coak

I have currently about 6 of the older all chrome TE reels from around 06 and 2 of the older Energy PT from the same time period. Had many more, but fell victim to a burglary last year. That said I honestly still feel that once the ACS is dialed in (can be finicky) for the user to feel comfortable using it; these things can be tanks. I also have an Okuma Helios Air which in my opinion is a great reel as well that doesn’t get a lot of shine.

Better off picking up one of the older energy or TE reels from the last part of the 2000’s

The thing that drew me in initially was the 30 day money back guarantee, no questions asked. So now that I think about, I’ve had it for at least 2 months at this point. There is a very in in depth review by a member over on the boat central boards for this reel. That review also further peaked my curiosity.

There’s a reel that flies under the radar for about $150ish, that I’ve grown to love. It’s called the ‘Bruin’ reel produced for Sportsman’s Outfitters I believe. Anyway I love the reel b/c it has dual braking without opening the sideplate to adjust the centrifugal brakes. Downside is that they’re only currently available in righty retrieves. I have had and still own many reels by many manufacturers. I’m quite partial to the old Quantum Tour Edition TE’s myself. But I picked this reel up about a month ago and have been thoroughly enjoying it.

Not round reels, but the low pros that came out around 06-08 that had the chrome finish and carbon fiber handles. Retail orig was around $269ish. I still look for them, but they’re getting harder and harder to find. I have 6 so far....

I’ve been using older Tour Editions for years and they’ve been tanks! Granted the older ACS system needs getting used to, but once dialed in they zing. I had a gen 2 Smoke that was stolen last year. That reel wasn’t in the same league as the TE’s I own.

Thanks everyone for the information. Took it out today to a pond to see what it offered. Caught 2 lmb's both were about 2.5-3 lbs on a buzzbait. Rod really does feel more like a medium/mod fast. Also wanted to see the backbone so I tied on a frog and landed another that was about 3. The rod performed great, and I believe it'll be great for the rivers/creeks around me! The only thing that got me was that during the fight with the frog, the reel seat came loose. I had to tighten it down while fighting the fish, and it seems that the screwing portion does not cinch down completely. Only thing I can think of, is that maybe the reel feet of early 2000's reels were longer????

Thanks for the info. Never fish bottom contact, so it’ll work for my needs!

I picked this rod up today; St. Croix PC-60ML rated for 1/4-5/8 and line wt 8-14 lbs. I've been searching for specs to try and figure out what applications to use it for. The action seems to be a mod/mod fast and not a fast. I intend to throw smaller (1/4 oz) spinnerbaits, dog walking/buzzbaits and the occasional square bills. I usually only fish for smallies in the rivers and creeks; they are generally not deep or very wide and so a 6 ft rod is ideal. Do any of you or has anyone owned/used this rod in the past? What applications do/did you feel it excelled in? I just can't seem to find any info online. The rod is an older logo, made in the USA sticker and a gray w/maroon and gold wraps. I honestly believe it may be from the 90s or early part of the 2000s

Is the last comment down to the guides being tighter and less slap than on spinning guides???? Could someone please enlighten me.

I’ll use Mepps Aglia’s and Worden’s Rooster Tails if I want switch up the retrieve or vibration. But my personal go to on the rivers for smallies around me will almost always be a Shyster. Something about the ripples/wave pattern in the blades......they thump and the smallmouth hammer them! Also forgot to mention I’m usually throwing 3/8 to 1/2 oz Shysters. Edit: updated post for weights to be listed.

I’m definitely in the minority here. Majority of my reels are the older Tour Editions (all chrome not the blue) from Quantum with 2 Shimano, a T3 ballistic and an Okuma Helios. Also have an older Quantum Energy as well, along with a gen 1 Smoke. I love my TE’s and Energy and really do think that once they get dialed in they’re a great reel. The Okuma is a great little reel as well. The Diawa is a tank. The Shimano reels hardly get fished anymore. Almost forgot I also have 2 of the og BPS Prolite reels from years ago that I use for fishing runs/creeks/small rivers. I absolutely love those little reels!

Paging @JFranco I believe he is from near or in the Rochester area and should be able to provide some insight potentially

I'm in Columbus and fish the Scioto and Olentangy rivers almost every other day along with Darby creek for smallies here. I personally would go ML unless you don't have any boulders or laydowns near the stretches you fish. If you don't have any of those obstructions I think you'd be ok with a L power rod. Just make sure to take time and revive the fish in the current properly, since more than likely you'll have to play the fish more on a lighter power rod and will wear them out. I caught a 23 inch smallie just yesterday in a creek and the thing tried to drag me under a boulder first, then bolted for a brush pile of driftwood. I tend to use casting gear and only use large lures these days because I'm after larger fish, so I use an old MH powered Zillion rod. I hope this helps.....btw the smallies over here near Columbus are killing spooks and plopper style topwaters! Tight lines. -Coak

Thanks guys for the responses, I think I may keep the 6:1 reel during daylight hours and use the 5:1 reel for the night time top water. I was asking originally because I keep missing fish when I'm fishing at night. Especially when there is little to no moonlight.