quantum reels

[IL_Bassman]

Im not trying to stir the pot or anything but i was just curious as to why there isn't very many posts about quantum baitcastes or any of their reels...are they not very good? Im just curious because i am in the process of upgrading to a mid level baitcaster i was looking at the new quantum code...

http://www.quantumfishing.com/fwreels/code_baitcast.html

Im no expert on baitcasters at all but i thought it looked pretty good for $80...maybe i am wrong? Just trying to get everyones opinion. Thanks!

[BaitMS]

I have three of the energy pt series baitcasters and am VERY HAPPY with them. Two of them I have had nearly two years now with no problems at all. A lot of people will tell you they are not a durable reel, but its all in how you take care of your investment. I am actually looking to pick another one up in the near future. The reason I have stuck with quantum is I purchased one in the early ninetys and that thing was a workhorse for more than 10 years.

Lots of people get caught up in the stigma of "name brands". If you were to post a question about what baitcaster or rod you should buy, I bet you more than 75% of the people will say a brand they have no experience with. They are recommending what they heard, not what they know. My suggestion, buy whatever brand you think will suit your needs, just remember you get what you pay for!

[IL_Bassman]

do you have any opinions on the reel i posted above, the quantum code? or is that what you were getting at with the you get what you pay for?

[brophog]

I agree, a lot has to do with name. And in that sense, Quantum produces a very wide range of gear with their name on it. For instance, I own two different baitcasters with their name on it, both 5-6 years old. One came in a combo as a gift. The thing is complete garbage. Does it work? Yeah. Is it about as low end of a real as you can think of? Yeah. If I'm stuck on a bank using live bait, it may get used. It's not worth much more than that, however.

The other is one of the older Accurists. They've improved that line significantly since I got this reel. None of that PT business on this thing.

But even though it's got some miles on it now, it's still a great reel. Smooth, decent drag, good brakes, casts well. It's been fished very hard, but gets regular maintenance. It's a great reel. Is there better? Yeah. But let me tell you a secret.......there's always something better. If not this year, then something comes out the next. I'm comfortable with that reel and don't have to fight it....it lets me just fish.

The key is pretty simple. Stay with known brands. Stay away from discount all purpose shops that often use alternate versions of known brands, but with cheapened parts. Get yourself into that $100 range. That's really the sweet spot for quality baitcasters, imo. You can find cheaper, but then you have to be more careful. That price range gives you a ton of options from quality brands. From there, you can throw more money at it to get just the exact reel you're looking for, but most brands at that point are giving you very good reels. Unless I knew a lot about a particular reel, preferably from someone I knew that had it and let me try it in real world conditions, I'd be hesistant to buy anything much cheaper than that.

A bad baitcaster ruins an otherwise good fishing day in a way that few other pieces of equipment can seem to accomplish.

[BaitMS]

Everyone wants a reel that LOOKS good, but does the reel function like you want it to? It all depends on what you want this reel to do for you. It looks like this reel only comes in two gear ratios, the burner 7:1 and the normal 6.3:1. Will either one of these suit your needs or were you looking for a low gear ratio 5.1:1 to use for crankbaits maybe? It also appears that this reel has some of the same features as the accurist and the new KVD reel. For $20 more you could get either one of these (the KVD is $99 and the accurist is $129 with a $30 mail in rebate).

Suggestion, go to your local outdoors place and play with the reels that you are interested in. Even put them on the rod you think you will use with it. You may like the one you mentioned on here or you may find out that that reel is too big for your hand, but a citica or revo would work out better because they are smaller and easier to palm. Its all personal preference! Now just buy one and go catch some fish!

[alger319]

those quantum reels are great (price too) I have three i use for long casting aps. but they're great for flippin and pitchin also!  Definitely a great deal for the money!!!

[cart7t]

I've used Quantums in the past.  Pretty good reels but I had issues with them that caused me to no longer consider them.  One being parts availability.  Had a 2 or 3 year old AC400 that had a chipped level wind gear on it, the part was NLA per quantum.  Seemed unusual that a part as important as that and made out of plastic would be unavailable so soon after production especially considering it's the type of part that could fail easily.

Two, the finish on Quantum reels, regardless of what it is, seems to wear off, chip off or whatever way too quickly.  While it's just a cosmetic thing,  it makes the reels look more worn and beat up than they really are.

[ww2farmer]

I have reels from all the major baitcaster players (Shimano, Daiwa, Abu Garcia, Pflueger, and Quantum) and the 2 Quantums I have , Accurist 501CX, and Accurist 501PT, are as good as any of the others in at there price point. The CX is an $80 reel while the PT is a $130 reel, I have had no problems with either, but If I had the choice, I would get the PT insted of the CX.

[dave]

I've used Quantums in the past.  Pretty good reels but I had issues with them that caused me to no longer consider them.  One being parts availability.  Had a 2 or 3 year old AC400 that had a chipped level wind gear on it, the part was NLA per quantum.  Seemed unusual that a part as important as that and made out of plastic would be unavailable so soon after production especially considering it's the type of part that could fail easily.

Two, the finish on Quantum reels, regardless of what it is, seems to wear off, chip off or whatever way too quickly.  While it's just a cosmetic thing,  it makes the reels look more worn and beat up than they really are.

I am not exactly sure but,  I believe there are laws determining how many years a product was on the market that coincides with the number of years that they must produce replacement parts.  If it is only on the market for a short time,  there are a set number of years for which they have to have parts available.

[cart7t]

I've used Quantums in the past.  Pretty good reels but I had issues with them that caused me to no longer consider them.  One being parts availability.  Had a 2 or 3 year old AC400 that had a chipped level wind gear on it, the part was NLA per quantum.  Seemed unusual that a part as important as that and made out of plastic would be unavailable so soon after production especially considering it's the type of part that could fail easily.

Two, the finish on Quantum reels, regardless of what it is, seems to wear off, chip off or whatever way too quickly.  While it's just a cosmetic thing,  it makes the reels look more worn and beat up than they really are.

I am not exactly sure but,  I believe there are laws determining how many years a product was on the market that coincides with the number of years that they must produce replacement parts.  If it is only on the market for a short time,  there are a set number of years for which they have to have parts available.

That's sort of a urban myth.  I work in the consumer electronics repair business and the part availability issues raises it's head from time to time on nearly new products.  I don't know the exact wording of the law but I believe the manufacturer is only supposed to keep a certain percentage of parts available for a set number of years.  The parts chosen are at the discretion of the manufacturer.  In the case on say a TV set, if they merely keep all the resistors and capacitors in stock (relatively cheap parts), they've fulfilled their end of the obligations.  As for the more expensive parts like boards, cosmetic parts or IC chips,  (the ones that actually fail)  those usually aren't kept around for financial reasons.

[roadwarrior]

Lots of people get caught up in the stigma of "name brands". If you were to post a question about what baitcaster or rod you should buy, I bet you more than 75% of the people will say a brand they have no experience with. They are recommending what they heard, not what they know.

I would STRONGLY disagree. A HUGE percentage of our members have EXTENSIVE experience with a variety of brands. Although many of us have a strong preference for one over another, this preference in generally founded in our experience over a number of years or DECADES. Brand names are NOT just a sign of prestige, but represent years of performance that has been tested by fishermen on the water. I would guess that 99% or more of those that recommend a particular brand, fish that brand.

BTW, I highly recommend Shimano reels and I have a few.  :

At your pricing point I would suggest a Citica.

8-)

[KYbass1276]

I fish the brands that I recommend. I have used quantum once and that was years ago. Didn't like it then and probally wouldn't like it now.

I too recommend the Shimano Citica, And I think they still have that rebate going on.

[.RM.]

Paul,

How you going to get opinions on a reel that has just come out???

You need to actually go and hold one in your hands and try to make your judgement that way.

One thing I have learned servicing Quantum for all these years. Don't try to compare any of their reels to each other.

carp7,

Your right it is an urban myth...They only need to keep the parts in stock that will inner change with another reel in the same series.

Reels today only have a life span of 6 years then they are discontinued and parts availability drops quickly, especially if they no longer build any reels in the same series or style.

Tight Lines !!!  

[grimlin]

I have the accurist PT500,it's a decent reel but don't think it's worth the $130 price tag on it.If it was $89-$99 then it's a reel worth looking into.IMO

[2000WHITEGMC]

I have 2 of the new Quantum Burst reels.  I have only casted them around the yard a few times and seem like they are going to be pretty good. And for $69 can't beat it.  I have had pretty good luck with my Quantums and plan on sticking with them.  It's pretty much just personal preference.  If it feels good in your hand, runs smooth, and you feel confident with it, then that is probably a good reel for you.

[fishin hole]

Most of my baitcast reels are Daiwa, but have several older Quantum reels and I have Very few problems with them, except trying to find parts.

[roadwarrior]

Hey fishin hole!

Welcome aboard!

8-)

[fish-fighting-illini]

 I own a Quantum Mantra and have had it several years. It was my first reel after "returning" to fishing and was my first ever BC. I really liked it. I paid $80 for it and always liked it. I should fish it more. I had zero problems with it and should really fish it more often.

 I posted on the boards once who had one and what did they think of the value / comparison. I didn't get much feed back but one other person posted they really liked theirs.

 All brands have their low, mid and high end stuff.

Like they said try them at the stores buy something and go fishing.

FFI AKA - Matt crum

[Grandpa]

I have several old PTs and a couple of the TE and the do a good job for me.

[IL_Bassman]

Thanks everyone!!! The reason i asked the question was because last year was the first year that i used a baitcaster and it was one of those cheaper accurists you could buy at walmart for like $40 and it actually treated me pretty good. But after extensive use the gears or something wore out because sometimes the handle would spin a couple times before the spool would turn. I liked the reel though so thats really why i was askin about the Quantum Code.  I am going to BPS in Bolingbrook, IL next month thought so i will just take everyones suggestion on just trying all the reels out. What do i need to look for in a good quality baitcaster?  Thanks again!!!

[bassdocktor]

I like my Quantums. I had one of the old Energy models and my dad now uses it. I also have 3 of the current ones with a new one to be ordered pretty soon. If you really look around you can find some deals especially now with the rebates that will work out to be alittle over $100.

Also I posted a similar question last year about Quantum. Basically most people stay away from Quantum because they used one of the reels years ago when Quantum had some issues. Most of the people haven't given them a second chance. But if you wanna see some more repsonses here's the link.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1178836169/0

[Dogface]

What do i need to look for in a good quality baitcaster? Thanks again!!!

When you get to BPS compare some cheap reels with medium priced reels and then the expensive reels and you'll will "feel" the difference. The better reels have that quality feel and you'll be able to tell the difference.

[eyedabassman]

Lots of people get caught up in the stigma of "name brands". If you were to post a question about what baitcaster or rod you should buy, I bet you more than 75% of the people will say a brand they have no experience with. They are recommending what they heard, not what they know.

I would STRONGLY disagree. A HUGE percentage of our members have EXTENSIVE experience with a variety of brands. Although many of us have a strong preference for one over another, this preference in generally founded in our experience over a number of years or DECADES. Brand names are NOT just a sign of prestige, but represent years of performance that has been tested by fishermen on the water. I would guess that 99% or more of those that recommend a particular brand, fish that brand.

BTW, I highly recommend Shimano reels and I have a few. :

At your pricing point I would suggest a Citica.

8-)

RW,Could not have said it any better! I have two Citica's and I just think they are one if not the best reel for the money!!!

[Saladmander]

Just my 2cents, but I know a few guys that fish Quantum reels that haven't had any problems with them. They love 'em. I have a buddy that went out and bought an Energy PT and kinda had a hard time with it because the cast control was tough to dial in. He hadn't been fishing a BC for all that long. I have a couple Citica's, and he tried one out while we were fishing one time. He wouldn't give it back becuase he could cast it so well. He really enjoyed using it because he could spend more time fishing, and less time learning to use the BC. Here's where my 2cents come in. Given that you kinda just started using a BC, I really think that Shimano did a great job between the spool weight and the cast control to make it an easy reel to use. I think you'd really enjoy using it.  Oh, and the quality and feel of the reel is right on in that price range too. +1 on the Citica.  Sorry I didn't have anything useful to add on the reel you asked about though.

[The_Natural]

Quantum has owned the tournament circuit for more years than any other reel brand with stars like KVD, Hackney, Swindle, Klein, McClelland, Biffle, Grisbsy, and on and on using their reels exclusively. Nobody seems to jump on the Quantum wagon though.  I was a Quantum Junkie back in the day...the only true sponsor I ever had.  I wrote a letter to Quantum when I was 16 to become a 'pro staff' and got half off all Quantum merchandise including a maximum of 12 reels and 12 rods a year along with bags and other stuff.  The 1310mg was a staple in my arsenal, and by mg I don't mean magnesium (the old guys know about the 1310mg).  The 1310 was the 5000 Abu of the Quantum line.  Indestructible, bulletproof, and reliable.  That silver reel was with me in my first tournaments in '90.  A couple of years later I saved up for the Pro3c', which were the top of the line.  What is amazing, is that in '92; the Tour Edition rod which I used was built on the same blank as the PT Tour Edition rods are today...says right on the shaft 'blank by Lamiglas' HSX54.  Same graphite they have used for two decdades.   Quantum has since moved production overseas I have read.  Anyhoo...I just wanted to chime in on my trial and tribulations with Quantum reels.  Quantum once ruled the yard...seriously Quantum was the 'Shimano/Daiwa' of the ciruit.