Why Isn't Quantum More Popular?

[Ern]

Van Staal is probably the best spinning reel in the world and its own by zebco. Just saying.. 

Zebco, Van Staal, Quantum, Martin, Fin Nor, Martin, and Rhino are all BRANDS owned by W.C. Bradley Co.    Original Van Staals were legendary.  Opinions differ now. And best in the World is relative to what it needs to do. Google ZeeBaas reels if you want a top of the line, take it for a swim surf reel. Then come tell me about the Van Staal. There are several best in the worlds relative to what you want a reel to do. I'd love an Exist 1003  or a Cardiff 2000HGS for trout fishing. Wouldn't use either in the surf. Do your research before talking nonsense like everyone else.

[Ern]

Back to subject.  Quantum reels have CQ issues that have plagued them for years.  I have had an original QMD (made in Japan) since 1985'ish. I have my grand fathers old 33 (made in the USA). Both reels are in great shape. I just greased both yesterday as matter of fact.  I could spool either and use it today without problem. I wish I still had my old 1310's or my Prolite.  But I am glad to be rid of the QSS's, the Snapshots, the Hypercast, Micro, XtraLites, and Energy reels.  One EM7-1 cost me a huge brown trout I still have nightmares about. Quantum's biggest problem is bean counters cutting counters. I would believe that an engineer worth anything can make a great reel. Cutting corners to a point to where it makes the accountants happy with the result is the trick.

I tuned an Extralite trigger spin, XTT00 last night. Required removing a ton of grease, turning down the gear shaft (how the bearing went on is as amazing as how it came off) and polishing the gear, degreasing everything, polishing the drag plate, de-burring the Teflon drag washer, and removing drive gear shims. I need to call Quantum to get a bearing for the left side as the three bearings are two pinion bearing and a right side drive. Had a place for the 4th bearing on the left side plate. I guess the accountant said "no".  As was the case with the polishing of the gear I did. But after reworking this reel it is awesome! What I will have when I get the other main bearing is a 4 bearing Ultra light trigger spin with a 5.4:1 gear ratio and a smooth fade free drag.  I think it will do well as my grand daughters first reel. Minus getting a bearing, I have $2 in the reel at this point.

Look at how many Cardinals are still in use. Even my QMD. Old Mitchells that still work.  Then look at how many of the new reels have failed. I have learned to look at a reel's schematics and then have the reel in hand to see if it has the features I want.  I own a full set of the Shimano Symetre FJ's. 500, 1000, 2-2500's and a 4000.  But I wont be buying a Symetre FL. I own Curado E-series reels. I won't buy a G-series.

At one time If I could get a couple months out of any reel I was happy. I have killed ABU, Daiwa, Shimano , Lew's(original), and Quantum. if I used it, it died. One of my Symetre  2500's is on its 5th year, maybe.  Cleaned it yesterday, too.  I have had it to the beach surf fishing, Disney on a plane, tailrace trout and pond bass fishing, Carp fishing, and wading for smallies. It has seen some use. Only wear on it is the spool labeling is faded and has a scuff on the lip and the little plastic thingy in the handle has gone MIA.  I'd imagine it could be found in the tailrace area I fish. I had to polish the oscillating slider, too. Other than that. Clean, lube, and fish.

Any reel can have flaws. But from my dealing with Quantum, I have found consistent QC issue and lack of customer support (a whole other issue I have had with Quantum) to make me spend my money on other product.

[MCS]

Prior to FMC buying Jaguar the cars had a reputation of being constantly in service, if it rained just leave it in the garage, lol.  Once FMC bought them that all changed, went from an unreliable car to one the more reliable ones. I think Jag is now owned by an Indian company.  I do believe the parent company often makes a difference on the product, both good and bad.

 

And Audi has heavily influenced Lambo design. Suspension and breaking systems greatly improved.

[LMB KING]

So is Fin Nor.

I'm not real crazy for Van Staal, IMO it's a heavy reel and far from the smoothest one I have had, especially by freshwater standards.  The strong suit is line capacity and the fact that sand can't get into it, making it very popular among Northeast surf casters.

For my uses both Fin Nor and Quantum are better options at a more reasonable price.

Yes. I buy Zebco brands. Fin-Nor used to be the pinnacle of saltwater back since the 30s to 80s. They also invented to first real offshore reel. 

[TorqueConverter]

And Audi has heavily influenced Lambo design. Suspension and breaking systems greatly improved.

 

Wouldn't that be VW?  I thought Audis were just VWs with the Olympics' symbol on the front.

[J Francho]

There's been a few decent Quantuns. I still have an IR3 that works like a champ. The old gold Accurist with the flipping switch was a good reel. I have a parts scrap yard of around 150 reels. The majority are Abu round reels and Quantum low pros. There are a few Daiwas, mostly from the 80s and 90s. Not one single Shimano is in there. No Zebcos either, for what that's worth.

[Jrob78]

There's been a few decent Quantuns. 

That's a ringing endorsement if I've ever heard one.

[MCS]

Wouldn't that be VW? I thought Audis were just VWs with the Olympics' symbol on the front.

VW Audi Group is the company that owns Porsche and Lamborghini. They also own Bentley, skoda and a few more manufacturers.

VW and Porsche were both started by the same guy think the rest were aquired. Audis depending on model share technologies with either a Porsche (A8 & Panamera) or VW (A3 and Golf)

[J Francho]

Honestly, they haven't come out with anything that turns my screws. I think the last reel I was really psyched to get was a Daiwa Sol. Small, light, simple, well made. The more I use my Pinnacle, the more I like it. Another Quantum reel that was nice, but pricey, was the blue Tour PT. Worked on quite a few of those, and they were well made. Not sure why they get a bad rap. They're budget reels aren't the best value, but really, no one's are unless you pony up at least $120. Okuma, Pinnacle, Flooger, Browning, get no air play, but have done decent products as well.

I will say this, some of the touted Shimanos are almost over built. They're really well constructed, and you pay a premium for that. They've been doing it like that for a long time. People respect that track record. They didn't used to be so hot. Somewhere in the early 90s, they came out with some great stuff. I tried a few, and actually took them back. Kept the old Stradic, though, lol.

Most of my reels today are 4-6 year old Daiwas, and a few Pinnacle, Shimano, and Okuma. Mostly sub $250 reels.

Save your money, and get into that $150 to $200 bracket. No matter the brand, there are sweet reels in every make there.

[J Francho]

I took a Skoda for a test drive, but the Czech engine light kept coming on. Lol.

[MCS]

Honestly, they haven't come out with anything that turns my screws. I think the last reel I was really psyched to get was a Daiwa Sol. Small, light, simple, well made. The more I use my Pinnacle, the more I like it. Another Quantum reel that was nice, but pricey, was the blue Tour PT. Worked on quite a few of those, and they were well made. Not sure why they get a bad rap. They're budget reels aren't the best value, but really, no one's are unless you pony up at least $120. Okuma, Pinnacle, Flooger, Browning, get no air play, but have done decent products as well.

I will say this, some of the touted Shimanos are almost over built. They're really well constructed, and you pay a premium for that. They've been doing it like that for a long time. People respect that track record. They didn't used to be so hot. Somewhere in the early 90s, they came out with some great stuff. I tried a few, and actually took them back. Kept the old Stradic, though, lol.

Most of my reels today are 4-6 year old Daiwas, and a few Pinnacle, Shimano, and Okuma. Mostly sub $250 reels.

Save your money, and get into that $150 to $200 bracket. No matter the brand, there are sweet reels in every make there.

 

 

The blue tour were good, so were the chameleon schemed energy. That was about the time the gold accurist you spoke of came out. I have a following energy model that is pretty solid so far it is very similar to the smoke. I agree there cheap stuff is garbage. gotta keep it about $150. I also agree that a good reel price point for any brand is around 200. 

 

Have you seen or fished the new Quantum Tour MG? Just wondering if you had thoughts on this... magnesium under $300.  

[Capt.Bob]

So is Fin Nor.

I'm not real crazy for Van Staal, IMO it's a heavy reel and far from the smoothest one I have had, especially by freshwater standards.  The strong suit is line capacity and the fact that sand can't get into it, making it very popular among Northeast surf casters.

For my uses both Fin Nor and Quantum are better options at a more reasonable price.

You are absoluetly correct Snookers, and absoluetly none of those reels have a thing to do with Quantum Bass reels and there popularity, just more useless examples grasping for something to gain popularity.

So when you hear someone say I'm buying a Zebco, do you think they are talking about a Zan Stahl, my bet is most of America thinks Zebco 33. Truthfully I had no idea that they even owned the company, which only support my other statement.  Not bad reels, just poor marketing.

your right aavery2, I knew this all along and probably why most shy away, Zebco is great at what it is made for, but with the retrieve speeds and drag potential, face it there are definitely better choices for bass and sportfishing than Zebco and why their not looked at when most go reel shopping for most sportfishing reels,,, I absolutely think when someone says there buying a Quantum the majority of people are thinking why??  not Van Staal!! Like I said above, Zebco does better at what it is designed to do, and van staal at what it does, but neither one one would be great for throwing and retrieving Bass lures all day, and believe me Bass fishing is what a reel has to do great today to get popular, if it isn't a good bass reel it, it isn't going to gain the popularity that name brand reels get that are great bass reels. I mainly Walleye fish, but top end bass gear is the best choice for my kind of equipment needs, even for Browns and Steelhead. When I am Perch or small Trout fishing I use finess Bass reels, This Van Stahl, Finn Nor, talk I doubt has ever come into any thought when one is looking for new Bass gear, and totally absent from there minds.

Yes. I buy Zebco brands. Fin-Nor used to be the pinnacle of saltwater back since the 30s to 80s. They also invented to first real offshore reel. 

You can buy Zebco's and talk about "has been" offshore reel's all you want, but I will put money on the fact that aint nobody lining up to trade their Shimano's, Diawa's, Lew's, Abu's or even Quantums for Zebco Fin Nor or Van Stahl,  to go bass fishing,,,, more grasping to make their lack of popularity issues relavant, and it ain't happening. I wont even ask why so many quantums are in all reel techs junk pile, not just JFranhco's pile,,,,,,,,?

[lmbfisherman]

I had a Quantum Energy PT, very solid and smooth reel.  I got rid of it last year, the main issue I don't buy Quantum reels is because I couldn't palm it as easily as the reels I own.  That hump is just too much for me.  Otherwise I'd probably would've owned more. 

 

I was going to pull the trigger on a Smoke rod one time, but the guy in the shop said it has breakage issues.  Lots of returns and he was selling them out to not carry them any longer.  So I didn't.

[J Francho]

MCS, I haven't even held the Tour MG. They seem a little late to the low mass party. There many reels in the sub 6 oz. range that use an Al frame - I'd be looking hard at those models over an Mg frame. That chameleon finish reel was well made, but the finish corroded if you looked at it wrong. It's a weird hit or miss thing, too. You either got a good one or a bad one. Many that have more than one have both.

[TorqueConverter]

I never understood why anyone would balk at a Korean reel, made in China branded as a Quantum and then praise another Korean reel made in China branded as [your reel name here].   

[J Francho]

To what models do you refer?

[SirSnookalot]

I do believe Bigbil has mentioned several times he uses FIn Nor inshore spinning reels for his bass fishing, seems to be quite content with them.  Not that I think I need a saltwater spinning reel for bass but if it performs well in the salt, there is no reason not to use it in fresh.  I can be as narrow minded as the next person when it comes to using what brand of reel for what kind of fish, boat or shore.  I don't give a hoot about any technical aspects, or what country the reel is made in, only the fish matters.  I just can't remember any reel I have had problems with or needed customer service for my bass fishing

[SenkoGuru]

I had a Quantum Energy PT, very solid and smooth reel.  I got rid of it last year, the main issue I don't buy Quantum reels is because I couldn't palm it as easily as the reels I own.  That hump is just too much for me.  Otherwise I'd probably would've owned more. 

 

I was going to pull the trigger on a Smoke rod one time, but the guy in the shop said it has breakage issues.  Lots of returns and he was selling them out to not carry them any longer.  So I didn't.

 

 I am not a Quantum fan but I do have a 7'0" MH Quantum Smoke Rod that I've had for over 2 years. I've boat flipped 4# bass with it and I've yet to have any trouble with it. I bought it because of a sale. For $75.00 I figured I would try it out. It isn't that bad of a rod, light and pretty sensitive too. It isn't a White Ice by no means but few rods are......

[AK-Jax86]

I have had Pflueger Reels (President & Patriarch - both spinning) Abu Garcia (Orra SX - spinning, Orra SX, Silver Max, Revo SX, Revo STX - baitcast) and Quantum (Smoke pt25, Smoke pt30 - spinning, Smoke Inshore - baitcast).

Out of all the reels the Smoke Spinning and the Smoke inshore are ALWAYS carried with me I love them. I have no brand loyalty I just go with what I like and those 3 companies do it for me... But my Smokes are in the lead

[pbizzle]

MCS, I haven't even held the Tour MG. They seem a little late to the low mass party. There many reels in the sub 6 oz. range that use an Al frame - I'd be looking hard at those models over an Mg frame. That chameleon finish reel was well made, but the finish corroded if you looked at it wrong. It's a weird hit or miss thing, too. You either got a good one or a bad one. Many that have more than one have both.

Just adding to your point about the sub 6 oz. aluminum framed reels, even Academy managed to make the H2O Xpress Mystic at 5.8 oz. with an aluminum frame and price it at $130. While they aren't at the same performance level as many other reels of the weight, if they perform half as well as the Mettle's they' have to be a good reel. I imagine if you upgraded the drag washers and spool bearings, it would outcompete MANY reels in the $200 price range.

[jamesholton]

i think it might be because quantum doesnt really make a high end "enthusiast" reel. do they make a good quality product? yeah, sure they do. but nothing comparable to say, a steez, calais, tweaked millionaires, conquest, etc. Don't even get me started on megabass reels! LOL

i'm sure kvd's name does sell some reels, and he IS the jordan of bass fishing without a doubt. if he ever switched to daiwa or shimano....game over lol. 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

The diff in kvd and megabass is a few million bucks on a personal scale.truth is i love fishing and any reels,rods,lines,lures,boats that involve fishing.i collect abu round reels.but ill use w - e to catch fish.

[JGBassinAL]

The diff in kvd and megabass is a few million bucks on a personal scale.truth is i love fishing and any reels,rods,lines,lures,boats that involve fishing.i collect abu round reels.but ill use w - e to catch fish.

 

Difference in KVD/Quantum and Megabass? Please don't every put Quantum and Megabass in the same sentence ever again.

[gulfcaptain]

have 2 Kinetics, 2 Accurists, 2 Codes, and 1 EXO, fish them all.  Also have a couple Diawa's, 1 Shimano Cardiff 300(for swimbaits), and 6 BPS reels(carbonlite and older extremes), and 1 H20 reel.  I find myself aways fishing my Quantums other then the Codes which I have retired after a few seasons and upgrading, and working my way to getting more EXO's.  Also have one of there rods (Greg Hackney Hack Attack 7'11"), which I love.  Never had any problems with any of my Quantums.  But I do love to read the reviews of everyone who imediately bashes ALL Quantum products and states to get a Lew's or Shimano.  Don't believe they have ever even fished a Quantum, just upset because the Quantum Pro's seem to always be in the spotlight and really like the equipment they fish with.  Even Zona being a Shimano guy doesn't fish Shimano rods, he fishes Loomis although now they seem to be one in the same.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

while Zebco has a long storied past in American fishing, I think most of us think back to the model 202 and 33 when we hear the name. Unfortunately spincast reels are most often associated with entry level beginner type equipment. I think the association from Zebco to Quantum has hurt Quantum some. Also I think they have too many products, many of them are lower end equipment and frankly a lot of them are lower quality. I wish they would just pick 7-8 models and really develop them instead of working of 17 -20 models. Quantum also hurt themselves some several years back with reels that had poor quality control, the finishes on the reels were very bad.

Every major brand has reels in their lineup that are great, Shimano has the Curado, Daiwa has the Zillion, Abu has the Premier, etc. etc. Quantum needs to establish a reel in their lineup that has the same known consistency for quality.

Not bad reels, bad marketing in my opinion.

Some good points here. Mechanically, Quantum has some nice design features. I see some QC issues while working on them but during normal use, most owners would probably never notice them. They aren't horrible, but the market is so competitive with so many good reels out there, I refer to Quantum as "The worst of the best". That's not a dig, just where I would rank them even though it's splitting hairs.