Maxel Ocean Max Specialty Lever Drag Reels Review

Fishing Critic Score

Hockey Review Rating 80%
2 Reviews
Popularity: 14345
MSRP:
$325.00
Used Price:
$227.50
Sale Price:
$292.50

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Specifications

Brand Maxel
Category Reels

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Maxel Ocean Max Specialty Lever Drag Reels Reviews

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Great reel for pitching baits and all around billfish trolling

Fernando A.
6 years ago

These reels have performed flawless so far for us, many sails and striped marlin on them. Smooth drags and great free spool for pitching baits!

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A Swing, And A Miss...

Harry J.
6 years ago

This reel COULD have been a great one. The reel holds plenty of 20lb/25lb mono, it's fairly light-weight, the finish is attractive (although they had some issues early-on getting the blue on the drag lever & spool to be consistent in color; I expect they will be able to resolve that issue with no problem), its Inches-Per-Turn value is good, the drag seems smooth, etc.

However, read more there is one glaring issue that caused me to have to send the 4 reels back that I purchased: The Anti-Reverse system. I had assumed (my bad!) that based on the reel's price and its intended purpose it would have a smooth anti-reverse system, with an ARB (Anti-Reverse [roller] Bearing, or "clutch") instead of the older, clunkier, pawl & ratchet-gear system.

No such luck...

The reels all had 1/4" or more of back-play in the handle/shaft/gear system, and if you aren't particular when reeling line in you'll find that a rather loud and jarring "clunk" can be generated every 3~10 times the handle makes a revolution.

Frankly, I just don't get it. All of my $50~$150 spinning reels have ARB-based Anti-Reverse systems that provide for an extremely smooth winding motion and virtually 0" of back-play.

And there is also another option that's midway between the two alread discussed: A multiple-pawl and ratchet-gear system. This system has 2 pawls, 180 degrees out of phase, that cut the back-play in half. I'm pretty sure my Avet's (& possibly my Penn Fathoms) are equipped with this type of system, and while not as good as an ARB-based clutch mechanism they do a passable job.

Of course, it turns out that Maxel isn't alone on this one: I also recently tried the Fin-Nor Lethal series because they claim the A-R systems on those reels are based on a "continuous anti-reverse clutch: (which normally implies an ARB, at least in my mind), but their handles are almost as "clunky" as those on the OMS10's.

If Maxel had spent just a little more time and money on the A-R system for this reel I would have 6 of them spooled-up with line and mounted on the rods I have for them, ready to head offshore.

However, they are now back at TackleDirect and I am back in "shop & evaluate mode" once again...

Maxel Ocean Max Specialty Lever Drag Reels Questions and Answers

Ask a Question

Asked by Ali jamal 7 years ago

Can it be fished with braid?

Devon 7 years ago

Yes it can.

Asked by pw 7 years ago

Does this reel come pre-spooled?

Devon 7 years ago

The reel does not come pre-spooled from the manufacturer, however we can spool any reel you purchase with monofilament line for free. Simply tell his what lb. test you would like in the comments box when placing your order.