Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Other Reel Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: miwidomi on March 13, 2011, 09:30:57 AM

Title: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: miwidomi on March 13, 2011, 09:30:57 AM
Does anybody know where Jigging Masteer an Maxel reels are built and by which company?
miwidomi
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: alantani on March 13, 2011, 03:18:46 PM
boy, i thought either taiwan or mainland china.......  :-\
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: miwidomi on March 13, 2011, 04:21:07 PM
Hi Alan,
thanks very much for your reply.
The reason why I am asking is that in our German Forum of Norwegian Fishermen questions arose about the quality of Maxel. Some say that the jigging master reels are built by Maxel and both reels are quite similar in their technical details. Some say that the Maxel reel is inferior to the JM reel. And everybody is wondering where the reels really com from. The official import companies in Germany are not able / willing to inform their clients about the real background.
miwidomi
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: miwidomi on March 13, 2011, 06:00:37 PM
Those rumors say that Maxel China is producing reels for Jigging Master which JM then offers under their brandname Jigging Master PE Series. Might that be true?
Thanks,
miwidomi (Michael)
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: alantani on March 13, 2011, 08:05:57 PM
a company should be willing to discuss such issues.  it they refuse, the customer might be concerned that the company is trying to hide something.  that concern might rise to the level of refusing to buy the product in the future.  another company that is more forthcoming might be viewed as being more trustful. 
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: miwidomi on March 14, 2011, 01:03:10 PM
Alan,
Maxel now stated by email that the do not produce JM Reels. They assume that they are produced in Taiwan.
Michael
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: reelgood on March 14, 2011, 04:32:57 PM
Maxel Sealion OSL08D (dual drag)

http://www.maxelfishing.com/images/services/schematic/SL/OSL08D.pdf

Maxel Sealion OSL08 (single drag)

http://www.maxelamerica.com/schematics/OSL08.pdf

Looks like it uses completely different parts in more than just the drag
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: miwidomi on March 14, 2011, 08:30:44 PM
Here is the answer from Maxel per email:

"Dear Michael ,

Thks for kind email .
We are afraid that we are not the producer for Jigging Master . We think JM reels are made in Taiwan .


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best Regards,
Maxel Fishing

 
Maxel Fishing Tackle Co.,Ltd.
#25 , Jianye 2 Road ,Shitanbu New Industrial Park ,
Tangxia Town ,Dongguan ,Guangdong, China 523717
Tel : +86 (769) 86958396
Fax: +86 (769) 86958395
E-mail (MSN ) : sales@maxelfishing.com
                      sales@maxelfishing.com
Skype :    pennyouyang
Homepage : www.maxelfishing.com
2011-03-14"
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: djac on March 14, 2011, 09:30:54 PM
Hi together,

I'm in the same german forum as miwidomi and I have had the opportunity to compare a osl06d and a pe6.

Beside the fact, that the pe6 is the bigger reel (a correct comparision would be between the osl06d and pe4) the reels are more or less equal. Have a look to the attached pictures.

The osl has the same dimensions as the pe4, this is true even for the bearings, gears and the spool shaft. Both reels have the same dual drag and the combination of a double dog and anti reverse ball bearing.

I measure a drag capability of 45lbs with only a minor binding effect. The same values as the pe4 has. Even the linearity of drag pressure from free to full is the same. The only important difference is that the lever of the crank is 80mm vs 90mm for pe4.

Because JM is well known, but maxel (a joint venture of chinese and american people, located at Hongkong) is not, the majority suppose that the maxel is the clone and JM is the original.

But there are doubts, because maxel produces reels since 2003 and JM since 2009 and there are reels from 2007, that looks a bit like the JM's. But then someone detects the picture on sportfisherman forum:

http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f172/kil-jm-reel-testing-72910-2.html

On the 5th picture you can see on the left side a reel on that is written "maxel". The pictures are from 2009, the time JM goes with it's reels to US market and show some prototypes (on another reel there is written "jigging master tested").

Is the JM a common development of JM and maxel? Who knows the whole story?

Another fact is that the JM internally looks very near to the blue heaven L120 (google for the review from Alan Tani), which was first buildt in 2006, so far as I know. Here the main difference seems to be, that blue heaven is using a double anti reverse ball bearing instead of the combination of double dog and one anti reverse bearing. Is there a connection too between JM, maxel and studio ocean mark?

The good thing is, that here in europe the price of the osl is 269€ whereas pe4 ist priced at 489€.

regards Dieter

(http://www.norwegen-angelforum.net/picture.php?albumid=325&pictureid=7346)

(http://www.norwegen-angelforum.net/picture.php?albumid=325&pictureid=7340)

(http://www.norwegen-angelforum.net/picture.php?albumid=325&pictureid=7341)

(http://www.norwegen-angelforum.net/picture.php?albumid=325&pictureid=7342)

(http://www.norwegen-angelforum.net/picture.php?albumid=325&pictureid=7343)

(http://www.norwegen-angelforum.net/picture.php?albumid=325&pictureid=7344)


and even the bearings seems to be from the same manufacturer

(http://www.norwegen-angelforum.net/picture.php?albumid=325&pictureid=7440)

(http://www.norwegen-angelforum.net/picture.php?albumid=325&pictureid=7441)

PS:
Thank you very much for the kokelar handle for my alutecnos gorilla, alan, that you send to Aachen. It's really great.

PPS:
the text of this is a copy from my post on 360tuna.com, so noone should be asthonished, if you know him already.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: jiggingmasterfan on August 22, 2011, 01:21:53 PM
I have a friend that used to work for maxel and said that they build the jigging master reels. Maxel however r not alowed to say they build them due to some sort of agreement. I own both a Maxel and a Jiggingmaster and i showed him so he could tell me what the differences were. He said that every part is exactly the same, except, maxel's handle is swept back and t-bar a slightly better shape for your hand. Thats it! yet jigging master is over a couple hundred dearer in aus!! wats the go jigging master?? i used to b a fan but now i am convinced i love my Maxel!!!
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Nessie Hunter on August 22, 2011, 02:27:06 PM
I see so much CLONE type reels even within the same manufacturer.  They ad a diff finish or handle and Catch a lot of Fisherman with the Bling/show/hype... For $200/$300 more in price..???

I also see a lot of Clone or very similar internals on Reels from Diff makers, that are exact copies to other Makers reels.

Who Makes what???   Who knows any more.. 

So many QUALITY reels are made by Malaysian shops with diff names on the outside of the reel...   
Same exact reel...........

It has gotten down to only "What puts the most $ in my pocket" ... 

Buyer beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!   They will try to get your $$ any way possible.....



.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Irish Jigger on August 22, 2011, 03:44:48 PM
 JM,Taiwan according to the 4th pic in this link.

http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=2587.0
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Bryan Young on August 22, 2011, 05:02:51 PM
When I used to travel to Asia A LOT, they used the term "reference" because there is usually one tiny thing that is different..."they are not the same, but we referened ____ in our design."

I must say, they are really good at reverse engineering.  If they only used better materials in their new products in comparision to their referenced products.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: NAZALINO on September 02, 2011, 02:40:48 PM
I heard JM have factory in CHINA. Thats why u can see many similar product in fishing market.
Sure producing items in china is cheap but i will worry about ur design are going to be copy.....
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Bryan Young on September 03, 2011, 04:13:08 AM
It doesn't matter where it's made, if they want to re-engineer it, they can and will.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: suffer on January 02, 2012, 08:28:13 PM
I am new to this board. My company started to import and sell the Maxel reels. There were many frequent changes to the line and it was impossible to ever get a workable parts list or an orderly timetable for receiving the reels, or parts.  The reels look good but the old saying that all that glitters is not gold would be appropriate.  The company sold some reels but wound up buying them all back for some complaint or another by the customer. The company has over 200 of the maxel reels on a shelf trying to find some way of recouping some of their investment.  The company feels that they cannot warranty them because there are no parts. The only way they sell them is as is w/o warranty, cash only, no return.  Most people do not want to buy a reel under these circumstances no matter that they are only a fraction of their normal selling price. We have seen almost all of the Chinese reels  with many different names on the same reel.  We heard that there are companies in China that just make parts and anyone who wants to go into the reel business buys the parts and then starts producing reels.  This is about as close as you can get to a "lego" reel.  Once you have it you want to "lego" of it.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: alantani on January 02, 2012, 09:45:03 PM
sam, thank you very much for that perspective.  you just made this post important enough to be a sticky .......   :-\
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Irish Jigger on January 02, 2012, 11:11:43 PM
Buyer beware. ;)
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Norcal Pescador on January 03, 2012, 12:06:27 AM
Quote from: suffer on January 02, 2012, 08:28:13 PM
.......  This is about as close as you can get to a "lego" reel.  Once you have it you want to "lego" of it.
That's a good one, Sam. :D    Yes, thanks for the insight.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Black Pearl on January 03, 2012, 02:18:25 AM
Ok, I think I can answer this one. I might get myself into a trouble. Oh well, there is nothing news.

Here we go. JM is assembled in Taiwan. Most of the parts are sent from China to Taiwan. There is why it states "Jigging Master Taiwan" on the bottom of the reel foot.

I think the following company produces parts for JM Taiwan, and it also sells the identical reel to Maxel.

The company is called "M&W International" in China (http://www.mwjigging.com/EN/ProductList.asp?SortID=73 (http://www.mwjigging.com/EN/ProductList.asp?SortID=73)).

JM does its assembling in Taipei, Taiwan. It has few parts made in Taiwan.

Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: AustralianAngling on January 13, 2012, 03:26:54 AM
I have been selling these reels in Australia for several years now.
Have great reports across the range. We have had minor repairs and sourcing parts have never been a problem.

Quote from L.C Custom Rods
Hi Steve
Here is the info you ask for
It took me about half an hour to fix it and plus I did a free service on it for him to keep him happy
All the other ones that are out there are going great as I keep in touch with them to find out how they are going and I get the same report they are great and easy reel to use

Chai
Laurie Casey
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: fishingjack on February 14, 2012, 06:12:33 PM
It's a bit strange that some people talk so negatively about these reels? Unless people got a bad batch or major improvements have gone on recently. I can't see why?

I own a Maxel reel. It's identical to the JM's I've used before. The clicker is in a different location but thats easy to do. Even the parts diagrams look identical. Reel dimensions are the same. I've had poor Asian copies of reels before that broke quickly but the Maxels are very different.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEybTfsQEQI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEybTfsQEQI)

I will be putting it to use on some big Thai catfish in about a month. Should have a report after. My reel's from Europe and came with a 5 year gurantee and I have to say the manufacturing is top class.

It's possible internals may be upgraded in JM reels if they are the same reel. After lots of fishing that will be clear.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Bryan Young on February 14, 2012, 06:24:59 PM
Looks like you not have a stock pile of parts for those reels...any buyers?
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: fishingjack on February 16, 2012, 10:52:17 AM
I don't think M&W and Maxel are related but I could be wrong. If that is the case it seems M&W are clones of JM reels where Maxel reels would be pre-branded JM's. JM could then use their own parts here and there internally with higher tolerances. eg. Drive gears.
I say that because I saw a threads posting negative reviews about the M&W reels. Particularly the lack of drag.

The parts diagram of the maxels also look much more similar to the JM's than M&Ws and old Maxel reels look just like old JM reels.

Old Maxel:
(http://www.angling-international.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Sealion-05-796x1024.jpg)
(http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/MAXOSL08.jpg)

Old JM
(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTZz6r6kGRV1Zo8IVgdKL3yJXniXL_MjvvsZSv7DDAC1pLtRgSIeYncPp8TFw)
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: johndtuttle on January 02, 2013, 07:24:07 PM
Anyone that gets involved in buying "off brand" reels should take a hint and a big "buyer beware!".

Just do your "due diligence" and red flags should crop up all over the place. Shorter handles usually mean inferior gears, reports by self-interested importers are not to be trusted. Identical schematics do not mean identical materials nor perfected tolerances etc etc etc.

The best "value" you can possibly get in a reel is one that is stood behind by an established name brand with something at stake and a warranty that means something. Not a "fly by night" importer that is looking to make a quick killing or a factory looking to unload some over runs.

Taking a "flier" on one of these reels should be considered a potentially "throw away" by someone with reel money to burn, not by someone on a budget...as when that body screw strips, a pressed in AR fails or drag is sticking from poor quality control on a drag plate and shoddy machining you more than likely just bought either a time consuming reclamation project for the accomplished "DIYer" with access to a machine shop or, a paper weight.

Good companies with a long term view are all trying to bring to market the most competitively priced and reliable reels that they can given their distribution model. This includes a retail distribution network that also has to make a profit selling the reels, a real customer service department and real parts support. All of these Chinese factories are trying to go around that model cutting out any real support for the product. THAT is why they are cheaper.

There is no free lunch. You get what you pay for.

best regards
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: basto on January 04, 2013, 08:34:07 AM
What is it about JM that attracts so many knockers? Most people who own these reels fish them hard and love them.
I think deep water vertical jigging is probably the toughest thing you can ask of a reel and these reels are purpose built for it and excel at it.

I have 2 of these reels and consider them my most valued reels.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: alantani on January 04, 2013, 10:12:38 AM
probably because of the high cost and the equally high expectations.  accurate gets caught in the same trap.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: basto on January 04, 2013, 11:37:56 AM
You can buy 2 JMs for the price of a Stella or Saltiga or...........
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: hafnor on January 04, 2013, 12:53:18 PM
JM is unparaleled when looking at the mechanics. out of the box the spools shaft is sleeved, hq CF washers, titanium drag washers, dual dogs, strong ARB from Ina germany (along with all other bearings, 9 of them!) dual drag system, very light in weight overall! It can always improve more. f.ex an angular contact bearing on the right side plate! I have operated on 3 JM's where the right side bearing is crushed.... And that is INA and boca bearings. The drag was never beyond 20pounds. max drag on my pe4 is 50lb, so those numbers are utter BS and just a market strategy. But overall I am not surprised that the reel is that expensive. try buying 9 INA bearings and look at the cost for that alone.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Dr. Jekyll - AKA MeL B on January 04, 2013, 05:57:02 PM
i guess this axiom applies "YGWYPF",YouGetWhatYouPayFor"... :D
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: basto on January 06, 2013, 12:50:36 AM
I would be very interested if someone could tell me what reel (apprx the same size, weight and gear ratio) I should replace my JMpe8 with, that will do the same jobs better than it.
The jobs I use it for are vertical jigging, flesh bait fishing (top, mid, and bottom) and yes, trolling also.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: basto on February 03, 2013, 01:21:03 AM
I think it is interesting to see that SHIMANO have used ALPS (Taiwan) reel seats on their latest top shelf rods.
Jigging Master use Alps components on their rods also.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: johndtuttle on February 03, 2013, 02:53:42 AM
Quote from: basto on January 06, 2013, 12:50:36 AM
I would be very interested if someone could tell me what reel (apprx the same size, weight and gear ratio) I should replace my JMpe8 with, that will do the same jobs better than it.
The jobs I use it for are vertical jigging, flesh bait fishing (top, mid, and bottom) and yes, trolling also.

What are your specific complaints about the JM reel? I ask this so as to narrow down what replacements might work for you.

best
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: basto on February 04, 2013, 02:27:03 AM
I have absolutely no complaints about my JM reels. I am asking anyone to suggest a conventional reel, approximately the same size and weight  that will equal or better them for the job they were designed for.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: johndtuttle on February 05, 2013, 05:20:19 AM
Quote from: basto on February 04, 2013, 02:27:03 AM
I have absolutely no complaints about my JM reels. I am challenging anyone to suggest a conventional reel, approximately the same size and weight  that will equal or better them for the job they were designed for.

Sure, how about an Accurate Dawg Pound Extreme 2-speed 600N. Superior speed for moving jigs, low gear for superior cranking power. It has a 5:1 high gear and a 2.2:1 low gear....:D
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: basto on February 05, 2013, 09:36:04 PM
I don`t think they have an anti reverse roller bearing and I think the dogs are synced. This means there should be contact lag from the dogs to the anti reverse ratchet. Lag is not ideal for jigging.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: johndtuttle on February 05, 2013, 11:29:22 PM
Quote from: basto on February 05, 2013, 09:36:04 PM
I don`t think they have an anti reverse roller bearing and I think the dogs are synced. This means there should be contact lag from the dogs to the anti reverse ratchet. Lag is not ideal for jigging.

Anti-reverse bearing available on request by Accurate or easily do it yourself:

http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=6350.0


best

Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: basto on February 05, 2013, 11:41:22 PM
Thanks for your reply John.With 3 dogs, if they staggered the engagement of each dog, that would reduce lag considerably.
Basto
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: hafnor on February 08, 2013, 12:34:39 PM
Quote from: basto on February 04, 2013, 02:27:03 AM
I have absolutely no complaints about my JM reels. I am challenging anyone to suggest a conventional reel, approximately the same size and weight  that will equal or better them for the job they were designed for.

Hey Basto! I keep asking myself the same question cause I want to try new things, but I can only come up with one answer! there is NONE better! don't take me wrong, I think the accurates are great reels, but there are a few things missing on that reel, Like John said You would have to spend more money on a AR bearing, it should have a longer handle (not many aftermarket accu handles out there.... either way expensive if there is any) IMO it needs a JM t bar (the best t bar available) need to sleeve the spool bearings (which is a pain, or atleast for me) on top of that the accu's weigh more, and have less drag (not that you need 80lb like a pe8 states but you know)... I think this all adds up. ;D

That said I think the Jm can improve more too. less screws better metalals, bigger gears on the big ones (pe8 gear same or close to same size as pe3 gear) Not that there is any disvadantage with a lot of screws or that it needs bigger gears, but to make it perfect. It would also be nice with a angular contact bearing replacing the original right side/pinion bearing ;)
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: basto on February 08, 2013, 08:37:26 PM
Thanks for your reply Hafnor. Not easy to find a JM fan here. Their next generation reel should be very good. All reels can be improved.
Would be great to see them use  thrust bearings in the sideplates.
Yes, JM`s T bar handle is a work of art.
Good fishing!
Basto
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: ph1l on April 18, 2013, 04:49:27 PM
I have both the JM and maxel to me the JM feels a little bit smoother (maybe its only me ???)... the knob is more comfortable (then again you can change the knob)...

ohhh one more thing during November last year me and my friends took a trip to NZ to do some jigging for yellow tail king fish and found that on the second day the maxel drag get really really sticky because of the water gets inside the reel (luckily the skipper help my friend to open the reel up and re-grease the drag for him).. before the NZ trip my friend only use the mexel a couple of time.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Dr. Jekyll - AKA MeL B on August 01, 2013, 07:48:35 PM
from a retailer in the north east. Maxel manufactures JM reels.

http://www.jandh.com/blog/review-maxel-ocean-max-osl06-lever-dual-drag-single-speed-jigging-reels/
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Bullshipper on August 25, 2015, 04:31:24 AM
I have 2 of the older style Maxel 08, and my charter captain friend has 5.

We like them very much for vertical jigging and will reverse the line to use same reels in the summer for sailfish and striped marlin. So far they compare well to my Torsa 16N and Avet Jx Raptor, in the same applications.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: coastal_dan on August 25, 2015, 01:08:02 PM
The JM's have a big following here in the Northeast for heavy duty bottom bouncing.  Fishing depths of 300' - 1200' with #2 - #5 of lead.  Golden tilefish can get to 50+ lbs and some guys are even going deeper for bigger fish.  It's an awesome fishery to watch from the sidelines, I haven't put $ into it yet due to watching the regulations...some places are saying 1 fish per person, other saying 1 per boat...YIKES!  A JM plus a matched rod is about $1k so not spending that for 1 fish, haha.  The Blueline's are a absolute blast, so I'm sure tripling their weight as a Golden they are a back breaker!
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: BrianBM on December 01, 2015, 12:22:44 AM
Tilefish are exactly the reason that I keep an eye on these reels. A shop whose owner I respect a lot recommends them for that purpose.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: coastal_dan on July 08, 2016, 05:32:10 PM
Just wanted to follow up this thread with some Maxel positivity! haha.

I just got back from a 24 Hour Tile Deep drop (pictures and positive report to follow, I promise  8)) and the most common reel on the boat....Maxel OceanMaster 10 (there were a few 8's and 9's mixed in as well).  These things were beasts...the gent I fished next to had one and the ratio is 4.5:1 whereas my Narrow Senator is 4:1...he was reeling with ease and always beat me up by about 15-20 cranks.  The nice long handle arm was about 1" longer than mine and you could tell the difference.  We fished in water between 320 ft - 950 ft and the first guys up were ALWAYS these Maxels..I always came up soon after, but the last were the electric's! (But those guys weren't as tired, haha!)

I have become a Penn fanatic, but other than bumping up to a 2 speed Torque 40NLD I can't see another reel in their lineup that can match the Maxel.  Also, you would need to add a power handle to the Torque ($36 for Alan's) so that puts you right around $550 (Penn) compared to $420 (Maxel).

On this trip I discussed reels with the Godfather of Tilefish here in the Northeast (some of you may know him, but I'll leave his name off).  He said if he had known about the Maxels before the Jigging Masters he would have gone that route, but he still loves his Jigging Masters even though they are about twice as much as the Maxel's.  He recommended the Maxel 10 or an Accurate 600 Narrow as two reel options.

I think I'm in the process of letting go of my Senator Narrow to move up to the Maxel, I've heard nothing but good things for the past year or so.  Good to hear about their products getting better!

As always, this is an opinion post...take it or leave it  ::)
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: johndtuttle on July 08, 2016, 06:39:05 PM
Quote from: coastal_dan on July 08, 2016, 05:32:10 PM
Just wanted to follow up this thread with some Maxel positivity! haha.

I just got back from a 24 Hour Tile Deep drop (pictures and positive report to follow, I promise  8)) and the most common reel on the boat....Maxel OceanMaster 10 (there were a few 8's and 9's mixed in as well).  These things were beasts...the gent I fished next to had one and the ratio is 4.5:1 whereas my Narrow Senator is 4:1...he was reeling with ease and always beat me up by about 15-20 cranks.  The nice long handle arm was about 1" longer than mine and you could tell the difference.  We fished in water between 320 ft - 950 ft and the first guys up were ALWAYS these Maxels..I always came up soon after, but the last were the electric's! (But those guys weren't as tired, haha!)

I have become a Penn fanatic, but other than bumping up to a 2 speed Torque 40NLD I can't see another reel in their lineup that can match the Maxel.  Also, you would need to add a power handle to the Torque ($36 for Alan's) so that puts you right around $550 (Penn) compared to $420 (Maxel).

On this trip I discussed reels with the Godfather of Tilefish here in the Northeast (some of you may know him, but I'll leave his name off).  He said if he had known about the Maxels before the Jigging Masters he would have gone that route, but he still loves his Jigging Masters even though they are about twice as much as the Maxel's.  He recommended the Maxel 10 or an Accurate 600 Narrow as two reel options.

I think I'm in the process of letting go of my Senator Narrow to move up to the Maxel, I've heard nothing but good things for the past year or so.  Good to hear about their products getting better!

As always, this is an opinion post...take it or leave it  ::)

I don't think Tilefish need much drag but be advised this design will eat pinion bearings at high drag presets.

Thanks for the update! :)
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: basto on July 09, 2016, 09:26:33 PM
You really have to own and use a JM or Maxell to appreciate them. Because they do pull a lot of drag, you don`t have to go too tight with that preset dial. This will save your bearing.
My JMPE5n is my favourite reel to pull up heavy fish from the bottom. A pleasure to use.
Basto
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: coastal_dan on July 10, 2016, 02:05:59 AM
I was just checking out the JM Ocean Devil line of reels...anyone use one before?  The PE8 was $397.00 (single drag disk, not two like on the PE).  Looks to hold about 600+ yds of 50 lb braid.   May be an interesting option!
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Reinaard van der Vossen on July 13, 2016, 09:10:05 PM
The single drag might be harder on your bearing, especially the pinion bearing at higher drag settings.

I do not own a JM or maxel but I own an M&W ocean star, I specifically made sure that it was double drag otherwise the axial load on the bearings is too high.

Note that I'm not saying that these are all the same reels, only that they look incredibilly similar
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: bmullaney on September 24, 2017, 12:37:48 PM
I have been deep dropping using my aVET LX 4.6 and LX raptor in the 3.0 low gear when I have to go to 4 lbs of lead.  I want to upgrade the Avets (I am a lefty) to something that is better at cranking. What reel other than JM would you men recommend for deep dropping up to 4lbs of lead in up to 1200 feet?

Is there still an issue with parts for Maxel's?? I see they have a Sea Lion left handed jigging reel. Appreciate any advice!


Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: boon on September 25, 2017, 01:53:01 AM
Quote from: bmullaney on September 24, 2017, 12:37:48 PM
I have been deep dropping using my aVET LX 4.6 and LX raptor in the 3.0 low gear when I have to go to 4 lbs of lead.  I want to upgrade the Avets (I am a lefty) to something that is better at cranking. What reel other than JM would you men recommend for deep dropping up to 4lbs of lead in up to 1200 feet?

Is there still an issue with parts for Maxel's?? I see they have a Sea Lion left handed jigging reel. Appreciate any advice!




None of the Maxel jigging reels really have the line capacity for that kind of fishing.
Furthermore, you would be miserable retrieving a 64oz sinker from that depth with a reel that fast. The Maxels are made for mechanical jigging, with jigs up to maybe 32oz.
The OSL12 and OSL16 might just manage, but they are still pretty fast and single speed only. If you do go for one, make sure you get the D models (dual drag) as the drag output from the single drag models is quite low for what they are.

No idea what to recommend really... the lefty bit makes it a bit tricky.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: bnz on December 21, 2018, 09:59:51 AM
Old thread, but to answer the OPs question I just ordered a Maxel transformer reel and the tracking has it coming from a facility in Dongguan, China.
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Benni3 on December 22, 2018, 03:35:48 AM
So I talked to evike and got my dad a pe5 and power spell rod,,,about 2yr ago,,,,you can't get any better :D kieth has one and just ask Alan tani want he thinks  ;D
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: Solid72 on June 19, 2022, 04:28:56 AM
So time to bring up this thread again.  With the bluefin tuna on the west coast and quite a few people doing the fast jigging with knife jigs.  I'm now looking into it and can't decide on the JM PE8 or Maxel OM10.  Any new information on these out there?
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: redsetta on July 10, 2022, 09:35:37 PM
Hi mate,
I've fished them both many times and couldn't call out a substantive difference between 'em.
They're both extremely capable jigging reels that do the hard yards year in-year out here in NZ...
JM and Maxel have a strong presence here, so service and parts are relatively easy (though JM parts tend to be quite costly).
Not sure if after-sale support might be a consideration Stateside?
Aside from that, can't really go wrong with either in my view.
Good luck, Justin
Title: Re: Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels
Post by: alantani on July 18, 2022, 01:23:07 AM
i met the guys with evike once.  they had someone to work on these, but i'm not sure what their status is now.  unless you knew for sure that this was going to workout if you needed service, i would still pass.   :-\