Hi, i read some reviews and it seems like a good beginner casting reel! If you have had any experience with this reel or have heard anything of it please lmk what your opinion is? Also live near a pond in which everytime i fish there i walk up to the pond and see big currents swimming out to the middle...I also see the bass jump but ive only caught one bass there! there is also alot of gooky weeds in the water that always sticks to my hooks and lures! any recomendations?

I have used the Max series reels and they are great reels for the money. One of our members here, samcaruth, he just bought one and loves it. I know a few other guys with 'em too...no complaints. As far as that "gooky" stuff, not much you can do to get around that. Try topwater frogs...they seem to come through that stuff pretty good. A Jitterbug or Hulapopper will work unless that slop is on top too.

cool thanks a lot i will try one of my jitterbugs as well>also what pound braid and what color should i use for bass, carp, catfish, bluegill?

hey, I know its been a couple months since your question, and you may now own the black max reel, but I wanted to let ya know I own 2 black max 1 hank parker signiture (supposedly a silver max clone.) and two pro max reels. love 'em all. for the money or for someone starting out the are awesome. the reason I have so many is abu garcia has always made a great product IMHO and I'm not rich! the ratio of the black max and pro max are different, so there is another reason... if you haven't already, buy it!!!