It's between a AbuGarcia Black Max and a Shimano Citica 200e. The rod is a st Croix mojo crankster.

You honestly cant compare the two. The citica is twice the reel of the black max, but it also cost twice as much. Its like comparing lemons and oranges. They both are different.

The citica e has an aluminum frame and won't be as stressed as the black max.  Again like its already been said, its like comparing apples to oranges.  Two entirely different animals.

Thanks for the input. I guess I'll just have to try them and see. The aluminum frame sounds like it would be sturdier. But I didn't know if there would truly be that much difference.

I have the Citica G and it is a fine reel.  I can't see where you go wrong with it.  Just curious why the E instead of the G?

I have the Citica G and it is a fine reel.  I can't see where you go wrong with it.  Just curious why the E instead of the G?

Yah. They have the G's on sale at Gander for 99$. Why don't you pick that up instead of the E? It's newer and has better components (HEG frame).

I'm on a bit of a budget and I got the E for 49.99 at Gander. It was a left hand display model they couldn't get rid of.

citica e for 50 bucks is a heck of a deal !

I'm on a bit of a budget and I got the E for 49.99 at Gander. It was a left hand display model they couldn't get rid of.

Wow that's a great deal! Personally I think the e is better than the g..

^same here

Thanks for the input. I guess I'll just have to try them and see. The aluminum frame sounds like it would be sturdier. But I didn't know if there would truly be that much difference.

 

Plastic flex's much easier than aluminum.  Overtime the plastic frame of the Black Max will flex causing the gears to not always be aligned which will cause the gears to wear down faster.  Its the main reason aluminum frame reels are more sought after.  Not saying the Black Max won't do the job; its a good reel that I have used.  In the long run however, the Citica will last longer.  There is a reason why there are a lot of older aluminum frame reels are still in service.  If it was me, I'd use the Citica for your cranking and/or heavy cover situations and use the Black Max for open water techniques such as topwater, football jigs, ect. something that does not put a lot of force on the gears and frame.