I remember when these were released back in '92. 12 year old me lusted after one but man, were they expensive. $179.99 back then, about $400 adjusted for inflation today. By comparison, the 4000-6000 sized Ambassaduers were $59.99. I know that number for a fact because I recently serviced a 2500CI and 5500 C3 for a friend, both boxes still had the KMart price tags on them at $59.99. Anyway, this Pro Max 1600 is in very nice shape, even came with the schematic, velvet carrying bag, warranty card, and operating manual. Kind of an impulse buy, and I scored it for a whole $71, $2 over the initial opening price. This platform was in production from 1992 to 1999 and replaced with the Morrum line. Some of the technology in this reel would find its way to the larger 4000-6000 size Ambassaduers like the free floating spool and drag stack. This was Abu's answer to the Shimano Calcutta B, with a one piece aluminum frame, disengaging level wind, and low reel foot. My only gripe, it's a little hefty, but I am ok with that. My plan is a lighter shallow spool, 70mm handle, some lightweight brake blocks, and some polishing in the friction points. Should be a lot of fun when it's finished.
(https://i.imgur.com/jivbHNN.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rCXVM58.jpeg)
Sweet reel man, what line do you use on it, Also what drag PSI would you set it at, thanks for posting, keep well, cheers Don.
Quote from: Donnyboat on May 25, 2025, 09:58:13 PMSweet reel man, what line do you use on it, Also what drag PSI would you set it at, thanks for posting, keep well, cheers Don.
I'm going to run #1.2 YGK, It's 25lb with the diameter of 3lb mono and probably a 6-8lb leader. Drag will be set in the 2lb +/- range.
sweet little reel, congrats on your find
Send me your mailing address and you can have this one for parts. The clutch isn't working properly I'm sure it just needs cleaning. But I have too big of a thumb to ever be able to use it properly so it's not ever gonna be on my to do list. Everything I've stolen for other reels is visibly missing in the below.
I think I'm done buying Max reels for a bit. I just wanted a couple of nicer 1600s and that's where I am now. This new old stock Black Max 1600C showed up on Monday.
(https://i.imgur.com/Io6LuMW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HYFITnV.jpg)