Best Budget Baitcaster | Abu Garcia Max X Review

[@johnhancock517]

Looks like a good setup. Glad you're still looking out for the beginners and people on a budget! 👊

[@MissionJesus370]

Why beginner? A more expensive reel would be easier to cast for a beginner.

[@johnhancock517]

@Red State Angel45 Because beginners may not want to spend a lot on a rod and reel. Especially if they're new to fishing.

[@retflo2583]

The old Black Max was my first bait caster, still have it as my pond combo, works great...

[@dubj5191]

I can second that. It’s my favorite cheap reel. I’ve had some sprinkled throughout my rod/reel combos since the gen 1 versions & I swear by them, It’s what I learned on. I have lots of rods & reels & the black max holds it’s own

[@blind_eye_fishing]

The max x is the new black max. The black max namw is being discounted. The max x has all the exact same components as the black max 2 and 3

[@brucepreston3927]

I still have 3 of the Black max 3 reels that I put on $28 lews rods from walmart, I actually use them for crankbaits...I had several 95mm lews handles laying around that I put on them and they work great! For being a cheap graphite frame reel they have alot of cranking power with the larger lews handles I put on them and they have enough drag power to really lock it down if you want...I have several lews tournament pro reels that I use if I need something that will pick up line faster and for frogging...

[@blind_eye_fishing]

@@brucepreston3927 the black max3 comes with a 95mm handle its just a aluminum handle though. I updated alot of the abu garcia reels with lixada carbon fiber 100mm to 110mm handles they all hold yp well lol. The black max two caught me a my pb last year at 8lbs and a 6.7lber they definitely will handle big fish. 6.4:1 is plenty fast enough to do most things I've even frogged with one. 6.4:1 is considered a medium range ratio. 7 is on the lower high side.

[@brucepreston3927]

@@blind_eye_fishing Sorry, I said 95mm but I meant to say 105mm...they are 105mm carbon fiber with the Winn grip knobs...Its amazing how much the extra 10mm helps!

[@johnbaker4847]

love Abu Garcia, Bang for the Buck! So many U Tubers forget what they get when they started out, You Haven't... Thank You Debo! 👍🥰🎣 This is why we follow you. 🎣👍❤

[@haywoodbush3110]

BRUH!!!!!! DEBO TECHNICS RULE!!!!!! This looks like a nice small rig that will fit in anyone's hand... Might be time to renew and regear before the season gets going really good... Have a great weekend buddy! tight lines

[@134rwa]

It's great the way you point out the limitations of that combo, which guides potential buyers to it's strengths, and if it's a good fit for them. I'm OK with the reel, but I would definitely go with a higher quality rod

[@xeebers]

Abu has it dialed in for the budget angler. My first baitcaster setup was the Pro Max combo. Easy to use, easy to learn. I no longer have it in my arsenal but I will always remember it.

[@pcheek68]

Agreed, and can say the same thing. I have 3 promax combos.

[@MaineStreamFishing]

Love that you do these budget reviews… sometimes you see people doing reviews on stuff that is super expensive and its just like geeze am I really gonna go get one of those

[@matthewotis3594]

I feel ya there. No nrx for me. Love the Xfinity combo. Beat one to death and still kicking. Never ran the max casters. Used the abu cardinal spinning reels then the max replaced them and aren't near as good so I dropped the abu basically. They hurt my feelings 😟

[@marctheriault]

Good budget specs and features. And as a two piece rod I’m thinking it’s a great “spare” set up to keep in the back of the car with a small kit with baits and lures for some spontaneous opportunities when you’re out and about. Thanks for the rec!! Good stuff as always!!

[@richardblake4777]

I recommend you to all my bassing buddies because of your no B's approach to the sport. We all appreciate it Debo, thanks

[@TheDungeon-Master]

My wife and I just got some gear together to fish for the first time together. I haven't fished but a few times since i was a kid and I am in my 40's, I love your videos and just wish I had the knowledge that you have. Thank you for everything you do!

[@robertholler7262]

I love to take my wife fishing. She squeals every time she sets the hook! Keep watching Debo, but if you want bass fishing knowledge give the Flukemaster a look. His MTB bass school vids are like grammar school for beginner bass fishermen. Good luck!! 🎣

[@TheDungeon-Master]

@@robertholler7262 I watch his videos as well. I am just starting so I have alot of videos to catch up on. But his beginner videos have been very helpful.

[@nathandenardis3999]

I was looking at getting this combo. Thanks for all the great info on it. You truly are the best informative fishing KZbinr out there!!🎣

[@martinlabrecque4283]

Thx for the review, that was good advice. I'm in Australia and I found the combo with same reel but with a heavy 5'6" rod. (189 $AUS) This ended up perfect for starting Murray Cod fishing with biiiig surface lures like 50gr and up. At first I thought the plastic outside of the reel looked cheap but all the body and internals are hard and solid. I caught a 70 cm / 4Kg Cod on my second day of use of the combo. The rod and the reel reacted well to the smashing attack and the retreive was a smooth feeling of all the fish moves. All I can say is "Happy days" !!

[@aussiebornandbred]

Gday Martin how ya going mate? I've just bought one of these Abu Max X, (XL left handed model)and I'm wondering if you can answer a question for me? Does your line guide move side to side when In free spool/casting mode? Mine doesn't, which I thought was a bit odd, since all of my other bait casters do, ,,the bloke i bought it from reckons thats how they are, but thought id double check in case he's talkin shit lol,, the line guide works fine in winding mode, any help would be awesome thanks mate, have a good one

[@martinlabrecque4283]

@@aussiebornandbred I haven't noticed. Will double check and let you know

[@aussiebornandbred]

@@martinlabrecque4283 cheers mate, I'd appreciate it

[@martinlabrecque4283]

@@aussiebornandbred Just came back home M8 and no the line guide stays locked in gear when the spool is released.

[@aussiebornandbred]

@@martinlabrecque4283 thanks mate, I really appreciate that, I thought I'd got a dodgy one lol, seems like a nice little reel apart from that, have a great weekend mate,cheers🍻🍻🍻

[@chrisrus53]

You're gonna make me buy another reel! 😆 after upgrading a few rods this winter I have a Abu Revo X(probably the Vengeance) rod that I'm not using. I'm gonna have to snag one of those reels and use it for top waters. Great video fella!

[@LipRippinJunkie]

The Revo x is my favorite reel that I own 💪🏼

[@chrisrus53]

@@LipRippinJunkie it was my first baitcaster. Bought it as a combo from Scheels. Its still one of the favorites in my arsenal.

[@robkiltie6481]

Enjoy your gear reviews so much Depo, especially rods and reels. Keep them coming

[@stevesmith7164]

The buget reel I bought that you recommended years ago the BPS Pro Qulifer 2. Thanks. I still use it love the buget reels

[@HankSnowgrandslamfishing]

For a beginner or someone who is looking for good equipment and not spending a lot of money this is a winner combo. Thanks for sharing.

[@rgdayo]

I love the highlights of fish catches mixed in! Has me thinking hard about open water. Sigh. 😔 Keep the great content coming Debo!

[@kyleoden3015]

I really like this baitcaster. I have caught many bass and a couple coho salmon with it and no issues. I have been very hard on this reel in the year I have owned it and it keeps on going. I've upgraded my main rod and reel to the revo xhs and okuma guide select and they're a awesome upgrade from budget gear.

[@nigel7297]

Black max, one of the best budget reels ever made 👍👍. Great video Debo, keep up the great work. Nigel (Chicago)

[@Autistic_tv]

I just started watching this video, but I really appreciate this guy because I am trying to buy my first bait caster ❤ 0:29

[@HappyKatsFishing]

Awesome review. I always look forward to them. Hey, I would love to know what you think of a Johnny Morris rod, reel or combo. I came across a 7' spinning combo a few years back and I love it. I have not gotten good enough with a bait caster yet to be a good judge. Would love to get your thoughts on it. Also, I would love to see a reel cleaning and maintenance video. Thanks for all the info.

[@charlie8brown]

So a few weeks ago I went to my local shop to pick up a Max X. Guys behind the counter also showed me the Origin R1 since the price point is about the same. Bought both and have zero regrets.

[@Jvosimba]

Using this combo in LA ponds has been great. Exactly what I was looking for as my first baitcaster

[@NedRigNerd]

I was just looking at this combo and the stx, with medium rod. I'm glad you did this review

[@farrzmd3038]

I have the black max. Bought it 3/4 yrs ago and it’s still going strong. It makes for a great squarebill , 1/4 oz lipless reel when lined with 12lb line. Reel can be found for $35-40 on sale.

[@KenStarks]

Yep, same here...if you don't over extend that combo, it makes a great squarebill/wacky worm rig. I love mine.

[@texasbassranger]

I'm starting my third year with this combo and couldn't be happier. And yeah, not a flip and punch rig by any stretch, but it does all my crank baits, top water and finese whacky rig stuff. My other rod is an Ethos H20 express with a (don't laugh) zebco bullet spincast. I paid a hundred dollars for that reel and it had pulled some real horses out of the pads and grass. And no backlashes either. But back to the Black Max, once I learned to adjust the tension on my spool abd brake system, it's been a dream. Not a backlash one.

[@davewashburn8930]

Really enjoy the budget videos you do. In most cases you get what you pay for. But there are a few budget options that are great. Abu being one. Thanks for keeping the budget minded feesherman in mind.👊

[@imboredidid1]

I just got that red and black abu Garcia vendetta rod today! Can't wait to try it out

[@tdeeb6359]

DEBO! Good vid. I learned new stuff, as always, and I remembered stuff I had heard you say before!! Thanks, my friend for being so dependable. ( Gonna give the Lives again soon. They kinda get to be ‘man cave’ editions sometimes. )

[@jordenmiller5169]

My friend has the black Max and I’ve got shinano slx dc and chronarch g and I’ve got to say I’m surprised how well the black max keeps up with both of my “high end” reels. Definitely a great reel. Kinda wish I just bought 10 of those instead of all my gear🤣🤣

[@texasbassranger]

LOL, I feel your pain

[@cjscarborough83]

Bonifide Debo review. I respect you use the stuff you review whether you recommend them or not. 👊🏽

[@vladimirrienas5546]

I bought this reel with a Berkeley 7 foot cherry wood combo and it’s my first baitcaster.I’m excited to try it and I got it on sale for $50 bucks at my local sporting goods store!

[@alexiscornejo445]

Been using this baitcaster and gotta say one of my best baitcaster i got it’s a must have for any new anglers not to expensive and works perfectly fine

[@Steve-xt2ze]

Great re view. I'm in the market for a bait casting setup. The budget combo and alternative options were perfect.

[@michaellamonica5429]

Thanks for the review. Looking to get a bait caster and need to do it on a budget so this review was extremely helpful.

[@davidewing6394]

My reel just came from Amazon today, $47 Looks good out of the box. Can't wait to try it.

[@trickytrav88]

The black max is definitely a great reel also. Thanks Debo Abu definitely has there shit together. And i was thi king of a guest maybe Glenn May that would be a very educational experience

[@allenwilson9656]

I just bought this combo this past weekend, $ 84.99 @ 35 % off so for $ 55.24 it was a good deal

[@Joseph5756]

I am 40years old who start casting with it. So far it's good to learn

[@rynhanson]

I have the black max and new vengeance with the gray reel. Looking at this one as another one for the arsenal

[@justkeepcasting]

Used the old max all the time - and for muskies on the the river. It was my go to river setup. Easily caught close 25+ muskies on that reel. It got put to work, got beat up, and eventually gave me problems lol but arguably the best baitcaster for the money/at that price I ever owned 🤷‍♂️👍

[@garylaney1333]

Abu does have decent priced product for us folk that are money conscious. That combo not a terminate rod for a whole season but for us weekenders not a bad deal. Thanks for the review, good info sir. I was wondering about that rig. Now I can talk about it like I know. Yea boy.

[@Gods-Shepherds]

Abu has a good business model. Make almost no money on your low end reels so that theyre as good as possible. Catching fans for the big purchases later doen the line when you buy that first big setup.

[@kodyeliason1389]

This is my first baitcaster and I’ve loved it. I’ve been using it for the last couple months

[@CJZ964]

Hows this combo so far if you still have it

[@marcusbrinda9879]

I got it on the 2 piece medium rod for $16 at Acadamy last fall. I had been looking at it and happened to pick up the only 2 piece. The others on the rack were all medium-heavy for full price. So I got a full combo for 1/4 of the price of the reel.

[@brucepreston3927]

I'm not a fan of 2 piece rods but for $16, I would have bought it to go on the tool box of my truck! Never know when the opportunity my arise! lol

[@dirtnapz996]

@@brucepreston3927 2 piece rods definitely have their place. I agree. Never know.

[@willjunkin732]

Seems like a great top water and square bill rod as you said. I have had my black max for 2 yrs with no issues. Will be getting the maxX for sure.

[@werftv4580]

BBB... gotta love that.. got a pflueger on some kind of clearance for 20$, thing feels cheap, but serviceable...

[@timtweet8149]

Good review! You can try a Hank Parker signature series casting rod by Lews. It's on sale at Walmart under $40 and comes in two types; MH Fast for worm and jigs and M-Fast for crankbait. It also comes in a M-Fast spinning rod for shaky heads. I couldn't find his reels so I order one from Vandam warehouse for $99. Comes RH in 7.5 speed. I'm looking for his 300 size spinning reel to match. Looks silver w/orange and gray highlights, almost like the Mach Crush I won from Gramps on his new years Eve live. Love you down to earth views. Keep it going!

[@pcheek68]

I came here to say this. I have the Hank Parker $47 Lew's rod paired with a $179 reel currently but I usually have an American Hero on it.

[@timtweet8149]

@@pcheek68 Kewl reply is ok. Thanks.

[@ukstorm2727]

Great video for people who are on a budget , started out on a silver max and a pro max, you can catch big fish on budget equipment, although I have been blessed enough to upgrade to better equip my top 3 biggest bass have come on budget gear

[@tylergorniak14]

Love this combo, was my first baitcaster!

[@willtrax71]

I just got a Daiwa AirD-x for 35 on the Amazon and it feels amazing and it’s probably the nicest Rod I own. It’s extremely light and sensitive even for the MH I have.

[@440-fishermandrock8]

Debo Is da MAN !!!

[@billturner2370]

Great Review!!

[@YAMMUZIK]

That Daiwa Rod, I got it from Academy for $30. I paired up with the SLX, so far love it! 🤘🏻🖤😈🤘🏻

[@lukediepfishing]

What would you say for CC80 vs Max X?

[@staceymiller4765]

As I stated, my rod( in the combo) was a 7’9” rod with an Abu Garcia 4:3 reel and I’m wondering if I should go heavier or lighter? 😊

[@oldschoolbassman4590]

So, I picked up a black max years ago. I think it was on sale at the time for 25 bucks at Walmart. I don't use it as much as I did, mainly because I've since upgraded to the 99 dollar price range, however, it still works perfectly. So last week, I'm in Walmart, with the wife. She spots a yellow tag on a spinning combo, and calls me over to check it out. It's the max x mossy oak edition. I picked it up for 49.99. Same rod, as the casting combo, but spinning so it has that rubbery stuff on the grips. The reel has the new grippy handle, but the drag is what had me, it sounds, and you know what I mean, when a drag has a certain sound, like a good diawa spinning reel, or a pflueger president. Both have really good quality drag systems. I'm trying it out for the first time tomorrow, because the powerplant reservoir just opened and water temps are around 60 degrees here in Illinois. I love my Abu garcia stuff. The revo x bait casters, veritas rods. Vengeance rods, pro max reels. I'm sure this budget combo will perform well too. Great review as always.

[@mikereilly3242]

I'm definitely going to check out this combo. So what would be the best budget combo for frogs

[@thebacklasher8426]

Good review as always Debo!

[@leannesmith3660]

I have the Black Max. I still use it. My first baitcaster. It is on a decent rod, it doesn't get left at home often.

[@ArchAngler314]

I’m really digging the Abu Garcia Max Pro combo

[@scottvermonter920]

Nice review Debo not bad for the price point!

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Great review! How about a budget frogging combo?

[@ericwakeman6665]

Thanks for this I’m shopping my first baitcaster and this is around so I was curious sounds like a great choice! -update got this combo as first bait caster and have enjoyed fishing it so far. Caught my first fish of 2023 on it a few weeks ago after practicing casting with it in a park. I have 15 lb Berkley Big Game on it and it’s working well thanks for the review!

[@BulletsNBrass]

Check out the Bass Pro Formula Limited Edition that just came out. Same price bracket and also very good. It's great to see these companies making budget options that perform well enough folks can go inexpensive without it being extremely troublesome.

[@HeathKentucky]

This would be a great reel and rod for my boys can get both of them 1 and not break the bank. Thank you for the review I'll be grabbing 2 for them, they have been wanting to try baitcasters so why not

[@ajshaffer277]

Thank you so much for your videos you've made it so easy to get into fishing.

[@dylandixon4058]

Ive been like the lews custom speed stick. 7 2” mh has worked great for topwater and recently bought another to try for jigs and chatterbaits since my jig rod broke

[@dipster14]

Was thinking about getting KastKing Reels this year. The royal 200 size casting reel for my small to mid size swimbaits and flipping and pitching heavier weights...do a review on their reels Debo

[@linguine-lamborghini7032]

Your videos helped get through another winter.. The footage with ya in the jon boat is killin me though! Can’t wait for open water!🍺

[@Fishingmissions827]

Best budget rod is the St.Croix BassX 7’1MH fast.. first Gen. Paired with a 8.6:1 speed demon elite 2nd Gen. I use it for jigs TRigs. I absolutely love it for bottom baits. But I use 30lb braid - 15lb fluro. Makes any rod a great rod. Don’t be scared to learn leader knots/connections great video Debo can you make one on the BassX rod

[@relaxed_borgir]

I bought the reel by itself and a rod separately and went with my trusty ugly sticks, defiitley good strong rods but i do love the abu garcia rods, my brothers white 7'3" rod is awesome

[@RaabStephan]

Wonder what the big difference is between the Max X and the Black Max I just bought.

[@jorn5902]

I've got the reel on a Westin W3 TT&C finesse rod and it works great.

[@markmeador]

I have had my BlackMax combo for over three years, until it wears out it is my go to rig. I have ultra light spinning reels I use for crappy but after all the fishing I have done with this rig it cast like new.

[@JGFishing]

Please do also da review about the JDM Abu Garcia Black Max 4.

[@ellandjhannilustre4639]

Do you think the Black Max 4 JDM has the same size or dimension with the Max X? I have a Black Max 4 JDM and I bought a Max X shallow spool. Still waiting for it to arrive and hopefully it fits. 🙏

[@JGFishing]

@@ellandjhannilustre4639 i really think it has the same frame

[@KenStarks]

So, I've got the A G Black Max and after going to the casting pond (more like a ditch) at Cabela's I'm not seeing any reason to upgrade. They are almost identical in casting and retrieve and both feel the same in my hands. I do like the looks of it though, but as you stated...I can feel the flex at times when over extending the reel with heavier cover and pulling in more grass than bass. But thanks for the review. Not to rub it in Debo, but it was 77 degrees here in central Texas today and I'm gonna be hitting prespawn and the beds this weekend. Hope your ice melts soon.

[@louv2425]

As always nice review buddy 👍👍👍...

[@rockyraab8290]

I stumbled across an "End of Season" Quantum baitcasting combo last autumn for $60. Couldn't pass that up. It turned out to be just about like the one you describe: a passable treble-hook lure outfit that casts a mile. Not premium but not bad, either.

[@geralddavis9236]

I have the reel I enjoy it and the original black max all very smooth good review

[@macjig5148]

I have a number of high-end rods and reels. But bang for the buck, I believe Abu Garcia is the best company out there! I own a couple of the Black Max reels and they are both superb for the price. I have more Abu Garcia reels in my collection than any other brand. There's a reason for that!

[@104silvae]

I'm early! Definitely gotta snag me one of these combos

[@tunit8946]

I have several Black's Max reels. They're great for crankbaits with the gear ratio.

[@jonnelson5849]

I have a BlackMax 2nd generation and love it. I also have a Lews Xfinity combo from Walmart and that thing is a beast. It's a 6'10" Medium Heavy / Fast action and it does great with jig fishing at about the 3/8 oz mark and below, I feel the only down side to it is the length. It really should be a 7' or longer and it would be a dream boat. Try one of those Walmart Lews Xfinity baitcaster combos and let me know what you think. It rings in at $97 so it would be on the upper side of "Budget Gear".

[@dylandixon4058]

I love that lews combo. Have the baitcast and 2 of the spinning. Had to change one of the spinning reels bc it broke due to user error but other than that they have been awsome

[@carllestinsky2585]

Im fairly new to fishing, like 5 years max! I got made fun of for having an uglystick and shakespear as my first combo, but i caught more then any1 there! I recently upgraded and god more quality combos and they r amazing! Moral of the story is, u dont meed the best stuff to catch fish!!! 😅

[@blackbirdrc8348]

I gotta get me one of these cheap combos to permanently keep in my truck. Along with my little truck tackle bag. So many times i see a spot and wish i had a line to wet. My little ugly stick dock demon is fun for a permanent truck/exploration rod but something like this would be so much better. Was gonna get one of those bass pro telescoping casting rods and just get a reel for it but i think this would be better. Definitely don't wanna keep one of my main expensive combos in my truck 24/7.

[@NStone90]

Best budget combo, black max/ max x on a mh Daiwa aird x rod hands down. You can throw just about anything on that combo.

[@Faded_Psyco420]

I'm trying to get into baitcasters from always using open face spin reels, I bought the black Max and I'm trying to find out if I messed up😅

[@willtrax71]

Would you recommend the Abu Garcia over the Lews Classic speed spool? They are both around the same bread. Great Video my Friend thank you

[@David-gd1wv]

Debo would 15lb mono or fluorocarbon work good in this reel

[@robjurbala84]

Love your videos and information

[@jamesp2674]

Looks like a good beginner combo! I've seen them at wally world, just never bought one!

[@cbsutton25]

Nice budget setup. Good combo for beginners or some one on a budget.

[@brucepreston3927]

The older Abu Garica Vendetta rods are my absolute favorite rod under $150...I've had about 10 of them over the years and they have been great! I think they were about $89 when I bought them and I still use them for topwater walking baits and lipless crankbaits...I don't like the handle on the newer generation ones though, they have like a hexagonal shape that is really uncomfortable to me...

[@alejandroquiros2910]

Abue garcia make a great product reels and rod combos very good

[@ephraimgarcia7162]

Can I use it for all treble hook baits like lipless and all crankbaits with 15lb test on it

[@jamelephant]

I have the abu garcia revo s combo n it slaps

[@BodabopFishing]

can’t wait till spawn season debo gonna go ham

[@matruthn.m.bassin]

I just invested in a Kayak and I have my Silver/black/blue Max combos on riddin with me

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Looks like a fine beginner combo, especially when you get it on sale. What’s your favorite aluminum frame budget reel? Thanks Debo for the review

[@brucepreston3927]

The best budget aluminum frame reel i've found is the newest generation of the Lew's Speed Spool LFS, Its only $99 and it has all the important features of their higher end reels...the only difference is that it only has magnetic brakes and it use a brass main gear instead of aluminium...It works just as good as my Lew's tournament pro and I paid $199 for that one...