Quantum EXO Casting Question

[SAFISHERBOY]

So I purchased a brand new Quantum EXO. Very nice reel. Spooled it with 14lb mono and headed to the lake. Casting a 3/8oz Texas rig with a baby brush hog. I set the drag, set the brake system to where my weight was dropping at a slow to medium pace. Cast and backlash. Tightened the brake, cast and backlash. Opened the reel and tightened internal braking all the way down opposite from free. Cast and backlash. I've had to tighten the breaking system so tight just to keep from backlashing that it's pretty tight just reeling the reel. Am I doing something wrong here? If I put a good effort in to trying to cast a long way, I get loose line from a free spool. Any experience with this?

[smalljaw67]

The last sentence speaks volumes. What I'm guessing is when you try to get distance you are probably whip casting which is how spinning set ups are used. If you whip cast a casting set up you will backlash almost every time and if not you'll end up with loose loops. My suggestion is to turn back the brakes to the halfway point, then tighten the cast control knob, the little knob behind the drag star, and make an easy smooth cast. Do that a few times and then gradually increase your power until you get a good cast.

[WdyCrankbait]

Smalljaw is right on the $$.  It took me a couple of outings before I got my EXO's figured out.  One thing I will say, depending on your rod, I have noticed 3/8oz can be a little light for those reels with heavier line.  Now, put on a 1/2oz. lure and to the moon!

 

But, the ceramic bearings in those EXO's spin up really fast!  My guess is this was the nastiest backlash you have ever gotten on any casting reel before. (Finesse them at first and let the reel prove what it can do, then start opening her up.) Keep with it, once you figure out these EXO's you will really appreciate them!

 

good luck!

Wdy

 

PS, I have my centrifugal brake one notch over 1/2-way going towards Max and tweak with the casting knob just like Smalljaw.

[SAFISHERBOY]

Thanks, I'll try that. I've always used Shimano reels and have all of them pretty dialed in to where I can control distance by how easy or hard I cast them. The Quantum setup is just totally different than what I'm used to. 

[WdyCrankbait]

I was the same.  I came from using Shimano Curado 200E's to an EXO, night and day difference in casting the reels well!  Stick with it, you should be able to figure it out.

 

Also, one thing I notice about EXO's is that they consume oil!  The spool rides on the bearings and has clearance from the body of the reel.  (Pull the side plate off and you should be able to have enough clearance to pass your fishing line between the spool and body.)  So, keep them oil up for that reason and keep working in optimal condition. 

 

Keep us posted on your success with the reel.  I am starting to leave bass fishing, $$ reasons, but doubt I can let go of my EXO's.