All You Reel Experts, Help Please

[Arv]

I picked up a Quantum Catalyst PTs (saltwater) 6.4:1 for around 80 bucks, new in box, off ebay and I cannot get the reel to cast any kind of worthwhile distance with any of the brakes engaged. I'm talking around 20 yards. The only way to get it to cast anywhere is free spooling it and I get major backlashes waaay too often like that. I have it spooled with 12lb Yo Zuri Hybrid on a 6'10MH/F Shimano Sellus. I haven't cleaned/lubed it. Will that help? Should I buy new parts for it? I like the reel but casting distance is obviously pretty important factor in fishing so this one has quickly been relegated to staying at home. Thanks!

[The Rooster]

What weight lure are you casting when you get the short distances?? It might also benefit from a clean and lube. And is the tension knob too tight??

[rockchalk06]

Is it smooth while your reeling it in? Does it feel like its to tight when reeling?

[SirSnookalot]

A reel should perform right out of the box without having to replace parts. I would send it in to Quantum.

[Arv]

What weight lure are you casting when you get the short distances?? It might also benefit from a clean and lube. And is the tension knob too tight??

I've tried everything from a weightless baby brush hawg to a 3/4oz football head jig with a pit boss trailer. As for the tension knob, I set it up for each lure - 11o'clock rod position, depress the thumb bar, turn the knob till the bait starts to fall, and then a little more with this one to see if it adds distance.

Is it smooth while your reeling it in? Does it feel like its to tight when reeling?

Very smooth when reeling, not tight at all. Thats one reason I was so disappointed when I took it out the first time.

A reel should perform right out of the box without having to replace parts. I would send it in to Quantum.

Yeah, I agree. All my other reels have been great out of the box so I figured it was more than cleaning it, but thought I would see what everyone thought. If its something minor that I can fix I'd like to take care of it so I don't have to send it in, but fortunately that is an option.

[rockchalk06]

I'm assuming this is a bait caster? Sorry don't know quantums very well. Try lubing the spool shaft and a good bearing flushing is the only other ideas I can think of.

But honestly Spook is right. NIB reels should cast just fine out of the box. Even filthy dirty reels should cast somewhat decent Distance.

[The Rooster]

When you say you loosen the tension knob until the bait starts to fall, how fast are you letting it fall?? If it's just until it starts to fall at all, even sluggishly slow falling, then I would still consider that way too tight.

I used to do it this way. But when I did, my bait would fall fast enough that if it hit the floor it would backlash it severely. I was just watching for a certain amount of speed on the fall to let me know it was about right. But it was a fast fall for sure.

I don't set mine up like that anymore. Now my spool is as loose as I can get away with, regardless of bait weight. Honestly, I only tighten it until all side to side movement is gone and rely on braking and my thumb after that. Sometimes I have to tighten it just a bit more for whatever reason, either the bait weight isn't quite right for the rod, or too much wind, but when that happens I only tighten it about 1/16 to 1/8 turn, just as little as I can get away with. This way I get maximum distance on everything, or ease of cast at closer targets without having to do anymore than flick my wrist.

[LgMouthGambler]

Take the whole thing down and apart, and give it a good clean and relube. Check the spin of the bearings by putting them on a pencil tip and spinning them. If you can do this then send it to DVT from this site.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If it's under warranty go ahead and exchange it. If the new one is no better I'll be happy to go through it and get the most out of it.

[Arv]

When you say you loosen the tension knob until the bait starts to fall, how fast are you letting it fall?? If it's just until it starts to fall at all, even sluggishly slow falling, then I would still consider that way too tight.

I used to do it this way. But when I did, my bait would fall fast enough that if it hit the floor it would backlash it severely. I was just watching for a certain amount of speed on the fall to let me know it was about right. But it was a fast fall for sure.

I don't set mine up like that anymore. Now my spool is as loose as I can get away with, regardless of bait weight. Honestly, I only tighten it until all side to side movement is gone and rely on braking and my thumb after that. Sometimes I have to tighten it just a bit more for whatever reason, either the bait weight isn't quite right for the rod, or too much wind, but when that happens I only tighten it about 1/16 to 1/8 turn, just as little as I can get away with. This way I get maximum distance on everything, or ease of cast at closer targets without having to do anymore than flick my wrist.

I turned the spool tensor almost nearly off and I definitely got more distance casting. However I got A LOT of play side to side out of the spool, enough to the point where it knocked back and forth on the retrieve. If I turn it up to the point where theres no play in the spool I'm back to casting 20yds. I apprecieate the tip on turning the spool tensor down, I'll start doing that with my other reels that don't have any issues.

If it's under warranty go ahead and exchange it. If the new one is no better I'll be happy to go through it and get the most out of it.

Thanks DVT. I checked out everything and it didn't seem any different from my other reels out of the box (lube/oil wise). I think I'm going to wind up sending it back.

Thanks for the hlep everyone

[TNBassin']

I wonder if the two tension discs are lightly lubed? If they are dry, your distance will suffer.

[.RM.]

I picked up a Quantum Catalyst PTs (saltwater) 6.4:1 for around 80 bucks, new in box, off ebay and I cannot get the reel to cast any kind of worthwhile distance with any of the brakes engaged. I'm talking around 20 yards. The only way to get it to cast anywhere is free spooling it and I get major backlashes waaay too often like that. I have it spooled with 12lb Yo Zuri Hybrid on a 6'10MH/F Shimano Sellus. I haven't cleaned/lubed it. Will that help? Should I buy new parts for it? I like the reel but casting distance is obviously pretty important factor in fishing so this one has quickly been relegated to staying at home. Thanks!

Hey Arv,

Here's a thought NIB from Ebay, doesn't mean the same as NIB from BPS etc....

[TNBassin']

Hey Arv,

Here's a thought NIB from Ebay, doesn't mean the same as NIB from BPS etc....

This is why I don't buy on eBay any more.

[Arv]

Hey Arv,

Here's a thought NIB from Ebay, doesn't mean the same as NIB from BPS etc....

Yeah.. I've learned that now. Havent been on there since I got this reel.

[B-Dozer]

Make sure you are not over filling the spool. I set spool tension as Rooster has posted.

[moguy1973]

Hey Arv,

Here's a thought NIB from Ebay, doesn't mean the same as NIB from BPS etc....

Exactly what I was going to say. eBay seller says New-In-Box! But it's a refurb or factory reject he bought in a large quantity for cheap to dump on people on eBay for a big markup from what he paid.

[SirSnookalot]

I've bought reels on Ebay stated as "NIB", whether they are refurbs or not I have no idea. I have no factual information indicating what a sellers profit margin is, being in business is about making a profit. For the most part the reels have performed as expected, down the road any reel can start to have problems. I have never been denied warranty work, even from Shimano, for a reel being purchased at a discount price from Ebay or any other discounter. I personally would have no qualms buying from any discounter if I felt comfortable with their reputation, including any repair facility for non warranty work, which I have done.