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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | I just bought one on eBay. Thought I'd give it a try. Share your experience with me. Thanks! |
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | C'mon. I know there's a ton of ABU Garcia nuts out there. Feedback pleeeeze..... |
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Posts: 1270
| I,ve used SM5600C's and CL's (which are basically the same as the Black Max) and they are fine for musky fishing. The one thing I do not like is that unless you get a CL model the line guide stays in place when casting. This is not all that important on a 5 size reel but on a 6 size it is.
Abu has upgraded the clutch arm / return spring in these a couple of years ago. To check if yours has been done remove the right side plate and look in the back portion of the mechanism. If you see a spring it has not been done yet. If you see a white plastic "button" it has been.
One other thing to check is on the pin running through the thumb bar. On the left side there is a very small C clip you can see if you turn the reel over. Place a SMALL drop of super glue there to keep the C clip on. FYI, it doesnt matter if you glue the C clip to the thumb bar |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI |
Two guys in my Muskies Inc. chapter love the black max reels the fish average of twice a week.
For what it's worth.. I fish 3-5 times a week and other than replacing drag washers once a season I have no complaints about Garcia reels and I run about a dozen of them between my rods and my client rods. |
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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I have two that are tough as nails. No problems with over 3 years use by me and my sons. Pretty good reels, in my opinion, with one qualifier. I care for my equipment a bit more than most, oiling and cleaning whenever I feel the reel has taken a beating. My Spidercast reels are on their fourth season, too. |
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | Thanks for the input guys. I'm not a bit afraid of replacing parts on reels. It's just helpful to know what to watch for so I can be a little more proactive before a major failure. I've only been musky casting about 6 times this year but it is clearly time to make a pot of java and rebuild most of my reels....ALL BRANDS!  |
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Posts: 20281
Location: oswego, il | Ah, so you bought that reel. Always some good reel deals on ebay. |
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Anyone use a Garcia Black Max 5600?