Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Abu Garcia
Material	Aluminum
Color	Multi
Item Weight	209 Grams
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

7 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
Machined double annodized aluminum spool
Power Disk drag system
Duragear brass gear
MagTrax brake system
Compact bent handle and star
Recessed reel foot

product description

Experience better-than-ever Abu Garcia engineering with MAXimum performance with the Abu Garcia Max Pro baitcast reels. These reels feature custom designed, co-molded handle knobs for increased comfort, a 7+1 bearing system for ultimate smoothness, and Duragear™ Brass gear for durability.

product details

Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.5 x 6.25 x 3 inches; 7.37 Ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ MAX4PRO-L
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ February 17, 2021
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Pure Fishing
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08X1GMSJJ

important information

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Questions about Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

What is to gear is this 6 or 7

Answer: It's 7.1:1

I hold the rod with my left hand and reel with my right hand what should I get cause the box and clam I was told to get right hand but clam or box?

Answer: Right hand, meaning the cranking side on the right. as for box or clam, the difference is the packaging, box seems to be better for storage

Answer: I'm the same as you, I hold the rod with my left and reel w/ my right but only when using a baitcaster! Standard spinning rod, I hold it with my right and reel with the left. That being said, the right hand one will feel more natural. Just remember that if you throw with your right, you will have to switch hands after you cast in order to reel.

Answer: Dear Customer ,

Answer: You need a right handed reel

Is it right hand ?

Answer: The model with the l at the end looks like it is a lefthand retrieve

Answer: Yes

Whats is the diference between the max3 and max3-c? Capacity?

Answer: C stands for card. It comes not in a box but plastic covered card.

what is the different between pmax3 and pmax3-c?Thanks

Answer: The recovery is different with these two reels. pmax3 has a 29in recovery where a pmax3-c has a 8.3in recovery

Answer: Nothing just the packaging the pmax3 is a box and the c is in a shell like at Walmart where you can spin the handle

Answer: Clama shell

shipping weight?

Answer: irrelevelant question

Will it fit on an ugly stick?

Answer: That depends; how ugly is it? This reel is a thing of beauty and it might pull itself off of a rod that is too ugly and jump in the water. Otherwise it will fit on any standard baitcasting-style rod. These are the only reels I use and I have them on rods from 8' down to one on an ice fishing jigging rod.

Answer: Yes. I use it on an ugly stick.

Answer: I do not have one so I could not say for sure, but if your rod has a similar handle connection as most rods then yes.

Answer: Yes. Just make sure it is a baitcasting rod and not a spinning rod.

Answer: Of course!

is made on Sweden or china?

Answer: It's made in China.

Tienen para surdos

Answer: I believe when you order, you can make that choice. It is an awesome reel.

Reviews and product info

Answer: Yes

Whats the compassity of the line

Answer: It all depends on the line you chose. Read the product spcs on the Abu Garcia site.

Answer: I have 150 yards of 65# power pro braid for frog fishing in the pads and grass.

Why does the left hand cost more?

Answer: Fewer made. Profit levels go down

where is garica mitchell made?

Answer: Abu Garcia & Mitchell are two totally different fishing equipment companies

Answer: Garcia & Mitchell are two totally different fishing equipment companies

Answer: Made in China

What is the knob on the left side for?

Answer: Knob with five points is the drag.

Answer: That is to adjust your brakes. If the line is coming off the spool in the middle of the cast,, put it on a higher number or use your thumb more. The lower it is, the farther you will be able to cast. Advanced users set it very low and just keep their thumb lightly over the spool as their casting and if they feel the line start to rise up off the spool they put some thumb pressure on it. Start on a higher setting and keep adjusting until you got it to where you like it. I usually have it on 4 or 5. Check out some youtube videos for visual explanations.

Answer: It is "cast control" the higher th number (setting) the more the magnets set in the cover have on the reel spool, It helps prevent back lash (professional overrun), the more experience you have using your reel the lower you can set it an have great casting (fishing) with you reel. Mine has proven to be an extremely smooth and reliable fishing instrument. Ken Gainer

Answer: How loose or tight you want the line to be.

Answer: This is your brake adjustment dial for your spool.

Answer: It’s a brake adjustment

Pmax3-l is left side crank handle correct?

Answer: Yes, it is. The last letter "L" at the end indicates left side crank.

Answer: Pretty sure that is correct!

Does it have a flipping switch.

Answer: It does not have a flipping switch.

Answer: No

Why is the price of this real so high? You can buy it from Abu for $85

Answer: You get what you pay for, buy what you are comfortable spending. I’ve got Abu Garcia reels I’ve have for at least 30 years. They are all good, some have different features. (Gear ratio, different drag systems, etc.)

What weight can it pull in.

Answer: Depends on the strength of your line. I have 30lb test on mine. I would imagine you could pull a pretty large fish. As far as the gears, they are very smooth on a 12 lb fish.

Answer: Depends on the weight of yor line. This will land most inland fish.

Answer: I've used mine for cobia and small grouper inshore

Could you put 50lb braid on this reel?

Answer: Yes I use 65lb power pro

How many pohnds of drag does ig have and how much 25 lbs. Braid will it hold?

Answer: Depent de line. 12 lb 145 yrds; 32 mm 135 m

How many yards of 15 pound line can I put on it

Answer: 100-110 yrds

Is the “L” version the left hand reel configuration?

Answer: Yes. L is a left-handed handle config.

What's the difference between pmax3 and pmax3-c

Answer: Pmax3-c ships in the clamshell, pmax3 ships in a box. I actually prefer my reels to ship in boxes. The reels are packaged very well with plenty of foam inserts.

Answer: I think it’s that it is packaged in a clam shell instead of a box. I found no other difference. The only downside is the handle is exposed so who knows many times it’s been turned. Mine didn’t seem to have any problems and if you are going to be cleaning and oiling your reels annually it shouldn’t matter. It’s a great reel. Definite upgrade from the black max.

difference between box and clam?

Answer: Dear Customer , product is same difference is only for store .

Answer: Package only, we have them in boxes

Is this reel anti backlash

Answer: No everyone gets backlash every now and then even pros. Keep practicing and they will become less frequent

is it good for saltwater? or any suggestion for one with the same price?

Answer: This is not a saltwater reel, Abu makes an excellent inshore casting reel for the same price.

Answer: My local expert says it is good for deep saltwater where you can just drop it in but in an environment where casting is required, eg freshwater rivers and streams, some prior practice is needed. I have not yet had a chance to do either although I have charged it with braided line.

is there a rod/reel combo?

Answer: There is a combo however you would be better off buying the reel and rod separate so you can pick your length, action and tip of your rod rather than a stock rod.

Why is the left handed retrieve version $20 more the right handed version? Doesn’t seem fair. ????

Answer: Certainly, I felt that too, and asked the same question, "The left-handed population is smaller than the right-handed population, and the cost is too high to produce because the demand is less." . ww

Answer: Which side you retrieve from is a choice so I guess you have to pay a little more for that option. This is a great reel and for me it is worht a couple of bucks more to have a reel that I can use left handed. BTW I am right handed so no discrimination here.

any one know if there is actually a promax3 and if there is whats the dif. with just a promax, no one seems clear or understands the ??

Answer: I don’t know if there is a 3. The promax is a great reel for the ave guy fishing bass pike walleye or fish that size. That said this model is a plastic gear. If you want metal gears step up to revo series. Last reel you will ever buy

Answer: I don't know the difference but this is my second favorite reel behind my revo model. For the price I love it and would buy another one. I have caught a lot of bass on it and use it several days each week.

Answer: The number next to Pro Max is the generation. The original model was Pro Max, then came Pro Max 2, and now generation 3 with the Pro Max 3. Each model is an updated version of the previous

What’s the line capacity?

Máxima line size?

Answer: Recommend maximum is 12 lb. I usually tie a 2 foot 17 lb shock leader on the end. I think you should just try the recommended size and see how you like it. Too much and it's going to affect the cast. It's all a personal preference. I will tell you this, it's the finest little reel in my arsenal. Good luck!!

Answer: I use 12 works great

You have an option of pmax3-c. what does the c means?

Answer: C normally means clam shell packaging.

Answer: The PMAX-3 C wasn't available when I'd purchased my reel. My guess from looking at the price is marked down item either cosmetically like scruff marks on the new reel that came in a damaged box or no box at all.

Answer: I believe that is simply the packaging. C = Clam shell plastic instead of a box

Answer: i have no idea

Does it have a Line counter?

Answer: No. It is a casting rod, as in bass or redfish, not a troller reel.

Answer: No

Answer: No.

Answer: No

What's rhe difference between the max3 and the maxC?

Answer: Same reel, different packaging, choose the cheapest.

what is the diferance between pmax and pmax-c ?

Answer: Just the packaging it comes in, it's the same reel.

Why doesn't anyone, including Abu Garcia, sell replacement parts for this reel? Is it just listed under a different model number/name?

Answer: The reels I have came with a sheet with an exploded view of the reels with numbered parts and corresponding part numbers and ordering info.

Hola tienen de este modelo para diestros?

Answer: Si

What's the difference between pmax3 and pmax3-c

Answer: Pmax3-c ships in the clamshell, pmax3 ships in a box. I actually prefer my reels to ship in boxes. The reels are packaged very well with plenty of foam inserts.

What lb drag ?

Answer: 18

Is this dual braking or just magnetic

Answer: magnetic only.

Will this work for everyone ?

Answer: Like any baitcaster there is a learning curve on getting it set up right and casting it. There will be a few rats nests along the way. For that reason I wouldn't recommend it for real young kids. For older kids and adults, they should be able to pick up on it after a little use.

Answer: If you have ever cast a bait cast reel this one is small, light weight and fairly easy to learn how to control.I am a woman but it's not too big for my hands.I have used bait cast reels for years and I really like this one.With a little patience just about anyone can learn how to cast with it

how can i order the pro max low proflel left handed because theres no box to check off for the left hand

Answer: Don't know, both we available when I ordered mine.

can i use this with the heavy abu garcia vendetta spin casting rod

Answer: I suppose you could do that with no problems

Is this reel good for salt water Fishing

Answer: I would say it depends on how big of fish you are after. This reel is primarily for fresh water fishing.

Answer: Any reel can handle salt water. How long it lasts, depends if you know how to disassemble the Baitcaster and thoroughly clean and oil and grease it regularly

Answer: I personally have used it for salt brackish and fresh. No problems so far. FYI I purchased it for primarily salt water

How much 80lb Power Pro can this reel hold?

Answer: Not a whole lot. I think I fit about 100 yds of 30# braid on mine.

What is the pmax-c ?

Answer: stands for Pro Max

Whats the biggest mm of florocarbon i can put on this reel? Currently have many dozens of yards of thin 50lb braided line & i need a lead for the hook

Answer: 18 Pounds max is what's indicated for the reel. If you're using 50lb braid it's most likely as thin or thinner than the 18lb fluorocarbon. If you're referring to If the reel can handle fish up to 50lbs, that I can't answer...

Answer: I use 65 pound power pro on my top water rod. It will hold about 100-110 yards.

What type line do you recommend?

Answer: That guy who said no more then 40 pound braided is a liar, I have many dozens of yards of 50lb braided line, but I would say make a leader for your hook out of florocarbon, fish are appearently able to see the braided line in the water but they can't see clear florocarbon and florocarbon also makes lures and baits move more naturally and have give so when you yank that fish it won't just rip a chunk out his jaw and leave you with nothing on the hook, that stretch that florocarbon has is very very useful and pretty much a necessity unless you're fishing for massive aggressive fish.

Answer: I would put some Power Pro slick 40 lb braid on it I put Daiwa J braid on mine I put mono or fluoro I've had everything I might up to 65 lb braid

Answer: I personally use kastking 15lb mono and it never let's me down

Answer: Braid no larger than 40 pounds

What model is for right hand?

Answer: The same - order right or left retrieve.

How do I know when it is left or right I need to buy one with the handle on the left so I can throw it with my right hand help.pleasw

Answer: You need left hand reel

Product reviews of Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

Daniel Lilly : Best Bet

Awesome baitcaster for beginner or seasoned pro. I’ve been using it for a few months now and have zero complaints.

Jose L. : Best mid to high end reel

I have 2 pretty crappy baitcasters that still do the work, but this one is very smooth and made of good quality material. Would not compare to high end reels but this is perfect for anyone looking to minimize backlash and effectiveness. It made fishing much more fun and effective caught 3 bass and lost 3 while pitching all day. Super fun and smooth.

KENNETH GAINER : half right

Overall quality is great as expected from abu garcia. However I ordered left hand retrieve reels, and received one left hand retrieve, and one right hand retrieve reel. Both reels were in boxes showing left hand retrieve. so the order was half right any way you look at it.

Amazon Customer : Rápida la entrega

Excelente carrete

Chris M : Smooth and Easy to Set Up

This is a great reel for baitcasting. You can set it up really easy to help minimize bird's nests when casting a heavy lure.

Junior Samples : Good Brand. Learning Curve

Still learning to use it with a nice casting rod. Not sure if it’s inexperience or the reel is clunky. Once I perfect the art, I’ll add stars.

James R. Heck : casts easily and looks great

Operates smoothly, casts easily and looks great. It is everything I had hoped. I loaded it with 10 lb fluorocarbon line and it is a joy to use.

EIJack : Amazon came thru for me????

Great reel for the money.
Had to have one on Aug 3rd for grandsons birthday.
No one had any. Amazon came through somehow and had me one here on Aug 2nd.
Good Product. Good Service.
Thanks Amazon.

Edmundo H Rios : Seller never specified open box product

I am not satisfied with the product, the box was open and destroyed, the product has some scratches, It had no protection at all, apparently someone returned.
Abu Garcia products are excellent but the seller where I made the purchase never specified that the product was used.
The products of Abu García are excellent and deserve five stars but for obtaining an open product I give only one star

Chris Boswell : SmoothBaitCasting reel with clicks that satisfy grandma. Great product, Great Brand, Great fishing!

Smooth Bait Casting reel with micro adjustment clicks that satisfy even grandma. Great product, Great Brand, Great fishing!

Devyn : High drag, long casts, fast retrieve, ultra smooth.

Cast a mile if you are familiar with baitcasters and take the time to adjust it properly. Was looking for a budget baitcaster with high drag. I have always been impressed with Abu Garcia black, silver, and pro Max.

Amazon Customer : Parts problem!

Love the reel but first outing part of the handle come off. Need to address that. Only one outing!!!

Campbell’s : Love this reel

One of my favorite reels to date. Doesn’t have a flipping switch, that’s its only downfall. Smoothest reel I have, with very nicely long casts. Haven’t had a backlash yet.

Bruce R. Greuel : Quality

Fun to use

RS : Works ok, not great

Not as good as expected based on reviews. Not as smooth as other reels in the same price range. Made in China, why don’t they say that in description. Won’t be buying any more of these.

Darrell M. : Great reel for beginner and light wire presentations.

I like the Pro Max series. I use this reel for my light wire applications like spinner baits, top water, etc. Great reel for the beginner and price conscienous. This reel has been used by FLW pros also.

Bruce R. Greuel : Quality

Fun to use

Justin : Great reel for the money!

Got this to setup for a worm rod. Not as smooth as my Revo but very similar at a much cheaper price! I would not hesitate to get it again!

Rich J : Satisfied

Very good reel for the price range. Easy for beginners yet decent for those who have been at it for awhile. Cast great and retrieval is smooth.

jloch76 : Affordable, durable and reliable

I’ve got 6 or 8 of these right now. I’m no professional. I don’t even own a boat. I am at the mercy of my buddies to hit the lakes. That being said I can’t invest hundreds in a rod and reel just to let it set. For novice/part time angler these reels will do the job. If they didn’t I wouldn’t have bought this many.

The Steel Tiger : Abu Garcia Pro Max low profile

Highly recommending this baitcaster! Very easy to use and dial in, drag works well and turns smooth. I have all my baitcasting rods set up with these, DO NOT BUY CHEAP! This is the perfect reel for the price and they’ve lasted me 3 years now, I bass fish at least once per week.
The only drawback is if your a large human with big hands, you may occasionally bust your knuckles on the two reel knobs when setting the hook hard.
If your on a budget or if it’s a little over your budget spend the extra to get this. My whole family uses them, highly recommend!

TJ : Smooth action, built strong, compact, and no birds nest problems

Very smooth action from the spool and the magnetic brake works flawlessly. Built well from graphite, and no problems with birds nests like other brands. Highly recommend

keith : very nice reel for the price

very nice reel for the price. I use this as a spare for the fast retrieval requirements for musky fishing.
I've had no problems all year long, fishing 8-10 hour days. not quite as smooth as my other Abu reels, but extremely good for the price, and used as a secondary.

Adrian Holland : This is an okay reel

This was my first baitcaster but since purchasing this i moved on to SixGill and have to say i am way more impressed with them. This isn't the lightest nor does it cast the smoothest. it gets the job done

Rudy523 : Great reel I have the Revo SX to and with ...

Great reel I have the Revo SX to and with this reel I don't think there feel like there's much difference. I like it so much I bought 3 more.

EIJack : Amazon came thru for me????

Great reel for the money.
Had to have one on Aug 3rd for grandsons birthday.
No one had any. Amazon came through somehow and had me one here on Aug 2nd.
Good Product. Good Service.
Thanks Amazon.

keith : very nice reel for the price

Campbell’s : Love this reel

One of my favorite reels to date. Doesn’t have a flipping switch, that’s its only downfall. Smoothest reel I have, with very nicely long casts. Haven’t had a backlash yet.

Michelle : Tough as nails, adaptable to all skill levels, and performs when you need it most.

Buying a casting reel can be an intimidating process for beginners and veterans alike. Cost, features, longevity, feel, and ease of use are some of the most important factors anglers consider before deciding on a purchase.

I’ve used the Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Reel for a year and honestly, I’m shocked with how it preformed. I picked the reel up when it was $60 - it’s proven me to be a worthy purchase.

WHY YOU’LL LIKE THE REEL

I’m not the easy on my gear. I do a lot of bank fishing so my reels are jostled in and out of my SUV, dropped on the ground, and sometimes they end up in the water. The Pro Max reel has stood the test of time and works just like the day I purchased it, as stated earlier, that was a year ago.

The Pro Max reel weighs in at 7.3 ounces making it easy to fish all day. This is not as light as some of my other reels, however, the low profile design makes it feel smaller than it actually is. The 7+1 stainless steel ball bearing system provides a consistently smooth retrieve. I let my buddy, who was just learning to use casting reels, borrow the reel for a night. He was impressed with how ‘simple’ it was to operate. Despite being a casting reel ‘newbie’, he only had a couple small backlashes. I’ll consider that a victory for the MagTraxTM, externally-adjustable, braking system.

The Pro Max reel does not have an abundance of features. What it lacks in frills it makes up for in reliability. Boasting a stout 18lb max drag – it’s never slipped on any of my hooksets. Though there is a tiny bit of side-to-side play in the handle, the Pro Max has always allowed me to winch fish through the grass and brush. This reel is available in the left or right hand 7.1:1 gear ratio. That speed covers 90% of the applications I fish so I can’t complain.

My Final Thoughts

The Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Reel doesn’t have an array of features. However, this reel provides durability, ease of use, and reliability. I’m confident in saying you can depend on this reel for years. It’s a reel with which a novice angler can become proficient in a short amount of time.

Christopher kensinger : Great value good quality

Great quality reel for light/ medium fishing. Everything is tip top.

RLFCARS : Light weight sturdy reel.

Great reel. Does what is supposed to do. I believe it will last a long time.

The Steel Tiger : Abu Garcia Pro Max low profile

Debra Casey : Best reel ever.

I liked everything about this great and high quality reel.

Al : Trolls good

Worked well but haven't used it for casting yet.

The Steel Tiger : Abu Garcia Pro Max low profile

Brian Smith : I catch lots of bass with it. Works for me!!

This reel works really good. Not a bunch of fancy features, not top of the line Abu Garcia baitcaster reel, but catches fishes every time I use it. Hmmmm, that’s what’s most important.

Rhonda : Will recommend

Has held up well for the season

ALDAD : Don’t buy! Line breaks a lot!

I have had numerous line breakage while using this reel. I have always re-spooled with new line(4 times in 6 months), two different brands of line. I fish about once a week. I have check the guide and fishing pole guides and found no burrs on either. But the line will break in the reel sticking up if I catch it, or it’s bye bye lure on the cast(usually 40-50 feet of line). I have sent the reel back to Abu Garcia. My other reels have no problems with the same fishing line.

Tadd R. Bennett : Nice Reel

I have some more expensive Shimano reels and this one hangs in there with them, especially for the money. Nice reel

SKA : Decent reel. Cheap feel and too much play in the handle.

I've used these reels a few times now and I find them to be thoroughly mediocre. They work. They cast well enough. The braking system is reasonably easy to dial in. I haven't caught anything large enough to really test the drag yet, but it seems decent.

The less good - They are kinda noisy. There is too much play in the handle. It gives them a cheap feel and takes away from the experience. They just don't feel super smooth to reel. I have some concerns about how they will hold up over time, but I have to withhold judgment on that for now.

I got these for $52 and I'd say it's a good, functional reel at that price point. I would not consider paying much more than that.

Brad Hancock : Great value

Very pleased with this real. Perhaps because I have never owned a really expensive baitcaster, but I'm having trouble understanding why I would need to.

Doug Surratt : Great reel for the money.

I have a lot of different reels on my rods.

When I am grabbing ONE to go fish a creek or out of the way area it is the pro max. It is light, small profile, and I can cast very light baits with it.

I have one on a Daiwa Laguna 7’ medium fast rod—cheap sensitive rod—that is my go to setup for river/creek smallmouth.

SKA : Decent reel. Cheap feel and too much play in the handle.

Chais Fuller : Item was used and not NEW! False description!

Product Abu Garcia box was not protecting the reel. The box was damaged. All paperwork inside was not new and was crumbled up and had stains all over them. The reel was definitely used and not NEW as you can see in the pictures I attached. The reel was dirty, smelled like old water, had green spots, and the line feeder still had grass/moss stuck inside as I used a toothpick to get it out and took a picture of it. Overall the reel seems to be in decent condition but DEFINITELY NOT NEW!

Andrew B. : Great baitcaster - start with this and stay with this!

I would recommend this reel to anyone. It is not a top-of-the line reel that a pro would use. But I think it is all the reel most people need. Personally, I would save the money and buy more baits! More below.

I am a bass fishing enthusiast -- I fish every week and more if I can. I use all types of baits from soft plastics to topwaters to jerkbaits and crankbaits. I have fished them all on the PMax. This was my first baitcaster.

I have since purchased and used a more expensive Abu Revo STX reel. The Revo is a higher-end reel that is widely used by experienced bass anglers. The PMAX is the fast gear-ratio model, and most expensive reel in Abu's "standard" or "entry" level Max series. I have looked closely at intermediate-priced reels. In the context of my experience with both reels:

1. Feels very sturdy and well-made. Physically a solid reel. No sign of loosening, grinding, or any other negative attributes after several months of frequent use.
2. Performs suitably for a bass fishing enthusiast, serious enough to fish at least weekly.
3. Was fairly easy to learn on.

To elaborate on points 1 and 2: after comparing with other more expensive reels, this feels every bit as sturdy, and perhaps even more. It casts a 3/8 or 1/2 oz jerkbait or crank a mile smoothly, and cranks smoothly. The drag is smooth, and the star clicks between settings precisely, like it does on a higher-end reel.

I bought this reel not appreciating the importance of the brake and brake adjustment mechanism. If you are a rookie like I was - this is very important! Fortunately, the brake is very easy to adjust with just a turn of the adjustment dial. Not all reels have this type of easy adjustment dial, even some of the higher-end Abu Garcia reels. I found it's really important when you are learning to be able to make adjustments easily and quickly. I would not ever want to use a baitcaster without this feature.

The more expensive reels have some more features. For example, the Revo has a sophisticated two-mechanism braking system that requires you to pop one side off the reel. For a hardcore angler this might be justified. The drags of more expensive reels also have a higher braking capacity than this does. This might come into play if you are catching monster stripers or huge catfish. But the drag is more than adequate for bass fishing. They might be made of more advanced and somewhat lighter materials - but this reel is still very light.

The braking response of the PMax is not so different that it would justify spending much more on a reel. I don't see why a fairly serious freshwater angler for bass, walleye, or other game species less than about 10 lb or so would ever really need a higher-end reel. I can't imagine ever "replacing" this reel and taking this out of my arsenal of gear.

The 7:1 gear ratio picks up slack on topwaters and jerkbaits quickly, but I also fish crankbaits on it without problems.

I was coming from spinning reels, and had never used a baitcaster before this one. I found this reel fairly easy to learn on. My "teacher" has been You-tube videos and trial and error. I found that I backlashed quite a bit in the first week, but after some practice and adjusting the setup a bit, I was doing just fine and within two weeks was consistently casting 3/8 oz and 1/2 oz lures further than I can with any spinning setup. Backlashing was not the reel's fault - it was a matter of learning.

I would not hesitate to buy this reel -- for a beginner looking for more bearings and a higher gear ratio, or for a permanent spot in the toolbox of a serious fishing enthusiast.

steve smith : Great value

You can’t go wrong with this one. I’ve since purchased higher dollar Reels, but every time I go back to the abu, its appreciated. Great reel to have in your arsenal if you run several setups.

Frequent Shopper : Catches Fish

Great reel. Worth it. Catches fish. Not top of the line fancy but very good. I’d recommend it.

urmoney : very sleek and very smooth

If you know how to cast then this is already the perfect reel - but if your learning then this one can make it easier. very impressed with Abu Garcia quality

Debra Casey : Best reel ever.

I liked everything about this great and high quality reel.

Rusty Pettitt : Item as described

Item as described

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