Quantum... Why The Hate?

[Jsinkic]

Today I was at a local fishing store and I was looking for a 5.3:1 reel for cranking. I was talking to a few sponsored guys that where there and

I told them what I was looking for so they gave me a few options like abu and Lew's. I ended up going with the lee's because it felt like a solid reel and I liked how it felt not to mention the price wasn't to bad (plus the sale they were having). Anyways I asked what about quantum and they said they didn't even carry them but didn't say why. They kinda laughed and it was like I was supposed to know why...? I have a few quantums and i love mine so does anyone know why some people don't like them.

[jbsoonerfan]

Because the letter Q is one of the least used consonants in the English language. Therefore people have some angst toward words that start with Q.

 

Not really, but that makes as much sense as most of the replies you are bound to get. I have used (actually still do some) a Quantum code red on a KVD rod and I think it is a fine reel.  

[bigbill]

I just purchased two quantum code reds in both ratios. Plus I also picked up a new outdated quantum Bill Dance baitcaster too.

I removed the solid brass bushing on the outer side of the spool and replaced it with a ball bearing. Why just for ha, ha' s I wanted to see if I could upgrade it. It is what it is.

The quantum were my first decent spinning reels I still have them in my museum.

[Stingray23]

There is no logical explanation for the hate. It mostly comes from the "JDM only" people that think they're gonna catch more fish with their stuff. Also, the clueless sheep that follow what others say. Like I've mentioned a million times here and everywhere else, I've fished Quantum only reels for over 20 yrs and I have never had one issue with any of them. They have never failed me on the water. I use the higher end, PT models. A lot of other people that fish Quantum will attest to what I said.

[gulfcaptain]

maybe it's because they used to be associated with Zebco back in the day.  I have more Quantum reels then any other brand.  I love all of them, Code's, Accurist's, Knetic's, and now have one of the EXO's.  Fish other brands as well, but these are my work horses and have never had to try and make them better and none have ever let me down.

[smalljaw67]

I don't hate and I really don't take others words on anything much when it comes to equipment, you can usually tell if someone truly has had a bad reel or reels and doesn't like a product or there may have been longevity issues but I see a lot of parroting like, "I had a Smoke and the flipping switch locked up and the handle stopped turning, never buy anything other than Shimano". I see a lot of that but I also see reviews that I did believe but I see it in all brands, to me it has to work and I have a few Quantum reels and they are fine. I will say that the Smoke is the best casting reel Quantum has ever made, I have a 100 SPT and a 150 HPT and they are really good reels, I have, in my regular line up, the 2 Smoke reels, I lews Tourney Pro, a Revo Premier 2nd generation and a Pflueger Supreme that was out for 2 years before being discontinued. The Smoke 150 retired my Daiwa TD-X, and I have no complaints about the other reels in the line up. I also have an Okuma Induron round reel and a V-Syetem and I can say Okuma reels have been good to me. I left 7 or 8 reels out because this is enough to make my point, that point is that out of all the brands I have used at different price levels, I really haven't had the horrible experiences others have, the only one was a Shimano Symetre spinning reel, I had 2 bad ones and a bad experience so I no longer buy Shimano but I know they make good stuff, I just hold a grudge but not everyone is like that, some feel they have to bash and Quantum gets a lot and I really haven't figured it out either.

[A-Jay]

I own several and I'm a Fan.

They handle the domestic and international work load flawlessly.

A-Jay

 

  

 

 

 

[MCS]

The quantums I used and own worked great. I plan on purchasing more. I think they are the most underrated reels. Issues I hear about are no different than issues other brands have time to time. Oh well their loss I love mine

[jhoffman]

My guess is that it has a lot to do with quantum being sold by major retailers and the fact that the masses use them. This leads to more failures and more abuse. Ive never opened one up to see whats on the inside. Ive opened daiwas, shimanos, lews but no quantums. I had 4 $100 daiwas fail in one form or another in rapid succession. Now, I am very leary on buying another daiwa unless its reaching into the near $200+ range.

 

Really when it all boils down, if you open one baitcaster you opened them all. The design doesnt differ that much. Materials yes but design not really. Id take a smoke if I got a good deal on it and give it a run. I dont know personally but I have heard that quantums cheaper reels have some of the worst bearings in the industry.

[LuckyHandsINC.]

I don't own any quantums and will admit to being scared away by the hate. Even though I know it's kind of nonsense I do believe rumors and stereotypes are rooted in some kind of truth somewhere. Even if it was along time ago.

However all the quantums I have ever fished have been very nice. They are great casters with very little effort. When I went to the fishing expo I looked at every new reel and liked the quantum tour mg the best by a big margin. I think eventually this will be the quantum that I finally break down and buy.

[Alpha Male]

I currently only have spinning reels (Smoke pt30 & Accurist PT30) By FAR may favorite spinning reels! I didnt have the lsat gen Smoke baitcaster that I didnt like. DISCLAIMER: i bought it used and it wasnt as smooth as i thought a 200$ reel should be. and yes the smoke was the same as the Revo, Lews, and phlueger i have opened.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Quantum has some really nice design features as do each of the other name brands. The upper end reels seem smooth and free. The problem, in my experience, is that QC is lacking compared to the others. The finish is sometimes an issue, the Smoke gears get a little rough after relatively short for example. Other issues you wouldn't see or necessarily be a problem unless you work on the reel. The ones with the latch up by the level wind can be a bear to get the side plate off and are unessarily difficult to disassemble. Sometimes poor fit of parts makes reassembley harder than it should be. None of these are huge, but the market is terribly competetive with so many great reels they just miss the mark by a little bit. I kind of see them as the "worst of the best" so to speak. Every brand has fans and haters rightfully or not. If you like Quantums (or whatever) , buy and enjoy. 

[retiredbosn]

I currently have four, I really like my energy pt's, I also have a Kinetic and I used to have an Accurist. The best thing about Quantum is they always produce too many its really easy to get them cheap during winter when stores are clearing old stock. I only paid around 80 bucks each, NIB. Reels I've owned are, in no particular order, Shimamo Curado and Chronarch E series (still have the Chronarch), Pro Qualifiers (BPS), Abu Garcia round and lp (EXT Pro and Revo), and Lews Speed Spool MG. The quality of the Energy is as good or better than every reel I listed, the exception being the Chronarch/Curado but its close. I think allot of the bad rap comes from the low end reels that are sold at department stores.

[FlipSide]

I currently have four, I really like my energy pt's, I also have a Kinetic and I used to have an Accurist. The best thing about Quantum is they always produce too many its really easy to get them cheap during winter when stores are clearing old stock. I only paid around 80 bucks each, NIB. Reels I've owned are, in no particular order, Shimamo Curado and Chronarch E series (still have the Chronarch), Pro Qualifiers (BPS), Abu Garcia round and lp (EXT Pro and Revo), and Lews Speed Spool MG. The quality of the Energy is as good or better than every reel I listed, the exception being the Chronarch/Curado but its close. I think allot of the bad rap comes from the low end reels that are sold at department stores.

I had an energy pt for 5 years. Never cleaned it once and it worked just fine up until I tried to take it apart and couldn't put it back together lol. It was my favorite reel until I bought a Lews tp. I also own shimano and Abu reels in the $200 price range.

IMO the stereotype is from the lower end reels sold pretty much everywhere that sells tackle.

[mjseverson24]

I have three brands that I really have been impressed with lately...

1) Daiwa----> I believe they are the most original and innovative reel company one the market... but they are expensive for what you get

2) Lews ----> the Superduty is one of the best work horse reels i have ever used... and they are affordable...

3) Quantum ----> Best bang for your buck... I have been buying the new model Kinetic PT putting hawgtech bearings and the Lews handle on them, once they are dialed in for the lure being used they outcast every reel I have ever used... including upgraded Daiwa T3's... are they super refined??? no... Are they the smoothest reel on the market??? No... Are they a reliable workhorse reel at a super affordable price(<60)??? Absolutely... this goes for the accurist, energy and smoke lineups as well... My biggest issue with quantum is the short handle that comes stock on most of their reels...

 

Mitch

[Raul]

I don't "hate" the Q, I purchased 1 Q baitcasting reel many years ago and ..... I'll never purchase a Q again, also, I purchased a Q spinning rod, thank you for your service but .... No more. The lack of consistent quality in the brand is phenomenal. You like it or have luck with it ? Go ahead, me ? No more

[Hogsticker]

JDM only people who think they are gonna catch more? That's not even remotely accurate and just ridiculous. As already mentioned there are a lot of QC issues with too many lemons. Fit, finish, longevity. There are just to many other options who have far less issues. And the big thing IMO Is the bulge on the side plate. Very uncomfortable compared to most other designs. I've seen some last years and others only weeks. I'm not much the gambling type, but its your money.

[Arv]

tick tick tick...

[frogflogger]

I bought quantums on sale at bps several times for clients use(I thought) now I'm ret'd from guiding - they still perform beautifully - paints worn off, handle nut covers missing - I use them all the time - absolutely no complaints - makes me wonder why I have $200-$300 reels.

[iabass8]

I was given a kinetic a year or so ago as a gift. I took a lot of flushing and removing all the shields but i got this 55$ reel to cast and retrieve like a dream. Im not a fan of the acs braking system but its fairly consistent and this reel will cast very well. I, however, would not ever buy one.

[Darren.]

While I agree, there is hate for Quantum...and every other brand by brand lovers, my baitcasting adventures started with a BPS Tourney Pro (awful experience), then was "rescued" by Quantum via the Shaw Grigsby combo from DSG. Believe his reel is an Accurist, correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Bought another Accurist 570(?) later during a BPS Spring Classic. I barely use either of these anymore. I left Quantum for Shimano and Daiwa, and now, I'm back to Shimano. Chronarch 50e models, specifically on the BC side. Stradics, others on the spinning side. Never had a Quantum spinning reel although they have a nice feel to them - the models I have looked at.

 

I now choose to stick with Shimano due to the consistent quality I've had with them on the spinning side, and now the casting side. Daiwa is also good, the Lexas are a fine reel, although the recent experience i've had with mine soured me on any future purchases (of the baitcaster). Nonetheless, I loved it prior to the casting issue.

 

I think Quantum makes some of the best-looking reels on the market, I just won't buy one. Personal preference. So that makes me a Shimano brand guy, I suppose, but I won't pooh pooh someone else's decision to buy Quantum. If my opinion is asked, I'll give it. Everyone's experience will be unique.

[Stingray23]

JDM only people who think they are gonna catch more? That's not even remotely accurate and just ridiculous. As already mentioned there are a lot of QC issues with too many lemons. Fit, finish, longevity. There are just to many other options who have far less issues. And the big thing IMO Is the bulge on the side plate. Very uncomfortable compared to most other designs. I've seen some last years and others only weeks. I'm not much the gambling type, but its your money.

What I meant by that, is that the JDM crowd scoff at other brands that are not JDM. And that goes for rods, lures, line and whatever else.  I couldnt care less about what anyone chooses to fish. I just dont like how false info is spread and the sheep believe it. The higher end Quantum PT line is great. The fit and finish and longevity on my reels is flawless. Dont blame the reel, blame the careless owners. Any reel will look like crap if not taken care of.  I have a Quantum Pro 2C that I bought new in 1992. My first "real" baitcaster. Still looks new. Still performs flawlessly. In the end, buy what you like. We're all here to fish and have a good time. 

[SirSnookalot]

I really like my 3 Cabos.  More to a reel company that just performance, service too.  I had little problem with a Quantum Boca still under warranty.  Quantum did not fix my reel, they sent me a new Cabo as replacement in 24 hours.  Between the outstanding performance of their reels and the stellar customer service, I have love not hate for them.

[Master Bait'r]

I bought a smoke spinning reel and the d**n thing squeaked so hard right out of the box I sent it right back.  It sounded like a tiny little turkey call with every handle turn and although I'm sure it could have been remedied by taking it apart and greasing it all up but I'm not into that on a brand new reel.  That was my last interaction with Quantum.  For that much money, it should at least be better than that of a reel in a $35 DSG combo- and it was not.  

 

 

For the same money, I like my Floog Supreme XT much MUCH better.  Infinitely smoother operating and all the parts just look, feel and interact nicer than the smoke reel.  So in the end it's not so much that I hate Quantum, it's just that at just about any price point I think there are better options.  

[Master Bait'r]

What I meant by that, is that the JDM crowd scoff at other brands that are not JDM. And that goes for rods, lures, line and whatever else. 

 

 

 

That's just because people who know they may want to customize down the road or color coordinate for fun or "something special" will almost always go with a JDM reel.  Go ahead, find me more custom handle options for a Quantum than a Shimano...  Not gonna happen.  

 

It's just another flavor in any case, there's no need to feel looked down on.  Some people just like that flash and the sexiness of custom options for stuff.  Can't blame them either, since they're not really spending a ton more on a JDM reel anyways in most cases.  I would never purchase a Quantum over a Shimano of similar price.  Just my .02.