$80 COMBO ANYONE CAN BUY IS ONE OF THE BEST AVAILABLE TODAY! BLACK MAX 3/LIGHTNING ROD

[@THEREELTEST]

How many of you jerks have been fishing this combo and not telling people how good it is?

[@roninmctitty6626]

THE REEL TEST can’t say I’ve even fished with one😬 I spoil myself with St. Croix and shimano😂

[@sls1794]

I have a rod but only fished once so far. To much ice here. Have a couple of those reals because I’m a tight ass lol!

[@patwalker9890]

Guilty as charged. Have that exact setup for over a year.

[@Ejaramillo77]

Guess I'm one of the A**holes keeping it a secret. XD

[@sls1794]

If you guys are interested in these shock rods you might want to go check your local walmart just purchased two more 9.99 each

[@manifestgtr]

I used one of these reels for several years as part of a “keep it in the car” combo. Honestly...it was awesome. I own all manner of expensive shimanos and can say without a trace of irony, the black max is a nice little reel. Comfortable, casts well, forgiving, never failed me once. I ultimately ended up giving mine away to a super enthusiastic, bass/trout obsessed kid who was fishing on the bank next to me. Figured he’d appreciate it more than my jaded, 35 year old ass. I don’t hesitate to recommend these, though. For what they are, they’re great.

[@THEREELTEST]

The Black Max is a good reel for that price, but that Lightning rod was a big surprise.

[@patwalker9890]

Stopped by Walmart to pick up a second one of the rods. They had both the old cork and new style, but the cork handle was on sale. It was marked $29 so I picked it up. Once I got to the checkout it came up as $9.99! It reminded me of the old Ikea ad.... Start the car! Start the car! Best deal on fishing gear ever!

[@bellawright4265]

I'm 62 and been an avid fisherman for a long time and I've been using bait casters for the past 20 years and yes i ..am..a fan of Abu Garcia. Living half way between Table Rock and Stockton lakes in Mo and my rod and reels get used a Lot .I have that setup plus a Revo and the BluMax 3 matching combo and can't find a damn thing wrong with any of them.I will say one thing...when Walmart sets out any type of Abu Garcia's combo's ..they go in a hurry while Lews and others set there and collect dust...and i love those Berkley Rods.For those who say AG is junk..cheap made...mine broke...Listen Up. 1....Learn how to USE Them. 2....Quit Buying Seconds off Ebay. 3....Quit being Butt Hurt because your a shimano Leg Humper. Btw...i have No problem using these in my Ranger Boat.

[@jrdefield7481]

Everything you said about this rod & Walmart, I've done. This week in fact. I would've steered clear of them because of it being Berkley. I'm not a brand snob, but just associate them with low end on rods. This changed that opinion, so thanks! Also, they're made by Pure Fishing, that makes Lew's, Abu Garcia, Pfleuger and some BPS brand reels + more. Good, helpful, well done!

[@THEREELTEST]

For the prices these are going for(apparently being cleared out for $10) I figured what do I have to lose to try it out? lol

[@tomforward990]

Walmart has the Black Max combo on sale right now for $59. I bought the combo the other day. I'm going to get the Lightning rod now. Thanks

[@christophercadena9806]

This combo I bought for my nephew to start learning how to fish with a baitcaster. I fish shimano everything. And this combo was bombass for what it is, kind of even more so. Another great pairing is a Berkley cherry wood rod and this black max. Especially retailing for $45 as a combo at my local Waco dicks sporting goods.

[@THEREELTEST]

this combo is definitely a sleeper

[@traviscain3958]

I personally own a zodias and can easily confirm that the balance and feel are way better then a 40 dollar Berkeley rod and if you think it’s even close to being sensitive you really don’t know what a sensitive rod is

[@skyskarma4638]

travis cain it’s the best combo you can buy don’t even deny it it’s better than the g Loomis conquest in balance, durability, and sensitivity you’re just an idiot🤦‍♂️

[@TheFishingExperience916]

hi, I have a high question about the haibo steed. So recently I took the magnets out of the side plate to see if I could rearrange or make a better combination of magnets. Just to see if it will help the performance of the reel. I wanted to see how much magnetic hold just one of the little rounds would have on the spool. But there is no magnetic anything when it comes to the spool or any other parts of the spool. So wtf is the function of the magnetic braking system if the magnets dont slow down the spool?

[@THEREELTEST]

lenz effect. I actually bought a magnet kit for the Steed and Im going to try it out this weekend to see if it helps

[@TheFishingExperience916]

@@THEREELTEST oh man what a problem to have something so trivial like that work because of electrical current to slow down the spool with such weak magnets. well anyways thanks for that. Let me know if the new magnets help I might upgrade to what your using also thanks again ...

[@robertveith3400]

I have used the thoes rods for years they used to make finwick rods !!!!!!

[@static2101]

Have u tried the promax3

[@okish02]

Is that a med.action ?

[@BPfishing728]

my blackmax combo was my first baitcaster, have had it for around 2 years now. its been great but recently the button has been sticking and not engaging right. But i have definitely gotten my moneys worth out of it so im not to upset about it.

[@Boxagami]

I'm using my Kast King Assassin reel on a Abu Garcia Vengeance rod. The rod handle has same similar handle as this Berkley rod. I bought the Vengeance rod at Walmart, I forgot how much, it was probably close to $70. I like that Berkley rod, just not crazy about cork handles.

[@tommyd3jr]

What do i do if i have dead hands? Lol! U live in upstate NY?

[@robertreid1590]

Nice fish catch

[@thebassmanster6092]

The black max had a carbon frame and side plates there for being lighter than that of the scorpion with an aluminum frame.

[@sebysebastian7578]

I got the same reel, but i'm a bit afraid that it has some problems, it sounds like something is rubbing inside, like slight, slight rub

[@mikeschultz6383]

I own 2 shock rods for a few years one is 7’6 heavy and 6’6 medium I fish straight braid they are still working awesome definitely recommend

[@bamadondon0495]

I personally have two of these rods. One 6'6 for my JerkBait N one 7mh for spinnerbaits, I actually through a 1/4nce Shakey head an caught a 4'13 spot this past summer.. these rods are legit.. they hold up just as well as my lews

[@THEREELTEST]

yep, light, sensitive, and has a great taper for casting

[@caliyak_fishing]

I prefer the Shock. I have 4. I want to see more reviews on the new rod.

[@johnrich9278]

Achademy has the slx rod and reel combo on sale for 149.99 should I pick it up?

[@zachrice2666]

John Rich the slx is an amazing and SOLID reel

[@THEREELTEST]

if Amercian Legacy doesnt have their promo going then hell yeah

[@OsamaBinDarrel]

I've never tried one of those rods but I've always got a blackmax or silvermax on hand for the price they're definitely worth every penny . Mine have been tossed in the truck dropped on the ground and just not taken care of well but they're still kicking !

[@THEREELTEST]

that rod is a gem seriously. and the price just multiplies that

[@dorisbumgarner331]

I have 2 lightning rods, 7 ft no problems the 6.6 broke on a 7 lb hybrid bass, both rods brought in over 10 nice fish each. WalMart this week here in TN had this rod on clearance for 19.99 I would not buy one if fishing for fish over 5lb. Feels great but to fast tip for me.

[@THEREELTEST]

a 7lb hybrid probably fought like a 20lb largemouth lol. Those things are beasts.

[@blkaudiofan]

Just because a rod is mass produced doesn’t mean it’s not good. My friends and I can tear anything up with a Berkeley cherrywood!

[@Voxguitarsrock]

My 2 fav setups are my T3 on a lightning rod and my Laguna on a lightning rod shock.

[@christopherduda7281]

I couldn’t agree more. Although I have several high end rods and reels. My 10 year old Lightning Rod shock is still going. I fish it a ton as my primary Senko Rod. With a Daiwa Tatula Reel. I’ve never taken it out of my lineup because it’s bullet proof, sensitive, light, and I like the orange.

[@jorgehidalgo9480]

Hey bud. Got this set up today based on your review and price point. It's my first baitcaster so I figured it would be a good starter combo. I hope I do well....I've never used one of these before

[@Ed1974bugvw]

I have the reel and the rod never thought about putting them together wow

[@ponycarguy]

I've got one if the lightning rod shocks. The 7ft medium heavy. Coming from fly fishing it felt like a broom handle but since fishing it I can definitely see and feel the sensitivity and power. I ended up going up to the pro max for a reel. But the blackmax is very nice for the money. I've added a aliexpress shallow spool and just added some cheap ceramic bearings. It performs pretty well with the shallow spool and some slightly lighter stuff. Haven't gotten to fish it with the new bearings yet. Sadly I haven't landed a fish with the rod yet... not the rods fault. Just me learning how to fish them lol. Still learning alot of the riggings and whatnot. Great setup for the money!

[@ddm62571]

Don't know much about the Berkley rod but the Black Max baitcaster reel is probably the best entry level reel out there that I've fished with.

[@russhaight3225]

I have an older version of the lightning rod with a silver max. My biggest bass and pike ever were on that combo.

[@Turn0vers]

What's the difference with that rod compared to the cherry wood version? Got mine from Dick's a while ago.

[@THEREELTEST]

i dont know, this is the only berkley rod i have

[@Turn0vers]

@@THEREELTEST I do have a question. Have you done any reviews on Lew's? Reason why I ask is the tournament Mb SS version is on a steal of a price on Amazon. Been also looking to get a Curado. But haven't made my mind on 70 or K yet. Those 3 are like my main ones I'm looking to get a new setup on.

[@bassnazi4713]

You can usually pick up the regular Lightning and the braid version Shock both cheap on sale and clearance at a few places, even Berkley's website. Good deals even at regular price, even better when half off lol.

[@THEREELTEST]

I bought it over a year ago for $40. Didnt realize they were being discounted even more. Might have to try to find a spare 6'6 as a jerkbait rod

[@bassnazi4713]

@@THEREELTEST yea man, just watch around on Berkley's main site or check out Fisherman Factory Outlet I think it's is, kinda a whole Pure Fishing discount/reconditioned site and store. I ordered one to have for a loaner set up for like $20 one winter and highly recommend them for that price easily.

[@victorsimonsen921]

thank you.

[@MGJDMNJ]

I ain’t gonna lie man your place looks exactly like where I used to live in NC lol. Brick apartment with small fenced in back patio...great vid as usual

[@THEREELTEST]

town home bro... lol

[@shawnmoniz6617]

I have the Black Max Combo, Revo X Combo, and a Kastiking Speed Demon Pro Rod and Reel set up and i like my Black Max the most. More comfortable with it as an all around combo. Thanks for the great vids!

[@troycote3830]

Black Max 3 is bulletproof. 2 Speed Demons that stripped out within a month.

[@cz1580]

You guys don't need expense gear to catch fish in my opinion this is a solid combo.

[@THEREELTEST]

so true

[@NotAYoutubeChannel99]

You definitely don’t need expensive gear... but not being able to get out everyday, and wanting to use baitcasters, I appreciate the stress free operation of high end gear. The only lower end baitcasters I’ve had have been temperamental beasts that you’d tune perfectly and then somehow the reel would blow up of its own accord on a random cast 20 minutes later. While doubtless there are better reels at lower price points that won’t do this to you, I’ve never had the luck of finding one and just moved up in gear quality. I wasn’t tempted to move back down... until this. :)

[@elbandi1969]

I need a litle help. At the end of the video you say, the review of the new Berkley Lightning rod is coming. But i can not find it. I believe i need new glasses ;-)

[@ingoh.3213]

Nice music👍😁👍

[@maximusmeridious7655]

can you do a reel test with the Quantum Smoke S3 reel? I have a feeling its going to surprise everyone.

[@THEREELTEST]

I emailed Quantum about loaning me some reels to test when I first started my channel, I got no reply. I did play with the black and red S3 at Bass pro this weekend. Seems solid.

[@maximusmeridious7655]

@@THEREELTEST Yea I was messing with some reals most of mine are in the 200 dollar range especially doing tournaments and I will say I have them from all from LEWS, ABU, DAIWA, Johnny Morris, Shimano, and now Quantum Smoke and I can for me seem to get the most out of it. not to mention the feel of it and I like how you can have the line weight annotated on the reel. Sucks quantum hasn't replied they might again if you try since your channel has been growing if not let me know I can see what I can do.

[@100norir]

I have that setup with the abu garcia z....

[@Boxagami]

The reel sorta reminds me of my Kastking Assassin Reel.. I have the SilverMax combo and I love it!

[@artaddictt8624]

Max3 reels are great. I have Promax3 for a year nothing to complain especially at its price point.

[@sgtpavlov]

I think I remember holding that rod in walmart before. I decided to read reviews about it before I would buy it though. I ended up getting the piscifun torrent rod instead. I think that rod is probably lighter than the torrent . Most the time I go out to fish, I have a BFS setup with me, and sometimes I'll bring the MH setup. So no, I haven't been sneaking around with your combo lol. I like to throw some bigger, heavier, homemade inline spinners, on the MH. I can't wait to get them in front of some active bass. I could easily see a bass whacking those spinners. They cast absolutely wonderful too.

[@THEREELTEST]

spoiler alert. the new gen lightning rod i showed at the end is much heavier because its the 7ft.

[@ingoh.3213]

Nice nice music.👌

[@bigal1419]

Excellent choice for $80 but with the Pro Max Combo for $80 at Wally World, I’d go Pro Max unless you can get the discontinued rod for $10.

[@BackwardsNelsons]

Those rods are quickly being sold out and replaced with the newer ones 🥺, black max or silver max?

[@THEREELTEST]

i really dont see a difference between the black and silver max other than bearing count and color

[@BackwardsNelsons]

THE REEL TEST I could never pull the trigger on those, I did get the cherrywood, m and mh, $15 at Dunham’s, next time at Walmart check out the pro insight advantage, insanely lite! Prolly get a new Berkley with Walmart grocery savings lol 👍

[@THEREELTEST]

Ok Ill google pro insight advantage lol

[@zipngo1]

Walmart does not sell left handed models! Also have you ever tried to contact BERKLEY for an exchange on a broken rod. Customer service is not on the customer side. Walmart has never had left handed reels.

[@THEREELTEST]

if you got the rod at Wal Mart Id try to exchange it there first. check ebay for the black max, they are even cheaper there

[@colton6035]

Looks like a solid combo. Gotta admit expensive reels do perform amazing but i think i buy them just as much for looks and because i think they are cool as i do for performance. Lol

[@Plee92]

Get that Shakespeare reverb for $15. That's all u need for small lakes/ponds

[@Adrian-tx4hn]

I have the rod in a spinning combo for finesse baits

[@murrayprosser5082]

Great comparison, unbiased, informative and very well explained. I wonder how much it will cost me in Australia ? Would be great for bream and Flathead as well as yellow fin Whiting on surface poppers. Not sure how it would go on the Murray cod but as you say very sensitive so will try a few swim baits and spinner baits around the structure that cod love. Cheers Muzza

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

I've been looking at those lightning rods. I might have to try one. Nice review!

[@trent7700]

I'm a BFS goober but I love my Black Max reels.Very solid reels at the price point.

[@MIKE57208]

I’ve got the new version. Put an Orra reel on it. Love the combo.

[@victorsimonsen921]

what is the length of the shock rod.

[@THEREELTEST]

this one is 6'6, the new one at the end is 7ft

[@justincammidge4229]

I recomended this video a while ago. I own one of these there great.

[@TheFishingExperience916]

lol got it as a beginner combo for my coworker but instead of the black max I got him the silver max

[@Adrian-tx4hn]

I’m going to get me this exact combo now

[@chaliethao896]

I just got the pole for $20 at Walmart I guess it's good.

[@THEREELTEST]

damn you got it even cheaper

[@manifestgtr]

Dude... my local Walmart has been cleaning house. I got an abu vengeance mh caster for $20 last week. They’re making way for the new spring stock so this is a great time of year to get cheap shit.

[@3thingsfishing427]

Standard Lightning Rod > Shock Lightning Rod IMO. Shock rod has fewer guides for more money.

[@Adrian-tx4hn]

Just saw the end of the video lol, I have the new rod...the shock

[@upstatenybassmaster4211]

I'm waiting on my slx combo to come in the mail

[@johngill9071]

Do you like the SLX combo?

[@upstatenybassmaster4211]

@@johngill9071 love it best bang for ur buck

[@jeremynewhouse6530]

Those rods are on clearance now anywhere from $10-20.

[@natesomers5387]

I got three of those rods at Ollie’s for $5 each

[@bobbyholloway9776]

Silver Max lightning rod combo ftw!

[@carolinaclunkers8809]

Good stuff bro.Check out the Berkley Cherrywood also there sweet..✌ 👍 I'm out (Keeponfishn)

[@warf-oc9yz]

Whats really bad, I have tried to cast one of these reels. I just can't do it. I have tried more years than he is old. No one does a good review on spinners. Also this combo he is talking about here is not at my Walmart. I wish someone would do a good review of spinners, as in which is the best, at a reasonable price.

[@THEREELTEST]

I do have a couple of spinning reels Ill be reviewing soon. After my Antares gets here though lol

[@EddieLindsay681]

I like you love high end gear but Berkley knows fishing gear, even their $20 CherryWood rods are very light and balanced.

[@RealisticFishing]

A cheapie! 👍

[@THEREELTEST]

I started off with a Zebco 202 combo back in the 80s!

[@jeremynewhouse6530]

Those rods are on clearance now some stores 10 some stores 20 dollars.

[@robertreid1590]

Lol I have the silver max!

[@hotkey180]

I don't care what people think the whitemax by kastking is cheaper then the Abu Black Max 3 and out cast the Black max3 any day sorry guys that's the truth the whitemax is a lot better yes you have to go online but worth it in the long run guys if you want me show you guys let me know and I will make a video about it I will put it next to a curado DC150 .and by the the reel test i'm not trying up you and if I do in any way bro I take this down straight away .

[@troutwrangler90]

Take the plastic off the handle you savage

[@THEREELTEST]

I need the plastic when I sell the rod for $100

[@Adiarby13]

Lmao $80 for black max and berkley combo? Here , local stores sells black max reel alone for $100+, jerks of all jerks

[@THEREELTEST]

who sells the Black Max for $100???

[@Adiarby13]

@@THEREELTEST all fishing stores that sell black max in my country!..damn i hope those store owners gonna get same dream of gettin reeled in like fish with black max everynight..

[@taylorlufflongchamp7992]

Ok don’t take this wrong at all but are u white dude ?? Sounds so horrible to say that or ask .please don’t take this wrong it’s been bugging me and my buddy’s

[@michaeledens1271]

Taylor Longchamp Judging from the video, I would say he's black and spray painted his hands white.

[@grandfishing590]

Are you high Man? Are they paying you or what. You compared a Shimano zodias paired with a scorpion to that junk. I have had a black max and it’s so easy to strip the drag out and bend the handle If your fishing heavy cover. That rod will never last.

[@THEREELTEST]

nope, I fished both combos more than a few times

[@bellawright4265]

Grand fishing.... You shimano Cheerleaders get Butt Hurt so...Easily...it's Hilarious....Poor Baby.