MAX™ LOW PROFILE INSTRUCTION MANUAL

A. CONGRATULATIONS:

Thank you for purchasing one of the world’s most advanced low profile reels. The combination of low profile design, ultra-lightweight materials and precision engineering makes Abu Garcia® THE choice for serious anglers around the globe. Rely on Abu Garcia® quality and dependability to keep the fun in fishing.

The following guide will explain how to get the most out of your new Max™ low profile reel. Each element is described by its name and function. Some features are not found on every reel model. Read these instructions carefully before using your reel to ensure a proper understanding of its operation.

B. COMPONENTS:

Include:

Diagram 1: Top view of the reel with labels.

Key components include: Drag Star, Spool Tension Knob, Handle Knob Caps, Nut Retainer Screw, Nut Retainer, Handle, Line Guide, Handle Sideplate, Frame, Gear Box, Spool Tension Knob, Handle Knob, Rocket Clutch/Flipping Switch (Silver Max Only), Spool, Thumb Bar, Abu Garcia logo, Palm Sideplate, MagTrax™ Brake Adjustment Dial.

Diagram 2: Side view of the reel with labels.

Key components include: Handle Sideplate, Sideplate Pin, Frame, Gear Box, MagTrax™ Brake Adjustment Dial, Spool, Thumb Bar, Palm Sideplate, Rocket Clutch/Flipping Switch (Silver Max Only), Spool Tension Knob, Drag Star, Line Guide, Handle Knob Caps, Nut Retainer Screw, Nut Retainer, Handle, Handle Knob.

C. THE MAX FAMILY OF LOW PROFILE REELS:

Thanks to advanced technology and materials, the new Max™ reels are precision engineered with a smoother feel and increased performance on the water. The Max™ family of baitcasting reels includes the Pro Max™, Silver Max™ and Black Max™.

D. HOW TO FILL THE SPOOL WITH LINE

All Max™ low profile reels are designed for monofilament, braid and fluorocarbon lines. Personal preference and fishing conditions will determine line selection. Begin by passing the line through the guide located on the front of the reel. Secure the line to the reel using the arbor knot. Control the filler spool by inserting a pencil into the spool hub. While maintaining tension on the line with your fingers, wind the reel handle and continue to fill with line to approximately 1/16" (1.5 mm) below the top of the reel spool for best results. Do not overfill.

For a video tutorial on tying the arbor knot, please search online for "how to tie the arbor knot".

Braided Line

Some anglers prefer to add a monofilament backing to the reel spool before attaching braided line. This helps reduce line slip. Using the above instructions, fill the spool with enough monofilament line to cover the spool. Tie the tag end of the monofilament backing to the braided line using a uni-to-uni knot, Albright knot or equivalent. Continue to fill the spool with braid to approximately 1/16" (1.5 mm) inside the upper lip of the spool. Do not overfill.

For a video tutorial on tying the uni-to-uni knot, please search online for "how to tie the uni-to-uni knot".

E. DRAG ADJUSTMENT

All Max™ low profile reels deliver smooth and reliable drag tension. Control the amount of drag by turning the adjustment star inside the reel handle. Rotate the star clockwise (right) to increase drag or counterclockwise (left) to decrease drag. For best results, the drag should be adjusted to approximately one-third of the breaking test of the line being used. This can be accomplished by tying the line to a spring scale for precise adjustment. Make sure the reel is first mounted on a rod and the line has been run through the rod guides before tying to the scale. The drag should always release before the line reaches its breaking point. Factors such as line type, technique and fishing conditions may require adjustment to these recommendations. Any drag setting above half of the line strength risks line breakage.

If a spring scale is unavailable, tie the line to a secure point. With the rod tip up (about a 45 degree vertical angle), apply pressure by turning the handle. Gradually tighten the drag adjustment star by rotating it clockwise. When the line reaches its breaking point, loosen the adjustment star ½ turn.

F. SPOOL TENSION KNOB

The spool tension knob controls how fast the spool spins when casting. It is located on the sideplate of the reel next to the handle. With the rod-reel-line-lure properly assembled, place the tip of the thumb on the line to hold the spool. Depress the thumb bar with the pad of your thumb to disengage the gears. Allow the lure to drop to the ground. If the lure does not fall when the thumb bar is depressed, turn the spool tension knob counterclockwise (left) to reduce tension on the spool. If the lure falls to the ground and the spool continues to rotate, spool tension is too loose. Rotate the knob clockwise (right) to increase tension. Additional casting brakes, if applicable, are designed for fine tune adjustment.

It is normal to experience backlashes when learning how to cast a low profile reel. In the event that you are just learning how to cast, tighten the spool tension knob an extra ¼ to ½ a turn and slowly back it off as you learn to cast.

G. REMOVING THE SIDEPLATE

Max™ reels are equipped with a removable palm sideplate that allows access to the spool. To open the sideplate, gently pull on the sideplate pin head to slide it outward. Twist the sideplate in an upward motion until it reaches the stop position. The sideplate can now be removed.

H. REEL FUNCTION

How to Adjust the Braking System:

Max™ reels feature the adjustable MagTrax™ magnetic brake system that delivers excellent casting control. For maximum casting distance and minimal tendency of line over run, it is necessary to adjust the braking system to match the weight of the lure and angler preference.

Diagram 3: MagTrax™ Brake System.

The MagTrax™ magnetic brake delivers consistent braking pressure throughout the entire cast resulting in smooth, controlled casts. A turn of the dial towards the "MAX" setting moves the magnetic braking system closer to the spool. As the magnets get closer to the spool, they apply more braking force and slow the rotation of the spool.

Turn the exterior MagTrax™ brake dial to fine tune spool tension. Rotate the dial towards the "MAX" label to increase braking force or in the opposite direction to reduce braking force.

Basic Casting Technique:

1. Depress thumb bar while keeping the tip of the thumb on the spool to control the lure. Hold the rod and reel so that the handle is pointing upward.
2. Holding the rod and reel in front of the body, bring the rod backward so the tip reaches a point above and behind the shoulder. To cast, bring the rod back in front of the body in a single motion without stopping.
3. Release the thumb from the spool as the rod is brought forward so that the lure is launched slightly upward and outward toward your target. As the lure approaches the water surface stop the spool with your thumb. If you don't stop the spool as the lure hits the water, the spool will continue to rotate causing a backlash (a.k.a bird's nest).

In the event that you experience backlashes, tighten the spool tension knob ½ a turn at a time to apply more braking force until you no longer have an issue with line overrun. Also try casting with the wind – instead of against it – until you get comfortable casting without experiencing a backlash. As you get more comfortable casting, reduce the amount spool tension by rotating the spool tension knob ¼ turn at a time to maximize casting distance.

I. MAINTENANCE

As with any precision product, your Max™ reel will require regular maintenance. Gently rinse the reel with fresh water, wipe it dry and lubricate according to the accompanying diagram (picture of oil and grease points).

To keep your reel working at peak efficiency, clean and lubricate after each use. At least once a season your reel should be disassembled for a thorough cleaning and re-lubrication. Refer to the exploded parts view supplied with your reel. Maintenance Kits can be purchased at your local tackle store and include everything you need to properly service your reel. If you do not wish to perform this work yourself, any nearby Abu Garcia® Service Center is fully qualified to do this for you.

J. LIMITED WARRANTY

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

(FOR USA AND CANADA ONLY)

This "limited warranty" has been drafted to comply with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act which is effective for goods manufactured on or after December 31, 1976. For the period indicated, Abu Garcia® will, at its option, repair or replace and return the covered items found to be defective in material or workmanship at no charge except for shipping cost. Abu Garcia® will have no other obligation and will not be liable for incidental or consequential damages. Abu Garcia® makes no implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for any period beyond the stated duration of each Limited Warranty.

This Warranty does not cover damage by addition or alteration of the product, accidental damage or loss, abuse, failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance or normal expected wear. Damage that is determined to be of this nature will be repaired at consumer's expense. This Warranty does not extend to products which are put to commercial or rental use.

This Warranty extends only to the original purchaser of the reel, and does not give any rights to any other person. Some states do not allow exclusions of incidental or consequential damages or limitations of the duration implied warranties, so the above exclusion and limitation may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Do not send cash or checks to cover the cost of repair for products on which the Limited Warranty period has expired. Abu Garcia®'s Authorized Repair Centers will notify you of the amount due, including handling and shipping charges. Wholesalers and dealers (unless an Abu Garcia® Authorized Center) are not authorized to make in-warranty repairs or adjustments on behalf of Abu Garcia®. The terms of the Warranty cannot be changed except in writing by an officer of Abu Garcia®. Abu Garcia® rods or reels requiring warranty repair should NOT be returned to the store of purchase.

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