Christmas gift from my wife

[Justbass11]

My amazing wife told me that she wanted to get me a new rod and real for Christmas this year, (I know how blessed am I???) I pretty much know the rod I want but was thinking about getting Quantum Smoke S3 bait cast real just to get something different. I have been using Lews reals and love them. Anyway, any thoughts on the Quantum? 

[Stephen B]

I think Quantum is a good company, but they don't produce the quality rods/reel they once did. But the same can be said for many others. What was your budget for the rod/reel?

[RichF]

Quantum never gets much love.  I had a bunch of their older stuff.  It wasn't terrible, just not as good as some other brands.  I think they've made major improvements over the years though.  I'm sure the new Smoke is a solid reel.

[fishballer06]

Quantum doesn't get much love in recent years like they did in the 80's and 90's, and I think it's because their quality went downhill for a little while. However, I have held and fished a few of Quantum's more recent reels, like the Smoke (original model, not the S3 that you mentioned) and the Tour MG (their flagship reel). While both reels were smooth during the reel, they both had their odd quirks and features that left me scratching my head some, and they certainly didn't feel nearly as refined as the similar offerings from Shimano and Daiwa in the same price range. The braking system on my Tour MG was a nightmare to access and I could never get it fully dialed in like I wanted.

 

If you're a Lew's guy and you want to try something different, but that's familiar to you, I'd recommend going with an Abu Garcia Revo model. Lew's and Abu are both made in the same factory oversea's and are nearly identical in form factor and some of their parts are even interchangeable (from my understanding). I've fished the MGX, STX, and Rocket models from Abu and I found them a little nicer than the two Quantum reels I mentioned above. 

 

If it were me in your shoe's and my wife was buying me a reel (in the $150-200 range since you're mentioning the Smoke S3), I would likely go with the Shimano Curado K. My second choice would be the Daiwa Tatula SV. These two reels are highly regarded as the best reels out there in your price range. 

[Choporoz]

Cabelas has had Smokes on sale the last week plus...maybe still.  I ordered my third and fourth Smoke 100's.  At $114, they are a steal.  I have mostly Tatulas (R's and others), but the Smoke 100's blow them away --- I realize they're in different MSRP neighborhoods, but the Smokes were all similarly priced (or cheaper.)  May be that they need to slash prices at times because they don't have the same cache...IDK...disclaimer....never held the S3, but I'll vouch for the 100 all day

[Kevinator1]

Quantum is really upping the quality on the new Smoke S3 and the Tour S3. They have fixed their clutch issues with stainless steel kick levers and have also raised the thumbar up higher which was something that i prefer....Most of my reels are Shimano, Daiwa and Abu but i think i'm going to try either the new Smoke S3 you are talking about or the S3 Tour. 

[DINK WHISPERER]

I tried Quantum one time with the smoke reel back in the day and was quickly turned off to them. Slop in the handle and backplay along with a mediocre drag. Never bought something from them again. Never had a problem with any of my Lews. 

[Deleted account]

If only there was a guy who was like the best bass angler ever, who had a proven record as a crazy good endorsement machine, and they got him to use their reels, I'd bet.....

 

I like the sticks, the reels are just not right.

[DINK WHISPERER]

@reason Maybe K V D is available....?