Once the fall season starts to roll around, Imma buy a new casting setup. Due to bills, etc. I sorta have to buy on a budget. I was thinking of either an Abu black or silver max. Does anyone have any experience with these? If there are better reels around the same price range, please feel free to share.

if you can save a little bit more money, go on ebay and pick up a lews speed spool. you can find them for around $65-75.

 

that is a MUCH better reel that a silver max or black max

Thanks. Ill keep checking on some options.

Or buy a BPS PQ when it is on sale again for 79.99. 

FFO tackle sells the black/silver max for super cheap in their reconditioned reels section if you do not mind a couple scratches. I would not pay the $50-$70 retail for one though. I have used them and they are alright, they are what they are.. a $50 class reel. They are not as smooth as a $150+ class reel but they are not supposed to be. For a general weekend warrior, I think the silver or black max would be just fine. I was playing with one in the store an hour ago, they must have upgraded something because they feel better now than they used to. 

 

Yes, the lews and pro qualifier are both better reels. 

I use nothing but Silver Max's........For my needs, they're as good as anything out there and they're reasonably priced.

I 2nd the ebay suggestion. If you put a little time in, you can find some really great deals. When the Max craps out in 6 months and you have to buy another one, you really haven't saved any money.

Ill probably just try to catch a PQ on sale. I have a pro qualifier spinning reel, and like it. Its comparible to 1 or 2 of my other spinning reels. Thanks for the input and suggestions.

Ill probably just try to catch a PQ on sale. I have a pro qualifier spinning reel, and like it. Its comparible to 1 or 2 of my other spinning reels. Thanks for the input and suggestions.

Good  choice, that many reviews can't be wrong.    Use one for my flipping stick.

I love the new Max reels. The older ones were terrible. I now one 3