There is a BlackMax combo at one of my walmarts that is $50. The other walmart has them for $75.

 

The $50 though is missing the spool tension knob. If I purchase it, will Abu send me a knob? And if not, what's a knob going to cost me?

More than likely no, they won't send you a knob. Unless you are really nice and really lucky and stay on the phone for hours on end trying to find the right person to be nice to.

 

Otherwise I just checked the common online source and found several in the $12 to $15 range. Black and red ones. Maybe even some silver ones.

Is that why it’s discontinued?

 

Or did someone mess with it and took it off by accident or maybe even on purpose? And Wal-Mart doesn’t even know about it?

 

I’m not exactly sure what model you are looking at but check out Abu’s website. 

There appears to be Black Max combos for $70 with free shipping. There are also Max combos for $55 that would also qualify for free shipping.

 

https://www.abugarcia.com/collections/max-collection/products/max-x-black-baitcast-combo?_pos=12&_fid=0e70ead54&_ss=c

Someone stole the knob. It appears walmart is raising the price on it.

I don’t know what it is about spool tension knobs and retail stores. Go in Bass Pro or Sportsman’s Warehouse and at least half of the baitcast combos will be missing it. 
 

That said, if the knob is missing the shims are probably missing as well. You won’t be saving any money by the time you get the parts replaced.

Amazon also has a huge selection. Pre-tarriff you could get these for $5-$6. Not anymore...

Walmart can’t knowingly sell defective merchandise! Talk to a manager they need to replace the reel and sell at advertised price.

Tom

 

Yeah I see a bunch on the racks with handles and knobs missing. Never bought one though. 

I contacted Abu Garcia, telling them of this query, and they responded in the affirmative, that if I purchased it, they would send the needed parts.