was on walmart website and came across this.  http://www.walmart.com/ip/Abu-Garcia-Black-Max-Baitcast-Combo/19716434

 

think its worth it?

 

i personaly think its NOT worth it. 

I heard the rod is pretty bad quality but the reel isn't bad. I had one a while back and it was nice for the price. Light, casts far, cheap, looks good (which is a huge plus but not mandatory to me), and it was more reliable than I thought. I wish I still had it but I sent it to my sister when I got a new reel.

Not a fan of combos period. I look at fishing equipment much like buying any other tool. For something I'll use once or twice for a certain project I might grab a Harbor Freight cheapy. If it's something I'll use regularly and want to last for years, I'll research brands & shop for the best price but expect to spend a little money as an investment. In the case of the OP, what you see is what you get.

the reel's good, the rods junk. think about it, its a 50$ reel with a 10$ rod... basically.

_{when i buy reels i try to get rods i like that are in the same price range as the reel or vice versa. but thats just me. I like my set-up's components to be of equal quality.}

If it goes on sale for $60 or less, it's a good deal.  I use mine as a worm rod and I love it.  I've caught a decent number of fish on it, but none over 3 pounds.  I rip the hook set too and the rod's handled great.  The rod isn't the most sensative if that's what you're after, but I still like the power behind it.  The reel is pretty good.  No issues so far.  Drag works good. Reel is smooth. Sometimes Dick's has them on sale. 

I looked seriously at it and its sister the silver max combo when buying a baitcast combo. That said, the rod looks to be terrible quality.

The rod is not a back bone rod at all, but you can catch fish with it and it will work. The reel isn't terrible. I own 2 or 3 and use them mostly as a top water reel. I do have one on a ethos 7' heavy action for deep brush pile jigging. They are dependable enough.

I do not like the Black Max all that much. It just isn't my style.

That said, it is a decent reel and retails by itself at around $50.

Josh

I own this combo with the medium heavy rod. The rod, as I expected, leaves a lot to be desired. Sensitivity is limited and I don't even know if it has any action (probably moderate action). But I've made due with it and caught plenty of fish with it. I can throw a 3/16 oz. weight a decent distance when I practice cast. I've actually beat the rod pretty good and it hasn't had any guide problems or anything. That being said, the black max reel is great for the price but I'd stay away from the rod.

The reel is good for the money for sure, the rod is okay.  If you're new to a baitcaster it's a good setup to learn on.

 

The reel was easy to dial in.

 

And in the case that the person new to bait casting likes it, they can just get a decent rod and use the BM2 on it.

Actually, I have a use for a rod like that.  I wonder what they sell for themselves?

 

Josh

My dad bought the Black Max combo a few months back at walmart.  The rod was different then.  They sold the black max on an abu garcia vengeance 6'9 rod MHF.  It's a nice set-up.  He wound up buying another one. Check the specs of the rod compared to the Vengeance.  If the rod seems heavy or lunky, buy the black max alone, its about $40 from walmart. (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Abu-Garcia-Black-Max-Low-Profile-Baitcast-Reel/20646663)

 

I actually wound up buying a Vengeance M/MF for cranking and put a Black Max on it.  It's a smooth reel and casts a mile.  I'd highly recommend the reel.  But again, I'd look at the specs of the rod and go check it out in the store.

 

- Dale

A few of my friends that I turned to the darkside started with a pro max and vendetta rod. The reeks are still in use but they all experienced breakage issues with the rods. Though Walmart will exchange them with no hassle.

I'd say for someone on a tight budget that doesn't have a BPS, Cabelas, etc. near them who wants to get into bait casting it'd be more than fine. I started with a M/F Ugly Stick & BPS Tourney Special for not much more dough.

My favorite setup is, at the moment, my 7' M/M Abu Veritas & Shimano Core, showing that an inexpensive set can lead to much bigger & better things ...

I regretted buying the black max a long time ago.  The pro max however was not a bad buy. Never had an issue with it and still have it. I can't say anything for the rod

They have the black max on a vengeance rod for 79.99 at my local Dicks. They also come with a 20 dollar mail in rebate. So 60 isn't bad. And that rods a bit better than the black max one.