Abu Garcia Silver Max Review – The Perfect Baitcast Reel
Abu Garcia Silver Max Review
So, you’re in the market for a new baitcaster reel, but you’re not sure which one to get – the Abu Garcia Silver Max is a great place to start looking.
Consider this review as a stepping stone to helping you decide. But first off, we need to find out what baitcasting reels actually are!
The difference between a baitcasting reel and a spinning reel is the placement position on the rod and the orientation of the spool.
Baitcasting reels are located on the top of the rod whilst the spool is in line with the rod.
This is in contrast to a spincasting reel, where the spool is at a 90° angle to the rod and is located underneath. This allows the line to come off the spool in line with the rod.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5 stars
Quality: 4.5/5
Cost: 4.5/5
Ease of use: 4.5/5
Why choose a baitcasting reel?
Just like alternatives, baitcasting reels can still be durable and lightweight. The positioning of the spool, allows line to flow off the reel in line with the rod allowing for more controlled, accurate and longer distance casts. However, they do tend to have a high learning curve and the price tag tends to be higher than a spinning reel. Now, let’s dive into the Abu Garcia Silver Max review…
Design
The Abu Garcia Silvermax is made from a single slice graphite frame and side plates which help to balance out and keep the weight low. The spool is made from aluminium which is an added bonus for keeping the weight at an all-time low without costing on performance. The graphite construction with an aluminium chrome piece on the front really helps with the hook sets.
The Silvermax reel can be cast all day without adding any fatigue to your muscles due to its lightweight design. It also stays in good condition over time, withstanding day-to-day fishing impacts.
It is also extremely affordable. Abu Garcia is committed to providing the best quality products without skyrocketing the price point to a position that makes it impossible to obtain unless you’re a professional.
The reel contains five stainless steel ball bearings and an additional roller bearing with Duragear brass gears that gives an excellent retrieval experience. The metallic gears use Abu Garcia’s Duragear technology which dramatically extends the lifespan of the products and allows them to withstand significant stress.
There have been some very happy customers when it comes to the Silvermax baitcaster reel. A lot of people are super happy with the design, looks and its proficiency:
“Great, reliable, quality reel when paired with Suffix 10 to 12 lbs Camo or green mono. I’ve had this reel for 3 years and fish like it’s going out of style and can’t get enough! This reel has caught hundreds of quality fish and is still running strong!” Source: Abugarcia.com
Abu Garcia Silver Max Features:
Magtrax Braking System:
There is no covering the affordability of the Silvermax, which may come as a surprise to some people as it easily competes with some of the high-cost baitcasting reels.
The Magtrax braking system allows for quick adjustments without having to get rid of any side plates.
A couple of clicks on the outside brake controller allows you to spend far more time casting precisely rather than fiddling around with things. If you are using light bait and want to change things around, it should be easy and without hassle.
With the Magtrax Braking System, Abu Garcia has made it super simple for you. The brake system gives a smooth pressure to the reel from the initial cast all the way to the lure going into the water.
Of course, you will still need some of your thumbs to help with braking so that you can keep the line managed.
Some have said: “When I’m pitching, I like to put the brake system all the way on the minimum and I put the tension on pretty low so that way the spool spins really well and you can get it out further and by having that option. Just before it hits the water you can stop the spool itself.”
Drag System:
Anglers can tighten the drag to its highest setting using the thumb bar to release the line. Also, when locking off your drag, you will be at a point where you can set the hook hard and obtain instantaneous energy transfer into fish.
Star Drag & Spool:
The Silvermax has a low profile and includes a double bent handle that is perfect for streamlined performance.
It helps to feel agronomical and super easy to use. Beside the handle is the star drag, which includes a bent layout making it energy efficient when fighting a big fish.
With certain casting techniques such as flipping and pinching, the Rocket Clutch technology help tremendously.
There is no need to continuingly hold down the switch to keep the spool disengaged. With the Silvermax, all you have to do is push down on the clutch.
When you are ready to re-engage, just push down the switch next to the clutch. This makes engaging the spool and disengaging super simple, simply only having to use a single hand.
Abu Garcia said themselves that “this feature eliminates the need for anglers to turn the handle for engagement and is perfect for pitching, flipping or back trolling fishing techniques.”
The spool tensioner gives constant pressure throughout the whole cast allowing you to cast further without too many backlashes. The max drag for the Silvermax reel falls at 18lbs or 8.1kg.
Reel size and gear ratio:
Whether left or right-handed, the reel size of the Abu Garcia Silvermax Reel comes in at a low-profile option, whilst the gear ratio sits neatly as 6:4:1.
What does this mean?Simply, the spool rotates 6.4 times every 360° turn of the reel handle.
Baitcaster reels tend to offer a bit more flexibility and variety when it comes to gear ratio’s, and professionals tend to use higher ratio’s as they can control faster spins.
The gearing and bearing system allows for good performance regardless of weight. The low-profile reel size allows for a good line recovery rate, although isn’t optimal for high-speed retrieval.
The severe cranking power allows for deep diving and heavy baits. With the braking system alongside the gear ratio, making the Silvermax perform super well.
The Silvermax contains a power disk drag system which uses plastic washers capable of providing more drag.
Abu Garcia Silver Max FAQs
Can the Abu Garcia Silvermax be used in fresh and saltwater?
Sitting at such a gorgeous looking price, Abu Garcia doesn’t want you having to fork out a load of money on separate reels for both fresh and saltwater.
Therefore, the Abu Garcia Silvermax Reel works in both fresh water and saltwater conditions.
Can the Abu Garcia Silvermax be purchased as part of a combo set?
Yes!The Abu Garcia Silvermax baitcasting combo uses 24-ton graphite to allow for a lightweight and balanced construction with 5 stainless steel ball bearings as well as an additional roller bearing for the Silver Max reel.
The ideal combo for the angler who is looking for a ready-to-go set-up.
Conclusion
Are you looking for a super lightweight reel that looks gorgeous and performs even better?
With awesome new Rocket Clutch technology working alongside the MagTrax braking system makes this reel efficiently smooth to use whilst keeping its performance at its maximum level.
It can be utilised in all types of conditions including fresh and saltwater due to its awesome material design. Whilst its durability takes the blunt impact of day to day use pretty well.
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