Have always used the older pre-vented spool curados and have been thinking of stepping up to a higher performance reel. I can find all three of these casting reels in my budget range ($100 or so) new on ebay. The reel will be used mostly for spinnerbaits for smallies but could end up getting some use for heavier cranks. Suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thanks.

I got here first. Shimano shimano shimano shimano! Lol. Get it?

I can't talk from experience about the Energy or the SX, so they may be the reels for you. But, my one experience with a Quantum reel (Quantum Catalyst) so far has not been great. I've sent it in to be replaced because I couldn't cast more than 10yds out of the box, regardless of any adjustments. I did not bother with the SX because it only has magnetic brakes and I've heard several grumblings about its performance from other owners. If you want an Abu reel, I would recommend getting the Revo S since it has centrifugal brakes. I have the old model and its one of my favorite reels. If you're still going with the reels you mentioned, I'll jump on the Shimano train and recommend the Citica. I have 2 G series (G5 and G7) and I like them a lot.

As mentioned, the Revo S is a more direct comparison with the Citica. The SX is a good reel but takes a little getting used to. Quantum has some design/construction features that I really like, their only problem is spotty QC. You won't go horribly wrong with any of those choices at the price point.

Hmm...

Which one is a Shimano?

Looks like Shimano is very popular on this board. I will say that my old B series curados and Citicas have been great reels. But I know the new versions are a much different reel in many ways.

Citica without a doubt....

I have fished quite a bit with all three of these reels, but only in certain series. The quantums were 760pt's--solid little reel and sweet looking. Can't say thy ever gave me any problems. The Citica was a D series--great reel and an absolute tank, although massive by today's standards. I still have and regularly fish a 1st gen Revo SX--we have a love/hate relationship. It kinda reminds of a pitcher--sometimes it has good "stuff", and other days I can't stop pickin backlash. It's definitely a finicky sob. I have literally beaten the tick outta this reel and it keeps coming back or more. All things considered, I would probably go with the Quantum out of these three particular reels.

Of the three you mentioned I only have experience with one as well and that's the Quantum Energy and it has worked flawless for me for the past couple of years with a good cleaning. It would be considered heavy by todays standards as well but again its a matter of your personal preference.

I got here first. Shimano shimano shimano shimano! Lol. Get it?

You kill me LMG. lol

I bought a Curado on Monday, fished with it Tuesday, went back to BPS today and bought another.......shhhh.

Hootie

You kill me LMG. lol

I bought a Curado on Monday, fished with it Tuesday, went back to BPS today and bought another.......shhhh.

Hootie

You have been converted, my job here is done. Lol.

Quantum. Never had an issue in over 20 yrs of using them. My energy pt's have been flawless.

get a new Revo, u will not be dissapointed.