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

Dennis : [O[[o[oooooo

'Xxxxxxx

Eauthement : Best reel for the price

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

Holly : Any Abu garcia is going to be awesome

Very easy for beginners would definitely buy again.

mikey : works well so far

I finally learned how to use a bait caster after 50 years and learned on a $200 combo and purchases another $200 combo...thought I'd try after reading reviews...this reel works very well and is a great value....easy to tune and honestly with an inexpensive rod I have a $60 set up that works as well as my $200 sets.

Nick Davidson : Great Starter Reel

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

mike : Great reel for a great price.

Smooth and easy to use.

James Doughty : Nice value

Awesome, smooth reel

Nick Davidson : Great Starter Reel

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

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.

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.

Alan kinnard : Great value reel

This is a great little reel. I bought this to replace a shimano that broke down on a steelhead trip. This one performed flawlessly. I liked it so much that I bought a second one for my son in law.

Tony B. : Great reel for fair price

Surprising how good the drag is! Only thing I don’t really like is that the reel seat is plastic and not metal...

Retired Trucker : Great product

Love the reel. Takes some getting use to but an excellent reel.

Amazon Customer : Good quality

Have used this mod for years!

Pacific Coast Fisherman : GOOD VALUE, NOT FOR SALTWATER

I purchased August 2020 and used for nearly a year. Purchased because other websites recommended as good value for under $100 for saltwater use. Worked smoothly first few outings in saltwater, then saltwater use made less smooth. I fish in a kayak and rolled the kayak - the reel got wet and sand entered inside the reel. Took reel apart to service, found that many parts are plastic, including some gears, some moving parts are plastic on plastic, the sand and saltwater took a toll making reel less smooth. Overall good reel, especially for the cost, however, I would not recommend for saltwater use if getting wet and potential for sand is high.

Derek Dean : Five Stars

great for a beginner

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.

Samantha R : 5 stars!

Highly recommend this reel! Easy to use and very inexpensive!

Danny G : Nice reel for the money

Light and smooth, works great!

mike : Great reel for a great price.

Smooth and easy to use.

jesse : nice reel.

very smooth and fit hand well.

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.

Tim : Quality reel

Reliable and durable

Michael M. : This is the one to buy, straight up LEGIT beginner to moderate skill reel

I love this reel. Ita my first baitcaster and I spent a lot of time researching, reading reviews, and watching review videos. I am extremely happy with my choice. I saved a bunch of money, ive landed countless bass over 5 pounds this month alone! BUY THIS ONE. It takes a beating. It waant that hard to learn. Ive used it for multiple riggings and situations without issues. I can't say enough good things about it. Thanks, Abu!

Shay Pippitt : Good reel

Good reel

Amazon Customer : Good value

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

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.

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.

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.

Salvador Avilés : Excelente funcionamiento

Buena marca

William Mcmahan : Great deal

Light, smooth, easy to use

Settnstill : Good Deal

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

Dennis : [O[[o[oooooo

'Xxxxxxx

Laurance Glasser : Great performance & value for such and incredible price.

Dont be fooled by the cost as compared to other high priced reels. Great baitcast reel

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 : Smooth

I love it impossible to beat at the price I paid

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.

Lion : Best baitcaster under $50

I wanted to learn how to use a baitcaster so I did a ton of research into what is the best baitcaster you can get for around $40. My research led me to the silver max, which I purchased about a month ago. I've loved this reel and had a ton of fun using it. It's been a great reel to learn on and after the first day, the only time I backlash anymore with it is when I hit a tree or accidentally hit the ground with my lure mid-cast (I've also yet to have any birdnests that I couldn't fix in less than a minute or two). I highly recommend this reel for anyone looking to get a good baitcaster for under $50. The black max is a little cheaper (~$10), but from what I've read the silver max is a bit smoother (but both seem to be great baitcasters for less than $50).

Jonnathan : Great Reel Especially for Bait Casting Reel Beginners

This is an awesome product especially for beginners. I would suggest using braided line. It is by far the easiest reel that I have ever been able to resolve the bird nest syndrome.

Hard worker : I would buy again fantastic reel

I love this reel I would recommend it to anyone a great product

Kevin : Great reel

Being my first time owning a baitcaster it exceeded all my expectations. Takes some getting used to if you've never used a baitcaster But this reel made it easy to learn how to use it. I paired it up with braid and I don't get backslashes often so that's a good thing. It's really smooth and that 6.4.1 gear ratio is perfect for what I use it for. And for the money it's a bargain. Recommend it to anyone looking to get a baitcaster

Samantha R : 5 stars!

Highly recommend this reel! Easy to use and very inexpensive!

coleen : I give this a five star ! Works amazing !

This is extremely easy to use and can handle the bass ! I caught a 3 pound large mouth ! This is my first bait caster and I love it !

Orawhaty : Better than Blackmax

Jason Masters : Very impressed !!!

This is my first reel in the max lineup. I must say I am impressed with it for only being a 40 dollar reel. The magnetic breaking system works just as well as any of my more expensive baitcasters. The flipping switch is a definite plus. This would be a great reel for anyone wanting to get their first baitcaster without breaking the bank. I used it all summer long without issues. Overall I am very pleased with the reels performance. I would certainly buy this again.

John H : Great reel but came dirty, maybe insect junk?

Great reel came fast, smooth action as per photo mine came with some gross nasty stuff on the inside, can't tell if it's insect parts or food particles when you get it make sure that there isn't anything like that in yours, I disinfected the whole thing to be sure.

Michael M. : This is the one to buy, straight up LEGIT beginner to moderate skill reel

mikey : works well so far

Amazon Customer : Great value

Really impressed with this reel!

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.

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