Is This A Good Reel?

[Topwater98]

I bought this reel cheap off Ebay. Is it any good? I don't expect it to be great. I am not sure how to set it because what it says by the brakes is worn off. It is a Quantum Accurist AC500cx. Here are some pictures.

 

 

 

Does anyone know how to set this?

[Mike2841]

I have the same reel, and my markings are worn off also. If I remember correctly you turn it away from you for max breaks and towards you to turn them off. I think it only has 4 settings I usually just left it in the middle

[Topwater98]

I have the same reel, and my markings are worn off also. If I remember correctly you turn it away from you for max breaks and towards you to turn them off. I think it only has 4 settings I usually just left it in the middle

 

Do you get backlashes with it? I have had quite a bit of trouble with it. I tried tightening the spool tension and if I do that I can't cast very far. I don't have very good quality line. I don't know if that makes a difference. Sometimes when casting a buzzbait I get a backlash before the bait even hits the water. This is my first baitcaster. I have it on a 15 dollar rod so I don't know if that makes a difference in how well it casts.

[Mike2841]

Turn the breaks off (towards you) then set the tension so the bait slowly starts to drop (very slowly). Then turn the breaks back on. I had backlashes with it but not bad or often.

It's not the best reel I've used but it was definitely a lot better than the bill dance combo I was using before.

[rbreedi1]

That was my first decent baitcaster I had owned. Caught a lot of fish on it, but moved on to other reels. Should serve you well.

[papajoe222]

Set up the reel as Mike mentioned and remind yourself not to attempt long casts with light baits and you should be casting like a pro in no time.

BTW, provided the reel was maintained well by it's previous owner, it's a great entry level reel.

[Topwater98]

What would you do to maintain it. I haven't been fishing for too long and haven't cleaned or oiled any of my reels. I think this one probably needs to be cleaned before next year.

[J Francho]

Free spool is all the way clockwise, looking at the palm side.  For simple cleaning, you can use this care sheet, even though it's not from Quantum - the concepts are the same.  Stick to page 1, and you'll be fine.  If you want to spend a few dollars, a professional clean, tune and lube really brings these old reels to life.  Contact DVT Mike for details.

[Topwater98]

I can't figure out how to open the reel up.

[J Francho]

There's a latch under the levelwind.  Pull that back, and the side plate should rotate off.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If it hasn't been opened before it might be sticky. You can mount it to a rod to get some extra leverage to twist the side plate.