I got the Lew's Team Pro Speed Spool Casting Reel when it went on sale for $100 off at TW, because the new magnesium one is coming out. Anyway, it's been Lew's top of the line, it's only $199.87, it weighs a mere 6.1 oz, comes in 6.4:1 and 7.1:1, and it's a gorgeous masculine looking reel that adjusts nicely, casts far, and is smooth as silk. So far it's been durable, quiet, rigid, and it's a pleasure to muscle in those bigguns with.  And it feels nice in your palm. Mine is spooled with 20 lb. Seaguar Tatsu fluoro. Bird's nests are rare once you got it adjusted right. I think ya can't go wrong!

Get the cheapest one with the ACB system (the external adjustable centrifugal brakes)

I have one of the new tournament pros in the 8:1 ratio and it's an awesome reel and casts a mile but I just can't seem to put down my Abu's.

American legacy fishing did have all their Lew's on sale. Could get a a higher tier reel for the cost of the MSRP of the tier below it

 

they have BB1 Pro left hand 7.1:1 high speed ratio reel for around $161 shipped.

 

http://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/lew-s-bb1-pro-speed-spool-casting-reels.html

Lews Laser MG reel is only $80 and twice as nice as your Abu Garcia Black Max. I've owned mine for over 3 years and it's a workhorse of a reel. I have used it for all kinds of techniques before I bought 3 more Lews baitcasters. Also for $100 the Lews Speed Spool will be the closest thing to the BB1 your buddy was using while still being in your price range.

All my reels are Lews  on GLoomis rods I have the tournament pro ,the bb1 pro, Team lews lite  and the LFS  all are great reels

Tournament MB will be a great introduction to the Lews products. I use one for pitching. I am a huge Bb1 Pro fan. I own 3 now and will probably add another and a Tournament Pro G in the offseason.

Yes, I have the SS Tournament Lite with the ACB controls.  AWESOME controls, totally external and exact.  Much better then the Curado 200E 6-pin centrifugal braking system as a point of reference.  

WdyCrankbait, did you not have any luck selling that reel?  Eventually I will get that model.  

Nope, I still have it.  

3 hours ago, WdyCrankbait said:

Yes, I have the SS Tournament Lite with the ACB controls.  AWESOME controls, totally external and exact.  Much better then the Curado 200E 6-pin centrifugal braking system as a point of reference.  

i also have a Tournament Lite , very lite and strong , and yes , the ACB braking system works flawlessly !!! gonna get another one soon !!!