For a reel in this price range the cast control adjustment works fairly well. Some others at this price level have a magnetic control that seems to have no effect on spool speed. The reel is decently smooth in operation. I did split the handle retaining nut on mine and had to order a replacement. 

I have 3 coming in the mail today. They are superb for $50! You wont be disappointed.

I've owned 2. I didn't care for the magnetic brakes. I prefer centrifugal breaks. I sold mine and upgraded. That said, they were good reels for the money.

I enjoy it but enjoy the Silver Max better.  If you have the extra $10 bucks go with Silver.  I own 3.

Go get a H2O Xpress Mettle for the same price you won't be disappointed. 

You can't go wrong with the Black Max 2. I still have mine, and it's still just as smooth as the day I got it. FWIW, it seems the Silver Max has the most issues out of the whole Max line up according to reviews.

I've used my moms a few times just for kicks.  Its a good reel for the beginner or for someone like my mom who does not fish competetively or matted vegetation.  Smooth retrieve, casts well.  I would order a few but I prefer somethin with an aluminum frame.  Not that the composite frame of the Black Max is bad, I just don't trust it for flipping matted vegetation with heavy braid.  That and I already got plenty of backup reels sitting on the shelf.

I think it is a fantastic reel to learn on and to use. I have one on my car rig that goes everywhere. Only other reel I would consider in price range would be the Academy H20 Mettle

 

two different brake systems.

The Abu Garcia Black Max was my first choice for getting a starter baitcaster, but I ended up getting the Lew's Laser MG Speed spool because of the specs. The Black Max does look cool though and for the price of $50 you can't beat anyother reels at that price range  IMO.

One piece of advice when dealing with the MAX reels, is to not believe those that say they don't last, or are junk. They are quality, value priced reels in every sense. I've since upgraded to a Gen 3 S, SX, and STX, but my little Black Max is still kicking and just as smooth as it was when I bought it. I have it stuck back for my 13 year old daughter to use this summer. 

bought a black max a year or so ago.. so it's not the black max 2 i dont believe.. but it's a good reel.. i got the Pro Max combo from Academy Sports last week.. i have yet to use it though.. hoping i get to spool up some fluorocarbon on it later on today and take it out later on this week or this weekend if it's not raining..

How does this compare with the silver Max? Also it says up to 12lb line, can I use 15 without issue?

Also it says up to 12lb line, can I use 15 without issue?

 

Yes.  Line listing on reel & reel boxes are a guide only. Here is a useful link for those wanting to know how much line a reel will take if different diameter than what is listed on the reel or reel box.

 

http://www.thesmartfisherman.com/gpage4.html

 

The article is actually about figuring how much backing to use for a desired amount of braid.  Can also be used to figure out how much line (of any diameter) a reel will take using the amounts given on the reel or reel box by the reel's manufacturer.

How does this compare with the silver Max? Also it says up to 12lb line, can I use 15 without issue?

The only major difference I can tell between the two on paper is the Silver Max has a flipping switch which in my mind is pointless.  Yes you can use heavy line without issue.  All reel manufactures print such and such reel can hold 12lb/150 yards, ect.  Just a baseline.  My mom is currently using 17 and 14lb Suffix on her two Black Max's.