As most of you can tell I'm a new member. I also just bought my first baitcaster yesterday. I've been fishing spinners since I could breathe, but I wanted to try something new this year. I would like to hear some stories or opinions about the Quantum Mantra. I didn't want to buy anything expensive for my first reel, but I also didn't want cheap quality. Let me know what you guys think!

Mantra is a lower line baitcast reel.  If you loosen the round tension knob & tighten down the star drag, when you crank the handle, you want to press the thumb spool release.  The spool will stop pretty quick, when the brakes or mag brakes are turned off.  It does not spin as well as other baitcast reels.

This is a good thing if you're learning to use a baitcaster.  The spool will not spin too fast to cause too many backlashes.  Make sure you have the brakes on to max, till you get the feel of how the line comes off the spool.  You'll need to use your thumb to manage the line.  

When you get better at using a baitcaster, look at the Shimano Citica or Abu Garcia Revo-S.  Both are great reels for under $120, either one will be a great step up from the Mantra.

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome aboard!

Some of our members have been fishing for awhile, decades not just years. If you post a question BEFORE you buy, I think the response will be more helpful. There are issues with low end baitcasters, they are simply more difficult to master.

Good luck.

 Can't help much with your question (no experience with that reel). BCs aren't the easiest thing to learn, after 30 years I still have professional overruns ;D. Now, I just don't have to cut ALL my line off to get rid of them!! They are well worth learning to use.

 Also, WELCOME to the forums!!

                                                   As Ever,

                                                    Skillet