Abu Garcia Max X Baitcast Rod and Reel Combo

I've been fishing with this combo since I received it about 2 months ago. It has held up great so far and I just caught nice channel catfish today so figured I'd write a review. When you have the brakes adjusted correctly you can cast really far with no backlashing. The drag works nice and both the rod and reel is extremely light so you won't tire out fishing all day. I love this combo and would buy again. I have nothing bad to say about it.

Works well. This was my first baitcaster. I had to figure out that the magnetic brake increases in the counterclockwise direction as shown on the side of the reel. At first I was turning the knob clockwise thinking I was increasing it and due to my poor eyesight it took me a while to figure out I was doing the opposite of what I wanted to. Once I figured that out it works great. I watched a couple of You Tubes on how to use and clean it which helped me a lot. It has been a good starter outfit for me and I have since ordered the Abu Garcia Pro Max model which I have not received yet.

I received order in two days and intact. Great turnaround and an impressive job for the seller. The combo came in a box. As for the Black Max and fishing rod combo, it is an incredible buy. For most of us weekend warriors, experienced or rookies, this combo will do a great job.The reel is smooth, light, and performs beyond my expectations. I'm experienced surf fisherman and have used spinning reels all my life. In fact this is my first baitcasting reel ever, although I feared birdnesting so prevalent with baitcasters.I diid have concerns about birdnesting so I attended Youtube University for setup and tips, and indeed all input was beneficial. After I few adjumstments I learned on Youtube, I started practicing with 8lb mono, making numerous casts---no screwups, no birdnesting, nada! The reel and rod performed flawlessly. After 50 strongs casts or so, I switched to my left arm as my right arm was tired--OOPS--birdnest but entirely my fault as my thumb slipped of the reel! I threw the remaining 8 lb line in the garbage. I felt the line was too light so the following day I switched to 20 lb to see how this light reel/rod would handle a heavier line. Off to the pond I went. The reel and rod again performed great. With all adjustments in order I don't even have to place my thumb on the reel--I just cast and forget. Again I tired so again I tried my left arm--damn it, again my thumb slipped---birdnest again. I made up my mind to practice with my left arm until it's as strong as my right. Meanwhile, I find 20lb line too heavy so my next line will be either 15lb or 14lb. The instructions call for 12lb mono or 30lb braind. I don't use braid we'll see which line weight I finally wind up with. Again, this Abu Garcia is a gift from fishing heaven as it can be used by adults or kids, maybe 8yrs and up. Best of all, you don't break the bank with the Abu Garcia Black Max combo. But, practice, practice, practice is a must. Heck, yeah, I would buy again.

EDIT:I now cannot/would not recommend this to anyone. Just after my 30-day window from ordering this: "Return window closed on September 5, 2019 - Delivered August 6" (today is Sept 8th) the tip snapped on the rod. This was my first and now last Abu Garcia Rod/Reel. I won't look to dump more money into a company when their first product didn't last but just outside the window. Yes, I could have gotten a lemon, but what comfort is that to me? I'm now out of a fishing setup due to poor quality. I hear LEWS makes good stuff, they will be my next setup now. I comment below about the cheaper combo is still my recommendation for a cheap setup, otherwise look to LEWS or someone else.Original Review:Pretty good medium-heavy combo for the money. You'll be hard-pressed to find other quality for medium-heavy combo at this price. If you're just looking for a baitcaster combo on the cheap I'd recommend the Shakespeare AGLPCBO Agility Low Profile over this. This gives me other options for heavier tackle and line though so that's nice. This rod feels a lot more stiff and since I'm a short person the 7' pole has made some retrieves more difficult (hits the water or vegetation, etc.). People talked about braid on this reel. I've tried 50lb, 30lb braid, 20lb mono and 20lb fluoro. The 20lb mono and 20lb fluoro cast far better than braid. Braid just didn't do well at all for me, but I wasn't using real heavy lures either. This is an ok setup but I actually rarely use it just because my Shakespeare performs much better for me at half the cost.

This rod and reel is absolutely amazing. The realtor had a very fast learning curve and you can micro tune the drag using magnets. The Hookset on this is absolutely amazing and power translates through the line to your bait for Precision fishing. The fish in the picture I caught my first day with this rod and I owe it all to the sensitivity of this rod, the hooks at power and the real torque to haul this thing to the boat before I could get away. I was astounded.

My 1st bait-caster, so i wanted something not to expensive and simple to use. But oh boy, this combo offered more than I expected! The rod is extremely lightweight and dependable. The reel is super smooth and everything is just so simple to adjust. For just $70, this is just a steal. This combo could honestly be worth more than that. I have 15 lbs fluorocarbon on it and I mainly use my combo for top-water fishing. I've pulled in 2-4 lbs bass with heavy grass on them, adding about another lbs or two, haven't had a problem yet. Definitely would recommend for anglers that are wanting to try out a bait-caster or for anyone who is looking for a simple and dependable combo.

I just purchased this rod and reel combo, I love it! But, the rod is a one piece and cannot be broken down for transport. I use 30 pound braid on it or 15 pound mono with ease. Watch me using it on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook! Team Green Fishing.

This is a cool combo for beginners. The rod is a 2 piece. Most sporting good stores only have the one piece. The reel is nice but it seems a bit simple. Guess that's why they have the better max combos. This was a good price point to get in for me. I'm new to baitcast so I watched YouTube and didn't have any bird nest issues. If this is in your budget it's a great buy. 5 stars for a great product and great prime member service/shipping.

Awesome! This is my first baitcast rod and reel and I absolutely love it. I don't know why I haven't had one sooner. It took about 10 casts to get used to it and get it dialed in so it didn't backlash. Would advise anyone to buy this rod and reel combo. I bought the 7 foot rod and can outcast any other rod in my tool box. Cast a country mile. Love it.

A great combo for the price. As my first baitcaster I've owned it took a little practice to avoid the backlashes, but a month into ownership and I've got it down pretty good. The rare time I do backlash lately is pretty easy to resolve. Casts well when dialed in for each lure. I'm always amazed by the distance I can cast a lure that fits this rods intent. I've caught a number of largemouth on this combo with ease fishing from the bank. Has held up well thus far.You don't need an expensive rod and reel. This is a great combo and serves its purpose very well.Model 6' 6" 2 piece medium.

Esta es una de las mejores marcas que existen, el diseño es hermoso y su calidad excelente, cabe destacar que es de una sola pieza, por lo que si eres de los que no les gustan las cañas de dos piezas esta es una excelente opción para ti, la recomiendo totalmente.

one of the best combos ever great reel my new favorite

Amazing rod and reel combo first baitcaster and I'm hooked! Abu garcia did an amazing job on this product! I cannot recommend it enough from beginners to pros this combo holds up very well and is the easiest entry into baitcasting and will grow with you!