ok so i have a abu garcia black max paired with a abu garcia conolon premier 6'6" MH casting rod and it has power pro 65lb on it. i don't know why, but with mono on it, i can't cast a 1/4 ounce weight 10 yards. but now i can cast 1/8 ounce lures 30-40 yards. what is the deal? i originally put the 65lb on it for frog lures but now i don't know. would it be wrong to use this setup for anything i have in my tacklebox? the only other rod/reel i have is a shimano 4000fb spinning reel and i don't much care for it. any opinions? keep in mind im new to baitcasters (they sure are fun, though!)

The softer braid handles better, but if it's that much better the reel may not have been adjusted properly both times. The braid is fine 90% of the time. You can add a leader (look up Albright knot) in super clear water or where abbrasion is a concern (mussel beds etc).

You almost had to change the settings on the reel or you had really heavy mono on that was coming off like a slinky or something. I'd rather use the spinning reel for lighter stuff and the casting rod for heavier baits.

I know, the lightest lures I use on my caster are Senkos, cast those like a dream! Anything smaller like spoons or 1/8 ounce spinners I go with the shimano spinning gear. I also want to ask why my Blackmax outperforms my cousins promax? It casts better, with lighter lures, smoother retrieve. Why is this?

Not sure why they'd be casting much different. It's possible he may not have his reel set properly. A properly set reel will far outperform a reel that isn't set properly.