Black Max Reels 2024

Josh Smith reply :

Hi Folks,

I'm researching the Black Max reels.

I had a Black Max 2. I hated it and traded it to someone on here for a 5000c (which I love!)

Looking around, it looks like there were two other reels of the Black Max name.

One is a round reel, looks like a 3500 or so size..?

The next one, the Black Max "1", appears to be a standard low-profile of the late '90s or so. Some pics I'm seeing say "made in the USA."

Can anyone tell me about these first two reels?

Thanks,

Josh

BobP reply :

I'm no expert but own a round Black Max of 70-80's vintage. Mine is a 3600 model. These are real workhorses, they're tough, and shared most of their design with the high end ProMax 3600 reels of the same era, which had more internal ball bearings. The Black Max casts really well, has a smooth retrieve, instant anti-reverse, and is a great value in the used reel market, usually going for less than $50 in most Ebay auctions. The Black Max had a very durable finish while the ProMax had very chip-prone light gray paint. The standard ratio on both reels was 5.4:1. I never tried any of the low profile Max reels that followed the round Max models but they seem to have gone down in quality and durability when they switched designs.

fisherrw reply :

I wouldn't get a black max. Get a shimano the lowest one.

Josh Smith reply :

On 2/9/2015 at 10:58 AM, fisherrw said:
I wouldn't get a black max. Get a shimano the lowest one.

No, that'd be the Corsair, which is junk (by all accounts). I've been looking at different Shimano reels to pick up, but I'm still doing my research.

I have this thing for Abu Garcia and have a small collection which I fish. I'd like to add something smaller than a 5000 size to my collection and am exploring possibilities. I've never found a reel yet I like so much as a round Abu Garcia.

Regards,

Josh

hoosierhawghunter reply :

Change from Abu to quantum. I did and didn't look back.

SDoolittle reply :

The old, round Black Max was a great reel. I have one that's probably about 20 years old, and it still works great. I can't comment on the low profile version because I've never used one, but I haven't heard many good reviews.

hoosierhawghunter reply :

I have a black max 2 and im waiting to meet someone I don't like and give it to them

BasshunterJGH reply :

They're actually not all that bad. Better than the shimano corsair that's for sure.

Brnnoser6983 reply :

I have gone to only Abu Garcia's. I currently have a Pro, Silver, Cardinal, Ike Dude, and if my taxes come in Tuesday I will be purchasing a Toro Nacl.

I have never been a fan of the large reels, and love my low profile bait casters.

On your question. I think the one was an older version as you said. The black Mac was branded in the Smax 2 and is the "new" profile.

Goose52 reply :

On 2/9/2015 at 12:03 PM, Josh Smith said:
..................... I'd like to add something smaller than a 5000 size to my collection and am exploring possibilities. I've never found a reel yet I like so much as a round Abu Garcia.

You should consider a 1500C or 2500C. They're on eBay all the time. I got this 1500C for $77 shipped (it was a very good deal). It had a period aftermarket handle on it which I "corrected" by putting on a 1st gen Revo S handle.

*Hootie reply :

On 2/9/2015 at 12:13 PM, hoosierhawghunter said:
I have a black max 2 and im waiting to meet someone I don't like and give it to them

Just find someone who don't like you and you'll get rid of it faster...lol.

Hootie

tholmes reply :

The round Black Max was made in two sizes: the 3600 and the 1600. Both are fine reels,smooth, rugged and reliable. They were made in Sweden.

I have one in the 3600 size, along with a ProMax 3600 which is essentially the same reel with a few more bearings. The only gripe I have with these reels is that they are just too small for my hands, especially the thumbar free-spool release.

I also have one of the newer, made in China, low-profile Black Max reels and, while it isn't the quality of the Swedish-made Abu reels, is still a pretty good reel at its price point (~$50).

If you want something a little more compact than the 5000 size reels, look at the 4600 reels. Same diameter as the 5000s but with a narrow spool. They fit my hands perfectly.

Tom

ww2farmer reply :

I'll take all unwanted black max 2 reels ....as long as they are left handed. I have several, and they are decent cheap reels.................but what do I know?? I only fish just about every day from March - Nov. and abuse the crap out of my gear and have yet to break one.

sprint61 reply :

I agree with ww2farmer ill take them if you don't wabt them. There not a bad little reel at all, are they the best? No, but for the price you can find them on eBay for it's crazy not to try them. They may not last over a season if you fish hard but for $30 that's ok.

Josh Smith reply :

The BM2 isn't bad, I agree.

It's just not a reel that works with my style of fishing. I grew up on centrifugal brakes and just can't seem to like magnetic brakes only.

Goose, been considering the 1500 and 2500 sizes, too. I had heard good things about the round Black Max, and thought I might add it to my list of "wants".

Regards,

Josh

roadwarrior reply :

On 2/9/2015 at 9:36 PM, ww2farmer said:
I have several, and they are decent cheap reels.

Why settle for a "decent cheap reel" when you could buy a "gently used" GREAT reel

for about the same price or just a few dollars more? I see Shimano Citica offered quite

often in our Flea Market for $65-$75.

Here is another that lists for about $90 new, but with a little effort might be found on the

internet in the $60 range: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/Pinnacle-Producer-LTE-review.html

Josh Smith reply :

You know, before I go getting too awful excited, this is a pic of my thumb on a modified 5000:

Fat fingers, you know?

Reckon a 1500, 2500, 3500/3600, or even a 4500/4600 would fit me?

Regards,

Josh

ww2farmer reply :

On 2/10/2015 at 1:36 AM, roadwarrior said:

Why settle for a "decent cheap reel" when you could buy a "gently used" GREAT reel

for about the same price or just a few dollars more? I seen Shimano Citica offered quite

often in our Flea Market for $65-$75.

Here is another that Lists for about $90 new, but with a little effort might be found on the

internet in the $60 range: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/Pinnacle-Producer-LTE-review.html

I have my reasons. My results with my choices speak for themselves.

roadwarrior reply :

I would NEVER question your results, they certainly speak for themselves.

You are an accomplished fisherman and respected member here.

Goose52 reply :

On 2/10/2015 at 1:37 AM, Josh Smith said:
Reckon a 1500, 2500, 3500/3600, or even a 4500/4600 would fit me?

Good question!

Some quick measuring with a dial-caliper (and not running the caliper jaws all the way onto the metal to avoid scratching so these dimensions could be off by a bit) show these approximate widths for the spool, and the inside dimension between the frame plates:

5000: Spool - 1.12" / Frame - 1.42"

2500: Spool - 0.91" / Frame - 1.37"

1500: Spool - 0.72" / Frame - 1.19"

Looks like you might be a "2500 kinda guy"...

new2BC4bass reply :

No Black Max low profile, but have 3 of the 1600 round reels. Excellent reel for the money. Don't know how light they will cast, but they handled a small fluke with bare hook very well. Casting into a fairly strong wind was no problem.

wnybassman reply :

On 2/9/2015 at 9:35 PM, tholmes said:
The round Black Max was made in two sizes: the 3600 and the 1600.

They made a 5600 as well. My first few were that size, then I discovered the smaller 3600, then I discovered the even smaller 1600. I still have and use about a dozen of the 1600 round reels. I'd still buy them, but they seemed to have gone from "cheap usable reels" to "expensive collectors item" on Ebay. Reels I could buy for $30 in near new condition have jumped to $70+ in most cases. Very solid reel in its time.

BobP reply :

I bought ProMax 1600's and 3600's on Ebay for $50-80 3-5 years ago and a BM 3600 for $40. Prices do seem to have risen since then. Frankly, I can't tell much performance difference between the BM and the PM 3600. Both are tight, smooth, and strong. The BM looks a lot better than the scarred up PM's I find on Ebay - if that's an issue (not for me).

tater555 reply :

I just got a black max 1600 round reel off fleabay and I love it. I tore it down before I ever casted it and cleaned it, and put in a set of blue brake blocks. That little reel will cast little tiny crankbaits better than any of my other reels! I haven't thrown anything else with it yet but I bet it will be awesome for weightless trick worms and flukes, especially if I could find a higher gear set to speed it up a little

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

The low pro black max the 80s one isnt all that great has plastic side plates and the cast dial is a joke.i have 6 of the round black max reels and they are greta i use then often.i also have the s models and the pro maxs they all went to a 6000 size i only have one that size .You can find them on fleebay bay often .Dont be put off by the cosmetics like was said they really get rashed easy.But they are tanks as is the 1500,2500,4600,.

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

On 2/10/2015 at 10:07 AM, BobP said:
I bought ProMax 1600's and 3600's on Ebay for $50-80 3-5 years ago and a BM 3600 for $40. Prices do seem to have risen since then. Frankly, I can't tell much performance difference between the BM and the PM 3600. Both are tight, smooth, and strong. The BM looks a lot better than the scarred up PM's I find on Ebay - if that's an issue (not for me).

Exactly looks dont matter me either ill buy a beat up, bent handle star drag,no id marks, rashed on any garcia i find

Jsnider88 reply :

I've got a black max 2 and there is absolutely nothing wrong with mine. I love it! I fish it with stren 12 pound mono, and before that I used 14. I only got 12 because academy didn't have anymore 14, but that's besides the point. So many people put that reel down, and it's never done me wrong. I can cast a mile with it. The brakes work good, and the drag works perfect. The only thing about that reel is that it hates braid. That's why I use mono. I also had a pro max, but one of my buddies had always wanted one, and said he'd trade me a shimano caenan for it. So I traded him for it because I figured I'd like to try a shimano. I've got a blue max that works perfect as well. And my grandpa has two silver max reels that he swears by

BobP reply :

If we're talking about great reels, I personally think the Pro Max and Black Max reels qualify. I'm generally a Shimano low profile reel guy. But you can put blue or black brake blocks on a 1600 or 3600 Max reel, loosen the cast control knob until there's a slight bit of side play in the spool, and bomb long casts all day long with minimal thumbing and nary a backlash. Try that with a low profile Shimano! There's just something about the configuration of spool vs line guide vs frame vs centrifugal brakes on a Max reel that makes them real workhorses. And the construction quality on the Max is excellent.

Flukeman reply :

I have several of the 3600's I am going to put back into service. Where are you guys getting your upgrade parts?

Thanks

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

I have a dozen of these 1600s 3600 5600 and one 6600 i love my pro maxes and black maxs and my s .they are very cast freindly and like was said little workhorses

Jolly Green reply :

On 2/10/2015 at 1:37 AM, Josh Smith said:

Fat fingers, you know?

Reckon a 1500, 2500, 3500/3600, or even a 4500/4600 would fit me?

On a 4600 I thumb the left edge of the spool along with the line. I can thumb the line in the middle of the spool on a 5000 but my thumb grabs both sides of a 4600 spool if I try to thumb the middle.

oldschoolbasser reply :

Josh,,he round Black Max's are a good little reel,but I would rather have the 1500-2500C's. They're easier to work on,lots of upgrades available, and a blast to fish with! One of the best finesse reels around.

Josh Smith reply :

I'm looking at the 1500 series. I'd like to try to mate it to a medium-light rod; should be interesting.

Problem is that I keep coming across killer deals on 5000-size Ambassadeurs. I was looking at reels on eBay and that night, I was contacted here by someone with a killer deal on a 5500c3 and another reel.

I simply couldn't pass that up!

So, I'm saving again for a 1500c...

Josh

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

The 5000 size reels are everywhere im a 4600 size guy and all i find and buy are 5000 .they are like a 350 chevy

Flukeman reply :

Can any of you guys tell me what sets the Morrums of the various sizes apart from their basic counterparts? I am tweaking several 3600 Black Maxs and wonder if I am just better off saving for the Morrums instead. Ebay generally produces $40 3600 Black Maxes and the same in a Morrum Goes from $100 to $150 if you search real well. I like tinkering, but it is not hard to drop another $30-$50 on upgrading a basic 3600.

Thanks

oldschoolbasser reply :

Morrums are the Top of The Line round Ambassadeurs! Light,smooth,and a pleasure to fish with! I just picked up the ZPI tuned AE74 UM S2 Limited Edition, can't wait to try it out.

fisherrw reply :

On 2/10/2015 at 1:36 AM, roadwarrior said:

Why settle for a "decent cheap reel" when you could buy a "gently used" GREAT reel

for about the same price or just a few dollars more? I see Shimano Citica offered quite

often in our Flea Market for $65-$75.

Here is another that lists for about $90 new, but with a little effort might be found on the

internet in the $60 range: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/Pinnacle-Producer-LTE-review.html

I TOTALLY agree

fisherrw reply :

On 3/4/2015 at 11:27 AM, Maxximus Redneckus said:
The 5000 size reels are everywhere im a 4600 size guy and all i find and buy are 5000 .they are like a 350 chevy

Did you sell all your reels that you had for sale?

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

On 3/9/2015 at 10:17 AM, fisherrw said:
Did you sell all your reels that you had for sale?

no its was a aprilfools ,,cabin fever butbif u have any 4600s to trade fro some 5500-5600s let me know

Bassakwards reply :

I still have my black max 3600 from 1995 new from Kmart my wife bought me for my 28th birthday and it is still one of my favorite reels !I love the way everything lines up and fits like a vault.when I got my new Revo stx (1st gen) I let my youngest son practice casting with the bm and I was using my new revo and he consistently out casted me by at least 5 yards !

Josh Smith reply :

Holy thread resurrection! ?

Goose52 reply :

On 2/20/2016 at 12:43 AM, Josh Smith said:

Holy thread resurrection! ?

So, it's been a year; how many Black Max round reels, or even better, 1500C / 2500C reels, did you buy?

Josh Smith reply :

On 2/20/2016 at 5:38 AM, Goose52 said:

So, it's been a year; how many Black Max round reels, or even better, 1500C / 2500C reels, did you buy?

None. Got a 4600c3 instead for a song, and it does exactly what I need it to do!

Josh

Goose52 reply :

On 2/20/2016 at 5:41 AM, Josh Smith said:

None. Got a 4600c3 instead for a song, and it does exactly what I need it to do!

Josh

Excellent - especially since that means I haven't been competing with you on eBay auctions for 1500/2500 reels. Less competition is good...

Josh Smith reply :

On 2/20/2016 at 5:47 AM, Goose52 said:

Excellent - especially since that means I haven't been competing with you on eBay auctions for 1500/2500 reels. Less competition is good...

I generally just go for the "buy it now" stuff if I think it's worth it. If I place a bid, it means I can do without it!

Josh

Caliyak reply :

On 2/9/2015 at 12:13 PM, hoosierhawghunter said:

I have a black max 2 and im waiting to meet someone I don't like and give it to them

You hate me a lot.

primetime reply :

I used to work at a fishing shop that would sell alot of refurbished reels and many were Black Max reels and other Abu Garcia and Pfueger Reels for the most part...

I have gone with the Silver Max since they are the same price, and I have been amazed at how much I like them and can't believe how much abuse they can take...I will also say that we rarely had a Black Max come back with issues, they get the job done...It is one of the best reels in the price range for sure....

Some of the best fisherman I have been paired up with or Met, have fished inexpensive gear, they didn't know much about what reels were new or popular, but they could flat out catch fish....Best guy I fished with had Shakespeare Baitcasters and used Triple Fish Silicone Line and he was a Winner.....Its not the gear you fish, it is how you fish it....If you take care of your stuff, you can make a reel last a long time. I still have a Pinnacle Inertia that is 10 years old and a few Gander Mountain Cheap Reals that work fine and I am rough on my tackle. I do own high end reels, but I often reach for the Silver Max, and lately a Daiwa Laguna I found for $30....

Raul reply :

On 2/9/2015 at 5:04 AM, Josh Smith said:

Hi Folks,

I'm researching the Black Max reels.

I had a Black Max 2. I hated it and traded it to someone on here for a 5000c (which I love!)

Looking around, it looks like there were two other reels of the Black Max name.

One is a round reel, looks like a 3500 or so size..?

The next one, the Black Max "1", appears to be a standard low-profile of the late '90s or so. Some pics I'm seeing say "made in the USA."

Can anyone tell me about these first two reels?

Thanks,

Josh

I used to own a low profile Black Max 2 from the 90´s which I got by mistake, I ordered a BM and goy a BM2, it was the larger version of the Black Max. It´s a good reel that has lasted me a lot until I gave it to my compadre ( my SIL´s husband which is my fishing partner ) when he started with the idea of fishing with a BC reel, he has it and works perfectly, it has the flipping switch in the rear part of the thumbar; Identical to this one with a big 2 printed right next to Max.

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