Reel question

MississippiBoy · 02-18-09, 06:27 PM

I have an Abu Black Maxx reel that I used for the first time Sunday, and had some issues with it. On an average of about 3 out of 4 casts, the retrieve wasn't smooth; it would "catch" a little. It's not grinding or squealing, and it casts fine. It felt almost like there was a hump that it would have to get over as I turned the handle. Resistance would increase, then after the "hump," it would be back to normal. And it was very quick, I could move the handle maybe an inch or two between "humps." It felt similar to having a huge Colorado blade spinnerbait tied on, feeling the thumps of the blade, but worse. I swung at phantom strikes a lot that day...

I meant to ask earlier, since I'm going to give it a look tonight. What am I looking for as far as problems? Any help is appreciated.
I might ask how to take the stupid thing apart later, too. We'll see how it goes...

Bubba_Bruiser · 02-18-09, 06:33 PM

Maybe you have a flat spot on a bearing.

MississippiBoy · 02-18-09, 06:41 PM

Could be, I guess, but I figure that would make it misbehave every time, not sporadically. I didn't have any problems spooling it up or making some test casts out in the yard. But the first cast Sunday, it started.

Bubba_Bruiser · 02-18-09, 06:50 PM

I have my first Citica that is 15 years old. I think has a flat spot. But it is in the throw. It will squeel like a pig every other cast when it catches the bearing right, but it still throws like a champ. At least I think that is what is wrong with it. It is a shelf ornament now. I just couldn't tolerate the noise anymore.

abu4600 · 02-18-09, 08:26 PM

MB. I have 1 that does the same thing and also have 2 pro max's that do it too. I havn't taken them apart or anything but it shouldn't be too hard.Also It might quit after you use it for a while. I just put mine in the closet and put my 4600's back on my rods.

cassidyta · 02-18-09, 09:26 PM

I would focus on the prawn guide. that is where I have seen most of the catching issues.

aikenyounggun · 02-18-09, 09:26 PM

it might be something with the bearings.... if you bought it used it might of been messed up by the owner... but if its relitively new it should be replaced (deosnt abu have a guarantee?)

Bassboss · 02-18-09, 09:32 PM

The crank could be coming loose! The same thing happens to me..... on my bike!

Some times the peddle will come loose and I will feel that "hump" I would think that it the same basic concept. It turns out that the treads holding the peddle to the crank was striped. This could have happened to the reel during testing!

Hope this helps,

bamabassman · 02-19-09, 12:28 AM

mb...if your having trouble with it, take it back and get another one. DO NOT SEND IT TO THE FACTORY. done that with my old abu, they sent me a paper stating they would give me so much towards a newer reel. i sent the old one cuz my pop gave it to me, and told them that, they fixed the reel. took 3 weeks to get it back. only touble i have encountered with abu garcia.

02-18-09, 06:27 PM	#1
MississippiBoy BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ridgeland MS Posts: 3,923	Reel question I have an Abu Black Maxx reel that I used for the first time Sunday, and had some issues with it. On an average of about 3 out of 4 casts, the retrieve wasn't smooth; it would "catch" a little. It's not grinding or squealing, and it casts fine. It felt almost like there was a hump that it would have to get over as I turned the handle. Resistance would increase, then after the "hump," it would be back to normal. And it was very quick, I could move the handle maybe an inch or two between "humps." It felt similar to having a huge Colorado blade spinnerbait tied on, feeling the thumps of the blade, but worse. I swung at phantom strikes a lot that day... I meant to ask earlier, since I'm going to give it a look tonight. What am I looking for as far as problems? Any help is appreciated. I might ask how to take the stupid thing apart later, too. We'll see how it goes...

02-18-09, 06:33 PM	#2
Bubba_Bruiser BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South MS Posts: 3,659	Maybe you have a flat spot on a bearing. __________________ \,,,,/ ROCK ON! HRN4L!

02-18-09, 06:50 PM	#4
Bubba_Bruiser BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South MS Posts: 3,659	I have my first Citica that is 15 years old. I think has a flat spot. But it is in the throw. It will squeel like a pig every other cast when it catches the bearing right, but it still throws like a champ. At least I think that is what is wrong with it. It is a shelf ornament now. I just couldn't tolerate the noise anymore. __________________ \,,,,/ ROCK ON! HRN4L!

02-18-09, 09:26 PM	#6
cassidyta BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,928	I would focus on the prawn guide. that is where I have seen most of the catching issues. __________________ If you have ever wondered if you should retie, the answer is yes.

02-18-09, 09:26 PM	#7
aikenyounggun BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: aiken, SC Posts: 2,051	it might be something with the bearings.... if you bought it used it might of been messed up by the owner... but if its relitively new it should be replaced (deosnt abu have a guarantee?) __________________ <>< Rather be Fishing ><>

02-18-09, 06:41 PM	#3
MississippiBoy BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ridgeland MS Posts: 3,923	Could be, I guess, but I figure that would make it misbehave every time, not sporadically. I didn't have any problems spooling it up or making some test casts out in the yard. But the first cast Sunday, it started.

02-18-09, 08:26 PM	#5
abu4600 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Brandon Mississippi Posts: 480	MB. I have 1 that does the same thing and also have 2 pro max's that do it too. I havn't taken them apart or anything but it shouldn't be too hard.Also It might quit after you use it for a while. I just put mine in the closet and put my 4600's back on my rods.

02-18-09, 09:32 PM	#8
Bassboss BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Shawano, WI Posts: 7,761	The crank could be coming loose! The same thing happens to me..... on my bike! Some times the peddle will come loose and I will feel that "hump" I would think that it the same basic concept. It turns out that the treads holding the peddle to the crank was striped. This could have happened to the reel during testing! Hope this helps, __________________ If you can't fix it with heavy squats or fish oil, you're probably going to die.

02-19-09, 12:28 AM	#9
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	mb...if your having trouble with it, take it back and get another one. DO NOT SEND IT TO THE FACTORY. done that with my old abu, they sent me a paper stating they would give me so much towards a newer reel. i sent the old one cuz my pop gave it to me, and told them that, they fixed the reel. took 3 weeks to get it back. only touble i have encountered with abu garcia. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

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