Quantum Spinning Reels

[hoosierbass07]

  I have three nice Shimano spinning reels and I need one or two more reels to add to my collection.  I would like to shop around and try other brands.  I'm going to try Daiwa spinning reels in the future.  Now I'm wondering about 

Quantum spinning reels. 

 

 I see Quantum pushed on TV programs a lot.  They must be one of the biggest advertisers on some of the fishing programs I watch. 

 

 So, are there any good Quantum spinning reels in the $120.00 and under range that are reliable and work good for bass fishing?  

 

 Thanks!

[Darren.]

I always liked the looks of the Quantum spinning reels. On occasion I pick them up at BPS to "play" with them. They've got a solid feel to my hands.

 

But what I end up buying are Shimano and Daiwa reels....

[Alpha Male]

I have the Smoke and its far and away the smoothest spinning reels I felt. I thought it was nicer than the daiwa ballistic and shimano saros.

 

I would look at the new redesigned accurist, catalyst, or energy.

 

Although I really love my smoke and feel spoiled by it most of my spinning reels are in the 40-70$ range.

 

3 - Daiwa laguna's

3 - Abu Orra S

 Daiwa Regal

Shimano solstace

[BridgerM]

My main setup that has seen the most use over the last few years is a quantum plazma 20. I've used it steadily over about 3 seasons and its taken a swim once. All of this without any maintenance while performing quite well. I paid 40 bucks for it back in 2005/6. They don't make it anymore, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another quantum.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

I have had my Quantum 3.0 and 4.0 Energy PTi's for close to 10yrs now. Used heavy in both salt and freshwater. Just today I noticed a 3.0 antireverse going out and contacted DVT.

I always look for used ones when out and about. I highly reconmend them.

[SirSnookalot]

I would be willing to bet most people when they pick up a freshwater reel the first thing they do is turn the handle to check smoothness.  I'd almost be willing to bet that smoothness is the major determining factor. IMO Quantums are not the smoothest, I think they need to be broken in.  I do believe they make a rock solid reel and I feel the drags are outstanding.

I have many brands of spinning reels, I like what I consider the right reel for job at hand.  I have 2 Cabos, just love them, they are not as smooth as others I own.  For some other types of fishing I will use a reel I feel is smoother and better suited. I do feel there is more to a reel than just smoothness.

I'm not a one brand fits all kind of guy.

[Scott F]

I've been using nothing but Quantum spinning reels for the last 12 years and could not be happier with the models I have. However, on the new models, they removed a couple of features that I really liked. The old models had a magnetic bail return instead of a spring which always worked perfectly for me. Now they use springs. The other feature they removed which may not be important to you but is to me, is the anti-reverse switch. I often switched the anti-reverse off to back up the bait to attach it to the hook keeper. I use thin braid which can be tough on the hands if you try to pull against the drag, so I just backed up instead of pulling on the line. Can't do that with the new models.

[0119]

I wonder if they were having long term problems with the magnets. I'm sure they were man made not rare earth magnets so they have a limited lifespan. I kind of like the idea of not switch for saltwater use. Perhaps make it more durable. Has anyone been able to handle to new Energy,Catalyst or Accurist yet. I'd like to hear some hands on impressions. The white black and red Accurist is calling out to me.

[MCS]

I hear great things about the energy pt's and the older models are hard to come or pretty pricey used. New models I would go smoke, energy, kinetic. the hell cat looks interesting. But I won't budge off my pflueger spinning reels. Only quantum I buy are BC reels unless I get a deal on a smoke inshore spinner.

[Tywithay]

I had sticky drag issues with my Smoke that I felt cost me fish. It wouldn't always start smooth and took too much to get it going. Then I'd turn it down and it'd freespool. I always had more line management issues with the Quantums as well. The propulsion lip on Shimano seems to be a real thing that works. I've had a couple Daiwa's I liked as well, but I'll take a Shimano spinner just about every time unless I'm getting into the higher end Daiwa stuff. Won't use Quantum anymore.

[Rangerphil]

I have had my Quantum 3.0 and 4.0 Energy PTi's for close to 10yrs now. Used heavy in both salt and freshwater. Just today I noticed a 3.0 antireverse going out and contacted DVT.

I always look for used ones when out and about. I highly reconmend them.

I have three pti energy reels that I would not mind getting rid of. One of them is having the same problem with the anti reverse.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Sent you a pm Ranger. Been eyeballing the Cabos forlight saltwater.

[Rangerphil]

PM sent

[Stingray23]

Like I've mentioned many times before, I have been a Quantum only user for 20+ yrs and have N-E-V-E-R had any issues whatsoever with any of them . They have been a pleasure to fish with. I currently use Energy PT's and Tour Edition PT's for both casting and spinning. The Quantum spinning reel is a great reel. Its very smooth, fantastic drag, and casts a mile. For your budget, I suggest to get the new Quantum Energy PT. It retails for $139, but can be had for cheaper on ebay or a retailers discount. The great part about this new Energy is that it comes with a spare spool made for braid.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Great reel, Stingray.

[SirSnookalot]

Sent you a pm Ranger. Been eyeballing the Cabos forlight saltwater.

I own the new style Cabo 40, have had it close to a year.  If you are looking for the smoothest reel don't buy it.  If you are looking for a reel with an exceptional drag that maxes at 30# holds 270 yds of 30# braid and weighs a mere 14 oz, it's tough to beat.  14 oz may sound heavy but compared to other reels offering similar line capacity and drag it really isn't.  If I were overly concerned about reel weight, which in my opinion is not as critical for this kind of fishing a smoke 40 or 50 would be worth a peek.  My Cabo took some time to break it in, just playing with the smoke I feel the same way about it.

[AQUA VELVA]

I started out with Shimano and their Quick-Fire cast system. Never had one problem with them. I have an older Symetre and two Spirex reels with Quick-Fire and I love 'em. Unfortunatly, Shimano only offers QF in the Spirex now. Don't know why, it was a bullet proof set up for easy casting. Other brands tried but only Shimano got it right.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

10-4 Mr. Snook. They both felt pretty good. Not Sustain smooth but pretty decent.

[dustin11]

I have 3 smoke spinning reels and they are great.

[AK-Jax86]

I would spend the extra few dollars and get a smoke reel. I have one and I love it. I also have an Abu Garcia Orra and a Pflueger Patriarch they have been put on the shelf and I just use my Smoke.

[SirSnookalot]

10-4 Mr. Snook. They both felt pretty good. Not Sustain smooth but pretty decent.

This is only my feeling, the right reel for the right rod for the right fish.  I would not use even a Cabo 30 (I do have one that I don't use anymore) for light inshore fishing or freshwater, I do want a  lighter, smoother retrieving reel for those situations.  For the times when I'm fishing light I have a number of other reels that I prefer.  I have a few saltwater reels that are seeing the test of time now and will be replaced

[Drewski73]

Ive got an 11 year old Quantum PTI 100 that I have absolutely beaten to death. I just replaced drag washers, and had to replace the AR clutch. Thats it. Like $20 in parts in 11 years.

 

Its been wade fishing in the surf all over the world. Ive got 12 lb braid on it, and it just keeps on going. If it ever dies, Ill replace it with another quantum. Its just been too good not to.

 

I use it for my drop shot rod now as I dont fish the salt nearly as much. But if theyre all as good as this one has been, you cant go wrong.  

[ChiCityBasser]

I have 6-7 Quantum PT reels with some being as old as 5-6 years old without any problems. I have both the grey model Catalyst PT and the model from a couple years ago that see regular duty both fun fishing and when I hit the tournaments. The Catalyst prior to the newest version is mounted on a 7' MH/F rig & jig rod with 15# braid and I use it for plastics, spinnerbaits, swim jigs, T-rigs and even C-rigs. This is one of my more versatile setups and hits the water with me each time out.

[0119]

There is an angler in Germany who has written books and writes for 'Fisch und Fang' Magazine.  He specializes in catching huge Wels Catfish pushing 7 and 8 feet and only uses Quantum Spinning Reels.  They are probably the most popular spinners in my area.  I look forward to the local stores having some of the newer versions on the shelf to try out.

[Stingray23]

I use Quantum exclusively and my go to spinning reel at the moment is the last Quantum Tour Edition PTi30. I use 8lb fluoro on a 6'10" M/F rod and the reel is amazing. The smoothness and the drag is fantastic. Last April I caught a 7.5lb brown trout off my boat in a local reservoir and the reel NEVER let me down. It handled the furious rushes under the boat and the 3ft jumps out of the water for the 10 minute fight.  It was one of the most thrilling fishing experiences of my life. You had to be there to appreciate it. The Quantum reels, especially the high end stuff, is top notch.