Top-Rated Products
Customer Reviews for Abu Garcia Silver Max
Abu Garcia Silver Max
The 6.4:1 gear ratio Silver Max includes a 5+1 bearing system and a flipping switch for flipping soft baits and jigs.
Average Customer Rating:
(55 Reviews) 55
Rating Breakdown 55 reviews
5 stars
33
4 stars
15
3 stars
2
2 stars
3
1 star
2
48 out of 51(94%)reviewers recommend this product.
Customer Reviews for Silver Max
Review 1 for Silver Max
Overall rating
Good reel bad switch
PostedMay 22, 2013
Lagzilla
from Westminster CA
Age:25-34
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
First time getting a bait caster. I knew there would be a learning curve. Watched many videos on how to setup the drag brake... I fell in love with this slvmx combo. My only issue is the flipping switch. The thumb bar works on the first pitch. Second one it gets stuck unless I manually push the bar up or spin the handle. This was the one option that sold me for it since I do a lot of bank fishing. Sad to say I avoid using the one option that got me to invest in it. Would of gave it 5 starts if not for the switch. But issue aside the reel feels great the cast & retrieve are smooth. Overall I'm happy with this product will end up trying a diff Abu on my next purchase.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Silver Max
Overall rating
Best baitcasting reel I ever Had
PostedApril 20, 2013
CoyoteSlayer
from Wisconsin
Age:18-24
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
4
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
This reel was to replace my out dated Abu Garcia Ammbassodor that broke the shaft the gear box, so I bought this reel. I've caught a a 12 lb large mouth bass with 20 lb Spiderwire no problem. Overall, this is a great reel.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Silver Max
Overall rating
best purchase ever
PostedApril 14, 2013
Kobe
from montgomery, AL
Age:Under 18
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
i bought this reel for my skeet reese heavy cover pol and it works great with it! the flipping switch really came in handy will fishing the baks in heavy cover! pulled a 12lb bass out of sunkin trees easily with it!! yall have great things, keep it up!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Silver Max
Overall rating
THE BEST
PostedApril 10, 2013
anthony
from st marys georgia
Age:Under 18
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:4
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Expert
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
4
/
5
i got a abu garcia silvermax for my birthday in november i am truly impressed with this reel it casts so smooth i have 15lb stealth braid on it sitting on a medium action ugly stick it is the perfect rod and reel combo thanks abu garcia keep up the work
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Silver Max
Overall rating
user manual
PostedApril 7, 2013
Anonymous
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
3
/
5
I bought this reel and I love it.......I wish there would be a user manual. Does anyone know where I can get one.
tks
tks
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Read Comment (1)
Comments (1)
Flashfinder
Anderson
Reel problems
Posted May 3, 2013
I just bought a SilverMax, but, while I think it's going to be a great reel, I've been having trouble casting. Obviously doing it wrong, but some sort of user manual would be very helpful. Nothing came with the rod/reel combination I bought, and I'm finding nothing on the website.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Share this comment:
Review 6 for Silver Max
Overall rating
Silvermax
PostedApril 1, 2013
TSMF
from Salem
Age:25-34
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:4
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
4
/
5
Its a pretty good buy for the money if you're new to bait casters. The Flip switch is a nice feature if you're new to the flipping game or a youngster finally stepping up from a spin caster . It helps make the transition easier. The reel is pretty light, really small and compact but feels solid enough to pull in the biggins. Looks are pretty killer as well. Only issue I've had is getting the smaller lures dialed in. (anything less than 1/4 ounce# But if you're largemouth fishing you're probably going to want 1/4oz or up so not to big of a deal. I ended up getting 2. 1 for Braid and the other for Fluoro. Matched mine up with a Abu Garcia Vendetta rods. #AWESOME RODS!)
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Silver Max
Overall rating
Best baitcast reel for money
PostedMarch 21, 2013
Anonymous
Age:Under 18
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
3
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
3
/
5
I got this reel because I needed a bait cast reel for bass fishing in my pond.i caught a 2 and half pounder an it was smooth as can be.if you want a bait cast reel for not much money get this I have it paired with a vertas rod.i love this thing.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Silver Max
Overall rating
ABU CARCIA FOR LIFE
PostedFebruary 26, 2013
REVO PREMIER
from MALAYSIA
Age:18-24
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
i have bought the silvermax 1st generation reel on last year and now i've had taken it to fresh and saltwater fishing and its perform well..its easy to learn casting with this beginner reels b'coz in about 1 hours i've had mastered the technique for cast a casting reel and the reels is smooth when reeling...love abu garcia 4 all my life...I LOVE ABU GARCIA..
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Silver Max
Overall rating
First Bait Cast Reel
PostedFebruary 10, 2013
Hvacking
from Collinsville, IL
Age:35-44
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
4
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
4
/
5
I purchased the Silver Max combo after reading a lot of reviws and I must say I'm impressed. This is my fist bait cast and after having someone help me learn how to adjust it, I love it. Now I need to find the perfect Abu Garcia spinning reel to compliment it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Silver Max
Overall rating
Love all my Abu Garcia Equipment
PostedDecember 21, 2012
Mike
from Adirondacks N.Y.
Age:55-65
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Expert
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
When I was a kid I learned to cast on a round Abu Garcia round bait caster, I also had an Abu-matic spin cast. I now have 7 Abu Garcia reels as well as rods. This last spring I bought a Silver -max,and love it. I used it all summer and caught lots of bass as well as some northern pike on it. The reel preformed perfect every time,and I couldn't be more happy with it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Silver Max
Overall rating
Fishin' with Finesse
PostedDecember 2, 2012
Stewedpickles
from Georgia
Age:45-54
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:2
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
I've seen people use baitcasters for years, but stayed with spinners for ease of use. I recently wanted to see what all the hoopla was about so I checked out various brands and found the Abu Garcia Silver Max offered the most value for the money. I bought one yesterday, used it for a couple of hours, and returned to the store for another today. This is the smoothest, longest casting reel I've ever owned. I've had it only a day, but after learning to use it properly and cleaning it I can attest to the ease of disassembly and maintenance too. I know I'll be replacing my other reels with Abu Garcia baitcasters because the excellent engineering behind Abu Garcia's reels makes me feel like a pro. I'm fishin' with finesse!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
-2points
1of 4voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Silver Max
Overall rating
Great Reel
PostedOctober 1, 2012
J D
from South Western Wisconsin
Age:55-65
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:4
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
4
/
5
I also have a problem getting the free fall adjusted to a lighter bait/rig. It does take a bit more tightening down and the drum brake requires a little bit more tightening. Other than that it casts and retrieves beautifully. I love it. I got the combo and the rod is just as great. You can't beat the performance for the price you pay!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Silver Max
Overall rating
excellence.
PostedSeptember 28, 2012
Anonymous
Owns a boat:No
i live in louisiana and fish lake ponchatrain all the time. have owned this reel for app. six months and have lit. caught hundreds of drum on this reel with no problem whatsoever. have also caugth trout, flounder, redfish, etc. however the larger fish are generally drum. i have caught at least sixty drum ranging from thirty inches to fourty inches without a single problem. highly reommend this reel to anyone who wishes to own an incredible reel at an outrageously low price, then this is the reel for you.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Silver Max
Overall rating
Recommend but . . .
PostedSeptember 24, 2012
Steelyonfly
from On the lake
Age:45-54
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:1
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
3
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
I like what I feel and see in this reel and the price was right. However, I am concerned about how mine is working and whether it will hold up long term.
My concern is how tight I must screw down the cast control knob. If I tighten it down until a lure stops falling in free spool then I can only cast gently and only a few feet to avoid getting a "professional over wind". In order to make a normal cast, say 45 -50 feet with a 3/8th oz lure, then I have to crank down the cast control knob until a lure many times heavier would stop falling in free spool. I can feel the tension during retrieve.
I haven't used the reel enough to see if this may result in future problems. I hope not because I like the reel. Only 3 stars for casting performance because of my concerns.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
-2points
0of 2voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Silver Max
Overall rating
great reel
PostedSeptember 11, 2012
Big Nate
from Des Moines Iowa
Age:Under 18
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
Its is an amazing reel I hauled in a 5 lber on it and it handledtha big fish great. Very dissapointed because after a couple weeks of use the handles feel loose and the paint is in poor condition even though I use a reel cover, and clean and lu ri ate regularly.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Read Comment (1)
Comments (1)
Bandit
South Africa
Mr
Posted September 19, 2012
i have a silver max reel and rod..... great setup...and value for money.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Share this comment:
Review 16 for Silver Max
Overall rating
Flyman
PostedSeptember 5, 2012
Anonymous
Age:55-65
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
My son bought on of these reels. the first thing I noticed was it was a left handed reel. Being right handed it took a little getting use to but done it is easier and quicker to use. You have to switch the back and forth from hand to hand. The reel cast very smooth and have no problem at all with back lash.
He bought this as a combo and it feels nicely balanced.
I have two Browning Madalion reels which I have gotten good service out of for many years but paid a good bit more for.I hope these stand up as well.
I would recommend this reel to anyone.
reel has some nice features but instruction would be nice.
He bought this as a combo and it feels nicely balanced.
I have two Browning Madalion reels which I have gotten good service out of for many years but paid a good bit more for.I hope these stand up as well.
I would recommend this reel to anyone.
reel has some nice features but instruction would be nice.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Silver Max
Overall rating
Well worth 60 bucks
PostedSeptember 4, 2012
rockchalk06
from Edmond, OK
Age:25-34
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:4
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
4
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
This Silver Max was my first Max series reel and my 2nd reel with magnetic breaks.
I was a bit skeptical with buying it at first. My first magnetic break BC was a nightmare. After buying and testing this out, Abu did their homework on it.
Alot of times spending less than 100 dollars on a bait cast reel is a no no. Less expensive reels tend to buzz when casting and it drives me nuts. I was surprised when I first took this to the water. Very smooth when casting. I am using 50# braid and am very impressed.
I am still trying to master the flipping switch. 99% is me and not practicing enough. The concept is cool though and I'm glad its an option for the reel.
The bent handle and bent star is a big plus. Feels nice and comfortable with your hand closer to the reel. Plus it really gives the reel a clean look.
I have this paired with a 7' MH lighting Shock rod from Berkley and its balanced very well. This is my flipping set up and heavy jig set up.
Only reason I am giving this a 4 star and not a 5 star is due to the spool tention knob. Its very touchy and for a beginner I see some problems. To set it correctly where the lure falls slowly, it has to be very tight compared to other bait cast reels I own.
This will make a great 1st or 20th reel
I was a bit skeptical with buying it at first. My first magnetic break BC was a nightmare. After buying and testing this out, Abu did their homework on it.
Alot of times spending less than 100 dollars on a bait cast reel is a no no. Less expensive reels tend to buzz when casting and it drives me nuts. I was surprised when I first took this to the water. Very smooth when casting. I am using 50# braid and am very impressed.
I am still trying to master the flipping switch. 99% is me and not practicing enough. The concept is cool though and I'm glad its an option for the reel.
The bent handle and bent star is a big plus. Feels nice and comfortable with your hand closer to the reel. Plus it really gives the reel a clean look.
I have this paired with a 7' MH lighting Shock rod from Berkley and its balanced very well. This is my flipping set up and heavy jig set up.
Only reason I am giving this a 4 star and not a 5 star is due to the spool tention knob. Its very touchy and for a beginner I see some problems. To set it correctly where the lure falls slowly, it has to be very tight compared to other bait cast reels I own.
This will make a great 1st or 20th reel
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Silver Max
Overall rating
Can't beat it for the price.
PostedAugust 28, 2012
Anonymous
Age:45-54
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Ergonomics
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
5
/
5
This was my first baitcaster 3 years ago. Love it!!!
I have some more expensive ones now and only use a baitcaster when fishing. I still have my Silver Max on my top water pole and would not trade it for any of my others.
I also have a Quantum, I use it to re-spool my line on other reels, that's all its good for.
I have some more expensive ones now and only use a baitcaster when fishing. I still have my Silver Max on my top water pole and would not trade it for any of my others.
I also have a Quantum, I use it to re-spool my line on other reels, that's all its good for.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Silver Max
Overall rating
junk right out of packaging!
PostedAugust 22, 2012
Anonymous
from Pa.
Age:35-44
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Experience:Intermediate
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
4
/
5
Ergonomics
2
/
5
Casting Performance
1
/
5
Ease of Maintenance
1
/
5
Everyone is complaining about the trigger sticking! lol Mine will only engage in the off position! You also need tiny fingers or fingernails to set the drag! Could have bought a cheap combo with line, lures, hooks and weight that would have been fun right from the start. Also would have lasted for years! This reel will last for years... in the back of my shed!!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from Abu GarciaAbu GarciaAugust 27, 2012
Sorry to hear about the issue you have had with your Silver Max. As you know, all Abu Garcia reels carry a one year warranty and will gladly replace yours if there is an issue. However, it sounds as though you are refering to the "flipping switch". In the "On" position, the thumbar will disengage the spool only when it is pushed down and held in place. This is an added feature that allows anglers to make short pitches then have the reel engage without having to turn the handle. With the pitching swithc in the "Off" position, the reel will work in the normal fashion. We have already contacted our customer service department to notify them of your issue so we can help you out. A member of the customer service team will be contacting your directly on the email address your provided with this review and resolve the matter. If you need to contact a representative directly they can be reached at Tel 1.800.228.4272 to handle any questions or concerns you may have. We appreciate you reaching out to us about this issue. We are working hard to fix the problem and get you back fishing. Thanks for your support.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Read Comment (1)
Comments (1)
Anonymous
Posted August 30, 2012
How come these reels do not come with any paper work? I am having a hard time setting mine up. Tons of backlash. This is my first baitcast. Help me please
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Share this comment:
Review 20 for Silver Max
Overall rating
first abu baitcaster
PostedAugust 21, 2012
Anonymous
i recently bought a silvermax and i m in love with it i bought it mainly for the price and i only had one other baitcaster and wanted atleast 2 well great thing i bought it because immediatly after buying the rod and reel my other one stopped working needless to say i will never buy daiwa again
i hope this reel lasts becaushe i m about to purchase another one to replace my daiwa
i hope this reel lasts becaushe i m about to purchase another one to replace my daiwa
great reel super smooth
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.