Stradic VS Quantum Energy PTi

[=Matt 5.0=]

Sexybassgirl got me thinking. Alot of you recomended the Stradic over the Tierra based on the fact that the Stradic has been out for awhile and it is proven. My question is, can you get the Stradic with a machined handle? I can't stand a reel with a foldable handle. I am leaning heavily twoards the Quantum because it got better reviews on Tackle Tour. Thanx all.

[roadwarrior]

I don't have a "comparative" response, I have only fished the Shimano Stradic. So, not to beat up any other brand or specific reel, I'm just saying that all of the Stradics I have ever owned are still in use and are as smooth, strong and silent as they were when they were new. That's saying quite a lot for reels that are approaching ten years in use. On top of that, I suspect the added features of the 2007 models make them significantly better reels, yet the price has remained the same for all these years. I continue to believe the Stradic is the "best value" in the Shimano line-up.

[=Matt 5.0=]

Thanx RW.... decisions decisions.... 8-)

[earthworm77]

Matt, I'm a Shimano guy but more importantly I service close to 500 reels each winter. Very rarely does a Stradic come in needing anything other than a clean/lube job. I can't say that for most other brands. In the grand scheme of things if I was looking for a new spinning reel I would only look at Shimano or Daiwa. Nothing else out there is close. There may be other decent reels but nothing on par with the Stradic. It is funny, I think most anglers would agree that the Shimano Curado is the measuring stick that all bait casters must compare to. My opinion is that the Stradic is the same for spinning reels.

Look at the stradic Mg's, I think thay have that handle the way you prefer.

[FishTank]

Early last year I looked at both of these reels and could not make up my mind. I ended up buying both with the intention of returning one, this was with the salesman's advice and permission. I fished both on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday for about 8 hours each day. I ended up returning the Stradic.  The Quantum just was a better feeling reel. It handled the bigger fish better, it was smoother and seemed to be a better made reel. The only complaint I have of the Energy Pti is the drag. There is not much a setting difference between tight and loose.

Just in case, this is not to say that the Stradic is not a fine reel, I just like the Quantum Energy Pti better. I now have two of them in the 20 size and I would I highly recommend it.

[=Matt 5.0=]

Thanx for the input guys! This site is fantastic, real people with honest opinions! My only problem is my Shimano dealer doesn't carry Quantum and vice versa. I'll have to go to two tackle shops.  :-/

[Guest Texas_Bass_Pro]

I have to agree with RM except that I only fish with Quantum. I have had the Accurist for over 6 years and have never had any problems with it. And I just bought a Energy PT last weekend and love it. I'm not say you will with any other reels. I'm just speaking on behalf of Quantum

[shimanogloomis man]

i have a stradic and love it, my friend had the quantum pti and after using my stradic he went out and bought a stradic and the quantum is collecting dust on the shelf

[hi_steel_basser]

You are in a win-win situation. I have reels from each brand and they are equal IMHO.

[cbfishalot]

Out of the box they are both about equal but a few years down the road the stradic will still be fished and the energy won't.  Shimano reels last and Quantum reels break down over time.

[Guest Texas_Bass_Pro]

Out of the box they are both about equal but a few years down the road the stradic will still be fished and the energy won't. Shimano reels last and Quantum reels break down over time.

I have to greatly disagree with you on this one. I have had my Quantum for over 6 years and it is still the main reel that I use. I have NEVER taken it in to be repaired. It has outlasted all of my other reels but like I said before I have never owned a Stradic. I don't plan on using a Stradic because I don't see a need to fix/replace something that isn't broken!! LOL

[timistall]

The "FH" Stradic is not built as good as the older wood handle model. I have the 2500fh, it's ok. I've fished for 20 years with the SS 1300 Whisker Daiwas. There's nothing wrong with Pflueger and Okuma reels. I have the President, Alumina, and Diablo. I don't know about the Energy, I like my Quantum Catalyst PTi.

[lowe160]

Quantum all the way, I have owned both. I fished Shimanos went to Quantums then last year wanted two more reels so bought two new stradics to try again. I sold them within 8 months and got two more Energy pti20's. I do my own maintenance and it's almost as cheap to buy a new reel as it is to repair a Shimano. Go to their website parts breakdown and compare prices, Shimano will scare you. JMHO

Wayne

PS: I fish 23+ tourney's a year so the reels are well used!

[cbfishalot]

Texas Bass Pro

I like quantum reels out of the box.  I prefer them over my 2 stradic's however I have had a problem with them lasting.  I have found that they breakdown quicker then the shimano's.  I'm not a saint when it comes to maintance with my reels and that might be part of the problem.  I still fish with 3 quantum's  and 2 are fine and 1 is breaking down.  The two that are fine are less the 2 years old and I haven't had a problem with them. The one that is going out is about 3 years old.  My 2 stradic's are 4 and 5 years old and the work like the day I got them.  I might just have a bad taste with quantum because I did a fly-in to Canada and took 2 quantum baitcasters with me and both broke on the first day.  To be totaly honest if I didn't pay for my reels I would probley choose quantum.  Since I pay for my reels and can't afford to replace them every couple of years I go with longevity.

[Guest Texas_Bass_Pro]

Texas Bass Pro

I like quantum reels out of the box. I prefer them over my 2 stradic's however I have had a problem with them lasting. I have found that they breakdown quicker then the shimano's. I'm not a saint when it comes to maintance with my reels and that might be part of the problem. I still fish with 3 quantum's and 2 are fine and 1 is breaking down. The two that are fine are less the 2 years old and I haven't had a problem with them. The one that is going out is about 3 years old. My 2 stradic's are 4 and 5 years old and the work like the day I got them. I might just have a bad taste with quantum because I did a fly-in to Canada and took 2 quantum baitcasters with me and both broke on the first day. To be totaly honest if I didn't pay for my reels I would probley choose quantum. Since I pay for my reels and can't afford to replace them every couple of years I go with longevity.

I really hate that they broke down on you. If that would of happened to me then I would of done that same thing as you did. I guess reels are like cars........some of them are lemons!! I guess it wouldn't hurt to try a Stradic.  I will still always love my Quantums though.   Do the Stradic cost in the same range as the Energy PT???

[cbfishalot]

Texas Bass Pro

The stradic is $119 and the energy is $139. What part of Texas are you from?

GO AGGIES!!!!!!

[Vermelho]

Sexybassgirl got me thinking. Alot of you recomended the Stradic over the Tierra based on the fact that the Stradic has been out for awhile and it is proven. My question is, can you get the Stradic with a machined handle? I can't stand a reel with a foldable handle. I am leaning heavily twoards the Quantum because it got better reviews on Tackle Tour. Thanx all.

Well, the Quantum got better reviews simply because it's simply a better reel.  I took an brand new '06 Quantum Energy (2000PTi) and brand new Shimano Stradic (2000FG) and ran them through the ringer so-to-speak.  Fished them heavy in Salt and Fresh water fo a year.  

Contrary to what many people might think, the freshwater was the killer - that part where I was horsing bass out of heavy surface weeds (had to crank the line tight at all times).  Although I only fished the stradic 25% of the time, it showed wear - a bit of handle slop.  The Quantum - used three times more often showed no wear whatsoever.

Advantage Shimano:

1.  Lighter

2.  A bit faster on the retrieve

Advantages Quantum

1.  Stronger by far

2.  Beautiful titanium finish which just doesn't scuff (incredible)

3.  Bail closure without manual tripping - so cool!

4.  Smooooooooooth

Now...both are great reels, but I prefer the Energy.  For the Shimano, I'd just buy a Symetre instead od a Stradic next time - it's just as good and rugged (a really great reel).

For the Quantum, I'd go with the Catalyst Inshore.  Not only will it save you money, but it's got the older bail system which my '06 Energy uses - proven to absolutely reliable as opposed to some complaints about the newer bail system.   In fact, minus the TVD Coating and a couple of spool-shaft bearings ya' don't need, the Catalyst Inshore is the '06 Energy.  Go with this one for the best deal and sweetest performing reel.

[WCCT]

I used to fish Daiwa exclusively.  I had tried a couple of Quantums out a long time ago and didn't like them.  When the new PT series came out, I tried them in a tackle store and thought it felt pretty sweet so I decided to buy one.  Well after that, I now fish nothing but Quantum.  They are a very smooth, well made reel.  

[Guest Texas_Bass_Pro]

Texas Bass Pro

The stradic is $119 and the energy is $139. What part of Texas are you from?

GO AGGIES!!!!!!

Thats weird....In the Bass Pro Catalog and at Academys ( where I got my Energy PT) it cost $189.  Are you sure your not thinking about the price on the Accurist??  Or did I get robbed?

I live about 2 hours from College Station.  Have had lots of family members (7) graduate from there.

[Bud]

      Out of the box they are both about equal but a few years down the road the stradic will still be fished and the energy won't.  Shimano reels last and Quantum reels break down over time.            

Can you say S H I M A N O

[earthworm77]

Someone made an inference that the Quantum reel was much stronger, I will call you on that to back it up......... it features titanium coating, not titanium make up in the frame so that is false. The Energy PTi utilizes a hi-temp titanium deposition coating for increased abrasion and corrosion resistance. However, I'm seeing on the reels that are coming in to my shop that this pretty coating peels very easily and after time becomes discolored.

The Stradic reel doesn't rely on cosmetic gimmicks to catch the anglers eye. It is a great design made better by small common sense enhancements such as the external oil port, titanium lipped spools(Mg) and quick gear ratio and overall dependibility. Like I said earlier, it is the standard for which all spinning reels ahould be measured.

For 119.00 the Stradic is the best bang for the buck. At 139.00 for the Quantum if I wanted to spend that much money, I'd save a little more money and get a Shimano Sustain over the PTI. For comparable money, the Stradic Mg features a nifty magnesuium constructed body and weighs in lighter than the standard Stradic.

It is obviously personal preference but some of the things being said in previous posts are not accurate.

[Lucky Craft Man]

Texas Bass Pro

The stradic is $119 and the energy is $139. What part of Texas are you from?

GO AGGIES!!!!!!

Thats weird....In the Bass Pro Catalog and at Academys ( where I got my Energy PT) it cost $189. Are you sure your not thinking about the price on the Accurist?? Or did I get robbed?

I live about 2 hours from College Station. Have had lots of family members (7) graduate from there.

The Quantum Energy PTi are spinning reels and cost $139.95.  The Quantum Energy Reels you are talking about are baitcasting and cost $189.95 (which were actually $179.95 a month ago - that is some inflation).

[Vermelho]

Someone made an inference that the Quantum reel was much stronger, I will call you on that to back it up......... it features titanium coating, not titanium make up in the frame so that is false. The Energy PTi utilizes a hi-temp titanium deposition coating for increased abrasion and corrosion resistance. However, I'm seeing on the reels that are coming in to my shop that this pretty coating peels very easily and after time becomes discolored.

I didn't infer that the Quantum was a stronger reel, I stated it as fact and my testing has bore it out. Also, no one said that the Quantum had a Titanium Frame, but I did say it had a Titanium Coating. Also...I know a lot of people who fish them in both fresh and salt and thier finishes remain pristine.

The Stradic reel doesn't rely on cosmetic gimmicks to catch the anglers eye. It is a great design made better by small common sense enhancements such as the external oil port, titanium lipped spools(Mg) and quick gear ratio and overall dependibility. Like I said earlier, it is the standard for which all spinning reels ahould be measured.

You say the Stradic doesn't rely on "cosmetic gimmicks to catch the Angler's eye" - what so-called gimmick are you talking about, the Titanium Coating (ion vapor deposition coating)? If this coating is such a gimmick, then why has Shimano also started using a similar ion-coating on thier higher-end Calais and Chronarchs? Is this a gimmick?

What about the Shimano "Oil Port"? Isn't this a gimmick? I don't know about you, but I don't put oil in my reel's gearbox - ever - and I can't imagine any kind of effective greasing being done through the oil port.

[Grey Wolf]

Why are you all getting so defensive ?

[=Matt 5.0=]

Guys, thanx alot for all the input. Let's keep it civil, I know we are all passionate about our favorite companies. I just wanted honest opinions and you all came through again! Let's not get this locked  8-)