Quantum reel lubrication (hoping Reel Mech responds to this)

[The Rooster]

This question is for anyone who knows this but I'm sure Reel Mechanic would know it so I'm hoping he replies too.

Do the new Quantum reels come pre-lubed with that Hot Sauce lubricant?? I've read that it's not good stuff. If I wanted to disassemble the reel and clean all that out and put in something different, is that possible to do using solvents, lighter fluid for bearings, because that Hot Sauce is supposed to be molecularly bonded to the metal parts?? How could you ever remove ALL of it if it's bonded molecularly??

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I'm much newer to reel repair but worked in the oil/lube industry for 18 years. Lubricants have varying "tack" properties but do not bond to metal or change the metals properties. It's not a horrible idea to double check just make sure new equipment is lubed period. The most important thing is to clean thoroughly and not mix lubes. Use quality products but don't expect miracles from any of them. Regular maintenance is the key. Now go catch some fish already!

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I have a new Energy and yes it came prelubed with Hot Sauce.  Not sure of the long term effects of Hot Sauce, all though Hot Sauce is specifically formulated for Quantum's PT bearings.  I have used Hot Sauce before and it's ok, the key is moderation and upkeep.  It tends to thin out in heat and gunk up in cold, more so than other lubricants.

[kikstand454]

i have 6 quantums and havent really had any lube problems except when i got my accuristpt it had NO oil on the spool bearings. i took it out and lucky i didnt burn it up. since then i have actually been using penn reall oil on all of them and havent had a single issue. however i havent really put any greese on any of them and as i have no hot sauce i think i will wait till i feel its totally needed to do so.

my saltwater accurist has been in nothing but saltwater for probably a year and has had no lube problems whatsoever. its probably the best reel i own and thats including my tour edition pt.

i am also interested in reel mechs response to this. not so much about how much hot sauce sux....everyone on here thinks quantum sux so whatever...but more along the lines of if i cant get ahold of any hot sauce... how to trully clean it in order to use what i have....

[.RM.]

I agree with Delaware Valley Mike, it isn't bonding...

I say it is staining it.  

If I run a (HS) lubricated reel through my cleaning tanks I have to change the tank (5gals of degreaser) and the charcoal filter. Just so I won't pass it on to other reels, that's what it does. That is why I don't like it.. If I get a reel that has HS in it, I now have a special pre-bath to cut the grease and oil (leaving the stain only) then the parts go to my good tank.

The Rooster,

You will have a hard time getting the reel to look like it doesn't have some left behind.....

Lots and Lots of scrubbing!  

Quantum® reels don't suck just the lubricants they use!!  

Of course they have the media hype and some papers to say that it is the best...

Been servicing them as long as I have been servicing the rest, Quantum® reels were better when they were using Zebco® oil to lubricate their reels.......

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!  

[The Rooster]

Thank you for that answer.  Helps me a lot.  Since I've read so many bad things about Hot Sauce I am of the opinion that if I could not get it off sufficiently so as to use another type of lubricant then I would just not get a Quantum for that reason alone.  I guess I could live with the stained parts if that doesn't hurt anything.  So long as that doesn't affect anything else when I put a different lubricant back on them again.

Someone here mentioned bearings and since that was brought up I'd like to ask about Quantum's hybrid bearing. How is it made?? I keep envisioning a poly frame with steel bearing balls inside it in my head. Is it really metal to poly contact?? If so that looks like any lack of lubricant what so ever would ruin the bearings.

[.RM.]

This info here is from the website.......

Quantum Hot Sauce

In 2001, not satisfied with standard lubrication, Quantum engineers set out to develop a premium, high performance, lubrication for their high-end reels. Working with several lubrication scientists, at one of the worlds best custom lubrication companies, they spent countless hours formulating and testing the best technology had to offer. What they came up with was a special, proprietary blend of synthetic and organic additives to provide the ultimate balance in performance, protection, durability, and smoothness in both grease and oil used for fishing equipment.

Although the formulation is proprietary, some aspects of it can be revealed to inform the general public. Hot Sauce grease does not have any kind of abrasives or lapping compound contained in it. The grease does, however, have a fine Teflon powder suspended in it to improve durability by reducing friction and wear. Teflon is a common additive used in lubrication. There is no such thing as "Teflon-based grease", as some people claim. All solid matter has a certain degree of surface roughness regardless of how smooth or how polished it is. The Teflon in Hot Sauce is formulated in such a way as to fill-in any roughness. The super slick nature of Teflon used in this manner provides unparalleled smoothness and durability. It is possible to see these Teflon particles with a good eye or microscope.

Other unique aspects of this proprietary formulation are: great adhesion to parts caused by the physical and bonding properties of the formulation; additives for superior corrosion protection in saltwater; and, long life and durability by protecting the base oil from aging.

I just love media hype....

CUSTOMIZED BEARINGS: Most reels use stock bearings made for other applications. Not ours. We designed our own high-grade stainless bearings to exact specs to minimize vibration and friction. Then we fit them in a special polymer cage for added sensitivity and corrosion protection.

Tight Lines!!!

[flechero]

Then we fit them in a special polymer cage for added sensitivity...

I look for a lot of things in reels, but never even thought to look at bearing retainers... and never, ever thought my bearings would contribute to my rig's sensitivity! ;D

I'm not sure if I think they are dishonest, or incompetent.

[roadwarrior]

So all the other reel makers just use random bearings they find

rolling around? Hmm...I'm a little surprised this crap actually found

its way into print.

:

[J Francho]

Its total nonsense.  The bearings in the PT series are pretty decent, but nothing magical, as the hype says.

[bilgerat]

Lubrication is the cooling and separation of moving parts. That's it. Period.

I see the same BS in the engine world. Lubricants with teflon additives, super molecular blah blah blah......

It's quite a process to bond teflon to metal. It's not going to happen by adding it to a lubricant. Even with the heat and pressure of an engine, teflon particles make their way to the oil filter where they accomplish nothing but prematurely clog the filter. I cant see where adding it to reel lube will accomplish anything.

[.ghoti.]

So all the other reel makers just use random bearings they find

rolling around? Hmm...I'm a little surprised this crap actually found

its way into print.

:

You know, I think my new Curado just may have John Deere bearings in it. ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Sharkbite]

So all the other reel makers just use random bearings they find

rolling around? Hmm...I'm a little surprised this crap actually found

its way into print.

:

You know, I think my new Curado just may have John Deere bearings in it. ;D ;D ;D ;D

LMAO Thats rite Ghoti tell em how it is lol     ;D