Abu Garcia Black Max & Max X Spinning Fishing Reels review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Abu Garcia
Material	Aluminium
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous
Color	Black
Handle Material	Aluminum
Bearing Material	Aluminum

product features

3 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing provides smooth Operation
Lightweight graphite body and rotor
Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding Excess weight
Ever last bail System for improved durability
Slow oscillation provides even line lay with all types of line

product description

Black max proven value and reliability now in a spinning reel. Featuring the Rocket line management system, the black max spinning reel family will cast farther with less wind knots. In addition to the smooth four bearing system, the lightweight graphite frame and rotor delivers serious performance at a great value.

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 6 x 4.5 inches; 8.15 Ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ BMAXSP5-C
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ November 17, 2009
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Pure Fishing
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01LY22J49

important information

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Questions about Abu Garcia Black Max & Max X Spinning Fishing Reels

Is this good for common crap

Answer: Did you mean carp? If so, probably. This is a great reel to start off with. It has a smooth drag system, and did pretty much anything I needed it to!

Answer: My favorite reel..and I have alot

Is the 5 good for a 4,6 ultra light?

Answer: Yes. I put it on my ultra light pole and it fits perfectly.

Can i put braid line on this reel..if so what is the max size of braid line

Answer: When I think line size, I usually consider the line size limits printed on my fishing rod. The line sizes printed on the reel state 6/8/10 lb mono. 10lb braid is much stronger than 10b mono but I think the reel can handle it. IMO, match it up with a rod that can handle the same or more.

Answer: Don't see why you couldn't use braid. Amounts will vary depending on the line diameter. Braid will typically have a smaller diameter per lb test compared to mono or fluorocarbon so keep that in mind. I would recommend a cheap mono backing and a lesser amount of braid because of the diameter and price.

What is the line spool capacity for line on the 20-C?

Answer: I have the black max so I can fit 110 to 125 yrds of 20lb braided line

Is this reel for saltwater use?

Answer: Not really, it doesn’t have sealed bearings or drag. If you did use it in saltwater, you should disassemble reel and clean insides to prevent corrosion.

Answer: I would think so..just clean, rinse and oil.

Answer: no fresh water

Beginner fisherman, have a few 7' rods use for casting for northern pike, trolling for walleye/brown trout, and bass fishing. what's the best size?

Answer: I troll for walleye and bass with a medium action rod idk about pike prob takes something a little heavier

Is it ready to be used or I need to set it up, I bought it with the cord already on it do I need to take it off and put it back on or how?

Answer: You said “cord already on it” If you mean fishing line, it is ready to use.

Answer: If it came with fishing line on it, you're ready to go

What line capacity is the 10 box?

Answer: on a #10 it is up to 120 yds...

Answer: Look on Abu Garcia’s website

Answer: 70 yards

Answer: REEL HANDLE POSITIONRight/LeftGEAR RATIO5.2:1RETRIEVE RATE21" | 53cmBEARING COUNT4WEIGHT7.00

Can I get a second spool for a 20?

Answer: No

What is the drag rating on the 60?

Answer: Why don't you look on Abu Garcia's web site

Answer: Don't know google it!

why is there no reel size chart with line weights and everything?

Answer: Goggle Abu Garcia fresh water fishing reels .. there is a company that lists all the info. #10 is the lightest and #60 the heaviest.

Answer: I don’t know. There should be one.

Answer: Stop wasting others time and look on Abu Garcia’s website

Answer: So you can figure it out

Why does amazon send customer bmaxsp5 when i select bmaxsp10 on drop down menu?

Answer: Because they want to

Would size 20 be model bmaxsp20-c?

Answer: should be

I’ll What’s the biggest. Line you can put in this reel I have 50 pound braided line will it fit.

Answer: Depends on what size reel you choose

What size would be best for 7’ medium rod? Fishing for bass

Answer: 30-40 reel size

which one is best one for crappie,bass,and bluegill

Answer: Get the 20 size if you want to fish for all 3. Size 30 ideal for bass, size 10 for crappie and bluegill. Size 20 versatile enough for all 3.

Answer: We ordered this for Pan fishing

Answer: The 30

What size reel would be perfect for a 7 foot ultra light?

Answer: I have the 3000 on our 6-7 bass rods and the 5000 on our big catfish rods

line capacity in millimeters of reel 20 and 30

Answer: on a #30 up to 120 meters...

El reel dice al algún lado la marca abu García?

Answer: Si, dice la marca Abu García.

What line capacity is the 10 box?

Answer: on a #10 it is up to 120 yds...

Answer: Look on Abu Garcia’s website

Answer: 70 yards

Answer: REEL HANDLE POSITIONRight/LeftGEAR RATIO5.2:1RETRIEVE RATE21" | 53cmBEARING COUNT4WEIGHT7.00

Which size is good for walleye?

Answer: I would get the size 20

How big are the reels according to their numbers

Answer: Pretty spot on

Does the black max spinning reel have the anti-reverse lever/switch? A reviewer mentioned it didn't.

Answer: No the 60 does not have the switch

What line capacity is the 10 box?

Answer: on a #10 it is up to 120 yds...

Answer: Look on Abu Garcia’s website

Answer: 70 yards

Answer: REEL HANDLE POSITIONRight/LeftGEAR RATIO5.2:1RETRIEVE RATE21" | 53cmBEARING COUNT4WEIGHT7.00

What size reel? 10,20,30,etc.

Answer: 30 for bass. 20 and 30 for bass, bream, blue gill. 10 for bream

Answer: small med.lg.

Can you switch the direction in which you reel in the line?

Answer: You can switch the crank to either side, but that is it.

black max 30 box what weight of line goes on the reel?

Answer: Depends on kind of line but up to 17lb

Answer: I didn’t buy the 30 size. Look on Abu Garcia’s web site. You will get your answer much faster than posting on here

Answer: Braided 15 pound and it is awesome and castes perfect

Answer: 12 to 20

Answer: It depends what you are fishing for it can be any line or weight you choose

Answer: I’m using 10lb but could probably go up to 15

Answer: 8 to 10 lb is best.

How much drag does the 60 have?

Answer: Infenity

What do you recommend for fish of 40 Lb ?.

Answer: I bought the number 5 reel, an ultralight. I run 4 lb braided line, it works well for 2-5 lb bass. You're going to want something MUCH larger and stronger. Maybe a size 30 or 40. Also the black max is not recommended for salt water. Hope that helps.

How many yards of braid does it hold? Please help

Answer: 350-360 yard

What's the max line pound test on this reel?

Answer: your choise mono is thicker and streches under pressure brade does not and is considerale thinner per lb.test size than same in monofillimant.

What is the gear ratio?

Answer: most are 5.1/1...

Is it good for saltwater fishing?

Answer: I have never used this for saltwater. It seems kind of small for saltwater.

Answer: No it is not salt water proof

Answer: No to small I would recommend freshwater only.

where can i buy a replacement drag knob for this model. mine came broken?

Answer: no idea maybe contact company

black max 30 box what weight of line goes on the reel?

Answer: Depends on kind of line but up to 17lb

Answer: I didn’t buy the 30 size. Look on Abu Garcia’s web site. You will get your answer much faster than posting on here

Answer: Braided 15 pound and it is awesome and castes perfect

Answer: 12 to 20

Answer: It depends what you are fishing for it can be any line or weight you choose

Answer: I’m using 10lb but could probably go up to 15

Answer: 8 to 10 lb is best.

What line capacity is the 10 box?

Answer: on a #10 it is up to 120 yds...

Answer: Look on Abu Garcia’s website

Answer: 70 yards

Answer: REEL HANDLE POSITIONRight/LeftGEAR RATIO5.2:1RETRIEVE RATE21" | 53cmBEARING COUNT4WEIGHT7.00

does anyone know the line capacity on the 10? tia

Answer: I’m sorry I have the 5 not the 10. On the 5 the line capacity is 2/190, 4/100, 6/80.

Answer: Look on Abu Garcia's web site, it has all the specs

Is the 5 an ultra light

Answer: Similar to the MITCHEL 300 , a little smaller . Love it !!!!!!!

Is this reel suitable for salt water?

Answer: yes light duty wash in fresh water after use.

Which one would be idle for small mouth and trout

Answer: The 20

how much 20 lb mono will the 60 hold?

Answer: 135 yds..

What reel would be good for pike and bass

Answer: Lews if you find one.

why is there no reel size chart with line weights and everything?

Answer: Goggle Abu Garcia fresh water fishing reels .. there is a company that lists all the info. #10 is the lightest and #60 the heaviest.

Answer: I don’t know. There should be one.

Answer: Stop wasting others time and look on Abu Garcia’s website

Answer: So you can figure it out

What’s the difference between a box and a clam style reel?

Answer: The difference is in the packaging the reel is the same . Box style comes in a cardboard box when it’s shipped where the clam comes in a plastic clear bubble package kinda similar to a hotwheels would come in

Answer: Clam is in a plastic bubble suitable for selling and displaying on J hook box is in a box for sales display. same reels one in clam pack one in box.

Answer: Nothing at all. Box and clam is referring to the packaging, not the reel.

El blackmax 4000 spining se puede usar en el mar?

Answer: Sirve para el mar. Es un modelo que sirve para lances cortos y largos dependiendo el tamaño del reel y la carga de nylon.

Braid capacity for the 30 size

Can you buy extra spools for this reel

Answer: Not sure , I don't see why not !!!!

Este carrete es 2000?

Answer: si es correcto

How much 20 lb mono will fit on the 60 size?

Does it convert right or left

Answer: Yes, this converts to either hand. Simply screw the handle off and side cover and switch them.

Product reviews of Abu Garcia Black Max & Max X Spinning Fishing Reels

vergil : abu garcua black max

great reel for a valuevery good product

Mr Pug : Less than expected

Even though it’s a cheap reel I expected it to work better, most of the time the bail doesn’t close and has to be done by hand.

Dusty N. : so far I like it

Cant beat the price and it works flawlessly

John Fessler : Happy with

Nice reel wife likes it bought it to replace a broken sx40 cardinal not as nice as the ax but happy with it anyway

Chris Foster : Lifetime gaurnteed

The best

Robert Lancaster : Disappointed

Not happy with the cheap quality of the handle ,it broke off the first time I used it

John H : Smooth reel

Great functioning real pretty looking also great colors. Metal spool and comfortable. I got the 500 because of the price but I think you're better off with 1000 for trout fishing at the smallest

FRANCISCO ANCONA : Buen producto

Buen carrete y muy resistente

Yifei Ding : Great quality for an incredible price

Love this real! I bought one to test out a new ultra light rod and it’s awesome. Much better than the shimano and daiwa 1000 sized reels... auto stop, drag, bail are all high quality... since ordering my first I’ve gotten another 1000 sized and 2 2000 sized reels... for the price you’re not gonna get better...

fogosfishin : One of the best

This is a great reel..have used these hard and not one problem. Keep it oiled and grease.. smooth and easy.

Bob : Love It

Abu Garcia always make good stuff, this is no exception. It's a smaller reel which is perfect for trout fishing in the High Desert.

Lee : Quality just isn't there.

After 5 uses, the bail won't close on it's own. Spool is not balanced to the crank handle. Weight of the handle will make the reel spin. Very frustrating when attempting to untangle line wrapped around the base of the spool. And that does happen frequently with mono line. I will say it spins freely or reels in easily. Great casts as well with the beveled edge on the front of the spool. Just disappointed in the poor quality of the bail or bail spring.

Kristin Miller : Great Product

Got this for my son and loved it.

Loyd Whitehead : Five Stars

Very good reel.Price was just right

Stacey Stephens : Works great

Great reel

Bill : Five Stars

The reel is perfect for my needs...it's my number #1 walleye reel now...functions flawlessly.

ryan henson : Misleading

Very very small ordered the 5 thinking it will be bigger but it is a baby reel. I do my research before I order...disappointed....misleading

Justin : Alright

Reel handle gets wobbly loose after days if casting

John H : Smooth reel

Great functioning real pretty looking also great colors. Metal spool and comfortable. I got the 500 because of the price but I think you're better off with 1000 for trout fishing at the smallest

J-Rod : Didn’t like it

Heavy and not at all smooth

Amazon Customer : Great Buy

Great reel to match up with my rod. Priced perfectly!

hypereall : smooth

great value and very smooth

Melchor M Famarato : Very exelent for top fish fights.

Kind a used already but still exelent.

K.A Junos : Not for saltwater use or on the beach

The reel was smooth during the first week of use. It cannot handle saltwater and sands. It did not last the whole summer and started to rust. I used some oil but it did not get smooth as I wanted. I would not recommend this reel

MN Guy : Ice Fishing

Put several of these on some ice rods, they have performed great through the winter. Great drag at this price point.

Amazon Customer : No reverse switch if that matters to you.

I ended up returning this reel. I have a couple of the older Black Max reels and they have been solid performers. When this one arrived it didnt have the switch to allow the reel to reverse like my older ones so I returned it.

Jose Sierra : Calidad a buen precio

Un reel muy suave y de muy buena calidad. Se siente muy bien. Lo he utilizado en agua dulce. Muy cómodo con la inversión

Bikrt : Recommend

Nice reel, smooth
Works perfectly

K.A Junos : Not for saltwater use or on the beach

Steve Hedrick : Drag,works great

Been using it for 2 to 4 lb.shad fish performs great,eill be using it on salt water sheepshead soon.

Loyd Whitehead : Five Stars

Very good reel.Price was just right

Mystical Reality Is : Very nice reel!

I've had one of their older models for years until it suddenly disappeared - I suspect due to my nieces borrowing it from its place at my parent's house (they have a nice dock, so I leave it there) and losing it somewhere when I was not around. I don't usually "lose" things, but kids do not always confess, so I am not entirely sure who took it.... Nonetheless, I needed a new reel.... So, I bought a replacement and a new rod to go with it. The rig cost more than twice what my original one did, but it has been about 30 years.... Though, it still worked fine, so I am not happy about this turn of events...

However, I have now been fishing with this new rig for over a month and it works great! Excellent reel so far. We'll see if I'm still around in 30 years to do a longevity comparison.... Who knows? But, I've caught 3 nice trout and a bunch of bait fish with it already. I got the 40 and put 12 lb Stren line on it. Using Rapala lures. I've always had good luck with Rapalas, though they cost more than some others, they seem worth it because the fish seem to like them better for some reason. The reel casts nicely, the drag works well. The bail snaps pretty forcefully, so you do not want your hand in the way of it when it comes across... The only problem is getting the line used ot the reel so it doesn't want to tangle up, but that is not the fault of the reel. Just needs to be used carefully until the line gets used to being on the thing. Other than that, it seems to be just as good as the one I had before, but made of lighter materials. I think my other was made in Sweden. This one is Chinese... So, we will see... So far, so good.

Justin : Alright

Reel handle gets wobbly loose after days if casting

Scott E. Thomas : Fast shipping great reel

Nice reels very smooth

Marcus Federico : Good burner reel for the price

This is an excellent burner reel for me. Meaning that I can put this thing through everything and not worry about it getting dirty and having to clean them all the time like my more expensive reels. I really like the grip on the handle and the reel feels solid and mono fits on it like a glove. The drag is good but could be a little more sensitive but for a 40$ new not released reel everywhere yet it’s pretty good.

Hector Correa : Very satisfied

Great softness and excellent construction

Dusty N. : so far I like it

Cant beat the price and it works flawlessly

Amazon Customer : Great reel

been using it few week the the moment i received it. no regard for the purchase.

Ryan S. : You get what you pay for

Dont know how to feel, i also have the blackmax and it feels like a better quality reel than this, just feels plasticky and clackity. I mean it works well fishing it just has the feel and sound of a Walmart kids reel

Amazon Customer : My favorite budget reel.

Great light reel that can hold braid or mono.

Alejandro Rubio : Lo recomiendo

Lo compre para mi hijo de 11 años y le funcionó perfecto, la apariencia es muy buena en su primer día de pesca obtuvo lobina de 2.3 kg

Richard Bagley : Thank you

Thank you

bassinflats : Spinning reel

Nice smooth reel for the money

Amazon Customer : Three Stars

reel was great until i tried to clean it and it self destructed

Bryant Alexander : Received 90% of rod and it was 100% terrible

Received rod missing multiple screws and impossible to find replacements. Will be returning. Spend your money elsewhere.

Noah : AWESOME

Awesome. Verry durable and extremely smooth. Feels like a hundred dollar reel. Excellent quality.

Ronald Youmans : Great reel

The best reel I own. I have more expensive reels but not better reels.

Sarmad Hussein : Brocken line holder

Every think was perfekt but the line holder a litel plastik thing was Brocken. Not too important any way

J. Hartz : Seems good for a $25 reel

I am using this on a 6 ft. telescoping spinning rod. The size 10 is perfect for a light travel set-up, It holds about 80 to 100 yards of 8 lb test monofilament line, which is plenty for the fresh water pan fish and small bass and small catfish that I am fishing for. It's comparable in size and weight to my 40 year old Mitchell 308 reel.

My only complaint is that the drag seems to come loose, untwisting as I cast and reel in. I have only used it practicing after spooling the line in the back yard, and I will have to monitor to see if it's a real problem when I actually go fishing.

Marcus Federico : Good burner reel for the price

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