Quantum Smoke or Energy?

I’m looking for anyone who may be using these reels. I’m thinking about going back to Quantum after spending the last 10 years with mid-range Shimano spinning reels.

When I was in my teens the only reel I wanted to own was the Quantum energy. I saved up the money and bought myself an E-5 at the time and absolutely loved that reel. I still have it today but I’ll have to say that I haven’t used it in probably 10 years. Technology is much better today so even the mid-range reels are much better.

I’ve become very unhappy with my Shimano Symmetry and Saharas. Quality out of the box was pretty good but within a year I’ve had numerous binding issues with them.

I’ve read hat the Quantum EXO PT is not a great reel for the money and that the Enery and Smoke are much better , design-wise. Any input is appreciated.

I wouldn’t hesitate to call Randy W. our resident Quantum expert. I am sure he will give you a honest answer when he chimes in.

FDR

francisco4 wrote:

I wouldn’t hesitate to call Randy W. our resident Quantum expert. I am sure he will give you a honest answer when he chimes in.

FDR

Randy W will tell all,good and bad.The only thing I see with the EXO series,if you like to back reel you are SOL.The EXO are smoother than the Stradic FH and FI series.And lighter.
Between the 2,I would go with the smoke series.

francisco4 wrote:

I wouldn’t hesitate to call Randy W. our resident Quantum expert. I am sure he will give you a honest answer when he chimes in.

FDR

@RandyW1

I run EXO’s, Smokes, Energy, Catalyst, and my forever favorite tour editions. In all I have about 45 Quantum reels currently in use, along with EXO,Smoke, & Falcon Rods.
I’m an open book on the pros and cons. What specifically do you want to know? I’ll be hit/miss over the next few days – your welcome to give me a call 262-617-5161

Randy Wieland wrote:

I’m an open book on the pros and cons. What specifically do you want to know?

Nothing specific really. Just looking for the best quality/durability/reliability, overall. I’m planning on getting a TUC for pitching jigs, jigging raps and rippin raps. I’d have to say that it’ll be the target use.

I read that the EXO’s may have sacrificed some power by using some undersized bearings to save weight.

Which one would you put on a rod for this scenario?

I’d go with the smoke reel just BC I like the way Al says it.

Bait casting or spinning reel? Love my Smoke baitcaster.

I recently purchased 2 Quantum Smoke spinning reels after recommendation from one of my fishing expert friends. I and my clients have been very impressed. Smooth retrieve and smooth drags….Handle braid beautifully. No need to buy more expensive Quantum spinning reel in my opinion. Chris Beeksma

mplspug wrote:

Bait casting or spinning reel? Love my Smoke baitcaster.

This is Yankee country up her boy. We use spinning reels!

^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^

Looking at multiple seasons of guiding with EXO’s and Smoke (spinning), plus my personal use….and lake MI steelhead/Brown abuse, I’ld lean towards the smoke being the best value. Clients like them better than their stradics or at least view them as a direct comp. 1 year of use for me is equivalent to many years for a lot of people. Of all the smoke spinning reels, I had a couple things come up. I have 1 that loosens the drag a little as you cast/retreive. Maybe every 50 to 75 casts you notice it??? Its just one of those things where I should have sent it back….and just never did. I had one that had a slight stiff spot during each revolution of the handle. I sent that back to Quantum and received a new replacement reel in about 5 business days.

“I read that the EXO’s may have sacrificed some power by using some undersized bearings to save weight.” I have many doubts on this. The bearings are actually a major advantage or most other reel manufactures, and 1 of the reasons why I have invested so heavily into Quantum. (I’m not a manufacture rep or prostaff for them). About 4 or 5 years ago, there was a huge move in the industry with costs sky-rocketting up. Typically what you see is keeping the retail point the same and use cheaper parts. Quantum did the opposite. Prices went up. $79.99 Accurists went up to $99.00, and so on with all the models. Ironically while talking out differences on reels with a ProStaff of Shimowno, he indicated that they were instructed to UP-SELL a customer to get them into the same quality as a previous years model. In the PT series, Quantum has used bearings with higher ratings plus higher # bearings.

I’m not saying other reels are crap. I’ve fished with Stradics Ci4 and Sustains just recently and they felt great. Really liked the odd shaped handles on the Sustains FG, but those are about $325.00 each.

For my personal goto rods, I have 4 EXOs in spinning. 2 with braid and 2 with mono. The 2 with braid are on 7′ EXO medium / fast rods. These are my all purpose castings and blade rods. 1 with mono is on a 7′ medium XF Smoke rod and the other is on a 7′ medium/Fast Smoke rod. I haven’t encountered a a fish yet I would be concerned about burning any of these combo’s up

Awesome info Randy. I’ll probably own a smoke in the near future.

Any input on the Energy model?

http://www.quantumfishing.com/products/3695/Energy-PTi–D.aspx

I don’t get it, all they use it spinning gear down here inshore. You Yanks. Next thing you’ll tell me is that you won the civil war.

biggill wrote:

Awesome info Randy. I’ll probably own a smoke in the near future.

Any input on the Energy model?

http://www.quantumfishing.com/products/3695/Energy-PTi–D.aspx

I own 4 of the size 15’s (Energy) for ice fishing. They are for heavier walleye/light laker set-ups. So far, they have been flawless. Used two of the reels this spring for dragging on down run walleyes on Med/light smoke rods. Smooth drag, light weight, all was good. I recall farting around wiht the shims on one to get the line to spool correctly. Actually first time I ever had to do that, so like anything thats the first time PITA. Plus I think the Energies come with a spare spool

I used a Quantum Iron IR3 Reel for trolling for Trout for at least 10 Years and it never let me down. About 6 Years ago I purchased Quantum Controller CN20LC that sat in my Fishing Bag all that time without being used. The plan was that if had a problem with the IR3 I would have a new reel to replace it with. Last fall I installed the new reel and it lasted for about 4 hours of trolling and I landed a 5 lb. Trout. While reeling in my second Trout which was smaller the reel failed and I had to bring the fish in by hand.When I took it into a Reel and Rod repair shop in town, the owner showed me a little fiber type washer had broken and that caused the reel tension to not work.
I contacted Quantum and they told me that if I shipped it to them, they would repair it and I would have to pay for the repairs. I was not very impressed to say the least.. Four hours of fishing out of a $100 dollar or better reel and that was the brush off that I received from Quantum. I am now using a Daiwa and I have my old IR3 for backup.

mplspug wrote:

I don’t get it, all they use it spinning gear down here inshore. You Yanks. Next thing you’ll tell me is that you won the civil war.