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

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.

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!

D. Archibald : Perfect.

Using this reel for 2-3 pound ocean blue perch. Fun with a really light rod. And ne of the few avail in left handed.

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.

Rhonda : Will recommend

Has held up well for the season

David R. : Easy to cast for a baitcaster

Comfortable and fun to fish with. Super fast retrieve. Haven't had any serious backlashes, and the small ones I have had were my fault.

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!

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.

K. Moore : For the price, I couldn't pass it up. Nice reel!

I bought my first bait caster last year after doing some research, a Abu Garcia Black Max3, so I can only compare it to that. Both are nice reels that won't break the bank. The biggest difference I notice is that the Pro Max's drag and spool adjustment makes a clicking sound whenever you move it to the next position, which is nice to know how much you moving it. It also has a slightly better retrieve rate to be able to pull fish out of cover faster. As far as cosmetics go besides the red/gold color difference, is the Pro Max is a hair bigger and a darker black.

Overall, it really depends on the price they are selling at for which one I choose. I paid less than $10 more for the Pro Max than the Black Max and that is a no brainer. It would be a tough decision at the current sale prices of $32 and $49, but you can't go wrong with either one.

I ran 12 lb Trilene Mono on the Black Max last year and put 30 lb braid on the Pro Max, both work well, it's too ealry to tell if I like the braid better, but I'm leaning that way.

RLFCARS : Light weight sturdy reel.

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

Bruce R. Greuel : Quality

Fun to use

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.

Dawn Perales : Best jig reel

This thing is awesome , it is so smooth and fun to use , the high gear ratio is great for jigs in heavy cover.

Ryan : Smooth and Consistant

I've just learned to baitcast and this was my first reel. This reel is solid! It's really quiet when you cast, it doesn't take forever to setup a new bait and it is by far my favorite reel. I have a couple others and I have never bird nested this reel. This one isn't going to break the bank and is worth the money!

Lovan : Like it

It feels heavy duty and light weight. The rotating is so smooth. Like it better than other one I have.

Pax Jasper : Anyone can learn a bait caster with this reel.

I purchased this for an inshore reel to fish in Northern Florida. I really prefer bait casters and wanted one that I could use to teach my wife and sons how to cast them.

This reel has been around and has strong following so I was expecting to get a great reel - and so far it is.

I bought a leftie - even though I'm right handed. I just find it faster to cast and retrieve without switching hands. My big surf casting reels are right handed but in small reels this feels more natural.

SHIPPING: Arrived quickly with no issues. Abu box with spec sheet. Neither tools nor oil.

LINE SPOOLING AND LAY: I put electrical tape on the spool to prevent braid spin. It was easy to spool and the line lay was nice an even. The leveler mechanism is very smooth. I used 40 lb braid - because it's what I had - but I recommend something lighter because I really think it affects my casting distance.

CASTING: Casts great. Really, really, great. I broke it in with a 1/3 Senko worm, no weight, on a day with a little wind. The adjustable magnetic casting brake is indexed (clicker) really easy to use. Start at maximum and keep it dropping down the magnetic force until you backlash, then back it up. I also use the mechanical spool brake to dial in exactly where I want it. Both the spool brake and the drag star are indexed as well (this is HUGE and the main reason i picked this one over the Black Max). I've been casting for years so I'm not a good test, but my wife and 13 year old son, neither of whom had ever used a bait caster, were casting within 5 minutes - backlash free. Obviously the magnets steal some distance, but as you learn, you back it off. Thumb bar release is very smooth and easy to engage.

RETRIEVE: I wanted a reel fast enough to throw spoons for Spanish Mackerel - and I got one. Very fast and very smooth. I don't count bearings - many inferior reels have a high bearing counts, but this one just feels great.

DRAG: Feels smooth with no hitching or jump starts but I've only pulled it by hand because I haven't caught a decent fish on it yet. As previously mentioned, the drag is indexed. I love this feature because it keeps your drag from getting accidentally bumped, or, if it does, you're more likely to notice it.

Jonathan aviles : I love this reel i highly recommended i made my own ...

I love this reel i highly recommended i made my own combo with a Shakespeare 7.0 medium heavy action one piece rod for top water fishing with Power Pro 65 pounds braid

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.

Ken123 : Good quality

Good Quality , precise adjustments , can adjust for no thumb required casting .

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.

Justin Bormann : Save your money and buy this

Great reel. Can’t beat the price for such a high quality reel

Brandon T. : I flippin love this reel

I got this reel for Father's Day. I was afraid because it was my first bait caster that I would struggle with something labeled pro so i bought a cheaper more entry level reel as well. I paired this with a 7ft 4in heavy rod with the anticipation it would be a flippin' stick for bass in hard to reach places. After using this and the cheaper reel I got, the performance is night and day. I frickin' love this reel. It is so smooth. Once you dial it in and figure it out, it is almost impossible to bird nest. I was afraid letting off the brakes or loosening the line would make it very hard to control it. Nope! This reel responds immaculately and will definitely be used for more than just a flippin' stick in the foreseeable future or I may just buy another one.

corey : Good reel

Easy to use, tough, and it looks good what else could you ask for.

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

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.

Christine Rappolt-Wadleigh : great

nice reel

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.

Ronald Thomas : Good reel but it will take some getting used to it

I like the product but it took a few times to get the drag right with the lure I was using

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

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.

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.

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

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!

Ryan : Smooth and Consistant

RLFCARS : Light weight sturdy reel.

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

LTD : Older model arrived broken

Arrived broken. It rattles. Just FYI, I ordered the "old" model because the newer one wasn't available.

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.

Kathleen Dover : love it

love it

RLFCARS : Light weight sturdy reel.

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

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.

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

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.

Erin9278 : Buy it

Bought this for my boyfriend cause he was in a financial situation where he pawned his abu garcia reels a few months ago, well I replaced them and he's so glad now he's got another amazing abu garcia reel. Great reel. Great price. Great products.

Justin Bormann : Save your money and buy this

Great reel. Can’t beat the price for such a high quality reel

Gregory Stephens : Smooth as silk

There is absolutely nothing not to like about this reel. While not the lowest profile in my collection it is plenty comfortable. It casts as good as my Casitas with no tendency to backlash whatsoever. I bought this for my wife to learn on but I can certainly see one of these in my future. The crank and drag star are nicely bent making it easy to retrieve. The gold accents along with the gloss black side plates and matt black frame make it easy to look at as well. All in all a a 10 out of 10 for a reel this at this price point.

MarkF88 : Great budget reel

This is a very good reel for the money. This is a good entry level bait casting reel if you are new to this type of reel. I use this reel for Bass, it has preformed well paired with both a medium and medium heavy action rod, easily handles the bass I catch out of the lake I live on (have caught 3-6 pounds on this reel). The reel casts very smooth and if tuned right will have next to no back lash.

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.

Rusty Pettitt : Item as described

Item as described

Todd Gately : Abu Garcia gets slept on

Hard to find left hand reels so had to buy it when I saw it. Always been a fan of abu Garcia’s and own quite a few of them and best value for a bait caster. Throw a couple spool hi speed bearings in it and it runs as good as the expensive ones

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.

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you