Customer Reviews for Abu Garcia Black Max Combo
Abu Garcia Black Max Combo
Max performance and toughness for under $50 with a 6.4:1 gear ratio and 4+1 bearing system in a lightweight design.
Average Customer Rating:
(27 Reviews) 27
Rating Breakdown 27 reviews
5 stars
15
4 stars
10
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
0
24 out of 26(92%)reviewers recommend this product.
Customer Reviews for Black Max Combo
Review 1 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
some people shouldn't have a baitcaster in their hands !!!!!!
PostedMay 6, 2013
Anonymous
from knoxville,, tn
Age:35-44
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Expert
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
5
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
Love the rod, stylish and functional , love the low profile reel design, fits the hand just perfect! Love the gear ratio, and let's not forget the snazzy red and black. Overall one of the nicest combos I've ever seen !!! So it makes me sick to see some of these reviews from some of these guys that do nothing but bird nest every cast,, and don't understand its about the line, or brake system or just know how !!!!!! Its not fair to Abu Garcia, that they should not even own a baitcaster not know how to use one,, then get on here and write a bad review, when u hear that guy talking about bird nest every cast.!! We all know that guy ! Go buy a push button zebco !!!!!!!!! Ambassador fan for life ....
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 2 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
great deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PostedMay 3, 2013
Anonymous
from new bern ,NC
Age:Under 18
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Expert
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
4
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
great rod for the money. cast's very far. I have the Abu Garcia Cardinal 402i combo that and the Black Max are of great quality. great rod for the money.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 3 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
I love it but....
PostedApril 28, 2013
Krink
from Illinois
Age:25-34
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Expert
Strength/Durability
1
/
5
Balance
4
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
3
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
I purchased this combo in March 2013 and posting this review April 2013. I have been able to fish with it 4 times with a total of 20 or less fish landed. On my 4th outing i noticed white fuxxys coming from the tip. I soon realized that the fuzzys were my line being "shaved". I knew right away that the insert on the tip had broken or cracked. I look and yup that is the problem. The rod was stored in a rod holder on a boat and never abused. I love the pole as well as the reel but the strength/durability of the pole take it all the way to the bottom and the craftsmanship took a hit because of it. Other than that the casting is outrageous. I was slinging light weight plastics with no weight without having "rainbow". On the fish I caught the rod set the hook with minimal effort. All in all it's a good combo, but for me has one major defect. The only way I can recommend this product is if AG stands by their product and helps remedy my problem.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from Abu GarciaAbu GarciaApril 30, 2013
Hello and thanks for reaching out to us. Most likely, the guide insert was damaged or broken on the shelf or during shipping prior to being purchased and went unnoticed. We are here to help as all Abu Garcia combos carry a 1 year warranty. One of our customer service representatives has been notified about your situation and will reach out to you at the email address provided with this review to get your issue taken care of. If you ever need to reach us by phone, please dial 1.800.228.4272 and we will be happy to help. Have a great week and we will be in touch with you shortly.
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Review 4 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
Best rod and reel ive ever owned!!!
PostedApril 27, 2013
Boots
from Washington, Ar
Age:18-24
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
5
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
Bought it new this year and caught tons of fish already with no problems! Even the 10 pound monster teusday!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Comments (1)
Chris
Wv
Wow!
Posted May 6, 2013
Nice bass!!! I got the rod and reel combo too. Hope it lasts!
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Review 5 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
BlackMax baitcast combo
PostedMarch 9, 2013
Anonymous
Balance
4
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
4
/
5
Craftsmanship
4
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
This was my first purchase of brand new rod and reel. My BlackMax on a 7' Vengeance medium action rod has exceded my expections. Reasonable price for matched set and performs good. Considering buying another set like this one. The hooded sweatshirt offer is a good deal...they are good quality hooded sweatshirts
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 6 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
great rod and reel for the money.
PostedMarch 7, 2013
Anonymous
Age:18-24
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Strength/Durability
4
/
5
Balance
4
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
This is a really nice combo for under a $100. I have used it a ton and love. I have never had a problem with it. I really love this rod but wanted to get a more expensive rod and reel. I got the shimano chronarch on a crucial spinnerbaitt rod. These are my go to rods.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 7 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
two days and broke already
PostedFebruary 14, 2013
gtoman
from missouri
Age:25-34
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Strength/Durability
2
/
5
Balance
4
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
4
/
5
Craftsmanship
3
/
5
Casting Performance
3
/
5
so i bought this pole on 2/10/13 had alot of problems with back lash on small bait but after alot of messing with the reel i got it to cast decent. with bigger lures it did cast pretty far after re adjusting everything on the reel again. here is the bad part i was fishing yesterday and and went to set the hook and about 10 inches of the rod snapped in half i was like WHAT!!!!!!!!! man i have some cheap pole that i bought for 10 dollars that have never ever just snapped like this did but the great thing is there customer service they were very fast at responding and just waiting to see what happens next i hope to get an upgrade i dont care to pay a little more but i def dont want this happening if i catch a big one anyways i hope this helps when ur looking to buy the black max 2
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Comments (1)
bassfan
murfreesboro tn
rods dont just break
Posted March 7, 2013
You had to have stepped on it, put your knee on it, pinched it or something. Rods don't break on a hook set unless you have damaged it.
I have been tournament fishing for over 30 yrs and have never broken a rod on the hookset.
You will learn this as you get more experience
I have been tournament fishing for over 30 yrs and have never broken a rod on the hookset.
You will learn this as you get more experience
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Review 8 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
Great Product For the Money
PostedOctober 16, 2012
John
from Slippery Rock, PA
Age:18-24
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
5
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
4
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
This was the Very First Bait Caster that ive owned. after some tweaking and getting use to , it works like a charm no issuses . i really like the quality of Abu Garcia's products and will continue to buy them in the future
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 9 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
Excellent Value
PostedSeptember 19, 2012
BackRoadCountryBoy
Age:Under 18
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Strength/Durability
3
/
5
Balance
4
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
3
/
5
Craftsmanship
4
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
This rod and reel has served me well thus far, (for about 2 and a half months,) have reeled in 50 bass or so and going strong! It was making some unpleasant sounds when casting, but basic cleaning remedied that. It is not the smoothest, but hey, it is $50! It has worked well, excepting the fact that it sometimes sticks for a moment when going from freespool to reeling in line. Also, I think that the anti-reverse may have failed once thus far, but it may have been me...no real complaints, though. Will stay with Abu casting reels, but will probably buy the pro max or something like that next.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 10 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
Rod Snapped
PostedSeptember 7, 2012
Rickimaro
from Black Creek, Wi
Age:Under 18
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Strength/Durability
2
/
5
Balance
5
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
3
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
It is a great combo for the money. I caught a five pound lunker largemouth on this and it performs great. I wad kayaking with my uncle and cousin and I flipped the kayak and my combo was gone... I was so mad but my uncle walked in the water found it and pulle it out and it still performs like a charm. Because of my own stupidity I opened my car door when getting out from fishing and I closed the door on my rod and 6 inches snapped off the rod. So I'm not mad at Abu Garcia for this but the rod is very stiff and I question if it is to stiff. Anyways I put the reel on a different rod and I love it. Great combo but pair reel with a different rod.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 11 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
Impressed!!!
PostedAugust 29, 2012
Anonymous
from Fort Wayne, Indiana
Age:25-34
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:3
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Novice
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
4
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
4
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
2
/
5
This is my first baitcasting reel, and im having mixed feeling about it. The rod itself is strong, durible, and performs well with fighting fish. The reel however, it seems to birds nest a lot!!!!! Almost every cast the spool goes haywire and tangles me up! Now, im still learning how baircasting works, so it might work out better once i get used to it...but until then, i guess ill jus deal with tngled line!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 12 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
Casting
PostedAugust 10, 2012
Anonymous
Age:18-24
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
5
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
1
/
5
Everytime I casted this combo the line became all wack. It would always come loose and I would get a birds nest. I even kept tension on the line. I tried the heaviest lure and it wouldn't even cast a few feet
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Read Comments (4)
Comments (4)
Anonymous
Posted April 24, 2013
try using 20# braided line with it. I switched to this after trying 20# mono and it make s a huge difference. No more rats nests and it casts quite far.
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bass fisher
ohio
bird nest
Posted October 14, 2012
i recommend to anyone that is having problems with there baitcaster you can try differnet line, you could try differnent settings, or you can use a differnet rod with different size eyes
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Paul
Pittsburgh Pa.
screw holes
Posted October 6, 2012
I bought a Black Max combo, and for the most part love it, my only problem is I bought a right hand retrieve and cast with my right hand. The bottom screw keeps ripping up the inside of my index finger. I need to do something with the hole so I don't get blisters every time I go fishing.
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DLBorg
California Delta Fisherman
take a hard look at the line you are using...
Posted August 19, 2012
99% of the time, it's the line you are using that causes the problem on baitcasters. I use multiple Abu reels, including the Black Max, Pro Max, Silver Max, etc...but on baitcasters you have to use a line class similar to a P-Line CX or the CXX in 10lb to maybe 12lb (absolute butter on 10lb and this line is tough) OR go for 20 lb to 30lb ProLine braid. These lines will completely change your opinion, and you'll be amazed at how smooth the Black Max casts. Currently, I'm using 10lb P-Line CX, and it doesn't get any smoother or silent on presentation. A wacky rigged worm with no weight flies a mile.
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Review 13 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
black max
PostedJuly 31, 2012
Anonymous
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
5
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
this is the first baitcast reel that i have owned and it was easy to learn to use . i have caught alot of bass with this rod and reel and i love the action . i plan on buying some more to keep rigged with alot of different thing thanks abu garcia
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 14 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
Don't Fear trying A Baitcast Reel
PostedJuly 29, 2012
Kckurazz
from Virginia
Age:35-44
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:3
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
5
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
After hearing all the war stories from family and friends I never would try a baitcast reel even though I always wanted to. I ran across this combo earlier this year and just hade to buy it. This combo is so easy to master because of the features are such good quallity like the Mag Trax Brake system and lightweight feel (not to mention really good looking to) that I couldn't imagine fishing with anything less than a Abu Garcia Low Profile Baitcast Reel. I will say this the combo is so good that I now have a MGX/Villian Combo to go with it. Think about it the bottom end product is so good it sold me on the top end product if that doesn't say it all nothing does. Thanks Abu Garcia you have changed fishing for me forever with this combo.
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Review 15 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
Great combo for the price.
PostedJune 12, 2012
Anonymous
Age:25-34
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
4
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
4
/
5
Craftsmanship
4
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
The Black Max Combo was my first baitcasting reel, it was real easy to learn how to cast it. I have the combo that has the 6' 6'' medium rod, I plan on getting another combo with the 7' 0'' medium heavy rod. Great product!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Comments (1)
Jake
Florida
Great Rod
Posted September 19, 2012
This is amazing! It's durable sensitive and great for castion I love this!
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Review 16 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
Great Combo
PostedJune 9, 2012
Salt fisherman
from Port Lavaca, TX
Age:18-24
Favorite type of fishing:Saltwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Intermediate
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
5
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
I have had this combo for a month now and it has been doing really well fishing in saltwater. I fish with it probably about 4 times a week and it's a great piece of work.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 17 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
First yet the best
PostedMay 10, 2012
Outdoorsman88
from Arizona
Age:Under 18
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:4
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Intermediate
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
4
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
I'm 13 years old and I have been fishing since I was four. I got this awesome combo last year for my first bait caster and I learned how to use a bait caster with it in my backyard pool. This is my first fishing session with it and I've already reeled in 2 two pound and 1 five pound largemouth bass. Love the combo now I've got my eyes on the bcx combo which I plan to get very shortly.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Comments (1)
Bassfishing24/7
Posted November 26, 2012
Should I get the 6-6 or 7-0 I'm 13and I'm used to spinning reels this is my first baitcaster
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Review 18 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
the best combo i have
PostedMay 8, 2012
Anonymous
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
5
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
i bought the blackmax combo this year and its the best one i own abu garcia is the best my next buy is the silvermax
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 19 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
Great Combo For The Price
PostedMay 4, 2012
RobLofva
from Richmond, VA
Age:25-34
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:3
Owns a boat:No
Experience:Novice
Strength/Durability
5
/
5
Balance
5
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
4
/
5
I just started fishing again. First time in well over 12 years. I bought myself and my wife this combo. It was very easy to use and within 3 cast had a small mouth bass on the line. Takes alittle getting used to the smooth open face aspect of a baitcaster but I have been very pleased with the performance and the ease of casting.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Comments (1)
J.B.
Warsaw, Ohio
Liked this Combo so much, I bought another one...
Posted August 23, 2012
I am the owner of many different baitcasters in all price ranges. I was in a hurry to replace a more expensive reel that had a fatal malfunction and ran across the Black Max combo. Thought I'd take a chance and purchased one. Loved the feel of the low profile reel and was impressed with the distance I could get while casting. The rod is sensitive enough to work a worm on bottom, yet strong enough for running a crankbait or buzz bait. Liked it so much, I now own TWO!!!
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Review 20 for Black Max Combo
Overall rating
amazing combo!!
PostedMay 2, 2012
shut up and fish!!
from east tennessee
Age:Under 18
Favorite type of fishing:Freshwater
Number of times fishing per month:5+
Owns a boat:Yes
Experience:Expert
Strength/Durability
4
/
5
Balance
4
/
5
Gear Feel (Smoothness)
5
/
5
Craftsmanship
5
/
5
Casting Performance
5
/
5
this is a amazing rod and ver affordble. Ive had mine about 2 weeks i have had the first little problem with it, well except the first time used it i didnt get a bite but thats not a problem with rod, haha. Im thinkin about buying another one! its a great rod for throwing a worm, spinner bait, topwaters, etc... If they mad this rod in a 7'6" flippin stick id own atleast 2. i love fishing with this rod its a really smooth rod to throw and retrieve the smallies dont have a chance once their on, their on, with this rod. haha. i have a revo too and i wouldnt trade the black max for another revo.. so far abu garcia hasnt let me down. id rather have a abugarcia than i would a g-loomis or any other rod out there. since i really got big on bass fishing and getting into tournament fishing ive really loved the way abu garcias rods on reels perform, i want good quality gear that i can trust and rely on, and i can put all my trust in abu's rods and reels when im in the middle of a big tournament. ive noticed that to me the abu reels perform the best with about 10-12lb basspro excel line and the spinnin reels work great with around 6to8lb bass pro excel line. if you are thinking about purchasing a baitcasting rod i would recomend this rod to you anyday of the year.
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