Has anyone used the Abu Garcia Maxwinch 5.4:1 baitcaster? I found one used for $30 but couldn't really find any info on it. Would it be able to handle the following plugs i have currently? They are:

 

Strikeking 10xd 1.98 oz

Megabass Big M 2-1/8oz

duel Hardcore Bullet crank 7+ 2oz

 Lucky Craft SKT Magnum 110 Mag MR 2oz

Thunderhawk A10 Magnum Squarebill 2oz

Bill Lewis DR24 crankbait 1.6 ozs

6th Sense Unit 3.3 ozs

Drt police 3.1 oz

OSP Blitz Magnum EX DR Crankbait 1.8 ozs 

 

 

 

Spend a little more and get the Seasir Megacuda if you want a cheap deep cranking reel.  They have an aluminum frame, power handle and a cone shaped level wind.  I paid $31 for mine but they run a little over that now.  

That lure might be larger than some of the fish I catch.  

All I can add is I’m a big fan of 5 something gear ratio for cranking. Although I don’t do a lot of the super deep ones. Them things could wear a guy out I bet!

I had one, built on the same architecture as the older Black Max. It worked pretty good the couple of times I used it, but I can’t give you much idea for long term quality, since mine is currently under about 50’ of water. (Along with a BPS Crankin Stick and either a DB3 or DD22). 

That list above can start and end with the 10XD!

 

that bait is unpleasant to fish.   (For me). 
I don’t even consider it from my kayak.   It’s like a 10lb thrust trolling motor pulling me around. 

Max Winch is about $70 sounds like 1/2 price.

Tim

On 7/28/2025 at 12:32 PM, Darth-Baiter said:

That list above can start and end with the 10XD!

 

that bait is unpleasant to fish.   (For me). 
I don’t even consider it from my kayak.   It’s like a 10lb thrust trolling motor pulling me around. 

Have you tried the azuma boss deep diving cranks? There light years better than the 10x. I have a three each in the (25) (22) and (20) verison. They dont pull as hard as a 10xd or tire you out as much. 

On 7/27/2025 at 9:59 AM, Bigbox99 said:

Spend a little more and get the Seasir Megacuda if you want a cheap deep cranking reel.  They have an aluminum frame, power handle and a cone shaped level wind.  I paid $31 for mine but they run a little over that now.  

Have you had any issues with it long term wise? 

I like the Abu Garcia Winch reels in 5.4:1 gear ratio. However, the only experience I have with them are an Orra Winch and a couple Revo Winch reels. I do not have any experience with the Max Winch.

 

Mine are both aluminum framed reels and my concern is how well the graphite frame of the Max would hold up. That said,... For $30, it may be worth a try! I understand that $30 is $30, but it's not a huge gamble and good way to try out a Winch reels.

@LouisianaAngler24  thank you for the suggestion.  I will pick some up for sure.  a deep crank is essential in Mexico.  I hated the 10xd and almost thru a tantrum with myself.  haha..

luckily I tossed out an LV500, worked it deep like a jig hopping off the bottom and killed em as well.

 

thanks for the deep crank option.  

2 hours ago, Darth-Baiter said:

@LouisianaAngler24  thank you for the suggestion.  I will pick some up for sure.  a deep crank is essential in Mexico.  I hated the 10xd and almost thru a tantrum with myself.  haha..

luckily I tossed out an LV500, worked it deep like a jig hopping off the bottom and killed em as well.

 

thanks for the deep crank option.  

No problem, also check out the Dredger 20.5 Crankbait from Berkley if you want something a lot lighter but want that depth as it weights 7/8 oz and runs 20-22.5ft. Ive been using my strikeking red eye shad like that hopping off the bottom in the colder months.

On 7/30/2025 at 6:21 AM, LouisianaAngler24 said:

Have you tried the azuma boss deep diving cranks? There light years better than the 10x. I have a three each in the (25) (22) and (20) verison. They dont pull as hard as a 10xd or tire you out as much. 

Have you had any issues with it long term wise? 

No issues so far.  It's a solid feeling reel when winding in under load.  It's not the smoothest and you feel every tooth on the main gear but it pulls in 25 foot diving cranks and casts them really well.  It's a very free casting magnetic reel.  Loads of power with the long handle and lower gear ratio too.   For under $40 it's great as long as you are looking for a cheap reel or are sufficiently curious.  If you can afford to step up to a Tatula 150/200 it's worth it because those reels are more pleasant to use and can be maintained nearly indefinitely thanks to the abundance of parts and an over 10 year production run.