Couple of questions on a Spinning Reel

[fivesixone]

Okay, I've been looking for a new spinning reel and I'm looking to spend under $100. Cabela's has the Quantum Energy PTi-A on sale on their website for 89.99 which sounds like a nice deal, but I was wondering if anyone knows the difference between the PTi-A and the PTi-B. Can't really find that info anywhere. Anyone with experience with the PTi-A? Solid reel? What size would you prefer?

Also was looking at the Pflueger Supreme and was wondering what size would be best for regular LMB fishing, I'm thinking the 8035MG?

Any other advice is appreciated! Thanks a ton guys!

[bilgerat]

I own two Pfluegers - the Trion and the Supreme. Love 'em both.

Some guys find the 35 size too big for their liking. I have the 30 size which suits me fine. It's on a 6' 6" Avid AVS66MF rod. It's gonna come down to how it fits the particular rod you put it on and your line capacity needs.

The only Quantum I own is called the Inferno, a made for Dick's model from about 3 or 4 years ago. It's a decent reel mechanically, a turd cosmetically. The finish is horrible. I had heard this complaint about Quantums from others on this board. Maybe Quantum has taken care of this by now ?

BTW, The Supreme with it's magnesium frame is sweet, especially at that price. Light as a feather.

[fivesixone]

Thanks a lot man. I've been seeing a lot of love for the Supreme so I think I wanna try one out. How is it size wise compared to the Trion? I've got a 35 size Trion which I wanna say is a little tiny bit too big. So probably go with the 30? Is it that much smaller?

I plan on using it for medium-deep crankbaits or small-medium plastics like Senkos probably with 8-10lb Suffix mono. Haven't quite decided on a rod for it yet. Just trying to purchase a really nice reel with my tax return. I wanna order it like right now, but maybe I should wait 'til I can make a run to the new Dick's right down the street and check 'em out.

[fivesixone]

Welp, nevermind, found a $25 off coupon at Sports Authority. I'm sold. Going to grab one right now!

[fivesixone]

Sports Authority has Symetres for $79.99 regular price, but neither them or Dick's had the Supreme. :'(

[uicdent11]

And you didn't get the Symetre with the coupon??? Just kidding. Also, go with the 20 if you decide on the Energy.

[fivesixone]

Well the coupon was $25 off $100 and there's not much else there that I needed... The Supreme is 99.99 and I can't even find anything really cheap on their website to add on to it to get the discount if I were to order it...

Is the Energy 20 around a 2500 size Shimano? That's around the size I wanna go.

Who wants to help me find the cheapest item on Sports Authorities website?? ;D

[bilgerat]

If the weight is not a big deal for you, see if they have the Pflueger President. I don't own one myself, but a lot of guys here do and they are happy with them.

30 size Supreme =7.4 oz

30 size President =9.1 oz

Both are 10 bearing reels.

[uicdent11]

Yes, the 20 is pretty close to a 2500. Let me check, I have both sitting in the other room.

[uicdent11]

Yes, the 20 is pretty close to a 2500. Let me check, I have both sitting in the other room.

Nevermind, the pt20 holds 100 yards 8# and the 2500 Stradic holds 140. However, the pt30 holds 160. I guess it is right in between the two. Sorry for the confusion nonetheless. I would still look at the 20 size, I think it has more than enough line capacity for bass fishing.

[fivesixone]

Thanks a lot guys! I think I'd rather get the lighter one, and I've been reading nothing but awesome reviews of this reel.

Now Sports Authority's website is saying that it's not eligible for the coupon after I tried adding the 1 yr replacement plan on it... Pflueger or Shakespeare aren't listed on the exclusion list... :-?

Maybe I should give them a call...

[fivesixone]

Okay, remind me not to deal with Sports Authority anymore. Time to start deal hunting again. Their coupons barely apply to ANYTHING.

[uicdent11]

Anyway you could get Dick's to check another of their stores and have it shipped to the one closest to you? I know they honor Sports Authority coupons btw.

[bilgerat]

Anyway you could get Dick's to check another of their stores and have it shipped to the one closest to you? I know they honor Sports Authority coupons btw.

Good point. Here in New Jersey, there's always a Dick's coupon in the state Fish and Wildlife guide. The guides here are free and available where fishing licenses are sold.

[fivesixone]

Good question. Hopefully I have to go up that way for work tomorrow so I can stop in again. It expires on the 11th so I guess it would have to be quick... I'll see what's up.

[fivesixone]

Hey uicdent, what Energy do you have the PTi-A or B? How you like it? Still have time to think about this now...

[uicdent11]

PTi-A in a 20. My wife uses it and loves it. It cranks smoother than my stradic. We will see how it holds up after a season or two.

I was set on a Shimano Saros until I found a Stradic for the same price in the flea market on here. The Energy feels heavier than the stradic, but I do not know the specific weight of the energy. These are the only spinning reels I have tried in your price range so I am not much help outside of them.

Looks like the Energy weighs about 10.7oz ( This is the weight of the PTi-.

[SirSnookalot]

I pretty much own many of the popular spinning reels.  However not that Quantum but I do a cabo, hands down there is nothing better bit heavier and more expensive ( many saltwater guides and mavens in this part of Florida use them)  I would never buy a reel that isn't suitable for saltwater too.

As far as the supreme goes I have the 30 & 35.  I didn't think the typical bass down here deserved the 35 so I switched it saltwater use and replaced that freshwater rod with a cardinal 802.  It holds plenty of line and manhandled 10# snook.  The 30 is just fine for bass and quite light works beautifully, but I honestly think a president is that much smoother and it that size weight isn't that much and you have a few bucks left over.

My new stradic fi is my back up, now collecting dust, in favor of my 3 year old cardinal 804.

If I had it to do over again I would not buy the supreme.

My choice cardinal or president.My 40 president(medalist, saltwater version is used for cuda, bonita, and kingfish and really test the drag

All my reels get extremely hard use in both fresh and salt.

Shimano , way over rated and way over priced, never again.

That said, Free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it  

[ChiCityBasser]

The difference between the PTI-A & PTI-B is a weight reduction on the PTI-B and I think the bearing count changed. I have an older Catalyst PTI-A and the newer Kinetic PTI-B and it is much lighter and also smoother than my Catalyst. You can pretty much pick any of them up off ebay a bit cheaper as well. I think Cabelas also had the Tour Edition for $119 as well

[fivesixone]

Thanks a lot guys! Just got back from Gander Mtn. where I ran into this pretty girl that works there who was actually very knowledgeable on fishing. A little flirting later, I left with the Supreme for $80, some Gamma copoly, and a phone number that my girlfriend will kill me if she finds. ;D

Man does this reel feel sweet! Spooled it with 8lb. Gamma and threw it on a spare BPS Tourney Special rod (which isn't gonna do it any justice) for now until I find the perfect match for it. Hopefully I get a chance to take it out today!

Just ran across this before I left as well:

http://www.reedssports.com/Product/product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=9050

Last years models or what?

[SWMIBASSER]

You'll be plenty happy with that purchase. And the local Gander hires the finest cashiers!

[fivesixone]

She wasn't even a cashier! I was listening to her telling a father and his 2 little kids about how to T-rig and what kind of weights they need and stuff... She knew her stuff. I think I need to invite her out on the Pond Prowler. ;D ;D ;D

[SWMIBASSER]

Sounds like your fixin' to have more problems than deciding which reel to buy

[fivesixone]

Yeah, now I need to figure out which rod. LOL ;D

Seriously though, just took it out for a few minutes from the shore. Didn't cast senkos too well on this rod that I have it on, but I caught a couple dinks and it feels really niiiiice!