I bought this reel cheap off Ebay. Is it any good? I don't expect it to be great. I am not sure how to set it because what it says by the brakes is worn off. It is a Quantum Accurist AC500cx. Here are some pictures.

 

 

 

Does anyone know how to set this?

I have the same reel, and my markings are worn off also. If I remember correctly you turn it away from you for max breaks and towards you to turn them off. I think it only has 4 settings I usually just left it in the middle

I have the same reel, and my markings are worn off also. If I remember correctly you turn it away from you for max breaks and towards you to turn them off. I think it only has 4 settings I usually just left it in the middle

 

Do you get backlashes with it? I have had quite a bit of trouble with it. I tried tightening the spool tension and if I do that I can't cast very far. I don't have very good quality line. I don't know if that makes a difference. Sometimes when casting a buzzbait I get a backlash before the bait even hits the water. This is my first baitcaster. I have it on a 15 dollar rod so I don't know if that makes a difference in how well it casts.

Turn the breaks off (towards you) then set the tension so the bait slowly starts to drop (very slowly). Then turn the breaks back on. I had backlashes with it but not bad or often.

It's not the best reel I've used but it was definitely a lot better than the bill dance combo I was using before.

That was my first decent baitcaster I had owned. Caught a lot of fish on it, but moved on to other reels. Should serve you well.

Set up the reel as Mike mentioned and remind yourself not to attempt long casts with light baits and you should be casting like a pro in no time.

BTW, provided the reel was maintained well by it's previous owner, it's a great entry level reel.

What would you do to maintain it. I haven't been fishing for too long and haven't cleaned or oiled any of my reels. I think this one probably needs to be cleaned before next year.

Free spool is all the way clockwise, looking at the palm side.  For simple cleaning, you can use this care sheet, even though it's not from Quantum - the concepts are the same.  Stick to page 1, and you'll be fine.  If you want to spend a few dollars, a professional clean, tune and lube really brings these old reels to life.  Contact DVT Mike for details.

I can't figure out how to open the reel up.

There's a latch under the levelwind.  Pull that back, and the side plate should rotate off.

If it hasn't been opened before it might be sticky. You can mount it to a rod to get some extra leverage to twist the side plate.