Why arent more reels like this(Quantum smoke s3)

[Jonjhb whrfvo8iu43]

I was looking for a heavy duty reel that was lightweight  with high drag and a light spool. After searching the only reel that checked all boxes was the Quantum smoke s3. It had more line cap then the curado m , tatula 200 while being lighter than all of them at 6.9oz. The max drag on this reel is also way higher than both at 24lbs. The spool is only 13.4 grams(wo bearing and lighter than shimano and daiwas 200) which means it could cast light baits as well as heavy baits. This reel is so versatile and i use it for everything from light baits for smallmouth to casting big spooks for stiped bass and snook. I have also taken this to Australia for Barra and grouper and this reel had enough drag to prevent line slipping on the hookset for these 25lbs plus barra and grouper. It is quite disappointing that Quantum is slowly disappearing so why cant anybody else make a reel as good as the smoke s3?

[MediumMouthBass]

"ItS nOt A dAiWa Or ShImAnO"

These 2 brands have taken over and everything else is slowly dwindling away.

Even Lews and Abu have lost alot of popularity, more so Abu though.

Between lack of investors, lack of additional funding, lack of sales and with the covid and post covid economy how are they supposed to take what little sales they have and spend a fortune on marketing, new production, revamping the brand to get popularity?

 

Ive been fishing since i was a few years old, only ever heard of Quantum when i went into a Walmart/DSG and saw their cheap spinning reels on the shelf. Between no one i knew having them or even talking about them, paired with the 0 ads, marketing, youtube influencers i had no idea they actually made casting reels, let alone good ones. Most people i talk to that are my age that fish dont even know who they are. The old school guys that grew up watching tournaments know who Quantum is but that was decades ago, recently what have they done? Atleast Lews is hitting the youtube influencers hard. Somehow they are selling a ton of those cheap garbage plastic framed Mach series reels, because they know who to market their brand to.

 

Awhile ago i was seriously considering buying a really nice Quantum reel at a insane discount, but i held off on it because i wasnt sure if they went under there would be parts or a warranty left.

It would be nice if they made a comeback, they would have 0 chance against the main 2, but they would do good against the rest. But like everything in this world, you have to have the money and the right people.

[MN Fisher]

42 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

more so Abu though.

Between lack of investors, lack of additional funding, lack of sales

With Abu it's more the parent company trying to bite off more than it can chew and lacking enough funds for proper marketing of all the brands.

Current brands owned by Pure Fishing (as of 9/29/2024): Abu Garcia, Berkley, Chub, Fenwick, Fin-Nor, Frabill, Greys, Hardy, Hodgman, Johnson, JRC, Mitchell, Penn, Pflueger, Plano, Savage Gear, Shakespeare, Spiderwire, Stren, Ugly Stik, Van Staal

 

1 hour ago, Jonjhb whrfvo8iu43 said:

It is quite disappointing that Quantum is slowly disappearing

Talk with Rather Outdoors - they acquired the Quantum brand as well as Zebco a few years ago,

They also own Strike King and Lews.

[MediumMouthBass]

3 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

With Abu it's more the parent company trying to bite off more than it can chew and lacking enough funds for proper marketing of all the brands.

They definitely bit off more than they could chew.

Pure Fishing in my opinion ruined most (not all) of the brands they acquired in one way or another (except Berkley, and a few others).

They gave us a refresh with new rods and reels from Abu, except they upped the price on most. Reduced quality parts on others. I loved older Abu products, the new ones? Not so much.

They did the same thing the domestic car brands did, they took a $30,000 vehicle and thought they could add a markup to $60,000 thinking it was worth gold. Well people realized they could get a Mercedes, BMW, etc.... For the money instead. Their reels now are pushing Shimano, and Daiwa prices. They dont have the pro staff, marketing, quality, or popularity to back that up.

Their rods are snapping like twigs too.

Fenwick rods are now having reviews of snapping and breaking on all the major fishing websites, and they used to have a reputation of being great rods for the price....

Pflueger reels have taken a hit as well. The new spinning reels are getting some bad reviews as well.

Spiderwire and Stren when checking reviews on certain lines have terrible reviews as well.

 

These are just the brands they own im familiar with, so im not sure about their other brands and more premium stuff. Somehow, with all their issues they were able to turn Berkley into a bigger success than it was before. The new baits they have been releasing the last few years (althought most are copies from other brands) are very good at catching bass and seem to have gotten alot of popularity. And they just came out with updated versions of Ugly Stik GX2's, not sure how that will go with their track record....     Im still a big Abu fan because they are what i started bass fishing with, but its sad what they are now.... But i get it, i have many different hobbies, fishing, cars, etc... etc... And in almost every hobby of mine a private equity firm, or a corporation have bought up most brands. And the ones that they didnt drive into bankruptcy they have destroyed their products quality, while ruining their fan base. Thats why i said in my previous comment its all about having the money and the RIGHT PEOPLE. This whole write up pretty much describes why alot of people were upset about Dobyns being sold, but the guys that bought them seem to be atleast heading in the right direction.

 

Edit, and to add they destroyed their unrivaled budget casting reel. The Black Max.... This was a $30 tank, a savior to those on a budget, a legend.

They had the market cornered with this, they literally had to change nothing and could have sold it like it was for decades more.

The new Max X is like taking money and throwing it in a dumpster to say the least.

The reel feels cheap, line gets stuck in the sides unless using 15lb mono or thicker, the rod handles are plastic? They actually thought it would be a great idea....

Edited November 9, 2024 by MediumMouthBass

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

Pflueger reels have taken a hit as well. The new spinning reels are getting some bad reviews as well.

As well as dropping all but the Monarch and President XT from their baitcasting line....which is a shame as my Patriarchs are excellent reels despite being years old.

And they've severely cut the number of Mitchell reels as well....their Avocet line was also a good reel (I have 4 Avocet RZTs)

[woolleyfooley]

1 hour ago, MediumMouthBass said:

"ItS nOt A dAiWa Or ShImAnO"

These 2 brands have taken over and everything else is slowly dwindling away.

Even Lews and Abu have lost alot of popularity, more so Abu though.

Between lack of investors, lack of additional funding, lack of sales and with the covid and post covid economy how are they supposed to take what little sales they have and spend a fortune on marketing, new production, revamping the brand to get popularity?

 

Ive been fishing since i was a few years old, only ever heard of Quantum when i went into a Walmart/DSG and saw their cheap spinning reels on the shelf. Between no one i knew having them or even talking about them, paired with the 0 ads, marketing, youtube influencers i had no idea they actually made casting reels, let alone good ones. Most people i talk to that are my age that fish dont even know who they are. The old school guys that grew up watching tournaments know who Quantum is but that was decades ago, recently what have they done? Atleast Lews is hitting the youtube influencers hard. Somehow they are selling a ton of those cheap garbage plastic framed Mach series reels, because they know who to market their brand to.

 

Awhile ago i was seriously considering buying a really nice Quantum reel at a insane discount, but i held off on it because i wasnt sure if they went under there would be parts or a warranty left.

It would be nice if they made a comeback, they would have 0 chance against the main 2, but they would do good against the rest. But like everything in this world, you have to have the money and the right people.

I have a few lews, granted nothing below the $200 dollar tournament pro and they’re all 8-10 years old or older. But I really do like them. They’ve held up well all these years and the features you get for $200 seem like a good deal. 
 

In any case, are quantum reels made in the same doyo factory as lews? From what I’ve read, doyo do make quality products. 

[MediumMouthBass]

3 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

I have a few lews, granted nothing below the $200 dollar tournament pro and they’re all 8-10 years old or older. But I really do like them. They’ve held up well all these years and the features you get for $200 seem like a good deal. 
 

In any case, are quantum reels made in the same doyo factory as lews? From what I’ve read, doyo do make quality products. 

100% agree, i love my Lews reels. BB1 Pro and LFS especially.

Most just cant get over spending that much on a Lews when a Daiwa or Shimano are the same price or less, i was that way for a long time. But there was a sale and i figured i would try a Lews or 2.

 

I dont believe Doyo makes Quantums, i think Quantums are Zebco? And Doyo is Lews, Bass Pro, and Abus?

[woolleyfooley]

42 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

They definitely bit off more than they could chew.

Pure Fishing in my opinion ruined most (not all) of the brands they acquired in one way or another (except Berkley, and a few others).

They gave us a refresh with new rods and reels from Abu, except they upped the price on most. Reduced quality parts on others. I loved older Abu products, the new ones? Not so much.

They did the same thing the domestic car brands did, they took a $30,000 vehicle and thought they could add a markup to $60,000 thinking it was worth gold. Well people realized they could get a Mercedes, BMW, etc.... For the money instead. Their reels now are pushing Shimano, and Daiwa prices. They dont have the pro staff, marketing, quality, or popularity to back that up.

Their rods are snapping like twigs too.

Fenwick rods are now having reviews of snapping and breaking on all the major fishing websites, and they used to have a reputation of being great rods for the price....

Pflueger reels have taken a hit as well. The new spinning reels are getting some bad reviews as well.

Spiderwire and Stren when checking reviews on certain lines have terrible reviews as well.

 

These are just the brands they own im familiar with, so im not sure about their other brands and more premium stuff. Somehow, with all their issues they were able to turn Berkley into a bigger success than it was before. The new baits they have been releasing the last few years (althought most are copies from other brands) are very good at catching bass and seem to have gotten alot of popularity. And they just came out with updated versions of Ugly Stik GX2's, not sure how that will go with their track record....     Im still a big Abu fan because they are what i started bass fishing with, but its sad what they are now.... But i get it, i have many different hobbies, fishing, cars, etc... etc... And in almost every hobby of mine a private equity firm, or a corporation have bought up most brands. And the ones that they didnt drive into bankruptcy they have destroyed their products quality, while ruining their fan base. Thats why i said in my previous comment its all about having the money and the RIGHT PEOPLE. This whole write up pretty much describes why alot of people were upset about Dobyns being sold, but the guys that bought them seem to be atleast heading in the right direction.

 

Edit, and to add they destroyed their unrivaled budget casting reel. The Black Max.... This was a $30 tank, a savior to those on a budget, a legend.

They had the market cornered with this, they literally had to change nothing and could have sold it like it was for decades more.

The new Max X is like taking money and throwing it in a dumpster to say the least.

The reel feels cheap, line gets stuck in the sides unless using 15lb mono or thicker, the rod handles are plastic? They actually thought it would be a great idea....

Wait, Dobyns was sold? When did this happen? I was under the impression Gary Dobyns was still in charge.

[MN Fisher]

8 minutes ago, woolleyfooley said:

Wait, Dobyns was sold? When did this happen? I was under the impression Gary Dobyns was still in charge.

GSM Outdoors acquired Dobyns back in May of this year.

Known primarily as a hunting company - SOG knives, Halo Optics, Ameristep Blinds and more - they've started acquiring fishing brands like Bagley, Bill Lewis, Big Bite Baits, Northland Tackle, Phenix Rods and others....latest acquisitions are Dobyns and Yamamoto Baits.

[woolleyfooley]

3 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

GSM Outdoors acquired Dobyns back in May of this year.

Known primarily as a hunting company - SOG knives, Halo Optics, Ameristep Blinds and more - they've started acquiring fishing brands like Bagley, Bill Lewis, Big Bite Baits, Northland Tackle, Phenix Rods and others....latest acquisitions are Dobyns and Yamamoto Baits.

I just read the thread on here about the sale. Seems like Gary is keeping his whole team there and is still involved in the day to day operations. 
 

I’m cautiously optimistic that Dobyns quality etc will remain the same. Time will tell.

[LonnieP]

24 lbs of drag isn’t needed for bass fishing reels.

[woolleyfooley]

32 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

100% agree, i love my Lews reels. BB1 Pro and LFS especially.

Most just cant get over spending that much on a Lews when a Daiwa or Shimano are the same price or less, i was that way for a long time. But there was a sale and i figured i would try a Lews or 2.

 

I dont believe Doyo makes Quantums, i think Quantums are Zebco? And Doyo is Lews, Bass Pro, and Abus?

I could be wrong. Looking at the quantum s3, it does look very similar to a lews/doyo.

[A-Jay]

I've been using Quantum Tour PT's, and EVO reels successfully for a while.

Accounted for many a big bass, both locally and abroad. 

Many of these reels are pictured below. 

This year I down sized my tackle quite a bit

and replaced some with Shimano & Diawa offerings.

 

Finally, every Quantum reel pictured here will be for sale

(The quantum rods they were on too)

very soon here in the BR Flea Market thread.

As always, they'll be priced to sell.

A-Jay

[Jonjhb whrfvo8iu43]

1 hour ago, LonnieP said:

24 lbs of drag isn’t needed for bass fishing reels.

I know but wouldnt be nice if the reel could be used for other species?

[Jonjhb whrfvo8iu43]

Its just weird that how could a reel that could be so versatile not be more popular? I am not trying to promote Quantum here since they no longer produce these reels anyways but i just dont want to have to carry multiple reels if i wanted to switch techniques or species.

[Eric 26]

Personally I think there are quite a few good to really good reels that aren’t named Daiwa or Shimano. Yes they are made in China or Korea and as a bonus they actually share parts from another brand which in my case was a double bonus as I needed to replace a part on my Piscifun which as it turns out is the same reel as an Ardent reel who gave me the part for free as an extra bonus. My most recent purchase is a reel that’s based on the same platform as the Okuma Hakai and other than the spool I’m pretty sure anything I need replaced can be done using  site sponsor DVT purchasing Okuma parts. As a final bonus I only paid $108.00 vs the $199.00 for the Hakai.

[ABU is overpriced]

JDM prices are too good on daiwa and shimano to waste money on any other brand.

[MediumMouthBass]

3 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

Personally I think there are quite a few good to really good reels that aren’t named Daiwa or Shimano. Yes they are made in China or Korea

Im sorry to be the one to tell you this, most Daiwa and Shimano reels are made in both those countries. In fact probably even the same factory as Piscifun.

I looked at a few of their reels years ago, along with a few other Amazon sold brands, between the "paid good reviews" the real bad reviews, and the part about not being sure if the reels could handle bass without being ruined i decided id spend the extra $20.

Im sure they make good reels, but if a 10lber is on the other end of the line i want the most advantages i can get.

3 hours ago, ABU is overpriced said:

JDM prices are too good on daiwa and shimano to waste money on any other brand.

Im also sorry to be the one to tell you this as well, JDM prices are 2x higher than what most places had them on sale for 1, 2, and 3 years ago. Got most of my Daiwa, Shimano, and Lews rods/reels between 30-50% off. But for now with 20% being the best sale i can find, JDM reels seem to be the best option. Unless you like the way a Lews, Abu, or something else feels. Than whatever fits you best is the best option. In fact if Lews dropped their Mach series and went all in on their real reels and rods, dropped prices a bit, and upped marketing they would probably be able to win over the more budget oriented market and do alot better than they are now, without the competition. But i try to be unbiased, so for MSRP no brands worth it.

[ABU is overpriced]

4 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

Im sorry to be the one to tell you this, most Daiwa and Shimano reels are made in both those countries. In fact probably even the same factory as Piscifun.

I looked at a few of their reels years ago, along with a few other Amazon sold brands, between the "paid good reviews" the real bad reviews, and the part about not being sure if the reels could handle bass without being ruined i decided id spend the extra $20.

Im sure they make good reels, but if a 10lber is on the other end of the line i want the most advantages i can get.

Im also sorry to be the one to tell you this as well, JDM prices are 2x higher than what most places had them on sale for 1, 2, and 3 years ago. Got most of my Daiwa, Shimano, and Lews rods/reels between 30-50% off. But for now with 20% being the best sale i can find, JDM reels seem to be the best option. Unless you like the way a Lews, Abu, or something else feels. Than whatever fits you best is the best option. In fact if Lews dropped their Mach series and went all in on their real reels and rods, dropped prices a bit, and upped marketing they would probably be able to win over the more budget oriented market and do alot better than they are now, without the competition. But i try to be unbiased, so for MSRP no brands worth it.

Not sure where you saw them being twice as expensive 1-3y ago, but a 21 Zillion for $200, an Alphas Air for $150 and the 2024 Metanium DC that i just got for $225 is unmatched. I always buy rods on auction, so i am not following their msrp, tho.

[Tackleholic]

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I've been using Quantum Tour PT's, and EVO reels successfully for a while.

Accounted for many a big bass, both locally and abroad. 

Many of these reels are pictured below. 

This year I down sized my tackle quite a bit

and replaced some with Shimano & Diawa offerings.

 

Finally, every Quantum reel pictured here will be for sale

(The quantum rods they were on too)

very soon here in the BR Flea Market thread.

As always, they'll be priced to sell.

A-Jay

A-Jay, you have a definite knack for display.

[little giant]

I have been using quantum spinning reels for years. Never bought the cheap ones and had no issues with them. Bought.  A 2500 and a 3000 smoke s3 inshore spinners and they're great for the money. Also have large size boca's and cabo's for the salt, great reels!

(Up to 10,000 size!)

[MediumMouthBass]

@A-Jay what is on your reels thats attached to the line? Looks like beads?

Ive been using tape on my spools for my shelf bound reels to keep the line from becoming a mess and that looks like a much cleaner option.

[A-Jay]

55 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

@A-Jay what is on your reels thats attached to the line? Looks like beads?

Ive been using tape on my spools for my shelf bound reels to keep the line from becoming a mess and that looks like a much cleaner option.

 

Yup ~

Especially when there's a plethora of rods and reels,

both these simple deals are nice to have. 

Rapid Fishing Solutions Line Clips ~

https://www.rapidfishingsolutions.com/products/line-clips/

 

TW has them as well. 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-RAPDACC.html

 

 

A-Jay

[MN Fisher]

55 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

what is on your reels thats attached to the line?

I dunno about Andy, but I use the Rapid Solutions Line Clips

[woolleyfooley]

Which daiwa and Shimano reel models are made in China?