Abu Garcia SMAX3 Silver Max Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

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

product features

5 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
Machined 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 STX baitcast reels. These reels feature custom designed, co-molded handle knobs for increased comfort, a 5+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 ‏ : ‎ MAX4STX-L
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ February 17, 2021
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Pure Fishing
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08X1TTCHC

important information

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Questions about Abu Garcia SMAX3 Silver Max Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

What is the option for right hand ???

Answer: There is definitely an option for a right handed reel. If you are right handed, then get a right handed reel for better control of line and retrieve.

Answer: If you are Right handed use a left handed reel... You will thank me for it later... No deley in reeling once you cast... Think about base ball, if you are right handed you use a mitt that fits on your left hand, throw with yor right and catch with left... There are a lot of people out there that will tell you to get a right handed reel if you are right handed, my option they are dead wrong... Your dominate hand is going to have the dexterity and more control over than the less dominate arm... My two cents on it

Answer: We can get you RH

Answer: They have right hand or left hand reel options. Just choose what you feel comfortable with .

Answer: Anyone with out the letter L

Hay para zurdos?

Answer: Smax3-L es para zurdos.

Answer: sure

Which one is the right handed version?

Answer: When you select, you have to pick right hand

Answer: Look at your reel and point it with line facing out. The crank should be on your right

Answer: SMAX3-1C is the LH version.

Does it come in 5:2:1

Answer: Not the Silver Max.

How much 12 pound line will it hold?

Do reels come with line or is it purchased separately

Answer: It comes separately. I recommend spooling it with fluorocarbon line or monofilament like 12lbs. There are tons of tutorials online if you don’t know how to do so.

Answer: If you are a beginner you might want to use a braided line like Runcl's Power Braid. It doesn't have coil memory so it's easier to use. You have less of a chance of getting a bird's nest on your spool.

Answer: you must purchase you line recommend monofilament or fluro carbine

Answer: No, it does not.

Can this be used in saltwater?

Answer: Yes you can use the reel for saltwater but it's much better for freshwater applications

Is the extra $20 worth buying the silver max over the black max with no rocket clutch?

Answer: I don't know how good the black max is. I have the silver and it is bullet proof.

Answer: I've had both and could not see any difference.

What's the difference between smax3-l-c and smax3-l?

Answer: Smax3-l-c is left handed and comes in a plastic clamshell the smax3-l is left handed and comes in a box

Why does left hand version cost more?

Answer: I would imagine because way more right handed reels sold vs left handed reels, so the cost of making them is divided into less sales.

Does the line leveler move with the line during casting

Answer: No, the level-wind gear is disengaged when the cast button is pressed.

Answer: no not on the cast

Answer: No It does not. That technology is long gone. It comes off the spool really smooth.

Answer: That's a good question...I haven't noticed. I can tell you this is a nice reel for the price point. Works as well as others for 2/3 times the price. Very happy with this reel.

Answer: I haven't used it enough to know. Sorry. It's a sweet reel.

Answer: No

I cannot seem to get this to cast very far regardless of settings....any thought?

Answer: Use 50lb spider wire. Tighten spool tension knob all the way. Put a lure on. Press the release button. Turn the spool tension knob slowly until the lure starts to drop easily on its own then stop. This thing is so easy to cast. Do that and you’re ready to go, everything else is human error.

Answer: Loosen non under handle

How much does it weigh

Answer: This is extremely lightweight and works amazing!!!! I love mine and I recommend it ! Great buy !

Which generation is this? I believe gen 1 and 2 have the lock button and gen 3 doesn't have it?

Answer: Could be any, the point is it look like a return from a big box store pallet sale been around the horn a few times.

does this model have a flipping switch?

Answer: No it dose not come with the flipping switch

Answer:

Answer: Yes it does

is this a saltwater or freshwater reel

Answer: Freshwater at best....it did not last 1 season and if you want this reel make sure the gears are brass not plastic like the one I ordered......

Answer: Freshwater

Ok for saltwater?

Answer: Yes but i would spend 50 bucks more and go for the revo sx. The silver max has a plastic reel seat that will break ez

What are the line capacities for this reel?

Answer: Mono Capacity yd/lb

How do I select left hand

Answer: Select the # with the L on the end Smax3-L

Will this work on a 7,6 heavy action rod?

Answer: I believe it will. I have one on a 6.5ft medium-heavy action rod, and one on a 7ft medium-heavy action rod. They both work as they should with no problems. IMO the best bait casting reels for the money.

Answer: Absolutely! This is the best baitcaster for the money. Own 3. Have one on a heavy action 7. No reason 7,6 would make any difference.

Answer: Absolutely yes. As long as its a casting rod.

Answer: Yes it will. I have 50lb braid on one of my rods.

Answer: Not sure. Great reel but might be a little light

Answer: yes that's what I have it on

which one do i buy if i reel in left handed

Answer: The SMAX-L is the left handed reel

Answer: The one with the L in the model number

is this right hand retrieve

Answer: Yes, the one in this picture is.It comes in either hand but you must specify when you order.

Answer: yes

Can we request a specific color, like the white one featured in the first picture?

Answer: no

Does this reel only come in one free ratio on here

Answer: If you mean can you change the gear ratio of the reel, no you can't. If I remember it's 6.3 to 1 ratio. A good middle of the road between slow and fast.

Answer: Yes

What is the option for right hand ???

Answer: There is definitely an option for a right handed reel. If you are right handed, then get a right handed reel for better control of line and retrieve.

Answer: We can get you RH

Answer: They have right hand or left hand reel options. Just choose what you feel comfortable with .

Answer: Anyone with out the letter L

Hay para recoger con mano derecha?

Answer: Si

Does it have a bait clicker

Answer: It has a flipping switch. Not a bait clicker. Will not click when line is being taken out. Used when flipping and pitching. Hope that helps.

Answer: NO it doesn't great reel for the price

What is the difference between the Silver max 3 and the Silver max 3-1? Silver max 3-l-c?

Answer: 3-1 is normally left hand

can i use this for striped bass? will it hold up?

Answer: Hello

Answer: this reel would work for striped bass up to about 20 ponds

Answer: Hell yes. You can catch 40+ LB striper, black drum , catfish, string ray and red fish (heavy but not fighters). But you can NOT catch shark and cobia at 20 LB.

Answer: I would say the smaller ones. You may need a reel that's designed for bigger fish.

Right handed reel?

Answer: No,the reel in the picture above is a left handed

Answer: This reel is left handed.

Answer: No the L means left hand crank

Smx3l ? Is that for left handed reeling ?

Answer: There's a left hand and right hand version of this reel. I have the right hand version and on the box it says smax3. All baitcast reels are assumed to be right hand retrieve unless otherwise denoted. So yes smx3l would be the the left hand retrieve model for this reel. I have enjoyed this reel for almost a year now very solid purchase.

Answer: Yes, this is the left handed reel.

Answer: no! right hand reel

Answer: Sorry, I don’t know. It was a gift.

Answer: Yes

Can I use it for saltwater?

Answer: Yes.

Why does the price show $45 - 120$

Answer: I don't know don't pay more than 50 bucks for this reel

Answer: Because there are several versions of the Silver Max reel

I have a baitcasting 7'3 mh fast rod what reel should i match with it?

Answer: Well the Abu Garcia Silver Max goes well with many rods, are you wondering what size reel or line capacity? Could you specify more?

I want to cast with right hand and use left hand to reel in. Which do I get?

Answer: The model as pictured is a right hand retrieve. You would have to order a model that shows left hand retrieve handle. Otherwise you’ll be casting and switching hands to reel in with your right hand. Hope that helps.

Answer: Left hand retrieve

Answer: LH reel Crank handle will be on the left side.

What is the difference between the c version and the not c version

Answer: Packaging The c stands for plastic Clamshell and the other one comes in a Box.

Answer: Packing only. I believe C is for "clamshell", the other is in a box

Why have these gone up $50?

Does this reel have a oil fill hole?

Answer: No it does not. The cheapest reels I know of on that market that have an oil fill hole are made by Lew's.

Answer: Not that I'm aware of. It does have places that you need to oil. Booklet that comes with reel will show you where to oil.

Answer: No

Do you guys have any left handed ?

Answer: Hello

How many lb drag does the silver max 3 have?

Answer: The clamshell on the one I bought says max drag 18 pounds

Answer: I'm not quite sure what you mean by that,but, if you tighten the drag down more and more eventually it will not slip,(or provide drag), at all. Then it's a matter of how strong your line is if you catch your fish or the fish breaks your line. I hope that helps.

is it right or left handed?

Answer: Right handed

Answer: You can get the reel in right or left retrieve. The part number will have an L or LH in it if it's lefthand retrieve

Can i use 17lb mono?

Answer: I believe 17lb would be too heavy for this reel. I use 8 lb fluorocarbon and it is excellent and casts well. Great reel for the $.

Answer: It was a gift. Sorry, I don’t know.

Answer: From experience, I would say you can use up to 20lb.

What would be the best rod for the moderate fisherman to match this silver max

Answer: rod 7 ft. fiberglass or carbon 8 - 15 lbs.

Answer: I matched mine up with a 6 foot 6 inch medium action Shakespeare ugly stik elite. I am using my setup for bass fishing.

Answer: Berkeley cherry wood 6’6” casting rod

Answer: 6’10” or 7’ medium heavy for bass and catfish

how much line per revolution?

Answer: I'm not sure if there is a higher speed version available, but the one I have is a 6.4:1 gear ratio. The line retrieve per revolution is 26 inches. Maximum drag is 18 pounds and the line capacity is 145 yards if 12 pound test mono or 140 yards of 30 pound braid. I've used mine last year for the last 3 months of the season maybe a dozen times. Very smooth reel and the ani reverse is great. Performance is very good for a reel at this price point.

Why does the price show $45 - 120$

Answer: I don't know don't pay more than 50 bucks for this reel

Answer: Because there are several versions of the Silver Max reel

In Where is it made?

Answer: Made in China

Se puede recojer con la mano izquierda?

Answer: Hay que comprar para mano izquierda. Hay para ambas manos.

Does this have both centrifugal and magnetic brakes?

Answer: Yes. Magnetic on the left and centrifugal on the left behind and under the star drag.

Is it left hand ?

Answer: no but they make a LH version, this one in the picture is RH

What's the drag lbs

Answer: Maximum drag is 18lbs, a great place to get detailed specifications is the Abu Garcia Official website.

Answer: 15 lbs

Answer: 18 POUNDS

Answer: 18b pounds i checked book is correct

Answer: I don't know. Never checked it for myself.

Product reviews of Abu Garcia SMAX3 Silver Max Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

C. Parker : Great product

Cast really smooth and quick retrieve. Very good quality.

Fredrick C. : Best budget reel ever

Took it out yesterday and had no bird nests all day. Worth the money. Don't buy the $30 reels, spend the extra money and buy this and spend more time fishing and less untangling ur line.

Ruth A. Raia : Good product and service.

Like the size and smoothness of how it worked. Used it for lake fishing.

Hector Correa : Very good buy

Excellent for fishing in rivers with lure, buoy or low weight plumb

Jarrod S : Perfect bottom bouncing reel

Best reel i've ever used for bottom bouncing walleyes. Smooth action, drag can be very fine tuned, trigger is easy to use, never had a birds nest in it. I have it paired with St Croix PC56MF Casting rod. Was going to get the AG Winch, now i'm glad i didn't spend the extra money.

Mike in Metairie : Smooth & durable

I use the *left" hand version. I've used a silver max (& black max) for years & finally bought another. I noticed this one doesn't have a flipping switch. Odd. The newer ones don't spparently. These reels are smooth & durable. G!ad to have two silvermaxes. You won't be sorry. Still using them after at least two years, salt & fresh.

Amazon Customer : A very nice reel.

I simply love this reel. Don't know if it would work for beginners but it is an extremely quality reel for my use. It's the first low profile reel that I have ever used and it was a joy to try. I had always used the larger, old fashion reels from the 70's (5500c, 5000c, etc) and this reel is a dream come true. Get you some!

SJH : Nice casting reel, 49 yard cast

So far seems like really good value for the $$$ will update review after I have used it more, but just went to the ballpark to dial in the reel/prevent backlash and was casting mostly 38-39m (125 feet) with the longest cast 44m = 144 feet! Using a 7' MH rod, 20lb braid, 0.7oz nut.

mike : Great reel for a great price.

Smooth and easy to use.

Amazon Customer : Good value

Smooth value price bait cast reel. Dependable for the occasional fisherman.

David Heading : Just get a spinning

2nd baitcaster ive bought that does nothing but cause trouble. Just dont buy these cheap baitcasters and get a decent SPINNING reel.

Amazon Customer : Great value

Really impressed with this reel!

Darth : Cheaper elsewhere, but good reel

I have nothing bad to say about the actual reel. It works well. I did overpay by buying it on Amazon. Should've shopped around first.

SLUGGO : OK FOR A CHEAP REEL

THIS REEL SEEMS OK, BUT IT'S NOT AS STURDY AS MY 2009 REVO. THAT'S TO BE EXPECTED WHEN ONE COMPARES THE PRICE. WE'LL SEE HOW IT HOLDS UP AFTER I PUT IT THRU IT'S PACES.

Fredrick C. : Best budget reel ever

Took it out yesterday and had no bird nests all day. Worth the money. Don't buy the $30 reels, spend the extra money and buy this and spend more time fishing and less untangling ur line.

Alex Vogt : Smooth

Wow! So easy to use and casts far. Cheap enough to have a spare for a back up.

S. Rivera : Highly recommended reel. A+++

This turned out to be a great bank fishing reel for the money. I saw some negative reviews on YouTube so I was a little on the fence on getting it, but Abu Garcia has been making a lot of great gear lately. I was very surprised at how well it performed. Very smooth and solid. Great for both beginners and professionals. The extra crank lock button is something you don't see in other reels. I find it useful in some situations.
Make sure you get good string. I have Runcl Powerbraid 30lb Moss green on mine and it pairs well with this reel. The Abu Garcia "Vengeance" 7'-6" rod also goes excellent with this reel. With this combo I'm after medium size bass using Chatterbait so I don't need this setup to be too fast in retrieving. This works perfectly. This way I can get a great combo for a relatively low price. I will be getting a couple more of these soon.
Make sure you clean and lubricate these regularly and they wilI last you for many fishing seasons to come. It has become one of my favorite reels this year so I highly recommend it.
So! Gettchaself one!! or two!! or three!!

mike : Smooth

I love it impossible to beat at the price I paid

Robert W. Stull : Great Value!

Great value! Works great

Shay Pippitt : Good reel

Good reel

Lori Randolph : Fast action reel

Smooth action, perfect fit in the hand, great product for the price

antpacfan : So far so good

A+ My first bait caster

Ann Potter : Perfect reel

This is my first decent bait caster, and since I’ve I had I’ve backlashes only twice. The 6 bearings makes the reel so smooth. This was the only place I could find the left handed model for a good price.

Robert W. Stull : Great Value!

Great value! Works great

Donald E. Graves : reliable

Love , l love left hand reals. I own 3 of these

Christopher Miller : Good reel for price

Great for far casting not for a beginner

Amazon Customer : Good value

Smooth value price bait cast reel. Dependable for the occasional fisherman.

Settnstill : Good Deal

Good deal for a premium reel! Cost several dollars cheaper than what some of the local sporting good depts. wanted.

Jason Osborne : Great Buy

Great investment. I have used much more expensive reels and these reels by far outlast the more expensive ones

Robert Noble : Great reel

I bought this reel in May 2019 and used it at least once a week all summer and well into the fall. I put 12 lb test line on it and caught some nice large mouth bass - largest 6 pounds, most in the 2 to 3 pound range. Easy to use with no problems. I highly recommend this reel if you love bait casters.

Nick Davidson : Great Starter Reel

Casts smoothly. No need to press thumb on reel to prevent backlash

Trout : More Affordable Than it Feels

This reel has a slimmer profile and is a lighter than most baitcasters out there which is exactly what I was looking for. It is very affordable but feels like you paid much more for it. I mostly use this reel for freshwater fish on a 6'6" rod but it would work well for most fish especially since it has a lot of drag for a reel of its size. Casting and retrieving are both extremely smooth with this reel. I currently use 10lb braided line on the reel and was able to fit a lot of line on it. There is a little button on the reel to the left of the 'clutch' which allows you to engage the reel without spinning it manually. This allows for one handed operation or adjustments since you can free the bail like you're going to cast and stop your lure from dropping all with one hand. This is the only reel that I've seen with this feature and it comes in handy much more often than I thought it would. I use it for many small things but this feature allows for more ease while using this reel. Out of all of my reels, this one is my favorite by far.

Christine Hull : Great reel

Best reel for ice fishing!!! Try the left hand model for you right handers!!

Hector Correa : Very good buy

Excellent for fishing in rivers with lure, buoy or low weight plumb

Amazon Customer : Good value

Smooth value price bait cast reel. Dependable for the occasional fisherman.

Eauthement : Best reel for the price

Love Abu Garcia reels. Last longer in salt water than any reel twice its price that I purchased.

Amazon Customer : A very nice reel.

SLUGGO : OK FOR A CHEAP REEL

THIS REEL SEEMS OK, BUT IT'S NOT AS STURDY AS MY 2009 REVO. THAT'S TO BE EXPECTED WHEN ONE COMPARES THE PRICE. WE'LL SEE HOW IT HOLDS UP AFTER I PUT IT THRU IT'S PACES.

Marco : Great value reel

Arrived in box and brand new as stated in description. Low profile enough to wrap my hand around. Paired it with 8ft heavy abu garcia vengeance for flippin and pitchin. So far during practice run seems to be a great reel. Just like all baitcasters, need to tune it to the lure to avoid backlash and birds nests.

patrick : Worth the money!!

Great reel at an amazing price!!!

Orawhaty : Better than Blackmax

I bought both black & silver max reels. I actually like both, but I will say that the silvermax is smoother than the blackmail. I haven't used the brake much since I'm not used to having it there, but it does come in handy.

Donald E. Graves : reliable

Love , l love left hand reals. I own 3 of these

Danny G : Nice reel for the money

Light and smooth, works great!

Anthony : Bought one, used it one afternoon and immediately purchased ...

Bought one, used it one afternoon and immediately purchased 4 more to replace my existing reels. Smooth as my buddies $250 reel and a fraction of the cost.

James Parsons : Five Stars

Great reel for the price!

James Parsons : Five Stars

Great reel for the price!

Settnstill : Good Deal

Good deal for a premium reel! Cost several dollars cheaper than what some of the local sporting good depts. wanted.

Amazon Customer : Great value

Really impressed with this reel!

Christopher Miller : Good reel for price

Great for far casting not for a beginner

Alex Vogt : Smooth

Wow! So easy to use and casts far. Cheap enough to have a spare for a back up.

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