Quantum sucks!!! Wait does it? KVD uses their stuff

[flechero]

I have no doubt KVD, or any pro for that matter, fishes with stock gear from their respective sponsors.

But I'd be willing to bet they're not fishing with straight out of the box reels. I'm sure they've been stripped to the frame, lubed and the drags upgraded. With that much money on the line, a tournament is no place to find out your drag is sticky or your reel grinds.

Is an upgraded, and tuned reel stock? :-?

I can assure you (with 100% certainty) that many rods and reels used by pro's and spokes people are not what you see on the shelf.

Since you're 100% certain, what type of differences are there between a pros rod and reel and store bought. I can see maybe changing out the bearings or drag washers, but what else can be done. And what can be done to the rod.

On the Abu reels, they were upgraded bearings, drags and all contact surfaces polished, and tuned.

I have heard from trusted friends (but can't personally confirm) that the other brands follow suit.

Rods were not built on the line- some built in a separate area, start to finish by a select builder. Some show up at the facility in a UPS truck. In some cases the components and blanks were the same, and in some cases (upon very close inspection) the decals and color scheme were the only things that appeared to be "stock".

[Hot Rod]

I have about 20 Quantum reels (Tour editions, Energies, Accurist Pt's, Accurists, etc), mostly bait casters.  I'll admit the less expensive Q reels are not so good.  But the PT's especially the Energy are very good and durable.  I use my gear often and in tournaments with high expectations on how they should perform.    The less expensive Qs have shown wear and a drop off in performance after a few hard years on the water but the better PT's keep on crankin' smooth and strong.

Never really used Q rods.  Last year I got my first Q spin reel, a Kinetic.  Am now in the process of buying all Kinetics to replace my 7+ shimano's, which I used to swear by.  I like the kinetic so much more.

You get what you pay for!

You can't fairly compare a $79 Q to a $129 or $179 Shimano (or any other brand for that matter).   Of Course a Curado is going to perform better than a $99 KVD Q special.  Its apples to oranges. 

[jignfule]

I have all Shimano reels (7) with the exception of a Quantum Tour Edition PT Burner. The Quantum has served me as well as the Shimanos so far. Time will tell.

[South FLA]

Quantum, last experience I had was with a Cabo spinning reel, which I liked until the bail started failing.  I believe it was magnetic.  Anyway, sent it back to Quantum and they replaced it and within a few months had same issue, sent it back again and SOLD it.   Quantum is no Shimano or Daiwa or at least the limited models I have tried, but heck if KVD can use them they are good. Wonder how often they replace his reels.

[bassnleo]

I beat the snot out of my reels. Don't clean them, lube them, I generally don't take care of them. Just me and the way I am.

That being said, I own about 15 Accurists and have had probably 18 total over the past 10 years. Have retired 3 of them. Always been a good, durable, reliable reel for me and takes the neglect I put my reels through.

[OH-bass614]

the first high end baitcaster i bought was a used energy pt i bought off of here in the flea market three years back i believe. let me  tell you i have neglected and beat the crap out of that reel and it is still working good and is about to be put on a new deep cranking rod im buying to replace my old one. All of my other reels are curados and citicas and they have not failed either. But the Energy pt is the oldest and most neglected and it is still running strong.

[supersport]

Dick's had their Rod and Reels Combo's on sale in Jan. I bought the last three they had left. One was a Quantum Accurist and two were Abu Garcia Revo S.

When I went to add line to one of the Abu Garcia's I noticed the adjustment screw for the cast control was missing. I called Abu Garcia and they said the screw was back ordered and to call back next month. Called back next month and they had it in stock and said it was something like $12.95 for the screw and $8.95 for shipping. When I complained that I just bought it and it was missing they offered to give me a break and drop the shipping charge.

I am not a Abu Garcia fan.

[ww2farmer]

Dick's had their Rod and Reels Combo's on sale in Jan. I bought the last three they had left. One was a Quantum Accurist and two were Abu Garcia Revo S.

When I went to add line to one of the Abu Garcia's I noticed the adjustment screw for the cast control was missing. I called Abu Garcia and they said the screw was back ordered and to call back next month. Called back next month and they had it in stock and said it was something like $12.95 for the screw and $8.95 for shipping. When I complained that I just bought it and it was missing they offered to give me a break and drop the shipping charge.

I am not a Abu Garcia fan.

I am no Abu homer, but how is it Abu's fault that you didn't check the reel over before you bought it. They are not in the business of giving parts away either. I would have returned the combo to Dicks and explained the situation there, rather than moan about how Abu wanted to charge you for a missing part : How dare they!!!!!!!!!

[Hooligan]

I have no doubt KVD, or any pro for that matter, fishes with stock gear from their respective sponsors.

But I'd be willing to bet they're not fishing with straight out of the box reels. I'm sure they've been stripped to the frame, lubed and the drags upgraded. With that much money on the line, a tournament is no place to find out your drag is sticky or your reel grinds.

Yeh.  KVD said, at one point, that all he does is clean, lube and change the drag.  He may change bearings but it isn't a priority.  I've heard the same from several other pros through the years.

[MI Gordon]

I bought 2ea of the KVD Signature Series reels at the black friday sale. I did some homework, looked at the reviews, and went ahead with it. Here in Mi we have had quite a bit of snow so I haven't used em yet. Right out of the box I'm impressed. And the price was right. We'll see.......

[MI Gordon]

I bought 2ea of the KVD Signature Series reels at the black friday sale. I did some homework, looked at the reviews, and went ahead with it. Here in Mi we have had quite a bit of snow so I haven't used em yet. Right out of the box I'm impressed. And the price was right. We'll see.......

So far, used both reels twice and no problems. Smooth, cast well...just what to expect from a $99 reel. I'll continue to update as the season goes on since there seem to be issues with these reels.

[Tom H.]

I can honestly say that in my 20 years of using Quantum products, I've never had a big problem with them. Hell I still use my old Pitchin', Rippin', and Crankin' reels all the time. I've had to replace a spool bushing on the Pitchin' reel and that is the only real problem I've had. Maybe one day I'll buy one of those HIGH END Quantum reels and try that out, but until then I'll use what I have.

[fishermantony]

I've got many Quantum reels and have been very happy with all of them. My first baitcaster was a PT Tour Edition, bought in 2005, I can't count the number of fish and differnt species I have caught with that reel, including Muskies and it is still going strong today. I don't own any Quantum rods so I can't speak for them.

[Stingray23]

I've got many Quantum reels and have been very happy with all of them. My first baitcaster was a PT Tour Edition, bought in 2005, I can't count the number of fish and differnt species I have caught with that reel, including Muskies and it is still going strong today. I don't own any Quantum rods so I can't speak for them.

I use both Quantum rods and reels. I use only the PT series rods and they are great. Light, sensitive, and built well. I have about 15 or so. Always looking for more.

[SirSnookalot]

Only Quantum I own is a Cabo 30, it stands up to any reel in it's price range. For me the only shortcoming is a small capacity spool, in hindsight the Cabo 40 would have been better for me.

[The Doctor]

I had trouble with a quantum code red (i think thats what it was called). It was around $100. I had some real problems with it. Returned it for a Shimano which i stick with exclusively now.

[ah_long]

KVD using quantum != Quantum is all about quality

check out my post regarding the new Smoke, talk about sub part quality and poor service

I'm sure the equipment KVD uses is thoroughly inspected and I'm almost 100% sure that there are modifications in place to fit it to his preference. On top of that, I wonder how many new reels/rods he gets per season, he doesn't need to worry much about long term reliability. I don't want to bash the whole line of Quantum products, but one poor experience is enough for me to stay away for good.

[ChiCityBasser]

KVD using quantum != Quantum is all about quality

check out my post regarding the new Smoke, talk about sub part quality and poor service

I'm sure the equipment KVD uses is thoroughly inspected and I'm almost 100% sure that there are modifications in place to fit it to his preference. On top of that, I wonder how many new reels/rods he gets per season, he doesn't need to worry much about long term reliability. I don't want to bash the whole line of Quantum products, but one poor experience is enough for me to stay away for good.

I checked out a smoke at Cabelas not too long after your post and found none of the defects on the reel that were shown on the reel you purchased. There were no machining issues or flaws as I did a very close inspection after seeing the pics you had taken. True the quality of the reel you received was poor indeed and don't blame you for returning it at all.

[Mattyvac]

I own 3 codes and 1 avid, no problems here.

[bassace]

KVD using quantum != Quantum is all about quality

check out my post regarding the new Smoke, talk about sub part quality and poor service

I'm sure the equipment KVD uses is thoroughly inspected and I'm almost 100% sure that there are modifications in place to fit it to his preference. On top of that, I wonder how many new reels/rods he gets per season, he doesn't need to worry much about long term reliability. I don't want to bash the whole line of Quantum products, but one poor experience is enough for me to stay away for good.

I own two smokes and neither display the problems yours had. I also find it suspicious that you joined here and TT the same day and one of your first posts was this.

[NBR]

I want to know what you guys think. I have worked at two major fishing retailers and am still at one. Quantum products seam to be of a different quality than Shimano, Daiwa, and Abu Garcia IMO. I have had a few personal dealings with their reps and they don't persuade customers into buying their product they usually brand bash customers into their product (side note-all reps do it a little bit but Quantum reps or at least the 6 I have worked with go way over the top). The KVD rods, Superlights, and I heard the Smoke are good and most of the PT line reels (newest frame styles) feel ok. Some of their old stuff just seemed to be junkie. Energy rods just left something to be desired. I have seen the blue Tours new in box feel just awful. The spinning reels with cracked drags after a few uses. Reels that I felt almost embarrassed to sell one to a customer. Maybe it is just me but I Quantum is always my last resort because I have little faith in their product. I would love to hear your opinions on Quantum. Hopefully one of you can change my mind because even the great KVD can't.

I have a Quantum or so ans they have served me well for about 10 years. If you don't caqre for Quantum don't buy any!

[MI Gordon]

So far this year both KVD Sig Series reels i got are performing well. Thier a little tricky to get dialed in but once there no problem. Seems like a great deal so far.

[patbfishing123]

I have been using quantum reels now for about ten years. Right now 8 out of my 10 reels that I use are quantum. I have 5 accurists, two kvd tour, and the smoke. I have not had any problems with any of the reels except for the fact that they come from the factory needing a little more reel oil on the gears and what not. Now as soon as I get a new reel i take it apart and lube it up. After I do that, I do not have any other problems with the reels.

I think that these reels are fantastic for the price. You can get a lot for your money. I also have an abu garcia revo sx, which is also a great reel and is side by side with any of the quantum reels that I have. All in all I think quantum is a dependable name that is affordable and durable.

[kms399]

Quantums are some of the best reels right out of the box, a year or two down the road, not so much. I have owned several quantums and I just hated fishing them. they felt cheap and a couple of them broke and a couple just kind of faded away I have no Idea where they went. I worked at gander mountain for 5 years and quantum and pinnacle were the most returned reels. Just my experience.

[NBR]

I'm pretty sure he's getting his rods/reels for free, as well. What does he care if they only last him a couple trips? If you work for a living and have to make your $200+ reels last a few years, you're going to be a bit more concerned about longevity. 

Free or not reels or rods don't break in the motel room or boat locker overnight. They break in use and then replacement out of storage or from the deck wastes the fishermans time. I have Qunatum, Daiwa, Shamano, Pflueger and BPS gear and frankly I don't see much difference in any of it. I've had a lot more rods ands reels retired from technology than failure.